CHENANGO COUNTY – No matter what you think of the natural gas drilling issue, one fact is certain – drilling for natural gas will provide job opportunities in Chenango County. The question is, how many jobs will it bring, and how long will they last?

During an Evening Sun roundtable discussion last month, Nornew Vice President of Operations Steven Keyes explained that as more gas wells are drilled, the company will need employees for both exploration and production.

Nornew has an office located in The Eaton Center in Norwich. Keyes said the office is approximately eight years old and currently Nornew employs about 10.

In addition, Keyes said approximately 18 people work on each gas rig, positions that include welders, heavy equipment operators, well tenders, roustabouts and many other job titles. Currently, the majority of those positions are contracted with service providers, and manned by out-of-town workers; however Keyes said as drilling increases, more opportunities may open up for local workers.

“Businesses may decide to locate here. If we continue drilling, there will be more opportunities over time for service providers,” Keyes said. He explained that when positions are available, Nornew tries to recruit from the local area.