The SGEIS addresses the range of potential impacts of shale gas development using horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing and outlines safety measures, protection standards and mitigation strategies that operators would have to follow to obtain permits. The full draft SGEIS (www.dec.ny.gov/energy/58440.html) is available on DEC's web site, along with highlights of the document (www.dec.ny.gov/press/58472.html). Printed copies are available for review at DEC regional offices and most sub-offices and libraries that traditionally have served as repositories. A list of repositories (www.dec.ny.gov/energy/58672.html) can be found on DEC's web site.
DEC is offering four ways in which to submit comments. Comments may be provided at one of the scheduled public hearings (www.dec.ny.gov/energy/58705.html). There is an online submission system (www.dec.ny.gov/cfmx/extapps/SGEISComments/) which will allow interested parties to write comments and tag them to specific areas of concern. Attachments can also be included. E-mail comments may be submitted to dmnsgeis@gw.dec.state.ny.us; please include your name, e-mail or return mail address to ensure notice of the Final SGEIS when it is available. Finally, written comments should be sent to: Attn: dSGEIS Comments, Bureau of Oil & Gas Regulation, NYSDEC Division of Mineral Resources, 625 Broadway, Third Floor, Albany, NY 12233-6500.
*** Note: DEC also has moved up the start time of the hearing in New York City on November 10. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for individual questions and speaker sign-up. DEC staff will be available at this time to answer individual questions about the format and contents of the draft SGEIS. The public comment session will begin at 6:30 p.m.