"In upstate New York, wine vs. drilling; Grape growers in Finger Lakes fear fracking could spoil pristine region" by Michael Hill |
Associated Press, October 28, 2012
Some grape growers fear that if shale gas drilling, or fracking, is
allowed in this region of postcard-perfect hills and crystal-clear
lakes, the muddy well sites and rumbling trucks will not only endanger
the environment but threaten the Finger Lakes’ reputation for pristine
beauty....
The Finger Lakes sit atop the Utica shale formation and on the
northern fringe of the Marcellus Shale formation, which is being tapped
just across the state line in Pennsylvania through hydraulic fracturing,
or fracking. The process involves the injection of massive amounts of
chemically treated water into wells, and is denounced by many
environmentalists as a danger to drinking water supplies....
Fracking pits residents eager for new economic activity in a
job-hungry region against those with environmental concerns. More than
110 upstate New York municipalities have passed moratoriums or outright
bans on gas drilling....
At least they are not job thirsty.
A spokesman for the Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York, a
trade group, said fears of a forest of rigs and roads choked with
trucks are unfounded. The buildup in New York is expected to be slow,
wells will be spaced far apart, and water used in the process will be
drawn from nearby ponds, lakes, and streams when possible, instead of
being brought in by truck, spokesman Jim Smith said.
That is supposed to make us feel better?
Allied with the drilling companies are hundreds of residents looking
forward to new jobs or big profits from leasing their land. Some farmers
are among those who would welcome the economic jolt.
Related: Globe $chilling For Shale
Not really a $urpri$e anymore.
‘‘The drilling operation is temporary and then all there is is a pad
and pipe sticking out of the ground,’’ said Gerald Urda, who grows
organic vegetables and fruit, including grapes, southeast of the Finger
Lakes in Windsor, N.Y. ‘‘I think the two can coexist. It’s not going to
be drilling forever, and it’s not going to be the whole area at once.’’
I'm sure water that burns will make great wine.
--more--"
Related: New York suit to review fracking rebuffed
I've got a finger for the frackers.
Also see: Obama Fracking Up His Chances For Reelection
Here, have a glass of wine.
