BUTLER TWP — Having heard a range of opinions from residents on proposed changes to the township’s zoning rules for drilling for gas and oil, the township commissioners Monday night tabled a vote to ponder the issue further.

“We’ve heard too much information to absorb,” said board Chairman Joseph Hasychak.

The township is revisiting its zoning laws because parts of state Act 13, which said gas and oil development could not be regulated by local zoning rules, have been repealed.

Under the township proposal, wells would be allowed as a conditional use in 15-acre properties zoned agricultural and manufacturing as well as 100-acre lots zoned multifamily residential.

The agricultural and manufacturing properties would need a property setback of 300 feet. Residential properties would need a setback of 750 feet, and a 1,000-foot buffer from any other building.

To gain the conditional use approval, the commissioners would be able to impose a set of individual safeguards to each plan. Processing stations or compressor stations would become special exceptions to the zoning rules requiring hearings and approval by the township zoning hearing board.

Some residents said they supported the changes. Others, like Joseph McMurry, called them a “vast improvement … but could be better.” McMurry opposes drilling in any residential area.

And yet other residents, like Richard Kelly, said they were against the ordinance changes because they are “excessively restrictive.”

During the hearing, the township presented a map that consultant Richard Grossman of Grove City and township zoning officer Jesse Hines said outlines where wells would be permissible and how property owners still could have access to the gas under their property if the changes were passed.

Grossman told the board the proposal “steers a middle course” by allowing property owners reasonable access to the gas under the ground while still protecting the rights of surrounding property owners.

But Shawn Gallagher, an attorney representing XTO, disagreed.

He said there are a lot of geographical and ecological factors the map doesn’t consider and the proposed zoning changes are “de facto exclusionary.”

In addition to the millions of dollars of gas at stake, Gallagher urged the commissioners to reconsider the changes because “Butler Township is a leader” and other municipalities will follow with similar, problematic ordinances.

More than a dozen residents spoke before testimony was closed. About 46 people attended, and remained courteous.

Because past township meetings on this issue have become heated, a police officer stood in the room.

The commissioners said they likely will schedule a special meeting to vote on the proposed changes.