ITHACA, N.Y. -- The DEC may have finished its public comment hearings on gas drilling, but that didn't stop more than a thousand people from gathering at the State Theatre in Ithaca to voice their opinion Thursday night.

More than a dozen elected officials and about one hundred citizens signed up to speak at the event hosted by the Tompkins County Council of Governments.

Neighbors and representatives alike expressed concerns that the draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement put out by the DEC is insufficient to begin drilling.

Speakers said not enough research has been considered and the regulations on gas companies are too lax. Concerns over poisoned wells, environmental pollution, destruction of the landscape and increased truck traffic were repeatedly raised.

"I do not think this is a safe technique. I think the draft document by the DEC Is fundamentally flawed, I think they should put it on a shelf until the federal EPA study is finished and then take another look at it," said Tompkins County Legislator Martha Robertson.

A DEC representative was in attendance to listen to people's concerns.