Putnam Twp. Plans For Fracking & Medical MarijuanaPutnam Twp. Plans For Fracking & Medical Marijuana

4/10/14 - The Putnam Township Planning Commission discussed state-level changes in the topics of hydraulic fracturing and medical marijuana last night. The township wants to be informed and prepared should any changes in those topics take place requiring local action. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process where high-pressure water, sand, and chemicals are pumped into rocks containing oil and gas, which can then be harvested. It is controversial due to the hazardous chemicals used and unknown environmental impact of the process. Local municipalities have been frustrated with the process in the past due to the lack of local input in the permitting process and nondisclosure of the chemicals used. Zoning Administrator Tom Lewis told the planning commission last night that the Department of Environmental Quality is considering new standards that would potentially allow local municipalities to enter the permitting process for oil wells, specifically those for fracking operations. Lewis also told the commission that the state is working to clarify the legality of commercial medical marijuana dispensaries, and may end up leaving that question in the hands of local municipalities. If so, he says, that will be an important decision for Putnam. Lewis emphasized that the township has no desire to interfere with the activities of licensed patients and caregivers. (TD)