State moves to ban hydrofracking

Dec 24, 2014 at 01:40 am by Observer-Review


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State moves to ban hydrofracking

NEW YORK--Following years of controversy and debate, New York state will officially move to ban high-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF). The state Department of Health (DOH) has completed its public health review of high-volume hydraulic fracturing and acting DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker recommended high-volume hydraulic fracturing should not be allowed in New York State. Zucker announced his findings and recommendations Wednesday, Dec. 17 at a cabinet meeting in Albany.
"I have considered all of the data and find significant questions and risks to public health which as of yet are unanswered," Zucker said. "I think it would be reckless to proceed in New York until more authoritative research is done. I asked myself, 'would I let my family live in a community with fracking?' The answer is no. I therefore cannot recommend anyone else's family to live in such a community either."
In 2012, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens asked the DOH Commissioner to conduct a review of the draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) for High-Volume Hydraulic Fracturing (HVHF). Zucker's report fulfills that request.
As a result of Zucker's report, Martens said he will issue a legally binding findings statement that will prohibit HVHF in New York State at this time.
"For the past six years, [the] DEC has examined the significant environmental impacts that could result from high-volume hydraulic fracturing," Martens said. "[The] DEC's own review identified dozens of potential significant adverse impacts of HVHF. Further, with the exclusion of sensitive natural, cultural and historic resources and the increasing number of towns that have enacted bans and moratoria, the risks substantially outweigh any potential economic benefits of HVHF. Considering the research, public comments, relevant studies, Dr. Zucker's report and the enormous record DEC has amassed on this issue, I have directed my staff to complete the final SGEIS. Once that is complete, I will prohibit high-volume hydraulic fracturing in New York State at this time."
The DEC will incorporate the findings of the public health review into the final SGEIS, which will be released with a response to public comments early next year. A minimum of 10 days later, Martens will issue the findings statement prohibiting HVHF. This action will conclude the State Environmental Quality Review Act process for HVHF.
The DOH's review found significant uncertainties about the adverse health outcomes that may be associated with HVHF, the likelihood of occurrence of adverse health outcomes and the adequacy of mitigation measures to protect public health. The DOH's report concludes that it will be years until science and research provide sufficient information to determine the level of risk HVHF poses to public health and whether those risks can be adequately mitigated. Given the red flags raised by current studies, absent conclusive studies that disprove health concerns, the report states the activity should not proceed in New York State.
In conducting its public health review, the DOH reviewed and evaluated scientific literature, sought input from outside public health experts, engaged in field visits and discussions with health and environmental authorities in nearly all states where HVHF activity is taking place, and communicated with local, state, federal, international, academic, environmental and public health stakeholders. DOH's review can be found at http://www.health.ny.gov/.
Area representatives were not pleased with the decision to ban fracking across the state.
"Today's decision by the Cuomo administration to say no to high-volume hydrofracking in the Marcellus Shale eviscerates the hope of so many Southern Tier farmers, landowners, businesses and potential jobs in the natural gas industry," State Senator Tom O'Mara (R,C-Big Flats) said. "As the United States stands on the cusp of energy independence, Governor Cuomo said no. Governor Cuomo says no to a source for low-cost and cleaner electrical generation which is critical to our state economy as a whole. Governor Cuomo's decision tells 35 other states and the federal government that they are wrong. This country was built on exploration and innovation but Governor Cuomo closed the door on both for us here in the Southern Tier and New York State by saying no to shale gas exploration. New York is once again last."
Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) echoed O'Mara's sentiments in his own statement following the announcement.
""This is distressing news for the struggling families of the Southern Tier Region," Palmesano said. "The natural gas industry would have energized our economy the same way that it has for the 35 other states that are benefiting from regulated hydrofracking. Our school districts and municipalities desperately needed the tax revenue that would have been generated by the natural gas industry. Land owners, farmers, and job-seekers desperately trying to provide for their families count this as a disappointing blow."
On the other side of the debate, members of the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association applauded the decision.
"This is very welcome news to us at SLPWA and the many concerned residents and health professionals who have studied the experience of other states and have concluded that it is hazardous to health and environment," Seneca Lakes Pure Waters Association (SLPWA) Marcellus Shale Committee Chair Ed Przybylowicz said. "[...] For us in the Seneca Lake watershed, it is a major relief not to face this activity locally. Now we must insure that the waste products from fracking in other states are not brought to our watershed for disposal."

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