Hydrofracking opinions count – Times Union

Hydrofracking opinions count – Times Union.

Hydrofracking opinions count

People are talking about hydrofracking. I hear snippets of conversation wherever I go. The fact that hydrofracking is on people’s minds is a good thing. That’s about the only good thing.

The Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement on High Volume Horizontal Hydraulic Fracturing cannot protect New York from the negative environmental impacts of natural gas development. Here are a few flaws in the statement and original draft study:

(1.) The focus at this point has been on the effects of one well-pad. We need a full-out comprehensive study on the impacts of thousands of wells on our air, water, soil, ecosystems and communities.

(2.) The watersheds of New York City and Syracuse have been protected by a ban on drilling. What about all of the other New York residents whose water tables are at risk?

(3.) The statement fails to adequately address the anticipated disposal of millions of gallons of drilling waste.

(4.) Natural gas development cannot happen without the construction of a pipeline delivery system and compressor stations that can have long-term toxic air emissions.

(5.) Already stressed regulatory staffing and resources are not addressed.

We cannot allow hydraulic fracturing gas drilling to take place in our state. Many of us feel ineffective, but we can still make a difference. Read the impact statement at the Department of Environmental Conservation website (http://www.dec.ny.gov/). Submit comments there or send them in writing to: NYS DEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-6510, Attention: dsGEIS comments. Comments will be accepted until Dec. 12.

Virginia Boyle Traver

Chairwoman, Sierra Club Hudson-Mohawk Group

Albany