Environment DEC
From the November 2008 issue
Public Meetings Set to Review Drilling Proposals for Marcellus Shale
As a first step in analyzing the potential environmental effects of high-volume hydraulic fracturing of horizontal wells in New York State's natural gas-bearing Marcellus and Utica shale formations, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a draft document outlining the issues to be covered in the analysis. The prospective region for drilling in the Marcellus and Utica shale formations has been described as an area extending from Chautauqua County eastward to Greene, Ulster and Sullivan counties.
Supplemental GEIS Needed
The supplemental GEIS addresses the environmental issues associated with hydrofracturing. Image courtesy Brad Cole, Geology.com
Although there is a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) covering gas and oil drilling in New York State, the state has determined that a supplement is needed to address issues related to the large volumes of water required to "hydrofracture" the shale to release the gas. Among other topics, the draft proposes that the supplement address water-management issues and the composition of drilling fluids added to the water to assist the fracturing process.
Public Meetings and Comments
The public is invited to comment at meetings to be held throughout the Southern Tier and Catskills in November and early December and to submit written comments. DEC will review the comments before producing a final document outlining factors that must be included in the supplement. A draft supplement will be completed by next spring, at which time the public will have an opportunity to provide additional input.
