# Fracking Impact on New York’s Environment

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/08/fracking-impact-on-new-york-environment/
- Published: 2011-08-18T03:07:24-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## NYDOT Reveals Shocking Fracking Impact Costs: $378 Million Price Tag for New York

Hey there, green friends who care about fracking impact on New York State! I’m diving
into some eye-opening news about fracking impact on New York State today. The numbers
are absolutely staggering! In fact, a confidential assessment from the New York 
State Department of Transportation shows fracking could have an impact by draining
up to $378 million from state and local government coffers.

### Fracking Impact: The Hidden Infrastructure Burden

The natural gas industry promotes fracking as our energy salvation; yet it has an
impact. However, the environmental and financial costs tell a different story. Surprisingly,
the Marcellus Shale region could face an overwhelming 1.5 million additional heavy
truck trips yearly. Furthermore, these massive vehicles will destroy roads never
designed for such punishment.

![heavy trucks traversing rural roads near fracking sites causing visible damage
to infrastructure while natural gas drilling operations loom in the background   
illustrating the hidden 8 million cost burden facing new york communities from expanded
fracking operations](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/
08/IMG_1733.png?resize=300%2C300&quality=50&ssl=1 "NYSDOT fracking costs - The Green
Living Guy")

AI

### “Ominous” Transportation Impacts

NYDOT officials don’t mince words about the situation. They describe the potential
fracking impacts as “ominous” in their assessment. Consequently, this development
would demand reconstruction of hundreds of miles of roads. Additionally, scores 
of bridges would require reinforcement or rebuilding. Obviously, safety improvements
would become necessary across the region.

### The Financial Breakdown

Let’s talk dollars and cents! The report breaks down the staggering costs clearly:

 * State roads face $90-$156 million in annual damage
 * Local roads will require $121-$222 million yearly
 * No financial mechanism exists to cover these expenses

### Beyond Water Contamination

Most fracking discussions focus on water quality concerns. Nevertheless, the infrastructure
impact deserves equal attention. Meanwhile, researchers at Duke University have 
already linked a fracking impact to increased methane in well water. Therefore, 
we’re dealing with multiple environmental threats simultaneously.

### Fracking Impact: The Path Forward

I’ve always believed in seeing the complete picture of energy solutions. Undoubtedly,
we need a “frank and open dialogue” between all parties involved. As your Green 
Living Guy, I remain committed to transparent information about our environmental
challenges. However, fracking does have an impact on local communities. Ultimately,
we must pursue truly sustainable solutions [that don’t bankrupt our communities](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/01/health-impacts-from-fracking-on-local-communities/)
or destroy our infrastructure.

---

### Additional Sources:

 1. EPA’s Study of Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Potential Impact on Drinking Water 
    Resources
 2. [Union of Concerned Scientists – Environmental Impacts of Natural Gas](https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/environmental-impacts-natural-gas)
 3. [American Society of Civil Engineers – Infrastructure Report Card](https://infrastructurereportcard.org/cat-item/energy/)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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