UPDATE: 12/30/09 With just one day left in the public comment period for the Marcellus Shale draft SGEIS, Region 2 of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has requested DEC to make major, fundamental revisions to its proposal. I believe this will make it extraordinarily difficult for DEC to adopt a final version of its draft in the near future.

WOW, THANK YOU REGION 2 ADMINISTRATOR, JUDITH ENCK!

EPA made some sweeping suggestions:

"While protecting the New York City watershed is important because of the millions of New Yorkers who rely on this drinking water supply, we also have concerns about water quality impacts throughout the state. Just because fewer people rely on upstate water sources does not imply that these supplies are not also worthy of protection."

"In conclusion, EPA believes that NYSDEC has prepared an informative dSGEIS on hydrologic fracturing of the Marcellus Shale. However, we have concerns regarding potential impacts to human health and the environment that we believe warrant further scientific and regulatory analysis. Of particular concern to EPA are issues involving water supply, water quality, wastewater treatment operations, local and regional air quality, management of naturally occurring radioactive materials disturbed during drilling, cumulative environmental impacts, and the New York City watershed. EPA recommends that these concerns be addressed and essential environmental protection measures established prior to the completion of the SEQRA process (emphasis added).

Contact Judith Enck, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 Administrator, to thank her for safeguarding New York's environment and public health.

• Email: enck.judith@epa.gov
• Phone (212) 637-5000

When you reach out to Ms. Enck, contact us so we can maintain a record of outreach and share your comments like the ones below.

1. Dear Ms. Enck,

   Thank you so much for safeguarding New York's environment and public health. It is really heartening to deal with an official who really listens to the people that the EPA affects.

   Sincerely,

   Kathleen L

2. Dear Ms. Enck,

   I just read the following words and wished to comment on them.

   "While protecting the New York City watershed is important because of the millions of New Yorkers who rely on this drinking water supply, we also have concerns about water quality impacts throughout the state. Just because fewer people rely on upstate water sources does not imply that these supplies are not also worthy of protection." As one of the many upstate water source stakeholders, I'm delighted to find myself "worthy of protection". Please consider yourself heartily thanked for keeping me and all my upstate neighbors in mind. In my little ivory tower town of Ithaca, with our castles of educated folk, there has not been such a rumble of discord over the fracking issue in many a year.

   I've said before, and will do so again, the gas companies will not seek to shoot themselves in the groin by ignoring safety issues entirely. Safety procedures cost money however, and to the extent that they can get away without losing more profits, I believe there is incentive to cut corners. That's human nature, sadly. If we can incentivize safety as much as profit, we will maximize the gain to all. The jury is still out on exactly how to do this, though you have done much to clear the road of hazards that encourage the shortcuts. For that, I wanted to write to say a great "thank you"!

   By reviewing and amending the dSGEIS so it better regulates and prevents the safety issues that have arisen, the EPA will have done its job with integrity and effectiveness. Thank you for keeping up the pressure to make this a reality.

   Sincerely,

   Evelyn W

3. Dear Judith Enck,

   Thank you for you efforts to stop fracking in NY state.

   Sincerely,

   Christopher R

4. Dear Ms. Enck,
   Thank you so much for thoughtfully articulating the concerns that many upstate residents
   have about the adequacy of EPA and DEC regulation and enforcement in protecting clean air and water standards
   while developing the Marcellus shale formation.

   Thank you for recommending a conservative, analytic approach to natural gas development in order to protect our existing natural resources
   and public health.

   Sincerely,
   Lauren C

5. Dear Judith,

   I want to take a moment to thank you for standing up for the rural families in NYS. I have lived here most of my life, love the finger lakes and hope to continue to raise my children in this area.

   Often I feel powerless to save our fresh water when we are up against the big corps like Exxon. Thank you for giving me a ray of hope that we can make a difference and protect our precious clean water supply. Every time I fill a glass or pour a bath for my kids I pause and think how precious and vital this resource is to our health and well being.

   Blessings and Health to you and yours in the new year.

   Wendy S

6. Dear Ms. Enck:

   I am writing to thank you for the EPA's comments on NY state's draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement on shale gas drilling.

   I live in upstate NY, above the Marcellus Shale, and I believe it is imperative that the natural resources of our state as well as the health of its people be protected. I also believe it would be wrong to offer different levels of protection to different areas of the state, which is why I hope that ultimately the NYC watershed and ALL other drinking water sources within the state, including private wells, will be given equal and adequate protection. As I am sure you know, private wells are unfiltered. Further, existing filtration plants cannot remove many of the contaminants that may enter water sources due to drilling (e.g. chemicals such as endocrine disruptors, naturally occurring radioactive materials, etc.). I hope that the EPA will remain actively involved in this critical issue. Thank you again for your involvement to date!

   Sincerely,
   Mary S

7. Thank you for your quick and clear response to Governor Paterson and
   the DEC about the importance of Clean water to all New Yorkers, not
   just those in the NYC area and watershed. I am grateful for your
   support and pray that the Governor is listening as well.

   Sincerely,

   Nancy S

8. Dear Judith

   As a seasonal resident of Lake Huntington, I commend your efforts to protect our water supply from the dangerous practice of fracking for natural gas.

   Keep up the good work!
   Scott G

9. Dear Ms. Enck

   Thank you for your efforts in the recommending that the dSGEIS be more thorough and for your insight in pointing out how it does not address concerns of protecting the water in NYState!

   I am thrilled at your position on this study and deeply hope that Gov. Paterson will understand how serious this is and will share your view.

   And, furthermore, every $ spent on fossil fuels is a $ not spent on healthy, renewable energy that will provide for the future, protect the planet for the future, and could procure jobs right now.

   best regards,
   Ruth H

10. Dear Ms. Enck,
    Thank you for your letter to Gov. Paterson requesting further investigation rather than adopting the existing Marcellus Shale draft SGEIS. I appreciate that the EPA is looking out for the safety of the land, air, water, and health of upstate New York.

    Sincerely,
    Carrie C

11. Dear Ms. Enck

    Thank you for your efforts in the recommending that the dSGEIS be more thorough and for your insight in pointing out how it does not address concerns of protecting the water in NYState!

    I am thrilled at your position on this study and deeply hope that Gov. Paterson will understand how serious this is and will share your view.

    And, furthermore, every $ spent on fossil fuels is a $ not spent on healthy, renewable energy that will provide for the future, protect the planet for the future, and could procure jobs right now.

    best regards,
    Ruth H

12. Dear Ms. Enck:

    I am writing to ask you to urge Governor Paterson to withdraw the draft Supplemental GEIS and send this issue back for further research and a more comprehensive review of all of the issues surrounding drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus shale.

    As both a private citizen and resident of Van Etten, NY, and a
    professional in the field of natural resources policy and planning, I
    have read the report and find it inadequate on many fronts. The information in the report appears to be less than comprehensive,
    and the proposed regulations, while a good start, are not likely to
    adequately ensure the health of the New York environment or New York
    citizens. The number of problems associated with drilling,
    hydrofracturing shale, and transport of drilling materials grows every
    day. These include wells that are polluted with chemicals and
    radioactivity, fires, explosions, and releases of drilling wastewater. The SGEIS fails to address many critical issues including the reporting of natural gas spills, insurance coverage for problems that occur, and the ability of local governments to deal with these problems. In addition, and perhaps most problematic, the report does not deal in any way with the cumulative impacts of drilling.

    I firmly believe that DEC should not be allowed to issue any permits until absolutely safe methods of dealing with these issues--not to mention the potential destruction of rural roads--can be guaranteed. I have been working with our town board to understand and figure out how to deal with these issues, and the board is somewhere between worried and terrified about the potential impact to our rural community.

    Energy development and economic growth are certainly important in New
    York, but please, let's be careful. We can't afford to take any chances
    at all with our water, the most susceptible and important of all of our
    natural resources.

    Sincerely,

    Rick B

13. Dear Ms Enck,

    In the late 1990s I was an Executive Vice President of Mobil Oil Corporation and Operating Officer for oil and gas exploration and production in the US, Canada and Latin America. I strongly oppose the the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement. It is so badly flawed that it is beyond salvage. I have never seen regulations so poorly written and so poorly supported with incomplete, misleading or simply missing data. It should be withdrawn.

    Louis A

14. Ms. Enck,

    I am a resident and an organic vegetable farmer in Lodi, NY. in the
    heart of the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York
    I am deeply concerned about the potential environmental impacts from
    hydrofracking drilling in the Marcellus Shale. They are too numerous
    to list here, but the impacts that have occurred in the Rocky Mountain
    states from gas drilling are examples that I would rather not live
    with in my region, and drilling in Pennsylvania has been fraught with
    similar problems.
    I want to encourage you to use your influence to persuade Governor
    Paterson to withdraw the draft Supplemental GEIS on Marcellus Shale
    Horizontal Hydrofracking that is wholly inadequate to insure that this
    practice would be safely regulated in the Norheastern US.
    Thank you for your time and support in this effort to protect the
    environment and water resources of our region.
    Lou Johns

15. Judith Enck,

    I understand that you have taken a stand for more effective controls with hydrofracking in NY, than is provided by the dSGEIS. I just sent the email (below) to the Governor and also wanted to thank you for your concern for our welfare.

    Frank S

16. Dear Ms. Enck:

    We want to thank you and your colleagues for your input regarding the delay for further hydrofracking into the Marcellus Shale in NY State. We, as many landowners in our area (the Finger Lakes Region of New York) were mislead over the past few years when we signed contracts with Fortuna Energy, as well as other energy exploration companies. If we had known about "fracking" at the time we signed a 5-year contract in May of 2005 we would not have signed. Our contract will expire in May 2010, and we will never sign another contract on our 70+ acres. We also did not know, at that time, that banks are reluctant to lend mortgage money on any property with an existing contract; which we found out when we tried to sell a 4-acre building lot. We only hope at this time that Fortuna Energy does not have the option of extending the contract beyond that date without our signature.

    Mr. Walter Hang at Toxicstargeting in Ithaca, NY deserves a medal for all the work he has done in getting the word out to us about the DEC's inability to handle monitoring, etc... of this procedure. Thank you again!!

    Robert and Olympia M

17. Dear Ms. Enck,

    Thank you so much for your responsible and active role in helping to
    protect our environment and all its creatures by calling attention to
    the grievous shortcomings in the NYSDEC's dSGEIS. I, along with
    thousands of upstate New Yorkers are extremely grateful to you.

    Yours,

    Elisa E

18. Dear Governor Paterson,

    I am writing to request that you call for a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing in upstate NY. At the very least, please extend the comment period of the dSGEIS for another year, so that the environmental impacts of this dangerous technique can be more fully evaluated. As a landowner surrounded by properties leased to gas companies, I am seriously considering leaving the state if gas drilling is allowed to happen in such an irresponsible manner.
    Thank you for your time and consideration.

    Best,

    Miller N

19. Dear Judith Enck:

    I want to thank you for taking a stand on hydraulic fracturing and acting to safeguard the drinking water and other natural resources for the people of New York state. I am extremely grateful for your willingness to tackle this issue.

    I hope the EPA will continue to be proactive on this issue and conduct the necessary research so that long term environmental and health consequences can be avoided. I know that my family, and many of our friends are already reducing our use of natural gas and other fossil fuels.

    Sincerely,

    Laurie D

20. Dear Ms Enck:

    Thank you for your careful deliberations with regard to the draft sGEIS and the hydraulic fracturing issue. Your vigilance is much much appreciated.

    Yours truly,
    Victoria A

21. Hello again Governor Paterson

    After all the latest voices weighing in (EPA, DEC union, numerous taxpayers, Congressman Hinchey, etc.) I sincerely hope you determine that we need much more time before the hydraulic fracturing starts in earnest in NY State. We have to ensure that it is safe and sustainable for all. We need you to see this, and act for more time, and ensure regulations will truly regulate this industry to the benefit of all.
    There is NO rush.

    Thank you again

    Yours sincerely,
    Victoria A

22. Dear Ms. Enck,

    I had the pleasure of meeting with you last January, as a member of the NY Vapor Intrusion Alliance. We all remain grateful for your work, both for the State of New York and now, for the EPA, in that regard. The intrusion of toxic vapors from TCE, PCE, and many other unwanted chemicals into our homes and public places is a problem and we all need to keep working to resolve it.

    However, the scope of the damage potential from the proposed "hydro-fracking" in the Marcellus Shale is far greater. We are very grateful for your agency's pressure on the DEC to withdraw the proposed dGEIS. We need all the help we can get to push back the many problems that arise from the current assaults on the environment by the drilling companies. Hydro-fracking is several orders of magnitude greater in danger than the more conventional drilling we've seen in this state.

    Thank you VERY much for speaking out and for taking this stand. The water we drink and air we breathe will be cleaner because of you. Thank you!

    Ken D

23. Please urge Governor Paterson to withdraw the draft supplemental GEIS
    on Marcellus Shale Horizontal Hydrofracking. We do not have the safe
    guards in place to protect our water supply from this technology. I
    live in rural upstate NY and drink the water from my well. We have a
    beautiful agricultural and tourist area and now I live in fear that
    this could all be destroyed by Gas drilling companies concerned with
    making money, not protecting the land and water. This gas will keep
    in the ground until the appropriate technology exists to safely drill
    for it.

    I hope you have a safe, healthy and joyful holiday.

    Sincerely,
    Nancy S

24. Dear Judith,

    As a spokes person for the Cameron Committee for a Safe Environment (CCSE) and having dealt with the NY DEC in an ongoing problem with industrial sludge use on farmland I am urging you on behalf of the members of the CCSE to demand withdraw of the dSGEIS (regarding Marcellus shale deep drilling using Hydrofracking) until it addresses the unique problems associated with hydrofracking toxicities as a threat to New York State water quality.

    In specific, the NY DEC currently is in no position, regarding funding or manpower, to properly monitor the explosion of potential well drilling in our state.

    There is a lack of defined ownership by drilling companies of the toxic "Flow-back" water that will have to be held, transported and rendered non-toxic or disposed of in a safe manner.

    Even though the current dSGEIS is woefully flawed, the structure to ensure accountability and thereby placing pressure on drilling companies to be responsible is the greater concern which endangers New Yorkers from our perspective.

    Gas production can be a good thing for our State and its people only if it is done with proper safeguards which are not currently in place. A Gas well is only good for 35 years, where as clean usable water is needed forever.

    Respectfully yours,

    Wayne W.

25. Dear Miss Enck,

    Even though I am no politician or otherwise famous person, I am still imploring you to urge Governor Patterson to withdraw the DSGEIS immediately. I also would like to ask you to consider supporting my request to ban all hydrolick fracturing in New York State and instead put all our energy and tax dollars into implementing and stimulating renewable energy and energy conservation.

    I think that you are fully aware of the arguments against hydrofracking, but just in case that you might not be, here is why I think it should never ever happen:

    1. It is a complete illusion that hydrolick fracturing can be done safely, as becomes more and more clear from accidents in Pennsylvania, Texas, Colorado etc. Information about these accidents can be found on many websites, i.e. toxicstargeting.com, sustainableotsego.org and many more.

    2. The idea that handing the Marcellus Shale over to gas developing companies will pull NY State out of the terrible economic situation it is in, is fiction as it will cost us, the citizens, more money in the form of our taxes to:
    - build and maintain the roads and other infrastructure that the gas companies will need in order to successfully drill for gas.
    - clean the fracking liquid so the water that was poisoned in order to facilitate fracking, will still be dead water but cleaner and therefor can be put back into streams, rivers, lakes, animals and people. Of course this only pertains to the percentage of fracking fluid that can be successfully retrieved after fracking (which may be as much as 70% or as little as 15%, depending on who is to be believed).

    Hydrofracking will also cost a lot of upstate new yorkers their income, as tourists usually don't like to vacation in industrial zones, cows, goats, sheep, chickens and wildlife can't drink poisoned water, cheese makers can't make cheese with poisoned water and produce growers can't grow their vegetables and fruits with it. On top of that trees die from toxic waste water, therefor costing the logging industry their revenue and stopping filtering the air, giving us less buffer against air pollution.

    On top of which the state's income from real estate taxes and school districts from school taxes will plummet because at a certain point we will just not be able to afford paying them any more and because the value of our houses will drop drastically as the one rule of real estate value is: location, location, location and industrial zones don't attract buyers, unless they have no other option, (which means they are poor).
    As you probably know some banks are already refusing to give out mortgages on properties for which a gas lease was signed and for properties close to another property for which a gas lease was signed, therefor making it harder for us to sell our property too.

    Then the people who think and hope that the exploration for "natural" gas will make them rich. Might this indeed happen (and for some it will if the governor pursues his intentions), I personally do not believe these people will stay here to live on a toxic waste site and pay more taxes into the state's empty money chest. It is much more likely that they will take the money and move to a place where there is no drilling going on, with or without selling their property first.

    3. All the "natural" gas that supposedly sits under the Marcellus Shale will not stay in NY State, as most if not all gas companies are from elsewhere in the US or the world.

    4. "Natural" gas is not a transitional energy source to be used until we get our renewables together. It costs a lot of good ol' gasoline to get to that gas, which itself also is not a renewable source of energy. To tell people that "natural" gas is a transitional source of energy is in my opinion just another way of saying that people do not have to conserve energy or focus on renewables. Thus: Business as usual.

    5. As the last administration has made oil and gas companies exempt from the clean air and water act (and as far as I know, this has not been rescinded by the current administration), I take this to mean that even IF the DEC were to rewrite the DSGEIS in order to at least on paper have rules to safe guard our livelihoods, water, air, trees and wildlife, this will not protect us at all because on a federal level these companies have basically been given the right to poison water, air and land, leaving us all "to hold the bag" as the saying goes.

    6. According to the "natural" gas industry's own estimates, at least 30% of all fracking fluid that is to be used, will remain underground. This means that even IF there is never a single spill or other toxic accident in NY State while drilling for natural gas, it can still kill us or make us seriously ill as water underground tends to travel and we have no way of knowing where to and with which spring, well, river, stream or lake the poisonous concoction will mix.

    7. 10 Years ago my husband and I decided to leave NY City and move upstate because of the beautiful pastoral landscape, the clean air and water, and the peace and quiet. Our income by doing so became 150.000 dollars less per year than what we were used to in the city. Therefor I can state that we payed one and a half million dollars for living where we live, the way we live. The pursuit of "natural" gas could change all that......... for ever.

    Please help me to make a case for clean air, clean water, lots of trees, a beautiful landscape, the conservation of energy and the development of renewable energy and the promotion of a sustainable way of living for all.

    Respectfully submitted and wishing you a very happy 2010,

    Renate N

26. Dear Governor Paterson,

    I divide my time between Upstate New York and New York City, and have friends and allegiances in both places. From that perspective, I implore you to please withdraw the current draft supplemental GEIS.

    Upstate New York needs jobs, income, development; downstate needs water, "natural" exurbs and both need to maintain control over corporate projects in cases where interests conflict.

    Gas extraction must be done, but done right, so as to protect the state's waterways, watersheds and water supplies via careful and site-specific permitting, to deter rogue behavior effectively and swiftly and surely punish delinquents. The current sGEIS isn't designed to do that.

    The Northeast is different from the West, and hydrofracing is different from conventional gas well drilling, things the current sGEIS does not reflect. Many issues of permitting and enforcement need to be re-examined, and many safeguards re-designed to reflect our state's tight budget.

    Most importantly, drilling restrictions that benefit New York City at the expense of cash-strapped upstate communities should include compensation, so as to lessen the rift in our state between our rust belt and our money belt.

    Respectfully,

    Lynn P

27. Dear Ms. Enck,

    I write you to request that the EPA urge Governor Paterson to withdraw the
    draft Supplemental GEIS on Marcellus Shale Horizontal Hydrofracking.

    With EPA leadership, Governor Paterson can use this opportunity to position
    New York State as the nation¹s undisputed leader in environmental policy
    making for the 21st century. The reasons to do so are clear. At this time,
    countries throughout the world are suffering disastrous shortages of clean
    water. Some arid states in America, e.g. California and Arizona, are
    experiencing wide ranging economic, political and intrastate problems
    because of the cost and demands for clean water. Although New York State has
    fresh water in abundance, much of it is threatened by unnecessary risk.
    With some patience and courage, New York could become the model for other
    states by developing energy policies that recognize a simple fact: water is
    our most precious natural resource another way, any risk to water sources--including drilling for natural gas
    in the Marcellus Shale energy policy.

    Because states including Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arkansas have
    allowed the gas extraction method of hydraulic fracturing to drill
    horizontally in natural gas shale deposits, there is a wealth of data
    available to New York State. Some states have experienced severe
    environmental impacts; others have not seen the economic boom anticipated by
    the drilling. Costs to communities in terms of road damage, land spoilage,
    water pollution, well contamination, health problems, injuries, and
    destruction of green spaces has been well documented.

    This is the time for the EPA and New York State to lead the nation. The need
    for a sound energy policy that takes the world¹s water crisis into account,
    while at the time implementing strategies to develop renewable energy
    resources, has never been more pressing. The regulations proposed in the
    draft Supplemental GEIS on Marcellus Shale Horizontal Hydrofracking are
    woefully inadequate for the task. Please recommend removal of that document
    and start over to develop an energy policy that protects water, land and
    communities.

    Last year I completed a paper on how media reports of the Marcellus Shale
    developed over 2008, focused on how news stories changed as more and better
    information about environmental consequences became available. Although much
    has happened since the study was completed, I have provided a link to an
    early version of that paper for your information.

    A Study: History of Change in Media Coverage of Gas-Drilling in the
    Marcellus Shale (March 2009)

    https://sites.google.com/site/awarenessfornewyork/

    Sincerely,

    Diane H.

28. Judith, I am a resident and teacher in Ithaca New York. I have been weaving a focus on sustainability and related energy issues into my curriculum for the past decade. At the heart of this endeavor is an effort to help students develop a sense of place and better understand the various ways that they impact their community and world and in turn are impacted by it.

    I see a growing awareness among my students regarding the consumptive nature of our society, and how their choices are driving climate change among other things. As part of this work, I took a year long sabbatic to develop curriculum in this arena. As part of this initiative, I worked on a soon to be national curriculum concerning climate change. Through this effort, I developed relationships with a number of top climate scientists: Jim McCarthy, of Harvard, an IPCC contributor and writer, Bruce Baur of NOAA, and Thomas Boden, group leader for the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC) Environmental Sciences Division of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. From my interactions with these scientists and others, it is clear that our current expenditures on energy resources should be directly oriented toward renewables.

    I understand the differential in CO2 emissions represented by natural gas when compared to coal as a fuel source, and recognize that "gap" strategies have a place in our national energy transition. However, the current initiative concerning Marcellus Shale seems beyond problematic and perhaps completely misguided. The potential costs vs benefits are glaring. While we are clearly relatively "water rich" in this part of the world, water is precious and foresight is clearly necessary. If the energy source under consideration were readily available, it it utilized much less of its potential energy gain in its extraction, and if it did not hold the catastrophic potential that Hydrofracking clearly does to our water resources, then pursuing the interstitial natural gas would make sense as a gap strategy. Given the reality of the situation (according to all that I have read) it, at best, requires extremely thorough pre consideration as only one of the many options available to us as we work to both provide ongoing energy to our society, while transitioning to a more sustainable energy economy.

    Please, please help the EPA convince Governor Paterson to withdraw the draft Supplemental GEIS on Marcellus Shale Hydrofracking. To look back a decade from now on, a situation wherein much of the energy gained through the process of hydrofracking was being spent to remediate a devastated water economy would be inexcusable.

    Sincerely, Dan F

29. Dear Ms. Enck,
    I am writing to ask that you urge Governor Patterson to withdrawal the draft Supplemental GEIS on Marcellus Shale (and other tight shale formations). I have read the entire document and it is simply inadequate at too many levels for mere editing to fix. In fact, the 1992 regulations, upon which the supplemental statement is based, are also fatally flawed. In 1994, STRONGER, Inc. (a private/public partnership) spent days meeting with the DEC and then more time adopting a litany of suggested (industry approved) changes. The DEC never adopted a single measure. (Perhaps primarily because gas drilling was on a steady decline and it did not appear a worthwhile project.) Much has changed since 1994, so even simply adopting those suggestions would currently be insufficient. At a minimum, STRONGER should be invited back to make a comprehensive set of changes to the original GEIS and the additional regulations needed for tight shale formations. And the EPA should conduct a serious study of hydrofrac’ing ­ not one subject to rewriting by industry. Perhaps it will turn out that tight shale formations require site specific review and are not adequate addressed in a generic format. In any event, the theory that the supplement is an acceptable route to address unconventional gas drilling is wrong. Environmental disasters surely await New York if drilling proceeds under the proposed regime. Please step in and help save our water, our air and our land.
    Thank you for your consideration,
    Helen S
30. Dear Governor Patterson,

    Evidence is mounting from experience in Pennsylvania with the hydrofracturing drilling, that Pennsylvania (and we believe New York) are ill-prepared to deal with the onslaught of drilling in the Marcellus Shale. The environmental disaster that is unfolding in Pennsylvania could also happen in New York State if drilling is permitted under the guidelines set forth in the draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (dSGEIS) that the DEC has issued for comments on October 1, 2009. In a separate letter to the DEC, we along with others have provided constructive criticism of that document and the process that is proposed to insure that the drilling and energy companies carry out this exploration in an environmentally responsible manner. Governor Patterson, the basic issue, however, it that the DEC document is woefully inadequate and does not address the regulatory details with sufficient controls to insure that our environment will not be destroyed in the process of this exploitation. This flawed process proposal combined with the meager staff of the DEC (which was judged by a recent Cornell University study to be woefully inadequate) is a formula for environmental disaster perhaps even worse than is being experienced in Pennsylvania. The December 2009 issue of the Chesepeake Bay Journal documents some of the problems currently being experienced in that state (http://www.bayjournal.com/).

    Governor Patterson, we urge you to direct the NYSDEC to withdraw the dSGEIS document and appoint an advisory committee to the DEC with the appropriate expertise to help guide the development of a set of environmentally responsible regulatory guidelines and process for managing the exploitation of the Marcellus Shale in New York State for its natural gas. The consequences of this exploitation are huge for the environmental and business future of New York State. Do not allow the present process to go forward and jeopardize our state's environmental future for the sake of getting at this natural gas a year or two early.

    You are in a position to insure that this effort is carried out in an environmentally responsible manner. Have the dSGEIS redone!

    Edwin and Roberta P

31. Dear Judith Enck,
    Please vote down the dGEIS guidelines for hydro-fracking in the Southern Tier/Finger lakes region of NY state.

    Hydro-fracking in this area would be a catastrophe for the environment, water, scenic beauty, economy, and quality of life for those living in this region. NYC has the powerful people to avert a similar calamity for their Catskill watershed, why is ours any less imperative?

    One fifth of the world's fresh water goes over Niagara Falls originating in the Finger Lakes. That water in its current uncontaminated state is more valuable than any millions or billions of dollars of oil in our shale. Only local landowners who are slated to gain financially are in favor of this corporate predation. And it is the Texas and Oklahoma oil and gas companies who will make the vast bulk of the profits for their own private gain, leaving the public, the state, the taxpayer, and a raped mother nature to clean up the disaster they will leave behind.

    Private profit, public debt--that has become the American way, to its obvious impending ruination.

    The Finger Lakes region is so progressive and environmentally aware, that to allow the big moneyed corporations to destroy our lives and region in the false pretense of giving the country "cleaner" gas energy is a travesty and a tragedy. It is your job to protect the environment of the state of New York, not to facilitate the rape and pillage and profiteering of big companies--that is corruption, anti-democratic and corporate fascism.

    It is only the lure of big money that makes anyone consider fracking at all. Remember, the love of money is the root of all evil. It is a short sighted, Faustian bargain to exchange the long term health of our state for quick profits for outsiders that bring utter ruination.

    The state is in such bad financial conditions because Republicans deregulated the financial system. To force us to deregulate the environmental standards out of desperation > to recoop money is adding a second wrong to the original one. It is a foolish and dangerous proposition that will only bankrupt NY state further.

    The federal EPA has just voted to toughen the standards for carbon dioxide emissions--fracking would dramatically increase the amount of carbon dioxide and smog generated in our region; therefore, on that basis alone hydrofracking in New York should be illegal. One only has to drive south into Pennsylvania and the other republican controlled states to see first hand how their lax environmental laws have given them a more degraded and uglier environment. I so love the beauty and cleanness of New York. Remember Costa Rica and how it is profiting economically over its neighbors by preserving its natural resources.

    If hydrofracking is allowed in the Finger Lakes region, it will hurt the drawing power of the best and brightest to our local universities, progressive farmers, and creative visionaries who have moved here to invest in a sustainable future. The region will be left with only the poorest people who cannot afford to move, and the vitality, livability, and beauty of our region will be permanently damaged. We don't want an ugly, polluted and industrial wasteland to replace our beauteous region. I was planning to buy rural land to preserve it; I have no interest now with the prospect of being surrounded by horrific wells, noise, and pollution. We have spent a lot of money in the New York economy since moving here; we will leave if our area is destroyed.

    If fracking is allowed to happen I will have nothing but contempt and cynicism for the democratic party and the government of this state and country. You will be on your way to bringing about fascism of the corporations if you conform to their self-intererst. Don't delude yourself that you are doing the green thing to permit fracking for natural gas in our state. YOU WILL BE CRIMINALLY DESTROYING THE PUBLIC WEALTH OF NEW YORKERS AND MOTHER NATURE IF YOU PERMIT FRACKING IN OUR STATE. I will never again vote for any of the current elected officials if this goes through.

    Sincerely,

    Ellen Lane, Ithaca, NY

32. Hello, Ms. Enck,

    I'm a resident of the Mid-Hudson Valley in New York. I have a well. It may or may not be impacted by fracking for natural gas, but I'm not just concerned about myself. I'm concerned about all of our drinking water, for the local residents and for 9 million people in Manhattan.

    We have a bridge up here we can no longer use. It used to be a very convenient shortcut across the Ashokan Reservoir. Since 9-11 it's been blocked off, eight years now. It's an inconvenience, but we recognize the importance of the reservoir to the security of our state and nation. Safe drinking water is essential. If a terrorist poisoned that water, the consequences would be devastating to us here and to all the people of New York City.

    So now I wonder, why have the New York state police authorities even bothered closing this bridge and protecting this reservoir for these last eight years if commercial natural gas drilling companies can do what terrorists have not been allowed to do? Is the water any less poisoned if US companies make money by drilling and selling natural gas, and the destruction of the watershed is a side effect, rather than the actual purpose of their activities?

    If unregulated drilling goes forward, NY City will have to spend billions on filtration facilities. Which may not even work. But all our work up here, installing rain gardens, planting trees along the tributaries, all these small, local, heartfelt efforts to keep this water pure for our downstate neighbors, will be just swept away. And these companies will profit while we, the public, bear the expense of building the filtration plants which would not have been necessary if this watershed remained protected.

    But who will protect our water up here? Who will clean up the poisoned ocean, where most of these chemicals will end up? Who will bring back the birds and animals, who will cure us and our children from the cancer these substances cause? Who will turn the clock back and sequester the carbon dioxide that burning the gas will release. Why do we have to go through this, for the sake of a few companies making money for the moment?

    This is a disaster, a complete disaster in the making. Much of our area up here was destroyed to create this reservoir to provide safe drinking water for NY city. Now, the latest bubble in energy harvesting is ready to overtake that enormous sacrifice and condemn both us in the MidHudson region and the city itself to sickness, financial ruin, contamination and environmental destruction.

    Ms. Enck, I turn to you to and ask that you insist on the strictest regulation or outright prevention of any drilling activities. We are not allowed to swim in the Ashokan Reservoir. Our ordinary human bodies are not clean enough. Why then is the leaching of toxic chemicals into it, even thinkable?

    Sincerely,

    Judith K

33. Dear Ms. Enck:

    I am requesting that EPA urge Governor Paterson to withdraw the draft
    Supplemental GEIS on Marcellus Shale Horizontal Hydrofracking.

    The city has spent about $1.5 billion to protect the water supply
    since 1997 and says it would cost at least $10 billion to build a
    filtration plant if the water supply were to become contaminated.

    Frank M

34. Dear Ms. Enck,

    Please urge Governor Paterson to withdraw the dSGEIS. This
    document is woefully inadequate. Under these guidelines
    Marcellus Shale drilling would pose serious threats to our
    public health, the environment and natural resources.

    Drilling in the NYC watershed is too risky but so is
    drilling in ANY city's watershed. The people of Upstate New
    York are just as important as the people of New York City.

    The gas is "in the shale bank". More time needs to be
    devoted to drawing up strict and protective guidelines
    before we allow gas companies to extract gas. The long term
    ill effects from hydro-fracking could be irreparable and
    VERY costly to public health, the environment and to our
    precious natural resources.

    Thank you,

    Steve A

35. Ms. Enck,

    I am a resident of Ithaca, NY where I have been doing much research on the plans to extract "natural" gas on NY state's Marcellus Shale. I have a Master's degree from New York University and have read enough to know currently the DEC's dSGEIS is fatally flawed.

    The DEC's guidelines need to be withdrawn by Governor Paterson and the DEC must start again. Please, I am asking for your support to urge the Governor to withdraw the dSGEIS.

    The gas is "in the bank". The people of New York state need more time. The long term ill effects from hydro-fracking could be irreparable and VERY costly to public health, the environment and to our precious natural resources.

    Thank you,

    Terezka K

36. The Bush admin had a too cozy relationship with the fossil fuel industry. under the bush admin, many events transpired that were uncomfortable at best, not the least of which was the "war in iraq". Some people think the "war in iraq" had far too many benefits for the US fossil fuel industry.

    The EPA, with this Bush admin in power, had declared "fracking" to be healthy. The suggestion has been made the research that lead to this determination, drew a preponderance of the data from the fossil fuel industry that would ultimately profit by the declaration that "fracking" is healthy.

    Because this EPA finding was made while the bush admin/fossil fuel industry was in power,some of the people who are in the cross-hairs of the fossil fuel industry onslaught into the marcellus shale, with the expected use of the "fracking" technology, feel fear that the science that stated "fracking" is healthy, may be flawed.

    Upstate NY now has relatively clean and abundant water. The notion of allowing unknown chemicals to be forced throughout our region for the profit of this same fossil fuel industry and without consideration of the possible resulting pollution, is horrifying.

    We are pleased to hear that Mayor Bloomberg of NYC is sufficiently concerned for the welfare of people, that he is asking Goverrnor Paterson to withdrawn the draft supplemental SGIF, and in particular for the disallowance of "fracking" and gas drilling in the Catskill watershed.

    You can imagine the added consternation of the people who do not live in the Catskill watershed, but are still under attack by the flawed findings of the EPA and the manic profit motive of the fossil fuel industry, must feel.

    We wonder why we are to be sacrificed to the wishes of misguided EPA findings under the influence of the bush admin/fossil fuel industry, and the lack of concern to rectify this issue.

    I request the EPA suggest a greater research of this frightening process called "fracking". The radon in our shale must be of concern.

    The only reason more care will not be suggested to Governor Paterson, would be a lack of concern for the health and well-being of the average resident of the Southern Tier.

    I am hesitant to bring up this subject, but if the safety of the residents of NYC is important, and the safety of the residents of the Southern Tier is ignored, how is this different from genocide?

    I request the EPA to stand on the side of safety for the people of Upstate NY.

    Thank you for your consideration.

    Jean H

37. Dear Judith Enck,
    (EPA Region 2 Administrator)

    I implore you to urge NY Governor David Paterson to withdraw the draft Supplemental sGEIS on Marcellus Shale Horizontal Hydrofracking. I have learned that the waste water from proposed hydrofracking of Marcellus and Utica Shale is laced with many toxic chemicals including potentially lethal levels of radium that has a half-life of some 1600 years. New York State does not now have a safe way to dispose of this hazardous waste water. In addition, this horizontal drilling method risks damaging infrastructure and contaminating private and public wells and public drinking water.

    A Pittsburgh PA resident Kay Johnson (Nov 11, 2009) warns: “…For the second year, record dissolved solids were found in the Mon River and in our drinking water due to frack waste. But it is the stuff you can't taste - the "Monsanto trade secret" chemicals in the waste… Fight hard, New-Yorkers because the Pennsylvanians, Marylanders, and West Virginians have let these drillers roll right over them…”

    These issues need to be examined before licensing any gas exploration in New York.

    Thank you.

    Best regards and success,

    John J

38. Dear Ms. Enck,

    I was heartened to learn yesterday of New York City's statement urging withdrawal of the DEC's SGEIS because of its obvious inadequacies. I also feel that if gas drilling is unsafe in the NYC watershed, it should be banned throughout New York State. All citizens of the state deserve equal protection under the law.

    After the SGEIS was issued, I did manage to read most of the 800 page document and was astonished at its failure to institute any meaningful regulation of the hydrofracturing and horizontal drilling being proposed for New York State. It seemed to rely heavily on information provided by the gas industry itself; not a reassuring thought.

    I own a 167 farm in Delaware County, I pay taxes, I vote, and I am praying every day that Governor Paterson comes to his senses, listens to the thousands of New Yorkers who are gravely concerned about this, and realizes that gas drilling of the kind being proposed is one of the worst things that could happen to upstate New York. No amount of gas money will be able to buy back our water, air, or soil if the gas companies are allowed to come to our beautiful state and operate the way they have done in Pennsylvania, Texas, Wyoming, Colorado, etc. We cannot allow this to happen here.

    Please, please do everything in your power to urge the Governor to withdraw the current SGEIS and to institute a moratorium on any permitting in New York State until much more rigorous study can be done of the issues involved.

    Thank you for your time and consideration.

    Sincerely,

    Heidi G

39. Dear Ms. Enck,

    I am writing to ask that you urgently request Governor David Paterson of New York to withdraw the state's draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement on the topic of hydrofracturing as used to extract methane gas from the Marcellus Shale formation.

    When a new drug is approved by the FDA, the process of approval requires that the drug be demonstrated as far as possible to be safe. Hydrofracturing chemicals that have the potential to irreversibly pollute drinking water supplies should be subject to a similar standard - they should be shown to be safe before use, not regulated only after they have been proven to be dangerous.

    The dSGEIS utterly fails to meet such a standard. It provides for self-monitoring by energy companies and for inspections by a virtually non-existent inspectorate. It does not address cumulative water and air pollution or the health impacts that are sure to arise from the potentially large number and high density of drilling operations. It fails to adequately review or respond to known incidents of pollution by the industry in New York and many other states.

    The only way to avoid environmental and social catastrophe in New York state is to begin the regulatory process again from scratch with thorough research and the protection of citizens as the overriding goal. It is essential that no drilling permits are issued until such a review has been completed and the appropriate regulations and inspectors are in place. Protecting the water supply of New York city is not sufficient - many millions of people live in the remainder of the state, and its waters run into the Great Lakes, the Delaware, and the Chesapeake.

    Beyond our concerns here in New York state, I urge that the Environmental Protection Agency consider strict Federal regulation of hydrofracturing as a high priority, before enormous harm is done to the nation as a whole.

    Thank you for your attention and for your service.

    Sincerely,

    Ben A

40. Dear Ms. Enck,

    I am writing to urge you in your capacity as EPA Region 2 Administrator to immediately request that Governor Paterson withdraw the NYS DEC's draft SGEIS on gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale. I am frankly astonished that EPA has not already taken such a position, given the complete lack of any realistic plan in the document (among many other flaws ) for treatment or disposal of the hundreds of millions of gallons of toxic wastewater that will be generated by hydrofracking, even in the absence of accidents or unintended pollution events. As I am sure you are well aware of the many unresolved issues raised by the inadequacies of the proposed regulations, I will not enumerate them here.

    Respectfully,

    --Russell C

41. Dear Ms. Enck,

    Because the holiday season is a time generally reserved for taking stock in one's life, family and future, we are taking the time to write to you now because gas drilling in the region, county, and town we live in is a vitally important issue to us, our family, our friends, and all of us who believe in a healthy sustainable future. Before we continue please allow us to wish you and your family a joyous and safe holiday season and best wishes for a prosperous new year. Second, let us state unequivocally that we understand the dire financial situation the State of New York is in and that we are people who believe in and welcome economic development in our community. But as you well know, all development comes at a cost to quality of life, both short and long term. We are well aware of the many, many issues involved with gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale Play and are writing today to urge you to consider the following items listed below.

    · It is critically important to protect the State's drinking water supplies and other irreplaceable resources that are essential to public health protection and the state's long-term economic prosperity.
    · The use of hydraulic fracturing has led to known or suspected contamination in water supplies across the country, including right next door in Pennsylvania.
    · The DEC is woefully understaffed to cope with existing natural gas drilling problems. Only 17 staff are available to regulate nearly 7,000 existing natural gas wells. New gas drilling permits must not be issued until the SGEIS solves this problem.
    · Please urge Governor Paterson to withdraw the draft Supplemental GEIS on Marcellus Shale Horizontal Hydrofracking and convene a panel of experts on water quality to analyze proposals for hydraulic fracturing in New York State and assess the potential impacts of such activities on water resources in New York, utilizing the precautionary principle as the foundation for its analysis.
    · Please work with the NYSDEC to develop a new draft environmental impact statement that contains all appropriate and legally required analyses and also work to propose a comprehensive rule-making package that would accompany the new draft and that would be designed to fully insure the protection of the state's most valuable water and other natural resources.
    · We firmly believe that it would be an error of historic proportions if the New York State were to push through an industrial hydraulic fracturing gas drilling plan in anything like its present form.

    Your thoughtful, prudent, and wise leadership in your role at EPA is needed to facilitate, an honest and open discussion about the past, present and future of hydraulic fracturing in not only the New York City watershed, but the Delaware River watershed and all of New York State.

    Thank you for considering our remarks.

    With kind regards,

    Jonathan H and Gail R

42. Dear Mr. Lamb:

    Thanks very much for your response to my request for Rep. Hinchey to sign onto the call to Governor Paterson to withdraw the draft SGEIS.

    While I'm glad to hear of the various other steps Rep. Hinchey has taken on this issue, I am confused that it's not an easy decision for him to sign onto the widely-supported statement. I reiterate my request for him to do so.

    Sincerely,

    Andy M

43. Dan,

    Granted all the wonderful work that Mr. Hinchey appears to be taking on behalf of our state and his constituents to safeguard our greatest resources, water, I don't understand why, given, as you yourself write, that the petition "complements" Mr. Hinchey's work, he won't sign it. What possible reason prevents him from adding his title and position as our representative to this grass roots letter? If Mr Hinchey truly believes the dsGEIS needs further scrutiny why won't he sign the letter to Paterson with us? His not signing it calls into question his own political statements. Presenting the FRAC Act is all well and good, writing to Pete Grannis seems fairly dedicated, but ignoring this avenue, this "complementary" avenue certainly sends a different message to us, his constituents. The coalition letter tells Gov Paterson to reject the dsGEIS as it is written. What part of that statement does Mr. Hinchey not agree with?

    I appeal to you to convince Mr. Hinchey to sign the letter before the 31st. www.toxicstargeting.com

    A baffled citizen of New York,
    Fran L

44. Dear Ms Enck,

    Please do all in your power to urge Governor Paterson to withdraw the draft
    Supplemental GEIS on Marcellus Shale Horizontal Hydrofracking in New York State.

    We have very closely read this document as well as the existing drilling regulations
    and find both to be much less than adequate. We suggest that the Governor and DEC
    staff totally rewrite drilling regulations for NY. Such a draft must contain
    positive regulatory verbiage and not the permissive language found in the existing
    documents. The government, the drilling industry and the public must be able to
    easily refer to this new document for exacting and comprehensive regulations, not
    suggestions which are subject to obfuscation.

    Thank you for the EPA's immediate attention and your time. Time is certainly short
    but NY must become the model of regulation not the killing ground that we fear will
    result from current documents.

    Thank you,

    John and Sue

45. Hello,
    Please support the withdrawal of the draft Supplemental GEIS on Marcellus Shale Horizontal Hydrofracking until a much stronger version can be drafted.

    The gas is not going anywhere. It can wait until we have determined a safe way to extract it that does not put our water supply at risk for decades to come.
    The EPA and NYS DEC exist precisely because we tend to have a "gold rush" mentality when money is to be made by exploiting natural resources.
    Isn't it your responsibility to act as the conscience of society in exercising some wise restraint in times like this?

    Thanks
    Joseph N

46. Dear Ms. Enck:

    I hope you will use your influence to get Gov. Paterson to withdraw the woefully inadequate draft Supplemental GEIS on Marcellus Shale hydrofracking. The New York City DEP statement strongly suggests that there should be no hydrofracking at all in sensitive watersheds but that in any case the current draft does not adequately address the issues. We here in the Finger Lakes are deeply concerned about our watersheds and about our environment in general and I do not think that the State DEC has given our environment into adequate consideration.

    Sincerely yours,
    Donald M

47. Judith,
    I hope you remember me from my days in the NYS Assembly.

    First of all, congratulations on your elevation to your current
    position at EPA. I was thrilled to learn of your appointment and wish
    all the very best as you tackle the enormous environmental issues that
    confront us.

    Of course, one of those issues is the matter of natural gas
    exploration and extraction in the Marcellus Shale area. I live in
    Tompkins County, NY, one of the target areas for drilling and I have
    been among the more than 8,000 residents of this region and dozens of
    elected officials who have called upon Governor Paterson to withdraw
    the draft SGEIS with which you are very familiar.

    With the recent announcement of New York City's vehement opposition to
    drilling in the NYC watershed, the strong statement in opposition to
    the dSGEIS by Congressman Hinchey, the call for withdrawal by
    Congressman Massa and, most importantly, your own agency's intention
    to undertake a thorough and scientific examination of hydro-fracking,
    I implore you to urge Governor Paterson to withdraw the dGEIS.

    More than ample evidence has been uncovered to raise the most
    serious questions about the environmental effects of large scale hydro-
    fracking. In its statement calling for withdrawal of the dSGEIS, the
    City of New York has characterized the situation as one of
    "unacceptable risks." Until the EPA completes its investigation and
    until regulations can be drafted that will fully protect our land,
    water, air and the health of those of us who live in the targeted
    areas or who depend upon water and other resources found here, it is
    imperative the the Federal Government assume a very active role and
    vigorously oppose state action that may well endanger our health and
    which will clearly diminish the quality of our lives.

    Thank you for your consideration of these comments.

    Again, best wishes for a successful tenure at EPA.

    Sincerely,
    Marty L

48. Dear Ms. Enck,

    Please urge New York Governor Paterson to withdraw the draft Supplemental GEIS on Marcellus Shale Horizontal Hydrofracking. In my opinion, it is woefully inadequate to protect our water and environment.

    Thank you,

    Martin J

49. Judith, I am writing to you to urge you to ask David Patterson the governor of New York, to withdraw the draft supplemental geis. If hydrofracking the marcellus shale in New York was to occur, we would have all of the problems that other states are having with this so called technology. I am not relying on just what other people have said has happened to them, I am relying on experience. Our home in south Alabama, was impacted by gas development. I urged epa region 4 to do something to help us, but was denied help, and told there was not any problem, and that oil and gas was exempt from regulation by the epa. You have the opportunity to stop this crap from happening here, and God help you if you do not do so. Have you ever had a drink of contaminated water, and did not know it was contaminated? The epa needs to ban hydrofracking, and make the oil and gas companies accountable for their actions. We are told that we live in a free country, but if the oil and gas companies move in here with there hydrofracking, then we go from living in a free country, to living in a third world country. Please ask governor Patterson to withdraw this, and please push for a ban on hydrofracking nationwide.

    Merry Christmas,

    Thomas M

50. Ms. Enck,

    I'm writing to encourage you and Governor Paterson to withdraw the draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (dSGEIS) for Marcellus Shale Horizontal Drilling and Hydrofracking.

    We currently rely on California and the southwest to provide much of our produce. However California's water tables are being depleted at an alarming rate (see attached). We need to protect our groundwater now more than ever as we will need to grow more of our own food here in New York in the future than we do today.

    Thank you for your consideration.

    Regards,

    George F

51. Dear Ms. Enck,

    As a residents of Deposit, New York, we implore you to urge Governor Paterson to WITHDRAW THE DRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL GEIS ON MARCELLUS SHALE HYDROFRACKING.

    We understand very well the desire of our fellow New Yorkers to make some much-needed money from leasing their land for this drilling, but the fact is that the risks far outweigh the rewards in this situation.

    Our area provides the clean and UNFILTERED drinking water for over 9 million people. What would happen if that water supply became polluted? We love our region for its magnificent natural beauty - the Catskills are a treasure. What would happen if this entire region became despoiled forever because of this dangerous and destructive drilling?

    As the 21st Century progresses, we have alternative means to access the energy we need. All we need is the will to go forward with solar, wind energy, and other renewable energy alternatives to fossil fuels.

    We do not need to pollute the water supply for 9 million people nor do we need to destroy an area of incomparable natural beauty just so the oil and gas industry can continue making billions of dollars while raping the countryside.

    Thank you for considering the dire consequences to hydrofracking in the Marcellus Shale.

    Melissa and Susan B

52. Dear Ms Enck-
    As a long time resident of New York State (several areas, most recently upstate), I urge you to convince Governor Patterson to withdraw the draft supplemental GEIS for drilling the Marcellus Shale. We are not against drilling per se, but we are vehemently opposed to the new methods of hydro-fracturing that the gas companies wish to use in our area. As noted below, there are too many unresolved and dangerous issues to allow drilling at this time.

    The Finger Lakes region is special because of all of its magnificent water features, from lakes to small ponds, and is an area of largely rural communities who depend on well water. For all of these reasons, hydro-fracture drilling in the Marcellus Shale is a disaster waiting to happen. Below I include some other, more "official", but no less important facts. Thank you for your attention to this VITAL matter.

    1) Governor Paterson must immediately withdraw the draft Supplemental GEIS because it is utterly inadequate to safeguard New York's environment and public health.

    2) The Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) own spill reports document that existing regulations have ****failed to prevent or to require the clean up**** of hundreds of natural gas and oil drilling problems involving fires, explosions, polluted drinking water wells, home evacuations and massive drilling wastewater releases. DEC must not issue new gas drilling permits until those regulatory concerns have been fully resolved. That is why the Supplemental GEIS review must be restarted.

    3) The draft SGEIS ****totally fails to propose a safe method of managing natural gas drilling wastewater and hydrofracking fluid****. It simply leaves that task to localities. WRONG!!! IT IS NOT OUR PROBLEM, BUT THAT OF THE GAS COMPANIES, AND THEY HAVE NO SOLUTIONS! Improper management of natural gas drilling wastewater has already caused massive toxic pollution impacts. The SGEIS must solve this disposal problem before new natural gas drilling permits are issued.

    4) DEC is woefully understaffed to cope with existing natural gas drilling problems. Only 17 staff are available to regulate nearly 7,000 existing natural gas wells. New gas drilling permits must not be issued until the SGEIS solves this problem.

    5) The SGEIS fails to address critical issues associated with strict clean up liability, natural gas spill reporting, private right of legal action, insurance coverage and unfunded local government mandates. All those concerns must be addressed ****PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF NEW DRILLING PERMITS*****.

    Sincerely,
    Ms. K

53. Dear Judith,

    In order to protect New York State from the dangerous long-term health and economic impacts of allowing horizontal drilling and hdro-fracking of tight shale and tight sandstone formations to go forward in New York, please support the call on the Governor from NYC, many federal and state legislators and thousands of New Yorkers, to withdraw the grossly inadequate dSGEIS.

    Thank you and Merry Christmas!

    Rachel T

54. Dear Ms. Enck,
    I am writing to request that you urge Governor Paterson to withdraw the draft Supplemental GEIS on Marcellus Shale Horizontal Hydrofracking as it does not protect the land, water, air and people of NY State from the dangers of this drilling.

    Sincerely,
    Carrie C

55. Dear Govenor Patterson,

    I am writing to urge you to protect our New Yorkers' clean drinking water. Nothing is more important that maintaining the purity of our water. Don't let your legacy be one of environmental destruction and contaminated water. Please stop the Marcellus shale hydrofracking plan.

    Thank you,

    Sage

56. Hi Judith-

    Hopefully you've been inundated recently with emails about the dSGEIS, and you are taking the time to read them and consider the concerns being raised. Obviously, this is a very contentious issue and there are strong arguments coming in from both sides of the debate. Certainly, I can understand the benefits gas drilling might have on the local economy and the domestic energy supplies, and those are important factors to weigh. However, with the health of our environment potentially at stake, I think we need to err on the side of caution and take the time to be certain that we are not destroying our habitat in a rush to access what is ultimately a limited and short-term supply of energy.

    Please, please speak with Governor Patterson and urge him to withdraw the dGSEIS. I'm sure you have already heard all the reasons that this document is insufficient to safeguard the environment and properly regulate the gas-drilling, so I am not going to go into that. I am merely going to remind you that the environment is the most important thing we have, and if we don't start making the hard decisions required to protect it, we are all going be to screwed. And our children, and grand-children will be really screwed. However important some might think that gas is, it cannot possibly be more important than clean water to drink and fertile soil in which to grow our foods. We cannot be so selfish and short-sighted as to make decisions without considering their long-term impact, so let's please take the time to do this right.

    thank you
    Alex C

57. Dear Ms. Enck,
    I'm writing to ask the EPA to urge Governor Paterson to withdraw the draft SGEIS concerning horizontal hydrofracking in the Marcellus Shale. The health of New Yorkers and the environment of our beautiful state are at stake.
    Thank you.

    Sincerely,
    Nancy P

58. As an emeritus member of the American Institute of Biological Sciences
    (AIBS), I ask you to request withdrawal of the massively inadequate
    Marcellus Shale draft SGEIS. That such a document has been submitted
    is a scandal.

    Gerrit C