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.
inactive
January 30, 2010
Village should speak up
- inactive
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- Littering a major problem The annual observation of Earth Day is April 22, and the Earth Festival that has been held in Milford for the past five years is this Saturday.
- Mayor, board deserve praise Hats off to the mayor and village board for their work on formulating a budget for the coming year that calls for a reasonable tax rate increase while maintaining services and planning for capital improvements.
- It’s time to be creative For the last few weeks, we’ve devoted a lot of space in the paper to the dire news coming out of Cooperstown Central School regarding their projected budget for next year. With state aid decreasing, teachers and programs may be eliminated next year to make up the shortfall.
- Time to work together The election is over and we offer our congratulations to Joe Booan, Alton Dunn III, Lynne Mebust and Leslie Friedman for their victories.
- Katz is our choice for mayor Next Tuesday’s annual village election has a full slate of candidates for mayor, trustee and justice. Our choice for mayor is Jeff Katz, the senior member of the village board and the current Deputy Mayor.
- We’re in this together This year’s village election offers an interesting look at a pervasive aspect of small town politics _ newcomers versus native sons or daughters.
- Jump is annual highlight Our hats go off to all jumpers who took the plunge into freezing-cold water during the 15th annual Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump held on Saturday.
- Classic changes should enhance fans’ experience After last year’s inaugural Hall of Fame Classic, we wrote an editorial outlining some changes that we felt would make the game more appealing to baseball fans. Coincidentally or not, we’re pleased to see museum officials have addressed most of those concerns for the second Classic, which is scheduled for Father’s Day, June 20.
- Every little bit helps The village’s attempt to capitalize on some of its unique baseball heritage is a step in the right direction. The plan to take advantage of the village’s iconic Doubleday Field by licensing the commercial use of images of the field and marketing a newly developed logo creates a welcome new revenue stream.
- Village should speak up Two weeks ago, Congressman Michael Arcuri said what should be obvious to everyone _ our water supply is our most valuable resource.
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