Midland, Texas, is allowing more oil drilling near homes despite objections from a city council member whose father has complained about noise keeping him awake.
Here's what to know
The Midland City Council approved several drilling permits within city limits, including in residential areas, by a 6-1 vote, according to First Alert 7.
Petroplex Energy already has active drilling operations at its approved site in a residential neighborhood east of Lamesa Road and north of West Loop 250. Three existing wells at the site are being plugged so three replacement wells can be drilled.
Councilman John Norman said that people he knows in the affected areas, including his father, have contacted him about drilling around their homes. Norman cast the only vote against the permits.
More background
According to First Alert 7, several residents near the sites reported little noise and no significant complaints, but they declined to appear on camera. However, some oilfield workers who lived close by acknowledged their neighbors' concerns.
What's being done?
Petroplex Energy had not responded to the outlet's request for comment by the time the station published its report.
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"I have people that I personally know that live in these areas, personally, my dad, to be honest with you, he's always calling me because I'm on city council saying 'what are we going to do about all this noise and all this drilling around the house keeping me up at night?'" Norman told the council.
Operators are responsible for fixing roads damaged by heavy drilling trucks under the permit agreements, First Alert 7 reported.
Where can I learn more?
Midland's debate over drilling near homes mirrors other communities facing similar operations.
• Colorado residents are fighting Verdad's 22-well drilling plan over health and safety concerns.
• Santa Barbara County voted to ban new onshore drilling, with a legal fight looming.
• Texas lawmakers questioned the Railroad Commission as 160,000 inactive wells risk becoming orphaned.
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