Public comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) has been extended to August 1st. Surface development would mean many acres cleared for wells and roads, long-term heavy equipment traffic, 5 + weeks of 24 hour drilling noise per well (perhaps 16 to 32 wells), fire dangers, and more over many years. I learned a lot from the recent meeting held by Finger Lakes Forest Watch Congress (607-220-4222).

      The DEIS fails to address some of the following major concerns: Its evaluation of local industries which supposedly wouldn't be adversely affected by gas/oil production, did not include agriculture or tourism. Toxic effects of one hundred square foot brine ponds at each site and disposal of waste was not considered. In other gas projects, waste is often sprayed on roads to keep dust down, a great business saving while polluting the landscape. Possible spills into Seneca and Cayuga Lakes and gas leaks into local water ignored, too. Some gas wells have ruined water, causing it to burn when lit.       

      Fire concerns were ignored, although fires result when drills hit gas and must be contained by spraying. The DEIS thought local fire departments would do just fine. But one regional gas well needed one fire company for 24 hours, while another needed six to control flames. Also ignored is burn-off fires sometimes needed to relieve excess pressure. One citizen said these fires can kill huge numbers of insects crucial for bat and bird food in addition to pollution generated.

      Another huge DEIS omission is the pipelines needed to transport gas/oil, though they would be required. A main six to ten plus mile pipeline is projected, 25 to 50 feet wide with 30 foot wide access roads, likely to run through the forest north/south and kept cleared. Eminent domain is used frequently to use private land for pipelines, so landowners in the forest area would be at risk. One citizen from Ontario County said the gas pipeline near her runs low helicopter flights daily.

      If the FLNF is leased with surface development or if only the mineral rights below are leased, local revenues will only be 3% of gas royalties. In Wayne National Forest, local revenues didn't even cover the costs of road upkeep, as heavy equipment pounded the roads. Either kind of leasing would mean pipeline(s) are likely along with seismic testing through the national forest. In testing, explosives are detonated, sometimes every 110 feet.

      The best alternative offered is Alternative 4, no action. No development on public lands would be allowed, with pipeline(s) being less likely. Companies would have to contract with private landowners to access minerals below them. Such drilling has negative impacts, but more on private land, and people can choose to not cooperate. Please talk with FLNF neighbors about the effects before they sign on, as companies won't tell you about them. If you want to see what a well site is like, go check out the one on Lodi Center Road just north of Seneca Road.

      You can mention the above concerns and specify this FLNF Oil and Gas DEIS, which requires an agency response to you. Urge representative Houghton to oppose the project, as he has much influence. Write to FLNF, Attn: Oil and Gas, 5218 State Route 414, Hector, NY 14841 and send a copy to Paul Brewster, 231 N. Main St, Rutland, VT 05701, who will decide what happens.

Becca Harber

Willseyville

Surface Exploration

We are writing this letter to strongly oppose any leasing of surface exploration rights within the Finger Lakes National Forest/Hector Land Use Area as referred to within the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). As frequent users of the forest for a variety of recreational activities throughout the year, we find the proposed plan for leasing surface exploration rights objectionable.

      As neighbors of the FLNF we enjoy visiting the forest as often as once or twice a week. We ski, hike, swim, observe wildlife, bird watch, and marvel in the natural beauty and views available throughout the forest. All of these activities will be severely impacted by the presence of drilling pads, pipelines, access roads, vehicular traffic, explosions (for exploration purposes) and the inevitable soil, air, water, and noise pollution accompanying these activities.

      The natural quiet and beauty of the forest and surrounding lands will be severely compromised if surface exploration rights are granted. Based upon information provided in the DEIS test holes can be drilled every 110 ft, explosives may be detonated throughout the forest, 10 to 15 well pads installed, and most importantly access roads carrying upwards 38,000 trips by vehicles may be constructed throughout the forest.

       This plan will in effect DESTROY the Finger Lakes National Forest and for what? The potential short-term economic gain in the event extractable quantities of natural gas are discovered. This is simply unacceptable. The forest is a unique jewel to the Finger Lakes region and the State of New York. We implore and demand that the Forest Service DENY any surface exploration rights and at the very most allow for extraction of resources (beneath the forest) from neighboring PRIVATELY HELD LANDS (Alternative 4 - No Action). Let private individuals carry the risk and burden of environmental destruction upon themselves and leave the people's forest for the people - NOT THE GAS AND OIL COMPANIES!

      The Forest Service should consider the near and distant future as this decision is being made. It is the responsibility of present generations to improve and preserve our precious resources for those who follow. As our family matures, we want our children to have the same opportunity to enjoy the FLNF as we have grown accustom to doing so.

      Please protect the forest by denying all surface exploration rights.