League City OK's drilling permit

League City Council approved a natural gas drilling project near Texas Avenue and Austin Street, raising the ire of residents concerned about safety as the city moves forward with a moratorium on drilling.

The Tuesday, Feb. 8, vote was 5-2, with council members Phyllis Sanborn and Tim Paulissen casting the dissenting votes.

Council granted two special-use permits for Forza Operating, an oil and gas exploration and production company with offices in Houston, to conduct drilling operations in the neighborhood. Council also agreed to rezone 2.8 acres from single-family residential to light industrial.

Last month, the City Council approved a moratorium on oil and gas drilling permits in the city, citing outdated regulations and a possible threat to public safety. Forza Operating's permit request was filed before the moratorium was approved.

League City is looking to Arlington, in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, for guidance in drafting a revised oil and gas drilling ordinance. Arlington requires a 600-foot distance setback between a drill well "protected use" locations such as homes, schools and churches.

robert.stanton@chron.com