Pocono News Section

Wayne County Group Hopes to Block Drilling

Wayne County Group Hopes to Block Drilling - Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 6:00PM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Thursday, May 8, 2008 @ 06:00pm EST

DAMASCUS TWP., WAYNE COUNTY- Thousands of landowners are signing the dotted line in the northern tier hoping to cash in big on natural gas drilling.

Gas and oil companies are setting up shop but one group wants to throw up a big roadblock. The Damascus Citizens for Sustainability group doesn't want big gas companies moving into their back yard. Group member Edward Nocera says, "There are two sides to the story, and they've heard pretty much the positive side from the gas companies."

Nocera and group member Pat Curullo says there are down sides. Curullo says, "Any culture that destroys it's environment for profit is doomed."

They're worried about long term damage gas drilling will leave behind here. Nocera and Curullo say the Pennsylvania Constitution ensures them the right to clean water and air. They say the drilling process will harm both. “We will do what we need to do to stop this environmental madness from destroying our home," says Curullo.

Right now, there are nearly 700 people that have signed parts of their land away for gas drilling in Wayne County . The Department of Environmental Protection has to okay the work.

But Damascus Citizens for Sustainability says drilling on neighboring land will lower their property values. It plans to legally block the process. "There will be lawsuits if things go bad. We have no choice. What choice do I have if I lose my property value," says Nocera.

The group says they know their up against it. It's let the DEP know if drilling starts in Damascus Township , peaceful protests will follow. This group held a meeting just across the border in New York state last Saturday. Nearly 500 people turned out .