CITIZEN POWER ALLIANCE

Bath, N.Y. — A task force designed to look at how future drilling of the Marcellus Shale natural gas formation could affect Steuben County operations was approved unanimously by county legislators Monday.

The decision was made after a series of legislative meetings during which local residents expressed strong feelings both for and against the controversial drilling.

Unlike traditional drilling, breaking apart the shale to release natural gas will require millions of gallons of chemically treated water forced through pipes under high pressure.

Supporters welcoming the industry say the drilling will bring significant revenues into the county, and argue there is no proof the drilling endangers lives or the environment.

But opponents point to studies performed in Texas and the Southwest indicating the chemicals used in the process are toxic and create long term damage to people and the environment.

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