a resident of the Finger Lakes region

Dear Ms. Enck and Mr. Martens,
I am a resident of the Finger Lakes region, where there is proposed horizontal hydrofracturing for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale, both in my area and in other areas of New York State.
As a member of the clergy, I feel called to act on the Jewish injunction of "Bal tashchit" - do not destroy. Other states have already experienced negative environmental impacts, and we have a chance to learn from past mistakes and do things differently here in New York State.

I am very concerned about the draft SGEIS which is woefully inadequate and fails to address many concerns.
I urge you to work to rectify this so that all possible environmental impacts are fully taken into account and strong regulations and enforcement will be in place to prevent negative impacts throughout the state. I know there has been an attempt to prioritize protection of the NYC watershed, but those of us in other watersheds are equally deserving of protection.

As you are aware, I am one of many NYS residents who feel that the draft SGEIS is inadequate. Our concerns need to be heard and the scope of the draft SGEIS needs to be expanded so that these concerns can be included and fully addressed. The management of gas drilling wastewater is of particular concern. Local municipalities should not be burdened with potential impacts on water supplies, wastewater treatment, storage or any other natural or community resources. Requiring individual EIS reviews for all horizontal hydrofracking permits could help to keep such burdens where they belong - with the drilling industry.

Public input is essential. Any changes or revisions to the draft SGEIS should include citizen input in the form of well-publicized public comment periods. Committees for citizens and technical advisors who have no possible conflicts of interest should also be formed, and the process kept as transparent as possible so that all citizens can be well-informed and make their wishes and concerns known. That said, since there are those who are anxious that drilling can begin so they can benefit financially, it is important to prioritize the threat of negative long-term environmental impacts over short-term profit by the energy industry and private landowners.

I will be following your actions on this issue and hope that you will continue to work for the public good.

Sincerely,
Cantor A