October 6, 2010

Press Contacts: Kate Bartholomew, CPNY, FLP, SLPWA 607-228-7371 & J. Paul Bursic, FLP 607-387-6562

Many questions have been raised in New York about the safety of the process of high-volume, high-pressure horizontal fracturing, or “fracking.” Other questions have been raised about the effect this form of gas drilling will have on property values.

Here’s your chance to learn more about the various issues involved from well-informed experts, local citizens, and Pennsylvania residents who are currently living in active and or soon-to-be active Marcellus Shale gas drilling areas.

On Wednesday, October 6, a Schuyler County Community Forum on Fracking will be held at the Watkins Glen Elementary School Auditorium, Watkins Glen, NY (612 South Decatur Street). Start time is 6:30 p.m.

Committed panelists include Dr. John Stolz, a microbiologist from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA; David Whiting of Red Newt Winery and Bistro (Schuyler County), Peggy Haines, a realtor with Audrey Edelman Realty; Helen Slottje, Esq., and environmental attorney; and Craig and Julie Sautner of Montrose, Pennsylvania. The Sautners live on the now infamous Carter Road in Dimock, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, an active drilling region

The Marcellus Shale, which underlies the Finger Lakes and other regions, is not the only shale formation with methane gas; there is the potential for accelerated drilling in the Utica Shale, which lies deeper than the Marcellus and is distributed across almost all of New York State.

At the moment, this form of drilling is not permitted in New York because a New York Department of Environmental Conservation study (dSGEIS) has not yet been acted upon. The preliminary regulations have been widely criticized for failing to address many safety questions about the chemicals used in the drilling. Property values in other states have been adversely affected by this type of gas drilling, with water contamination due to hazardous chemicals being one of many reasons for the decline in value.

The evening forum is being sponsored by the Finger Lakes Progressives, Committee to Preserve the Finger Lakes, Environmentally Concerned Citizens of Hector and the Coalition to Protect New York. It is free to all. It will be moderated by Paul Marcellus, a local business owner and former member of the Schuyler County Legislature.