Oil exploration gets OK on Cemetery Road

Published 1:22 am Friday, November 4, 2011

Natchez — DRAYCO Exploration received final approval for its proposed oil well operation that fronts Cemetery Road from the Natchez Board of Aldermen in a specially called meeting Tuesday night.

The board approved an ordinance that rezoned five acres on an 81-acre tract of land owned by Fred Emrick and the late Ruth Emrick from Villa Residential to Planned Unit Development No. 1 to permit the drilling and development of the oil well.

Natchez City Planner Bob Nix said the city’s planned unit development agreement with DRAYCO requires the company to coordinate its operations with the school bus schedules, national and city cemetery events and city events, such as tours of homes that might be affected by well’s operation.

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DRAYCO is also required to post a $100,000 performance bond to cover any damages to Cemetery and Marblestone roads that may occur while the company is transporting equipment and using the roads for access to the well.