The Article 23, Title 3 of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) delegates all authority to regulate natural gas drilling to the NYS DEC. The ECL specifies that local governments retain jurisdiction over local roads and their rights under the Real Property Tax Law.
It is important for towns to immediately communicate with natural gas exploration companies upon receiving the required notification from the company by notifying the drilling company of the local laws pertaining to roads, noise or any other ordinances the town has, especially requirements pertaining to truck routes, hauling permits and bonds.
In addition, the Town may want to request NYSDEC (1-585-226-5376) include a specific permit condition that requires drillers to comply with the local laws.