Chemung County Executive’s Advisory
Commission on Natural Energy Solution
Conservation Cabin, Horseheads, NY
Meeting Notes April 24th 2014
Attendance: Mark Watts, Andy Fagan-Cochairs, Jim Plate-Guest, John C. Pastrick Jr., Thomas Kump, Jim
Arey, Karen Miner, John Webert, Tom Santulli, Jimmy Joe Carl, Marcia Metcalfe, Richard Gunderman,
Ashur Terwilliger, Gene Stow, Kevin Keeley, Jennifer Trimber, Kenneth Bush, Randy Olthof
Mark Watts brought the meeting to order at 10:05.
Introductions were made around the table.
Mark W. asked for any adjustments to the minutes.
Randy Olthof made the motion to approve the minutes as written, Tom Kump seconded the motion. The
minutes were approved.
Ashur Terwilliger brought up a recent lawsuit Town of Dryden against Norse Energy Company. He also
brought up recent legislation changes by the EPA which will expand the scope of the Clean Water Act to
include a larger scope of waterways with more rules and standards. In some instances this would
include cleaning out ditches by the municipalities which will cost tax payers more to do this. He feels the
recent changes place unfair burdens on farmers and local municipalities who now must adhere to the
increased regulation.
Karen Miner reported on the recent opposition to the land fill expansion. It was clear that those in
opposition were individuals who are opposed to fracking and their comments were related more to the
acceptance of drill cuttings which they believe are radioactive rather than to the actual expansion of the
landfill. Many out of area anti-fracking groups are now attending the meetings.
Randy Olthof reported that the Transportation Council is updating its plan. The plan includes a chapter
related to fracking. They were considering the financing requirements that would come into play. The
Chemung County Airport’s Master plan also includes a chapter devoted to fracking. The planning
department is also pursuing a municipal guide on local training. We learned that Catlin’s Energy
Conversion plan has been extended until November. Jim Plate from Catlin’s planning board said they
may not need to extend their moratorium on wind. Randy described the state’s process on planning-Ag
districts are exempt from building higher than 35 feet. John Pastrick brought up that the exemptions
include communication towers.
Tom Kump reported on the resignation of State Health Commissioner Shah.
Jimmie Joe Carl heard from a planner in a neighboring county that there is a possibility that the gas wells
aren’t producing like Shell had hoped and there is a possibility that some of those wells may be sold.
Kevin Keeley feels our relationship with the gas companies has evaporated. When the numbers make
sense the industry will return. He says the moratorium being lifted will be politically motivated, hinging
on who is running for President.
Tom Santulli spoke to the group saying that our time getting together on this has not been wasted.
Currently nothing is being done in Albany but eventually the focus will come back to preparing for the
industry. He also referred to the landfill saying everything we take in is allowed by the DEC and EPA.
Andy Fagan brought up that Cornell has a Building Campus-County Connections Webinar series-a
program to promote conversations with campus based staff, faculty and research efforts (and viceversa). Within this are programs provided by the community energy program which highlight such topics
as: “Upcoming Opportunities to Reduce Transportation Emissions and Keep Fuel Revenue Local” and
“Geothermal District Heating…”
Jennifer Trimber reported on an ongoing EPA study on ground water contamination. The final report will
come out in late 2014 but so far it has received praise from both industry and environmental groups. It
uses federal supercomputers to analyze the possibility of contamination. She also reported on a useful
website for science based information on fracking and radiation:
http://www.museumoftheearth.org/files/marcellus/Marcellus_issue4.pdf
Jennifer also described a recent Energy Symposium that she attended in Syracuse. She has materials
that are available to any who would be interested. One of the main themes of the conference was
looking at the conditions that would ensure the success of renewables; basically when policy, finance
and technology are available. Many at the conference touted some of the technology that is available
including long range battery storage to connect various ebbs and flows in solar, wind and hydro.
Dave Shafer sent his regrets for not being able to make the meeting but did offer what he knew of the
Geisinger Project-a study of health effects associated with exposure to drilling sites and activity. The
study is sponsored by USGS involving 75 private water wells in Lycoming County. He mentioned the Star
Gazette article which brought up that the NYSDOH was invited to participate but never acted on the
invitation.
John Webert reported that the Road Program is on track. As we continue to follow the plan, roads will
be built with the proper bases. He said utilizing the technology offered by DELTA will provide proactive
development for heavier loads. Focusing on sub base work provides additional strength to the roads.
Tom Santulli concurred.
Marci Metcalfe from Chemung County Environmental Management Council mentioned that they are
investigating the ease of using Green House Gas Inventories and were looking for potential
municipalities interested in joining in participating with the Cleaner Greener initiatives. Tom Santulli
brought up that if the severance tax continues the monies provided by the industries will have a greater
meaning to the public. Everyone’s taxes are reduced; can almost eliminate property tax and sales taxes
improve.
John Pastrick introduced Jim Plate to speak on some of the experiences Catlin has gone through in
respect to wind power. The group from Catlin toured Cohocton. Jim described how Article 10 reviews
work. If 25 megawatts or greater is involved the review goes to Article 10 and the proposal is looked at
in Albany. The Town of Catlin came up with guide lines for 25 megawatts or larger, as well as guidelines
for smaller set ups. They have embarked with a project with MRB who provided a template. One aspect
that they addressed was related to setbacks. The Energy Commission also learned just how heavily the
industry relies on federal subsidies. Apparently, BP pulled out of a deal because they would not be
receiving those monies. Energy generated from wind power does not stand alone as a viable product at
this time. As of the last meeting with Next Era, Catlin was told they were looking at developing in 2015.
One of Jim's questions was "Would the town receive any funding from this industry? Wind is industrial
development. One of the biggest concerns is risk. He feels the local law is fairly good in protecting
community members. Effectively though the decisions will be out of their hands." Jim Plate had a
question with the recent road arrangements with Delta. That was that the surveys were being done too
early. Jim Arey explained that the road inventory was inherently useful to our region whether we had
the influx of drilling or not. This documentation is useful for long range transportation issues.
Ashur Terwilliger offered to share lease information with Jim P. He also said the same protections
against frequent traffic and large trucks caused by the gas industry offered by Delta’s survey apply to
wind industry trucks. Ashur also said it is important to encourage whoever is crossing the towns to use
the same roads.
Tom Santulli said Catlin is the only spot in the county being considered. Jim P. said that perhaps the only
development we may see will be near the racetrack in Schuyler County.
Ashur mentioned bringing in a speaker on NORM (naturally occurring radioactive material) and will
forward information.
John Pastrick motioned to adjourn and Tom Santulli seconded the motion.
The next meeting time and date will be announced.
Minutes by Jennifer Trimber, June 17, 2014