Lebanon board seeks independent investigation into gas well rig fires
RANDALLSVILLE - Town of Lebanon officials have adopted a resolution seeking an independent investigation into the two recent natural gas well rig fires in the region.
The resolution calls on state lawmakers to launch an independent investigation into the cause of the rig fires that have occurred in the towns of Smyrna (Chenango County) and Lebanon (Madison County) since January 1 to ensure that “proper oversight and future prevention strategies are implemented so that no such future incidents would recur, and to prevent the potential for a more serious gas well fire.”
Town representatives also asked state lawmakers to bring together local governments, state agencies, landowner groups, the New York State Farm Bureau and the natural gas industry oversight board for a discussion and review of public health, environmental concerns and property rights issues, among others.
Town of Lebanon Supervisor James Goldstein said the discussion was “long overdue.”
Also related to natural gas well drilling, members of the Lebanon board and planning board expressed reservations and objections to having the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) approve a drilling permit for a flood plain location in Madison County. The parcel in on the Lamb farm off of River Road and is in an agricultural district near a stream that feeds into the Chenango River, they said. The town has a local law on flood plain issues dating back to the 1980s. Planning Board members said gas well developer, Nornew Inc. would be need to consult with the town prior to drilling there.
Goldstein said the DEC has notified town officials about the possible permit, but has not given an explanation as to what mitigation and protections are put in place for gas well drilling in flood plain areas. The DEC has also declined the town's request to give prior notification to adjacent property owners, he said.
The resolution calls on state lawmakers to launch an independent investigation into the cause of the rig fires that have occurred in the towns of Smyrna (Chenango County) and Lebanon (Madison County) since January 1 to ensure that “proper oversight and future prevention strategies are implemented so that no such future incidents would recur, and to prevent the potential for a more serious gas well fire.”
Town representatives also asked state lawmakers to bring together local governments, state agencies, landowner groups, the New York State Farm Bureau and the natural gas industry oversight board for a discussion and review of public health, environmental concerns and property rights issues, among others.
Town of Lebanon Supervisor James Goldstein said the discussion was “long overdue.”
Also related to natural gas well drilling, members of the Lebanon board and planning board expressed reservations and objections to having the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) approve a drilling permit for a flood plain location in Madison County. The parcel in on the Lamb farm off of River Road and is in an agricultural district near a stream that feeds into the Chenango River, they said. The town has a local law on flood plain issues dating back to the 1980s. Planning Board members said gas well developer, Nornew Inc. would be need to consult with the town prior to drilling there.
Goldstein said the DEC has notified town officials about the possible permit, but has not given an explanation as to what mitigation and protections are put in place for gas well drilling in flood plain areas. The DEC has also declined the town's request to give prior notification to adjacent property owners, he said.
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