The report of the High-Volume Hydraulic Fracturing Advisory Panel, made up of environmental, industry and local government representatives tasked with developing recommendations on how to organize state and local resources needed to oversee and monitor the likely drilling boom in New York’s part of the Marcellus Shale, will not be completed by the November 1st deadline. The panel is now expected to work through February before producing its recommendations. The advisory panel’s next meeting is scheduled for November 9th.
The delay in the advisory panel’s report will most likely hamper the regulatory process and the initially projected 2012 start to drilling. In response to the delay in the advisory panel’s report, New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation said in a statement:
“D.E.C. will not issue any permits until the state and local resource needs are met and programs are in place to ensure strong oversight of this activity. The timing is less important than ensuring the thoroughness of the panel’s review and recommendations.”
The advisory panel was set up as part of the state’s environmental assessment to develop permitting guidelines and regulations. The public comment period remains open until December 12th and four public hearings are currently scheduled in November.