NATCHEZ — Having struck out twice in its quest for permission to drill on a historic piece of ground in the city, an oil company is taking the matter before a judge.

RMB Exploration filed the appeal in Adams County Chancery Court on Jan 24. The legal filing is an appeal on the record, which means a judge will review pertinent documents pertaining to the case and then make a decision on the appeal.

The oil operation, which was denied for the second time by the preservation commission on Jan. 9, would be in the same location denied by the planning and preservation commissions and the Natchez Board of Aldermen last year.

RMB owner Mike Biglane moved a portion of the project — the proposed oil tank farm — to a parcel of land accessed from the end of Ouachita Street in his latest plans in an effort appease concerns about the operation’s impact on Arlington.

The Mississippi State Oil and Gas Board approved the application of RMB Exploration to drill the well last week. But board attorney Howard Leach said all of the board’s orders specifically outline that applicants must obtain any other permits from any other applicable entities, such as the city.

Until RMB gets the city’s approval, the company is not allowed by city ordinance to drill on the site.