Advertisement

Energy company awaits N.Y. shale

BUFFALO, N.Y., July 27 (UPI) -- Norse Energy said it was exercising patience while New York officials review environmental issues surrounding shale gas development, an official said.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in early July released recommendations surrounding shale gas operations in the state.

Advertisement

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is controversial because of the potential of chemicals used in process getting into groundwater supplies.

The department's recommendations could open about 85 percent of the Marcellus Shale play in New York to development but keep operators away from key watersheds and groundwater aquifers.

Norse Energy announced that it submitted a permit application for shale wells in New York.

"While drilling permits will not be issued until the Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement becomes final, Norse believes that it is important to have applications ready for approval, once that process is completed," Norse Energy Chief Executive Officer Mark Dice said in a statement.

"I am excited to be taking this important step toward development of Norse's potentially abundant Marcellus and Utica shale resource."

Norse holds roughly 180,000 acres of land in New York for potential shale development. Dice didn't indicate when he expected approval.

Advertisement

Latest Headlines