The battle over the location of five Marcellus Shale natural gas wells in Middlesex Township continued today in Butler County court.

A group of parents and homeowners who believe the wells are too close to their homes and the Mars Schools have asked a judge to toss out a lawsuit filed against the group.

The lawsuit, waged by a group of lease holders and a developer, alleges the citizens’ group challenged the township’s zoning ordinance to delay drilling in the township, and that the ongoing conflict is inhibiting the lease holders’ right to earn income from their properties.

American Civil Liberties Union attorney Witold Walczak, representing the citizens’ group in court today, argued that the lawsuit should be dismissed because it violates the citizens’ constitutional right to vocally object to government action.

Judge Marilyn Horan, who heard the arguments, is not expected to issue a decision for at least a week.