The herald., 1898-03-04
OIL WELL INSPECTION
COUNCIL CoMMITTEE VISITS THE
DERRICK DISTRICT
ScHooLHoUSEs vS.0IL WELLS
Pumping Cables Stretched Across
Streets-Change in Restric-
tions Probable

Accompanied by several interested par
ties, the special committee appointed last
Monday by the council to investigate the
situation in the oil field as regards the loca-
tion of wells to the several schoolhouses,
yesterday afternoon made tour of inspec-
ton through the derrick district. The
party was chaperoned by Councilman Ba-
ker and consisted of Mayor Snyder, Fire
Commissioner Wells, Councilman Nickel,
Oil Inspector Monlux and representatives
of the press.
A stop was first made at the Alpine
street schoolhouse, where it was found
that fully twenty-five wells were within
the proposed prescribed limit of 400 feet.
In this section of the field numbers of new
wells are being drilled and great deal of
noise is made. One of the teachers in the
school said that the children were an
noyed at times by the sound of escaping
steam or other distracting sounds Owing
to the situation of the SchoOlhouse on the
edge of the field. which runs diagonaily
across the street in front of it. the pupils
are but little bothered by smoke or smell
the prevailing westerly breeze Carrying it
on to one side.
AT the Union avenue school a slightly diff
ferent condition was found. Here the wells
do not, perhaps, approach as closely as at
the Alpine street structure, and as that
section of the field is older and few holes
are being put down. there was little noise.
The all-pervading smell of the crude petro-
leum was, however, much in evidence.
Here, also, are about twenty wells which
would be affected by an ordinance estab-
fishing the 400 foot limit. There are also
several wells near the Temple street
schoolhouse which would come within the
dead line. making a total of over half
hundred in all affected
One especially noticeable thing was the
utter disregard the oil men seem to have
for the city ordinance prohibiting the
stretching of cables for pumping over
graded streets. The ordinance allows
well owner to cross the street with cable
to his pump. provided there is no pumping
station situated in the block wherein his
his well is located. Notwithstanding the
fact that Oil Inspector MonuX is employed
by the city supposedly to see that the laws
are enforced the well men seem to have
gone ahead just about as they Pleased.
and dangling and swaying cables swing
backward and forward in the air where
and in any manner that pleases the owner.
In explanation of this fact, Mr.. MonluX
pointed out that in some cases the cables
crossed ungraded streets in others there
was no pumping station in the block with
the well--all of which is allowable under
the only excuse for the existence of the
ropes seemed to be that the oil men had
found it more convenient and cheaper to
put them there than to comply with the
ordinance and no one had said them nay.
Of late the council has had several re-
ouests before it from oil men asking the
privilege of stretching cables across
streets and some petitions of that char
acter have been granted. AS result OIL
yesterdays visit. however, an endeavor
will probably be made to have the section
of the ordinance changed. so that each
and every cable erected will require
spec:al permit from the council. In that
way ana by granting permits according 10
the merits OF the case. the instances where
undue hardship would be inflicted by re-
fusal can be avoided and the ones who
could pump otherwise may be forced 10
keep their ropes at home.
Inspector MonluX recently made a tour
of all the wells and served notices on
owners who had cables across graded
streets in violation of the ordinance to re-
move them by March 10th or he would cut
them down At the council meeting next
Monday motion will be made that this
limit be extended two weeks to allow of
the proposed change as above outlined be-
ing made.
AS thorough investigation as might be
in the limited time was made by the party
the entire field being carefully gone over
AMI the yawDing stump holes and other oil
we'll appurtenances made note Of with a
view TO the correction of nuisances.
The trip occupied two hours and will un-
doubtedly lead 10 good results.
That the committees report will be ae-
verse TO an attempt to pass the school
house limit ordinance over the mayors
veto is certain.