ALBANY – In answer to numerous calls from state representatives and environmentalists groups, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today announced it has extended the public comment period on the draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement governing potential natural gas drilling activities in the Marcellus Shale formation from Nov. 30 to Dec. 31.

State Senator James L. Seward today applauded the extension of the public comment period, saying it is “reasonable to allow local government leaders and homeowners some extra time to review the document that will be used to regulate energy and environmental practices for years to come.”

Seward also reaffirmed his call for additional public hearings on the draft SGEIS. At this time, the closest public hearing for Chenango County residents will be held at 7 p.m., Nov. 12 in the auditorium at Chenango Valley High School, 221 Chenango Bridge Rd., Chenango Bridge.