Michaela Monohan
4/18/12
4/18/12
On
February 21, the second of three public information sessions were held at
the Senior Community Center, located at 524 East Main Street in the city of
Little Falls, to discuss the positive aspects of hydrofracking. Hydrofracking is the technological method of
drilling horizontally, deep into the earth’s surface, to extract water or natural
gas. Bruce Przybyl, a
geologist, for the New York State Unconventional Gas Service and Project Manger
of URS Corporation, led the session on Tuesday night.
In
order to drill, you need Marcellus shale and Utica shale to properly extract
natural gases. According to Przybyl, the
Marcellus shale seems to be absent in this area, but there is still a
possibility to hyrdrofrack. According to Przybyl, there are many benefits to drill.
“Many can benefit from allowing hydrofracking, such
as the gas companies, truckers, agricultural communities, farmers, engineers,
hotels, restaurants, property owners, and municipalities. If hydrofracking comes to the city of Little
Falls, then gas prices will be lowered, electricity will go down and taxes will
be lowered,” stated Przybyl.
When
hydrofracking, there is a release of harmful radiation. Questions arose in
concern of this, which Przybyl addressed.
“Low levels of radiation is a natural occurring thing. We will find out the level of radiation and
how it is dispersed.”
Water
contamination is also a huge concern amongst the residents of Little Falls, who
voiced their worries at this meeting. Przybyl
was quick to respond. “If there is a problem, the problem will be fixed.”
Throughout
the presentation, individual’s kept referring to the terrible and tragic events,
which unfolded in Pennsylvania when hydrofracking disrupted their environment,
killed a number of species and contaminated large amounts of drinking
water. Przybyl reassured, “We have
learned from past mistakes, we will monitor spills and preventive plans will be
put into place and practiced.”
On
February 27, the last meeting will take place at
Little Falls City Hall, to discuss the moratorium. No
questions are allowed, only statements from the public can
be given.
Little Falls City Hall, to discuss the moratorium. No
questions are allowed, only statements from the public can
be given.
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