Natural Gas Drilling - Draft SGEIS

ONEONTA, 10/01/09 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today announced that the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued the draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) for natural gas drilling applications.

“Now that the draft SGEIS is out in the open I invite all interested parties, local governments as well as area families, to review the document and submit comments to the DEC,” said Senator Seward.  “I will be evaluating the document as well, looking for that initial goal of environmental protection and energy independence.

“It is imperative that local stakeholders make their feelings known now so that the DEC can address any additional concerns before a final permitting process is approved,” Seward continued.  “I have full confidence that all concerns will receive a complete and fair review.”

The draft SGEIS addresses horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing to develop the Marcellus Shale.  The public comment period is open until November 30, 2009.

“Sensible use of the tremendous resources in the Marcellus Shale formation could help lift our local economy and provide us with a vital source of domestic energy.  We must make sure, however, that our local governments are properly informed of drilling activities every step of the way, and that our roads and water supply are properly protected,” Seward concluded.

CLICK HERE for information on how to register a comment with the DEC.