Rush, N.Y. – The Rush Town Board is considering a moratorium that would ban a controversial drilling procedure within the town’s borders.
Wednesday night, the board listened to a presentation from a local group opposed to hydraulic fracturing, or hydrofracking, which uses a combination of water and chemicals to unlock natural gas from shale formations.
The group Rush Citizens Concerned About Hydrofracking asked the board to follow Brighton’s lead and prohibit hydrofracking. They claim it will contaminate local water supplies.
“This may go a lot further in Monroe County, even to Rochester, that’s my hope anyway,” said Jordan Kleiman, who gave the presentation to the board.
Horizontal hydrofracking is not allowed in New York State pending a review by the DEC.
Frank Miller, founder Lake Country FracWater Specialists, says these moratoriums are based on unfounded fear.
“Because of my work, I can honestly say it can’t happen here because of all the regulations in place,” he said.
Rush’s town supervisor said the board will consult with its lawyers before moving forward with any kind of vote.
