ALBANY (AP) -- The state Department of Environmental Conservation is expected to release its latest environmental impact study on natural gas production in the Marcellus Shale region this week.

The agency released a partial version of the study on July 8, and has since received a socio-economic impact study from a Buffalo-based consultant to add to the DEC report. The 1,000-plus page document will be subject to a public comment period when it's released.

DEC officials have said the comment period will be 60 days, although environmental groups and some politicians have called for a 180-day comment period.

The study will outline New York's rules for natural gas drilling using high-volume hydraulic fracturing to crack shale using high-pressure chemical-laced water. Opponents say the technology threatens water supplies but the industry says it's safe.

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