Emails obtained by Gannett News Service under a Freedom of Information request that show communication between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 2008 to 2012 on the matter of proposed hydraulic fracturing activity in New York State. The emails are mostly cordial. Some interesting bits of history, but nothing earth shatteringly new about the communications.

5. Homeowner
Address
City, NY Zip
Re: Baseline water quality sampling in the Marcellus Shale region in New York State
Dear Mr./Mrs. Homeowner,
As you may be aware, large-scale horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing related to shale gas
extraction presents a potential for environmental impact to drinking water resources. Currently,
there is a moratorium on Marcellus Shale gas well drilling in New York State. While the length
or outcome of the moratorium is uncertain, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would
like to take the opportunity to obtain baseline water quality data while restrictions on drilling and
hydraulic fracturing are in effect. In an effort to obtain baseline groundwater quality in the area,
EPA is offering to sample private drinking water wells.
Based on geologic and public water supply information available to EPA, we believe you live in
an area underlain by Marcellus Shale and may own a private drinking water well. Obtaining
baseline water quality data would involve EPA or an EPA contractor coming to your home to
collect a drinking water sample prior to any treatment. The results of the water quality analysis
will be shared with you. Both sampling and lab analysis will be conducted at no cost to the
homeowner.
If you have a private water well and are interested in having EPA collect samples of your
drinking water, please call [the Marcellus Shale baseline sampling hotline??] at (212) 637-
XXXX by July 15, 2011 to schedule a time for EPA to come to your home.
Please be advised you may be contacted by other state or federal agencies regarding additional
sampling efforts. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact EPA. Thank
you for your consideration in this important matter. If you have any questions or concerns about
sampling your drinking water well, please contact Nicole Foley Kraft, at (212) 637-3093.
Sincerely,
Douglas McKenna
Chief, Water Compliance Branch