SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- At the last minute, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has moved three public meetings on hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” from Binghamton to Syracuse. EPA officials will take comments on the controversial natural gas drilling technique at three sessions Thursday at the Oncenter convention center, 800 S. State St. The meetings will be 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.,...
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- At the last minute, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has moved three public meetings on hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” from Binghamton to Syracuse.
EPA officials will take comments on the controversial natural gas drilling technique at three sessions Thursday at the Oncenter convention center, 800 S. State St. The meetings will be 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 to 5 p.m., and 6 to 10 p.m.
EPA is conducting a series of meetings around the country to obtain public input before conducting a research study into potential adverse impacts that hydraulic fracturing may have on water quality and public health.
Agency officials said the final day of meetings, originally planned for Binghamton, was moved to Syracuse after lease negotiations with Binghamton University broke down at the last minute. EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck said the university’s price increased more than 500 percent from its original estimate.
Those who plan to attend are encouraged to register in advance, although walk-in registration will be permitted. Registration can be completed online or by calling 1-866-477-3635.
People who had already registered to speak or attend at the Binghamton location will remain registered for the Syracuse meetings. All the speaking slots in Binghamton had been filled, but EPA officials expect slots to open up because of the change in venue and will open registration for those speaking slots Wednesday beginning at 10 a.m.
Oncenter got a call Friday from EPA officials looking for space, said Terri Toennies, Oncenter's president and CEO. At first, EPA booked the Crouse-Hinds Theater, but late today changed the venue to the Oncenter exhibit hall.
EPA also will accept e-mail comments at hydraulic.fracturing@epa.gov through Sept. 1. Write “Hydraulic Fracturing Study – Comments” in the subject line of the message.