While it is true that gas drilling has gone on in NY for a long time, it is important to understand that the techniques being used to unlock gas from shale are new--the development of these new techniques are an important reason why there is interest in the Marcellus Shale now. The type of fracking proposed for use in the shale is slickwater fracking: this particular type of fracking has only been around for about 13 years or so, and has been used in Texas in the Barnett Shale. Also, while some horizontal wells have been drilled in NY, the majority of wells have been vertical. The horizontal wells require large well pads and much, much higher volumes of fracking fluid. (More fracking fluid results in many more tanker truck trips as well as increased chance of water contamination and difficulty in disposing of the wastewater that comes back up form the well.) It is also important to note that shale gas drilling requires a very high gas well density--a study done by Broome County estimated 2000-4000 shale wells would be drilled in Broome County alone. While it's true that the large horizontal well pads can accommodate more than one well, it's also true that the wells require a network of access roads, pipelines, and compressor stations. Add all of this together, and a rural or suburban landscape can quickly become quite industrialized. Unfortunately, in NY state, just because an area is zoned residential, that doesn't mean gas wells cannot be located there. They can be located in residential areas--for most wells, no public hearings or notification of adjacent landowners are required.

Re eminent domain, while the gas companies may not have the power of eminent domain, it is my understanding that the pipeline companies, under certain circumstances at least, would have the power of eminent domain.

Re contamination of aquifers: 1) contamination can occur via spills at the surface; 2) it is unclear how much of a problem, if any, subsurface migration of fracking fluids may be; however, pathways for migration of fluids may exist because of the presence of abandoned, unplugged gas & oil wells; fluids and/or gases may migrate through improperly constructed gas well casings; some experts believe that natural and/or manmade fractures in the rock may provide additional pathways for fluid and/or gas migration.

Another consideration is the disposal of the fluid that returns from the wellbore: at present, it is unclear how this disposal will be handled. This fluid is extremely salty, may contain fracking chemicals, naturally occurring radioactive materials, and/or heavy metals.

Truck traffic, drilling noise & vibrations, and gas well flaring also present problems.

My husband and I have lived in the Southern Tier for over 25 years and we've been very happy here. We were planning on staying here for the rest of our lives, but now, because of the proposed drilling, we are thinking of leaving and have already begun to research other areas of the country for possible places in which to have a peaceful, safe retirement.