(1) The department may extend the six-month period for an additional
six months for a well where drilling operations have been continuous
throughout that period. A written request for the extension by the
person furnishing the records will not be considered unless it is
submitted to the department no more than thirty days before the
expiration of the first six-month period. The department shall act upon
the request within fifteen days after receipt of the written
notification.
(2) The records subject to this paragraph may be excepted from
disclosure after the applicable six-month period pursuant to the
provisions of subdivision two of section eighty-seven of the public
officers law provided, however, that such records cannot be excepted
from disclosure for longer than two years after the commencement of the
applicable six-month period. A written request for the exception by the
person furnishing the records will not be considered unless it is
submitted to the department at least thirty days before the expiration
date of the applicable six-month period. The request for the exception
from disclosure must be sent by certified mail, return receipt
requested, and addressed to the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation, Division of Mineral Resources, Records
Custodian, Albany, New York. Any person may make a request to the
department for disclosure of records pursuant to this subparagraph in
accordance with article six of the public officers law.
2. The records which the department has excepted from disclosure
pursuant to article six of the public officers law on or before the
effective date of this section shall continue to be excepted from
disclosure for one year after the effective date of this section or two
years from the commencement of actual drilling operations, whichever is
later. The person furnishing the records may authorize the release of
these records at any time before the expiration of the applicable
periods. Any person may make a request to the department for disclosure
of records pursuant to this subdivision in accordance with article six
of the public officers law.