We have noted in previous posts the challenges presented in New York for producers looking at the Marcellus Shale. One involves the possible use of a Supplement to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) applicable to natural gas and oil drilling issued by the NY Department of Environmental Conservation. A draft of the Supplemental GEIS was published for public comment in October of this year, and included topics such as the use of water from surface and groundwater sources; and the removal and proper disposal of spent fracture fluids from the well site. The public comment period closed this past Monday, December 15, 2008.
At least one congressman has urged the Department to delay issuing any new gas drilling permits in the shale until after completion of the Supplemental GEIS, according to this article in the Hudson Valley Press Online. He has also introduced legislation to eliminate the exemption for hydraulic fracturing in the Safe Water Drinking Act.