Gas task force pushes the pace in Highland

Supervisor Palecek urges research and preparedness

By SANDY LONG

ELDRED, NY — On the same evening that the Town of Lumberland voted against establishing a gas drilling moratorium (see related story this page), the adjoining Town of Highland’s new gas task force met to identify issues and actions to investigate on the town’s behalf while its moratorium is in effect.

Highland supervisor Tina Palecek applauded the skills and commitment of the group’s members. “Everyone on the task force has been doing personal research and has really taken the responsibility of the task force very seriously. The level of education presented by this group is amazing. The questions are intelligent and pertinent to the issues at hand. Our discussions are energetic and focused on the needs of the town and our citizens,” she said.

Among other topics, Palecek noted, “We are developing a list of items we want the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the governor, senate and assembly to take action on that will protect our citizens and our community, and reinstate our home-rule rights, including ordinances on noise, air and light pollution within our town.”

Emergency management issues, described by Palecek as “a key piece of our effort right now,” are also being discussed as the task force seeks to determine what needs and demands may be placed on emergency personnel in the event of drilling-related hazards. “What equipment, training and additional resources will we need and who will provide them?” asked Palecek.

The group is also researching baseline water testing to help citizens in protecting their rights related to water quantity and quality.

And they are reaching out with communications to both New York City and Philadelphia, based upon the fact that “millions of New York City and Philadelphia residents depend on the reservoirs located in the gas drilling ‘zones,’” according to Palecek.

In conjunction with the towns of Tusten, Cochecton and Delaware, the Town of Highland has also applied for a Technical Assistance Grant from the Upper Delaware Council to determine its infrastructure needs and help to mitigate potential impacts.

Palecek has already invited gas industry representatives to attend a town meeting, though none have taken her up on the offer. She will invite them again to attend a gas task force meeting.