Two weeks ago, Congressman Michael Arcuri said what
should be obvious to everyone _ our water supply is our
most valuable resource.
Arcuri was in Cooperstown for a press conference about
natural gas drilling in the Marcellus shale formation and its
potential impact on the region’s water resources.
The chemicals used in conjunction with hydraulic fracturing
methods employed for gas drilling have the potential to
permanently contaminate the water supply, he said.
``Gas is a tremendous resource, but we must move forward
in a way that protects the water. We must take every
precaution to protect our water resources,’’ he said.
We couldn’t agree more.
While the Congressman stopped short of calling for an
outright ban on drilling, he did express concerns about the
DEC’s draft regulations and the agency’s ability to monitor
drilling operations.
We share those concerns, particularly when it comes to
the Otsego Lake watershed, which provides the drinking
water for the village of Cooperstown.
Those same concerns have prompted municipalities to
voice strong opposition to drilling. New York City has does
not want drilling in its watershed in the Catskills and the
City of Syracuse recently asked the DEC to ban all hydrofracking
in the Skaneateles Lake watershed that provides
drinking water for 200,000 people.
We were happy to see at this month’s board meeting
that Deputy Mayor and Water Board Chair Jeff Katz wants
to explore how best to respond to the potential threats
gas drilling poses to the Otsego Lake watershed and the
village’s water supply.
``The guiding principal has to be protecting our water
supply,’’ Katz said.
The village of Cooperstown, he said, should be afforded
the same level of protection that any other municipality in
the state receives.
Katz admitted that any request for a ban on drilling in
this watershed may only be a statement of principle, but it
needs to be discussed. He plans to address the issue at the
next water board meeting. Any recommendation would go
to the full board for its approval.
This is a step in the right direction. Cooperstown should
not be silent on the issue of gas drilling in its watershed.
