Contributed photo Rigs like this one drill the gas wells but are rarely removed from the site once the well is in place.

A primer on gas well gold rush

From the Marcellus Shale to horizontal drilling

By TOM KANE

NEW YORK & PENNSYLVANIA - Agents of corporate natural gas companies have been knocking on doors throughout the area.

These independent contractors are asking property owners to sign leases that will allow gas companies to explore for natural gas, which is believed to be beneath the local land mass in large deposits.

According to the experts, there are three main reasons why this is happening.

First, the cost of oil has been steadily rising over the last few years, reaching the unheard of price of $100 a barrel. By contrast, the cost of natural gas from a local well is much cheaper.

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Imagine the world without them

Mysterious affliction killing bats; public asked to report unusual sightings

By SANDY LONG

NEW YORK STATE—In the wake of Alan Weisman’s widely acclaimed nonfiction title, “The World Without Us,” a baffling and tragic phenomenon is occurring in the natural world.

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Eminent domain still a long-term powerline question

NYRI files supplemental application with state

By FRITZ MAYER

ALBANY, NY—They say they don’t want to use eminent domain to acquire land for their project, but their actions suggest they will if they have to.

At a news conference on February 22, Leonard Singer, a lawyer for New York Regional Interconnection, Inc. (NYRI) told reporters, “We do not intend to take anyone’s property or their homes or their businesses.” He said the company is trying to move forward by obtaining easements and property rights.

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Other stories in this issue:

• State of the county: tough times ahead
• Delaware passes dog barking law
• Bright night for lunar eclipse
• Frogs celebrated in Leap Day events
• Sullivan County takes on homeless issue
• Cannibals in the classroom

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S