Broome County is situated above the  Marcellus Shale formation extending northeast from the Appalachian mountain range. Although the Marcellus Shale has not been extensively developed in New York State, the information available from historical production wells, core samples, nearby producing fields and other data suggests that all areas of the County are over a deep, thick layer of tight shale containing high organic carbon. Most industry estimates suggest that in the core sections of the Marcellus, which includes most of Broome County, there is approximately 100 BCF of natural gas in place per section (640 acres).

• We have worked with our state representatives.
• We have made numerous comments to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) about the  draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (dsGEIS). Our comments are designed to accomplish two goals: protect the environment and move the state regulatory process forward. The comments are linked below.
• We have researched problems, approaches and solutions in other communities experiencing a similar natural gas play. These include municipalities over the Trenton Black River Formation in New York, the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania and the Barnett Shale in Texas. Officials in those communities have shared their ideas and expertise with us.

Rural producing well Ft. Worth, TX	Producing well at edge of urban core  Ft Worth, TX	Rural producing well Chemung County, NY	Seismic testing Chemung County, NY
Click on an image above to view a larger version of that image *Photos courtesy of County Attorney Joseph Sluzar

• We are consulting with geological, environmental and engineering experts experienced with exploration, drilling, production and transmission issues.
• We are drafting agreements and local laws designed to mitigate the potential for environmental damage.
• The County commissioned an Economic Impact Study which identified community wide financial benefits from natural gas development.

• County Executive Fiala has contacted every municipality in Broome County and BOCES on behalf of all school districts. (July 2008  &  August 2008) We have offered our assistance to these municipalities, and we have also solicited their advice and counsel.
• County Purchasing has offered assistance to other municipalities in soliciting lease bids.
• Attorneys from our legal department are meeting regularly with municipal attorneys representing other local governments.
• County department heads have agreed to present our perspective to local coalitions and municipal officials.
• County Executive Fiala has created a "Natural Gas Development Team".

November 12, 2009 - Statement at the New York State DEC public hearing held in Broome County.

December 21, 2009 - Technical comments to draft SGEIS proposed by NYSDEC. These comments include recommendations for better secondary containment at drill sites, more comprehensive record keeping, more required use of closed loop drilling systems, formal cooperation between state agencies and other suggestions.

December 31, 2009 - Press Release in response to the requests for more delay in completing the sdGEIS process.

April 8, 2010 - Technical comments to draft SGEIS.  These comments include recommendation that a separate environmental impact statement should be completed for areas that have unfiltered water supplies such as New York City.   

Additional Local Information:

County Attorney Joseph Sluzar 2010 presentation to the Binghamton Chamber of Commerce on the Natural Gas play in Broome County. PowerPoint: Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Presentation

Current News and Events:

Broome County received an offer from Inflection Energy, LLC, Denver, Colorado.  The offer, however, is not being currently considered by the Broome County Legislature.  See Broome County Press Release dated 7/20/10. Press Release 07.20.10