Keuka Lake group calls for drilling ban

KEUKA LAKE—The Keuka Lake Association is calling on the state to ban all horizontal hydrofracking in the Finger Lakes.
The KLA made the announcement, Thursday, Sept. 23. The group of Keuka Lake residents wants the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to ban horizontal drilling for Marcellus Shale until:
• The causes of contamination complaints in Pennsylvania are scientifically understood and remedies are both developed and required.
• The requirement for all flowback waste from hydrofracking is rendered safe for surface discharge by a licensed and certified waste treatment facility.
According to the KLA, the group is focusing on these two concerns because “the Finger Lakes have significantly different characteristics than the regions in Pennsylvania where hydrofracking is occurring.” KLA points to the main geographic difference; the Finger Lakes being carved out by glaciers. The group said spills and leaks from drilling would easily drain into Keuka Lake.
The KLA also said the Marcellus Shale in the Finger Lakes is thin and close to the surface, making underground migration to other layers and the lakes more likely. The group added this area has significantly more farming, vineyards, and tourism than the regions of Pennsylvania being hydrofracked for natural gas.
Many groups and people have come out against hydrofracking. One other similar group that has been cautioning people about the drilling process is the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association.
Group President Phil Cianciotto said SLPWA “certainly supports” the stance the KLA has taken. Even though the Seneca Lake group hasn’t called for a ban, Cianciotto said they asked for drilling to wait until the Environmental Protection Agency finishes its study.
Cianciotto added the group has written to the DEC and the governor’s office about their hydrofracking concerns.    Last week, the SLPWA called on counties in Seneca’s watershed to ask the state for the same watershed regulations New York City and Syracuse have. The Yates County Legislature has already done this, and the KLA and SLPWA have both thanked the county for the action.