Colden residents voice their concerns about hydrofracking

Discussion at the Feb. 9 meeting of the Colden Town Board centered on the issue of hydrofracking for natural gas. Several citizens came forward during the meeting to urge the town board to examine the issue closely and to find out what safeguards the town can take to prevent possible contamination of the water supply by the chemicals used in hydrofracking.

Resident Melissa Melnik said that she relies on well water and has a weakened immune system, so any contamination of her water supply could be hazardous to her health.

Nancy Polino said that she believes that to allow hydrofracking is “selling a short-term benefit for a long-term crisis.” She told the board that she feels there should be a collaborative regional effort among the municipalities in Erie County to ensure that citizens are not put at risk due to hydrofracking. She said that she was compelled to come before the board because, “If I do nothing, I’m poisoning my own well.”

Sheila Miller, a research analyst and resident of Orchard Park, explained some of her research findings to the board. Among the issues she raised were:

- After chemicals are injected into the ground for hydrofracking, they continue to rise to the surface.

“Not only would wells be at risk of contamination, but ground water, as well,” Miller said.

- Injection wells in Youngstown, Ohio caused 2.7 and 4.0 magnitude earthquakes on this past Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, respectively.

- There is approximately a seven-year supply of natural gas in the Marcellus shale.

- New York is the only state in which companies can drill and hydrofrack under private properties without the homeowner’s permission.

It was noted at the meeting that a town government cannot legally put a moratorium on drilling.

An open meeting was also held to discuss a special use permit for David and Allison Giambra of South Hill Road. They currently own three dogs and will typically foster one dog at a time and, in emergencies, two dogs. The town board approved the permit for the couple to have a maximum of five dogs at any time.

The bid for the senior center renovation was awarded to Mazur Construction of Clarence at a bid of $93,000.

The next town board meeting will be held on Thursday, March 8 at 7 p.m. at the Colden Town Hall.