Hancock Gas Lease

Environmental concerns, and water in particular, seem to be the hot topics this week. And in all probability that will be a recurring theme.

Leases, money, and public meetings

• Sullivan County tallies 6 recorded leases so far. Article here
• State DEC bows out of Wednesday Oneonta meeting. Article here
• Town of Highland leads the way in preparing for gas drilling challenges. Article here
• A well in PA was recently fracked; pictures look interesting. Article here, jump straight to photos here
• Compulsory Integration may force landowners to allow drilling against their will. Article here
• Additional taxes on landowners allowing drilling are proposed. Article here

The environment and water concerns

• Johnson City agrees to sell water for gas drilling. Article here
• What should be done with contaminated water from the process? Article here
• One town agrees to treat waste water in its municipal facilities; others may follow. Article here
• State outlines plans for a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) to prepare for drilling permitting process. Article here

It’s been a busy week, a whole lot has transpired in the last 7 days. Let’s take a quick look back at what we’ve reported:

Landowner groups, leases, and meetings

• $21.6 Million to be contracted with 400 landowners in Deposit area. Article here
• Broome County landowner groups open for new members and meetings scheduled. Article here
• And an educational meeting is planned for August 6th in Oneonta. Article here

Williams making offers in Hancock area

• Initial announcement here
• First impressions comparing Chesapeake and Williams are discussed here. I thought the Williams reps were better to deal with, and the initial offer seems better.

Gas companies struggle over water needs

• A consortium of gas companies is created to work out the best solutions for the problems posed by the need for vast quantities of water, and to manage the waste products at the end of the process. Article here
• The Village of Cooperstown rejects and offer to purchase water from their supply, for use in drilling operations. Article here
• A “watchdog group” publishes a report identifying potential risks to the environment, and water in particular, but the report appears to be largely propaganda and emphasizes the NYC water supply above local needs. Article here

Horizontal drilling bill

• The Governor finally signed the bill to recognize horizontal drilling. Article here
• …but only after dragging his feet, waiting until the last minute.
• In the end, the bill is signed but accompanied with an executive order to the DEC to evaluate the environmental impact, probably delaying any permitting until next spring. Article here
• So the DEC is planning public hearings, as well as soliciting other stakeholders, to follow the order. Article here