Otisco (WSYR-TV) -- We’re one step closer to hydrofracking in New York State. The DEC released a report Wednesday addressing some community concerns, but focused on the benefits for the economy.
The DEC predicts an average drilling season will directly employ 17,634 people in the construction business. The department predicts those workers could earn up to a total of $2.5 billion. That would mean up to $125 million in income tax revenue for the state, however a few concerns have been addressed.
The public comment period began Wednesday and those who oppose hydrofracking plan on bringing the possible environmental and health impacts to the forefront. Most are concerned about the water.
“You also have the Otisco lake watershed which is completely unprotected and that's a drinking water source for much of Central New York,” said Lindsay Speer with Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation.
Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation one group that says their primary goal is to protect the drinking water and basic rights of people that live in natural gas drilling areas.
“The main thing is we need to be able to make decisions locally about what we want our communities to look like,” Speer continued.
Proponents of hydrofracking say water will not be contaminated in the drilling process. All public comments will be weighed when the state makes the final decision about drilling regulations. Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy says there will need to be some sort of balance.
“It’s divisive because there are those jobs versus environment and what Governor Cuomo has always wanted is ways to enhance jobs, but not negatively impact the environment,” said Lt. Governor Duffy.
The dates and location of the public hearings will be announced in early October.
NY gas drilling environmental study to be released
September 7, 2011
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The state Department of Environmental Conservation says an updated version of its environmental impact study on natural gas production in the Marcellus Shale region is ready to be released for public comment.
Spokeswoman Emily DeSantis says the 1,000-plus page document will be released late Wednesday morning. DEC officials have said there will be a 60-day public comment period following the release, although environmental groups and some politicians have called for a 180-day comment period because of the technical complexity of the study.
The report outlines New York's rules for natural gas drilling using high-volume hydraulic fracturing, which injects chemical-laced water at high pressure into a well to crack surrounding shale and release gas.
Permitting has been on hold for three years while the study was being done.
