'Dress Up a Drill Rig' Contest Accepting Submissions

In the most recent draft of New York State's proposal to regulate industrial gas drilling by means of hydraulic fracturing, or 'fracking,' the revised draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS), the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is encouraging gas companies to camouflage or disguise their drill rigs. According to the SGEIS:

"... the most significant visual impacts would occur during the construction and development of a well pad, making the impacts temporary in nature ... Such measures could include screening, relocation, camouflage, or disguise, using non-reflective materials, and controlling off-site migration of lighting."

"We know fracking is no laughing matter for New Yorkers, but with Halloween approaching, Environmental Advocates of New York thought it would be fun to poll our members for ideas on how to 'dress up a drill rig,'" said Katherine Nadeau, Water & Natural Resources Program Director. "We know our members want New York's leaders to protect our waters and communities from fracking, so we're excited to see their ideas."

Per the SGEIS, the DEC anticipates that on average 1,600 fracking rigs could be drilled annually, significantly altering New York's landscape in the years to come if fracking is permitted in the state.

Environmental Advocates announced the contest in an email to its members that included a sample photograph of a drill rig (http://www.eany.org/images/dress_up_drillrig.jpg). Submissions should be sent to rangers@cleanwaternotdirtydrilling.org.

The group is accepting submissions until October 27. On October 28, all submissions will be posted to the Clean Water Not Dirty Drilling Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cleanwaternotdirtydrilling), where visitors can 'like' their favorite entries. Samples of the photos will also be delivered to Governor Cuomo and the DEC.

"A drill rig is a drill rig, mustache or not. New Yorkers won't be fooled by fracking camouflage or disguises, but we're eager to see participants' ideas," added Nadeau.

The winner will be announced on Halloween, Monday, October 31. The winner will receive a New York Water Rangers tote bag.

Environmental Advocates of New York's mission is to protect our air, land, water and wildlife and the health of all New Yorkers. Based in Albany, we monitor state government, evaluate proposed laws, and champion policies and practices that will ensure the responsible stewardship of our shared environment. We work to support and strengthen the efforts of New York's environmental community and to make our state a national leader. Visit www.eany.org to learn more.