Homeowner Address City, NY Zip Re: Baseline water quality sampling in the Marcellus Shale region in New York State Dear Mr./Mrs. Homeowner, As you may be aware, large-scale horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing related to shale gas extraction presents a potential for environmental impact to drinking water resources. Currently, there is a moratorium on Marcellus Shale gas well drilling in New York State. While the length or outcome of the moratorium is uncertain, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would like to take the opportunity to obtain baseline water quality data while restrictions on drilling and hydraulic fracturing are in effect. In an effort to obtain baseline groundwater quality in the area, EPA is offering to sample private drinking water wells. Based on geologic and public water supply information available to EPA, we believe you live in an area underlain by Marcellus Shale and may own a private drinking water well. Obtaining baseline water quality data would involve EPA or an EPA contractor coming to your home to collect a drinking water sample prior to any treatment. The results of the water quality analysis will be shared with you. Both sampling and lab analysis will be conducted at no cost to the homeowner. If you have a private water well and are interested in having EPA collect samples of your drinking water, please call [the Marcellus Shale baseline sampling hotline??] at (212) 637- XXXX by July 15, 2011 to schedule a time for EPA to come to your home. Please be advised you may be contacted by other state or federal agencies regarding additional sampling efforts. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact EPA. Thank you for your consideration in this important matter. If you have any questions or concerns about sampling your drinking water well, please contact Nicole Foley Kraft, at (212) 637-3093. Sincerely, Douglas McKenna Chief, Water Compliance Branch