GULF SHORES, Ala. - The Gulf Shores City Council passed a resolution during its regular meeting on Monday night in a 6-0 decision opposing petroleum exploration and production structures visible from the coast as well as the discharging of fluids and related wastes into the water.

  While the resolution itself isn’t much more than a written account of the city’s position on the matter, both city officials and residents believe the statement will help local voices reach the ears of state and federal lawmakers.

  Residents living along West Beach Boulevard began complaining to Council about 3 to 4 weeks ago that a rig drilling for natural gas had been erected within eyesight from their homes.

  According to the resolution passed Monday night, previous Council administrations in 1989 and 1996 passed similar resolutions respectively addressing the discharge of fluids and waste into the water as well as structures visible from the coast.

  Residents cite the local tourism economy, safety concerns, and the disposal of drilling wastes as the primary reasons exploration activities should be kept at a distance.

    Little Lagoon resident and former petroleum geologist Dennis Hatfield told Council that according to the current rig’s plan of exploration, it has the ability to discharge fluids into the water.

  Hatfield was quoted on the same information in a story that appeared in Saturday's edition of The Islander. Since that story was published, a spokesman with the current rig's operator, Devon Energy, has said that his company adheres to a self imposed zero discharge policy.

  Councilman Robert Craft said that whether or not Devon Energy is discharging fluids into the water, he wants to see something in writing.

  Craft also said that he’s working with lobbyists at the state and federal levels to get Monday’s resolution in the hands of lawmakers in hopes they will pass related legislation.

  “With the President today lifting the executive ban on off shore drilling this is going to be a higher focus throughout the area, and it’s time for us to get our name in the hat and tell [exploration companies] do what you’ve got to do, but do it 15 miles off shore,” Craft said. “However, we cannot be against exploration of our resources, we’ve got to allow that.”