NYS regulators release new rules in upstate gas drilling

State Issues Rules on Upstate Natural Gas Drilling Near City’s Water

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/nyregion/01drill.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=nys%20drilling%20regulation&st=cse

The new rules include:
the disclosure of chemicals used in each well
buffer zones around the reservoirs and aqueducts in the watershed
special approval for wells within 1,000ft of tunnels carrying nyc drinking water
presence of state inspectors during some phases of operations

According to the article Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer is trying to extent the public comment period to 90 days, as of now it expires Nov. 30th.

He has also secured a commitment from Gov. Patterson that a hearing of proposed rules will be held in NYC.

My general take on the public's opinion is one of apprehension- they feel as if they have entered a very tense waiting period- trying to muscle their way through the document and understand all the possible implications- I think we are at a cross roads (not to be too dramatic)...I will read the new DEC draft and comment later: Here is the response from the Catskill Mountainkeeper: Catskill Mountainkeeper Action Alert September 30, 2009 Dear Catskill Mountainkeeper Supporter, Today The New York State DEC handed down a landmark draft supplemental environmental impact statement that determines under what conditions gas drilling can proceed in the Catskills. This ruling will have a monumental impact on every one of us and our region. Click here to view the document At Catskill Mountainkeeper, we have been prepared for this event and are analyzing the ruling carefully. We will let you know the results of what we find as soon as possible. We undoubtedly expect that there will be issues concerning the ruling that will require us to make public comment. We have a 60 day period in which to get our comments back to the DEC. Once we determine which issues need public comment, we will notify you about how to make your opinions known to the DEC and our elected officials. It will be crucial that they hear from as many people as possible. Catskill Mountainkeeper will continue to spearhead the fight to limit the impact of gas exploration on our residents. businesses and fragile environment. This will not be a small, quick or cheap fight! For more information about the Gas Drilling Threat, please go to our website or you can call our office at 845.482.5400 FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO YOUR FRIENDS AND ASK THEM TO JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Please help Catskill Mountainkeeper fight this important issue, we need your help more than ever. Make a donation today.