Cortland County Not Ready For Hydro-Fracking

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Cortland County Not Ready For Hydro-Fracking

Last Edited: 2011-08-18 08:20:06    Story ID: 4151

Cortland County health officials say the county is woefully unprepared to handle the impacts of Hydro fracking.

On Tuesday night the county natural gas task force met to talk about the health issues that may arise as a result of increased natural gas drilling activities in New York.

While most of the concerns raised in connection with hydro fracking center around water, including protection of drinking water supplies and managing the waste water that is used in fracking. Local health officials say they are more concerned about impacts on air quality.

Deputy County public health director M.J Uttech says studies from other States including Texas and Colorado have shown residents are much more susceptible to changes in air quality before water becomes an issue, especially children.

Uttech says the county and the region are not equipped to conduct the air monitoring that will be required with the increased natural gas exploration.

Uttech says the county will likely have to add staff to the health department in order to respond to the wave of environmental complaints that will filed related to the gas drilling activities.

Among other health issues raised at the meeting are the expected impacts from the increased number of people that will come into the area as part of the drilling camps. Uttech says this presents a different set of problems including increased crime, new diseases, higher housing costs, and stress to the communities established way of life.

At this point the State is continuing to review the rules governing hydro fracking, the amended rules are expected out next year, when complete the state may begin issuing drilling permits.