Hydrofracking for natural gas is a hot topic in New York State, but what comes after the process is drawing a lot of attention in the Pulteney. One of the nation's largest gas drilling companies has submitted an application to dispose of their fracking wastewater in the town. Our Vince Slomsky was at a panel discussion Saturday where hundreds of people learned what they can do to stop the proposal.

PULTENEY, N.Y. -- The maximum occupancy may say 278, but the Pulteney Fire Hall was packed with hundreds more than that Saturday. The issue on everyone's mind, a proposed hydrofracking wastewater facility may be put in their back yards.

Chesapeake Energy has requested to use this abandoned gas well in the town as a place to dispose of toxic wastewater used in their natural gas drilling operations. It's a proposal that faces a lot of opposition.

"There's a lot of unity here in opposition to this because of the nature of this area. But I think there should be opposition to this kind of toxic dumping anywhere, not just in Pulteney," said Becky Holder, a Pulteney resident.

A panel of local experts and business owners discussed how they could stop the proposal in its tracks, and one very outspoken politician has joined their fight.

"Listen, if we lose all other fights I'll stand in front of the trucks and I mean that very sincerely. This is a matter of whether our children are going to be able to drink water, and it's not a minor issue. So yeah, I would stand in front of the trucks to stop them," said Congressman Eric Massa.

Keuka Lake is less than one mile away from this proposed facility and that's a big issue for those who live in the town.

"Well, it's certainly part of the issue, but even if it wasn't next to the lake, there's watershed everywhere. There are watersheds everywhere. People's safe drinking water is everywhere," said Holder.

The DEC is currently reviewing Chesapeake's application, but the people in the town don't want to wait for their decision. They are pleading for the town board to step up now.

"There will be ways of stopping this, putting sand in the gears of progress, and I've told people that's not going to happen we're going to stop it," said town supervisor Bill Weber.

The board members will meet Wednesday to figure out what to do next. Many people in Pulteney think the town board should be the lead agency in reviewing Chesapeake's application. However, under the advice of his attorney, the town supervisor already signed this position over to the DEC.

At Wednesday's meeting, he tells us the town board will discuss whether or not they will attempt to get the lead agency status back.