Tioga Investigates Natural Gas progresses to preparedness

Tioga County, N.Y.'s Tioga Investigates Natural Gas (TING) steering committee worked hard this summer undertaking a critical examination of what gas drilling might bring to the area.

Through the formation of six subcommittees, TING investigated areas including: road usage, water quality, public safety, workforce training, business development and environmental concerns.

A subcommittee which includes municipal highway superintendents was charged with investigating road concerns. Initially the subcommittee hoped that a road use local law would minimize potential damages to town and county roads. However, by talking with municipal attorneys across New York, the subcommittee determined that such a law would not hold up in court if it contains impact fees, which are illegal in New York State. The subcommittee then investigated the option of a road usage agreement between a gas company and a municipality. Such an agreement is currently in use but not standardized, creating potential for large differences between the numerous municipalities and making it difficult for drilling companies. Both road preservation local laws without impact fees and road usage agreements directly with gas companies are still on the table and being explored. Whichever method is chosen, uniformity amongst municipalities and the county is planned. In addition, highway departments are being encouraged to document road condition by either boring samples or video. Municipal highway superintendents and municipal attorneys are kept abreast of the progress through monthly meetings of their respective committees.

Tioga County Public Health leads the water quality subcommittee. With wells scheduled for drilling in South Owego, the subcommittee has baseline data for of the Clinton Street Ball Park water source that pulls water from the underlying aquifer. This subcommittee published information on private well water testing, and is encouraging households to test their water before drilling begins. A list of water tests in addition to a list of certified labs where this testing can be conducted has been widely promoted. Visit www.tiogacountyny.com/ting.

The Tioga County Emergency Management Officer, Sheriff and Fire Coordinator lead the subcommittee on public safety. The sub-committee spoke with their counterparts in several areas of the country where drilling is a concern, concluding that the conditions in Bradford County, Pa., most resemble what Tioga County might expect. As a result of the inquiries, the subcommittee has determined that a meeting with each drilling company is imperative before drilling begins. The subcommittee reported recently that not only should 911 addresses be required for each well site, but also a fire and safety plan, as well as evacuation plans.

To assist in the employment of Tioga County residents in the gas extraction industry, a subcommittee on workforce development was formed. Tioga County Cornell Cooperative Extension along with the Tioga Employment Center, WIA, BOCES, and community colleges are in the process of identifying job opportunities and coordinating educational training programs for those positions most in demand that can be filled with our local labor pool. At the same time, the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce is leading local businesses in understanding the possible opportunities available. From increased housing demands, to increased needs for prepared food, entertainment, and services (like laundry service), the Business Opportunity subcommittee is trying to help local entrepreneurs to take advantage of this economic opportunity. Projects in progress include the development of a natural gas industry-related business directory, and a comprehensive listing of short-term temporary housing. This subcommittee is also considering hosting a breakfast seminar for small business owners titled, "Gas Drilling is Coming, Are You Ready?" early next year, closer to when actual drilling will start.

A member of the Environmental Management Council and the Tioga County Soil & Water District Manager lead the subcommittee investigating environmental impacts of drilling. The subcommittee is researching existing federal and state regulations that apply to gas drilling and investigating local municipal laws, ordinances and regulations that might mitigate concerns not already addressed. Currently the subcommittee is conducting a countywide natural resource inventory which will help municipalities identify their environmentally critical areas.

The TING Steering Committee's end goal is to prepare the county and its municipalities and small businesses for both the opportunities and impacts associated with natural gas drilling. Deliverables will include a resource binder for municipalities as well as gas companies that will contain a master checklist of preparedness requirements, resource maps, plus recommendations on interactions with gas companies dealing with subject areas such as roads, emergency response, water quality, and crime monitoring. These binders will be provided in hardcopy but should also be available for download from a TING Web page or wiki site. As was stated previously, a gas-related business and service directory and industry-related workforce training courses are also planned as deliverables.

Finally, this TING Steering Committee is awaiting NYS DEC's release of the draft sGEIS, which will clarify what aspects of drilling activities will be monitored under state jurisdiction and what areas of drilling will be left to local municipalities to plan for and oversee. The TING Steering Committee plans to fully review the sGEIS, and, if appropriate, make recommendations to municipalities on how to provide comment to NYS DEC if they are interested in doing so. Please direct your questions regarding TING to Elaine Jardine at jardinee@co.tioga.ny.us; by phone at (607) 687-8257; or visit www.tiogacountyny.com/ting.