THE ITHACA JOURNAL
November 5, 2009
Concern about report
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has released its
Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement regarding the use
of hydraulic-fracturing techniques for extracting natural gas. The
public has until Dec. 31 to submit comments.
Table 6.2 shows an analysis of some of the substances used in fracking
in Pennsylvania and West Virginia that are brought to the surface
during the fracking operation. The SGEIS states: "Characteristics of
flowback from the Marcellus Shale in New York are expected to be
similar to flowback from Pennsylvania and West Virginia, but not
identical."
Table 6.2 reveals the presence of extraordinarily high concentrations
of a compound called 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide in all 25 wells tested in
Pennsylvania. A few minutes on the Web discloses that this compound is
a well-known mutagen (think birth defects) and carcinogen.
A DEC legislative liason told Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton's office,
"(W)e are looking into whether or not this is an error. This provision
was put together by one of our consultants."
If it is accurate, we will be exposed to a deadly toxin. If it's an
error, what does that say for the whole study?
Marty Luster
Trumansburg
November 6, 2009
Drilling safety must be monitored closely
The new gas drilling industry invading the Marcellus Shale region
brings with it major safety concerns. These safety concerns extend
beyond the widely reported risks to the environment.
Workers doing difficult and dangerous drilling work and pulling 12-hour
shifts, seven days a week, are at high risk for on-the-job injury.
This risk is compounded by the poor safety records of the drilling
companies. In the last two years, for example, OSHA conducted 29 safety
inspections of Pennsylvania gas drilling operations. In more than 80
percent of these inspections, the drilling companies failed miserably,
with OSHA finding numerous and serious safety violations (over 100),
seeking fines to the companies totaling $250,000.
Work injuries are preventable, but the track record of these companies
raises significant concerns. Since it may indeed be beyond the
resources of our communities to hold them accountable, strong federal
action is needed.
The health and safety of workers need to be a priority. Tough
enforcement of existing regulations, reduction or elimination of the
use of toxic chemicals where possible and a more equitable workers'
compensation system are all essential elements in ensuring the health
and safety of drilling workers.
Carl Feuer
Ithaca
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