The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has released an extensive report to Governor Cuomo outlining rules and regulations to lessen the risks of the controversial natural gas drilling technique, hydraulic fracturing. The 1,000 page report takes measures to avoid the contamination of groundwater commonly associated with the drilling method.The report prohibits drilling 2,000 feet from public drinking water supplies and 500 feet from private water supplies. As the most profitable Marcellus shale deposits are located in the Catskill Mountains and Southern Tier the DEC has banned drilling in the New York City and Syracuse watersheds. The report also takes measures to regulate drilling practices, included adding another cement wall casing inside the hole and forcing drilling companies to disclose all chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing.
Before issuing any permits to drill for natural gas, the Department of Environmental Conservation will open the report for a 60-day public comment period in August.
I invite you to read the report here and participate in the public comment period in the coming months.
