Locals remind Colden Board of hydrofracking fears

Colden Well Being representative Jeanette Geckler reminded the Colden Town Board of the dangers she said she believed the town faces from hydraulic fracturing and similar projects. During the July 12 board meeting, Geckler reiterated the requests she made to the board last month, concerning its due process to protect Colden and its residents from current and future oil harvesting projects.

Speaking on behalf of “concerned Colden residents,” Geckler said, “Members of the town board are responsible for measures governing [residents’] health and safety.” She added that she believed individuals hoping to profit from hydrofracking, as well as those who are uninterested in it, also deserve protection.

Geckler reminded the Colden Town Board of her request, which had been made during the June board meeting that urged them to seek help writing up a new moratorium to shield Colden from hydrofracking when the current moratorium expires.

“It is time for a permanent safeguard,” she said. “Many of your constituents wonder where the town board stands on the issue of high-volume slick water hydraulic fracturing. We will be asking you.”

Ed Damico, a representative from National Fuel, who was in attendance at the meeting, declined to answer questions from town citizens, saying that he was in attendance only to observe. Residents present at the meeting said they believed it was time to have someone from the gas company come to the meeting who would be prepared to answer questions residents have about hydrofracking and horizontal drilling.

Disaster Coordinator Jody Feidt asked Damico, “Have you deviated from the original process from when you arrived in this town? Have you added new chemicals?” Damico answered “no” to both queries.

Daneen Vincent of Colden explained to the board that she never received notice that horizontal drilling would be taking place. She claimed that the noise caused by the drilling process is keeping her and her family awake at night. “Our summer is ruined,” Vincent said. Councilwoman Patricia Zurbrick commented, “Depriving people of sleep is a health issue.”

Councilman Patrick Murphy extended his sympathies to Colden residents who are opposed to hydrofracking. “I am going to fight tooth and nail if they think they are going to pollute this town,” he said.

In other board news:
– The racing club was granted permission to hold a bike race on Oct. 14, around the perimeter of Kummer Park. A club representative said that 75 participants are expected, so far. The race will also include raffles, bands and food.

– A Time Warner cable is hanging low at Blanchard and Hayes Hollow roads, causing problems with some vehicles; board members said that the wire requires reinstallation.

– So far this summer, 73 kids have participated in Colden parks’ arts and crafts programs.

– The board granted $500 to the youth and adult recreation board for renting a large, inflatable slide.

– The planning board stressed the urgency of evaluating the banks of Cazenovia Creek and added that bank erosion may be posing a threat to many structures in the town, such as bridges, the town hall, the senior center and utility lines. The banks will need to be evaluated soon.

– The library requested volunteers for its Aug. 15 hot dog roast.

– According to the census department, Colden’s current population is 3,265.

The next Colden Town Board meeting will be held Aug. 9 at 7 p.m.