New York State Department of Health Completes Review of High-Volume Hydraulic Fracturing
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Celeste KatzNew York State Department of Health Completes Review of High-Volume Hydraulic Fracturing
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Celeste KatzNEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COMPLETES REVIEW OF
HIGH-VOLUME HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
Acting DOH Commissioner Zucker Recommends Activity Should Not Move Forward in
New York State
DEC Commissioner Martens Will Issue a Findings Statement Early Next Year to Prohibit
High-Volume Hydraulic Fracturing
ALBANY, N.Y. (December 17, 2014) - The state Department of Health has completed its
public health review of high-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF) and Acting DOH
Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker recommended that high-volume hydraulic fracturing should
not move forward in New York State. Dr. Zucker announced his findings and recommendations
today at a Cabinet Meeting in Albany.
I have considered all of the data and find significant questions and risks to public health which
as of yet are unanswered, said Dr. Zucker. I think it would be reckless to proceed in New
York until more authoritative research is done. I asked myself, would I let my family live in a
community with fracking? The answer is no. I therefore cannot recommend anyone elses
family to live in such a community either.
In 2012, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens asked
the DOH Commissioner to conduct a review of the draft Supplemental Generic Environmental
Impact Statement for High-Volume Hydraulic Fracturing (SGEIS). Dr. Zuckers report fulfills
that request.
As a result of Dr. Zuckers report, Commissioner Martens stated at the Cabinet Meeting today
that he will issue a legally binding findings statement that will prohibit HVHF in New York State
at this time.
For the past six years, DEC has examined the significant environmental impacts that could
result from high-volume hydraulic fracturing, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said. DECs
own review identified dozens of potential significant adverse impacts of HVHF. Further, with
the exclusion of sensitive natural, cultural and historic resources and the increasing number of
towns that have enacted bans and moratoria, the risks substantially outweigh any potential
economic benefits of HVHF. Considering the research, public comments, relevant studies, Dr.
Zuckers report and the enormous record DEC has amassed on this issue, I have directed my
staff to complete the final SGEIS. Once that is complete, I will prohibit high-volume hydraulic
fracturing in New York State at this time.
DEC will incorporate the findings of the public health review into the Final SGEIS, which will
be released with a response to public comments early next year. A minimum of 10 days later,
Commissioner Martens will issue the findings statement prohibiting HVHF. This action will
conclude the State Environmental Quality Review Act process for HVHF.
DOHs review found significant uncertainties about: the adverse health outcomes that may be
associated with HVHF; the likelihood of occurrence of adverse health outcomes; and the
adequacy of mitigation measures to protect public health. DOHs report concludes that it will be
years until science and research provide sufficient information to determine the level of risk
HVHF poses to public health and whether those risks can be adequately mitigated. Given the red
flags raised by current studies, absent conclusive studies that disprove health concerns, the report
states the activity should not proceed in New York State.
In conducting its public health review, DOH reviewed and evaluated scientific literature, sought
input from outside public health experts, engaged in field visits and discussions with health and
environmental authorities in nearly all states where HVHF activity is taking place, and
communicated with local, state, federal, international, academic, environmental and public health
stakeholders. DOHs review can be found at: http://www.health.ny.gov/
At the Cabinet meeting, Governor Cuomo thanked the Commissioners and their respective
departments for their work.
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Contact: New York State Department of Health
Peter Constantakes
518 474 7354, ext. 1
[email protected]
Contact: Department of Environmental Conservation
Thomas Mailey
518 402 8000
