NORWICH – Should Chenango County permit natural gas companies to conduct seismographic testing on county-owned land?

That was the question posed during meetings that took place last week at the Chenango County Office Building. The company seeking approval, Norse Energy, Inc., has been allowed to cross several county highways in the past in order to collect data from leased, private land. Testing on county-owned land would be a first.

In its recent request, Norse would like to test a three-acre parcel off of county Rt. 10 adjacent to the intersection with county Rt. 18 in the Town of Preston. Seismographic testing involves detonating sound energy into test holes in the ground and recording the vibrations to sensors located on the surface. The data collected reveals the physical makeup of the subterranean landscape and, hopefully, the best place to drill.

Some Chenango County supervisors are calling for a policy that would require energy companies to obtain permission from neighboring property owners, if not give access to the data or compensation. Addressing both his own committee and the Public Works Committee last week, Chenango County Natural Gas Advisory Committee Chairman Peter C. Flanagan, D-Preston, asked, “Do we let them look under county property for nothing?”

“I’m saying its wrong,” he told members of Public Works. “Why should I give you confidential information that your are going to use to make money without giving me the results?”

Those who make up Flanagan’s advisory committee concurred. Chenango County Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers offered a motion recommending the county refuse requests to test on county-owned land without just compensation and the permission of all adjacent property owners. The recommendation was referred to the Agriculture, Buildings and Grounds Committee. Coventry’s John Phelan seconded the motion.

Public Works Director Randy Gibbon said his only concern would be whether the gas company would take down and replace guiderails. He said companies were permitted to bore under roadways in the past after consultation with the county’s attorney. He said the decision to test on county land would be up to the attorney as well.