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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 24, 2014 12:05 PM |
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| From: | Representative Robert F. Matzie |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Seismic Testing |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to provide for a rebuttable presumption regarding damage arising after seismic testing is conducted. Seismic testing involves the placement of devices known as geophones 220 feet from one another and the measurement of vibrations from a “thumper truck,” which drives down the road and thumps the ground with heavy metal plates. When the thumping is unsuccessful in producing the necessary vibrations, small explosives are detonated underground to produce the vibrations. Constituents in the vicinity of seismic testing have complained that the testing has caused damage to their homes and properties. Additionally, local governments have raised concerns that the testing could damage aging infrastructure. To make matters worse, the Commonwealth Court has issued several orders to prohibit local governments from enforcing seismic testing ordinances. This legislation in not anti-drilling as I support responsible extraction of our natural resources; however as policy makers we should expect those who are conducting business in our Commonwealth to be fair and adhere to good business practices up to and including repair of property that was damaged that was no fault to a property owner. In order to protect homeowners, my legislation would create a rebuttable presumption that a person conducting seismic testing is liable for all damage within 1,000 feet of where seismic testing was conducted. A claim for damage must arise within 90 days of the completion of the testing. Several media reports are attached detailing issues our constituents are being forced to deal with. |
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| View Attachment | ||
Document #1
Introduced as HB2254
| Description: | Seismic Surveys | |
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| View Attachment | ||
Document #2
| Description: | Court Order Blocks Hopewell Officials | |
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| View Attachment | ||
Document #3
| Description: | Hopewell Resident Home Damage | |
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| View Attachment | ||
Document #4
| Description: | Seismic Testing Lease Holder Worries | |
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| View Attachment | ||
Document #5
| Description: | Learning From Aliquippa | |
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| View Attachment | ||
Document #6
| Description: | Legal Battles | |
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| View Attachment | ||
Document #7
| Description: | The Lay of the land | |
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| View Attachment | ||