Commission Sitting as the Appeals Board, Denies EQT Appeal

Commission President Shirley Williams and Commissioner Ralph Sandora, members of the Doddridge County Flood Plain Appeals Board, met during the regular Commission Meeting on July 3, 2012, and rendered their decision not to accept an EQT Flood Plain Appeal that would allow them to drill on the Huffe property in Oxford.




According to official documentation:

1. “The EQT Permit Application filed on November 22, 2011 was approved the same day by Jerald Evans in his capacity as the Doddridge County Flood Plain Manager without a site visit.

2. Thereafter, Jerald Evans as Flood Plain Manager rescinded the subject permit #0444 by letter dated April 18, 2012, citing that EQT’S application and submissions were insufficient and not in compliance with the Doddridge County Flood Plain Ordinance.”

On May 1, 2012, EQT’s attorneys appealed Jerald Evans’ rescission of the flood plain permit.  Subsequently, on May 22, 2012, the Doddridge County Commission sitting as the Flood Plain Appeals Board held a public hearing to hear testimony from the parties, landowners and citizens about the rescinded permit. At that time, EQT chose not to submit any additional evidence.

During the evolution of this process, the subject Flood Plain Permit #0444 expired.
Commissioner Gerald Evans excused himself from the discussion and vote due to his role as the Floor Plain Coordinator that signed the original permit and later rescinding it.

Prior to rendering their decision, Williams and Sandora met with their attorney who presented them with background on an option to accept the EQT appeal and with background on an option to deny it.