[Adopted 6-4-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
This article shall be known as the "Keep Rockland County Safe from Hydrofracking By-Products Act."
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
APPLICATION The physical act of placing or spreading natural gas waste on any road or real property located within the County of Rockland.
COUNTY The County of Rockland, New York.
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING The fracturing of shale formations by man-made fluid-driven techniques for the purpose of stimulating natural gas or other subsurface hydrocarbon production.
NATURAL GAS EXTRACTION ACTIVITIES All geologic or geophysical activities related to the exploration for or extraction of natural gas or other subsurface hydrocarbon deposits, including, but not limited to, core and rotary drilling and hydraulic fracturing.
NATURAL GAS WASTE Any waste that is generated as a result of natural gas extraction activities, which may consist of water, chemical additives, or naturally occurring radioactive materials ("NORMs") and heavy metals. Natural gas waste includes, but is not limited to, leachate from solid wastes associated with natural gas extraction activities.
The County Executive or, at the County Executive's option, any department head or commissioner appointed by the County Executive is authorized to develop policies to ensure County employees are familiar with the provisions of this article and take such steps as are directed by the County Executive or such department head or commissioner to ensure a diligent effort by the County that materials supplied to the County or used on County roads or property comply with this article. This section shall not excuse noncompliance by a contractor or vendor of the County.
This article shall apply to any and all actions occurring on or after the effective date of this article. Any violation of §
253-4 of this article shall be an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $25,000 per violation and/or up to 30 days' imprisonment. Each sale and/or application of natural gas waste shall constitute a separate and distinct violation.
This article shall take effect 60 days after it is filed with the New York State Department of State.