Community conversations: Gas Exploration

Vera Sclawy, Eldred, NY

By SANDY LONG

The hundred acres Vera Sclawy owns in Eldred were a wedding gift to Vera and her husband, Alan. Back in the ‘50s, before they built a home there, the couple would camp on the property in their station wagon. Over the years, they and their three daughters enjoyed many satisfying hours in the natural setting where fresh air and clean water are abundant.

To help pay the taxes, the now-retired nurse sometimes worked two jobs. And although Alan has since died, Vera continues to cherish their beloved property.

When gas companies approached Sclawy earlier this year regarding the possibilities of leasing her property for natural gas extraction, she became wary. She discussed the unexpected news with her three daughters, who shared her concerns about the potential impacts of the process.

“There were too many unanswered questions,” said Sclawy, who is particularly concerned about the potential environmental impacts to the water, land and air.

She then headed to the next town meeting to take her usual seat near the front. During the public comment period, Sclawy disclosed that she had been contacted by landsmen and advised the board to look further into the matter.

Several months later, the Town of Highland became the first Sullivan County town to declare a drilling moratorium and to establish a task force to research the many facets of natural gas exploration. Sclawy now serves on that task force.

This summer, she learned that the property surrounding hers has been leased for drilling. The news was disheartening for Sclawy, who said she’s glad her husband doesn’t know it.

Alan was also a dedicated community member whose passionate opinions at town meetings are well remembered. “He wasn’t one to keep quiet,” said Vera with a wry smile. “He’d roll over in his grave if he knew what might happen here.”