Gas drilling just another risk we take
Regarding Teresa Winchester's letter in which she criticizes Marie Lusins' statement, "There never has been one instance in New York of fracking fluid contaminating someone's water," Winchester claims, "This is indeed true because fracking is not yet permitted in New York State."
"Fracking" is permitted in New York, as evidenced from state DEC Commissioner Grannis' Oct. 15, 2008, testimony given at a state Assembly hearing on oil and gas drilling.
The commissioner stated, "Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling are not new processes; they have been used in New York for quite some time. In 1992, however, the typical frack job used less than 100,000 gallons of water, and accordingly, the GEIS addresses impacts associated with that level of water use."
Grannis noted, "Today, there are approximately 13,000 active oil and gas wells in New York State. Many of these used hydrofracking, and a number of these are horizontal or directional wells."
Granted there are risks involved with drilling and hydrofracking.
Surface fracking fluid spills, such as happened in Dimock, Pa., are real possibilities.
Well casing defects and/or damage could lead to methane contamination of drinking water supplies.
But are the potential human health/ecological injuries any worse then the thousands of gasoline and fuel oil spills occurring yearly in New York? During fiscal year 1999-2000, the DEC reported oil spills at more than 3,500 private homes, 1,000 gasoline stations and 1,200 other businesses. A 1998 the DEC survey found 800 private wells contaminated with gasoline, and 47 public water supplies were found to be contaminated with the gasoline additive Methyl tert-butyl ether MTBE, according to www.ag.ny.gov/bureaus/environmental/oilspill/dangers.html.
In light of these everyday conditions, isn't gas drilling just another risk we take to enjoy the comforts of modern life?
Steven Sinniger
Otego
Washington more important than game
Shame on The Daily Star! Feb. 22 is the birthday of man who truly was the father of our country and what do you celebrate in your "Today in History" bite? A hockey game!
Maybe your editors should go back to school _ then again, maybe the schools weren't teaching history any more _ alackaday!
Sue Avery
Oneonta
