Schuyler legislature supports gas storage changes

SCHUYLER COUNTY (8/10/16)--Crestwood announced they will be dialing back their proposed liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage project in the town of Reading Monday, Aug. 8. Crestwood submitted the proposed changes to the Department of Environmental Conservation Monday, reducing the overall scale of the project, while also making changes to the way LPG will be transported. The Schuyler County Legislature also passed a resolution renewing their support of the project and urging state officials to issue the necessary approvals for the project to move forward. However, this came after a heated discussion amongst crowd members, many of whom spoke against the project despite the project alterations.
"The changes described will reduce the scale and environmental impacts (potential, actual, and perceived) of the project, respond meaningfully to the concerns expressed by those participating in the issues conference and by stakeholders outside of the DEC proceeding, and will result in further avoidance or mitigation of the impacts," according to a letter to DEC Chief Administrative Judge James T. McClymonds by Robert Alessi of DLA Piper, speaking on behalf of the project applicant Finger Lakes LPG Storage LLC.
The changes include:
• Reducing storage capacity almost 30 percent (from 2.1 million barrels to 1.5 million barrels).
• Storing only propane in the storage caverns (eliminating the proposed butane storage).
• Eliminating the proposed brine pond on the lake side of Route 14.
• Removing the rail and truck components (propane moves only by pipeline).
Even with the reduced project scale, there were still several people who spoke against the Schuyler Legislature's support of the projectMonday. More than 30 people attended the meeting, with some speaking in favor of the project as well, but most of the audience members speaking against the project. Joesph Campbell and Yvonne Taylor, co-founders of Gas Free Seneca, spoke at the meeting, and also issued a press release stating their continued concerns.
"Crestwood's proposals to change the project are effective admissions that we were right about the original proposal all along: it's not safe, it threatens the Watkins Glen State Park, it's too noisy and ugly, and it's generally inconsistent with the character and brand of the Seneca Lake communities," said Campbell.
Several of the crowd members gave their concerns about the new terms not being enforceable until the amendment to the application is submitted to the DEC. Brad Bacon of Crestwood provided copies of what they sent to the DEC Aug. 8, noting it is binding and they will have to update all of their findings on the project.
Daryl Anderson of Hector said the resolution is not appropriate at this time, noting it feels like "a backroom deal." Steve Churchill, Seneca County supervisor, distributed a leaflet to the legislators noting the high salinity levels in Seneca Lake as well as the several surrounding municipalities who have come out against the project. He also said the salt content of the water is above recommended levels for consumption.
Legislative Chairman Dennis Fagan addressed his concerns with this information, noting the salinity levels in the lake have been decreasing, while Legislator James Howell Jr. added the recommended levels are not safety maximums. Legislator Phil Barnes also said he saw the minutes of several municipalities who passed resolutions against the storage project, noting that very few of them had representation from Crestwood and did not hear the other side of the story.
Howell and Fagan both highlighted the post-issues conference brief, stating many of the petitioners opposed to the project failed to raise any doubt about certain aspects of the project.
"[The DEC's] response is a no-brainer that all of the issues have been adequately addressed," Fagan said.
Howell added he has gotten several calls from U.S. Salt employees who are afraid for their jobs if the project does not go through. Fagan added his main goal is job retention, as U.S. Salt is the largest employer and taxpayer in the county.
"Whatever the outcome of this project, I can live with it," Howell said. "I hope you all can too."
However, many crowd members expressed their concerns about not just what would happen if an accident were to occur at the site, but also about the overall health of the lake. Mike Black said the lake is currently suffering, adding he has logged about 120 hours fishing on the lake this year and has only caught two trout. Rick Rainey of Forge Cellars in Hector spoke about the threat to the wine industry the project poses and that it could hurt those who are producing wine for the global market.
Ted Marks, owner of Atwater Estate Vineyards, had a different opinion, saying people are not giving Crestwood credit for what they are trying to do with their concessions. He added people should also take into account the 120 families who might be impacted if they close down the U.S. Salt plant. David Crea of U.S. Salt said Crestwood's capital investment in the plant has made it so the plant has been at its highest production levels ever.
Gita Devi and several other crowd members urged the legislature to at least wait until the administrative law judge made his ruling in the case before passing the resolution. Legislators Van Harp and Michael Lausell agreed, both being the only votes against the resolution. Legislator Barbara Halpin said this resolution is not the final approval on the project, noting it is merely the legislature voicing their opinion, similar to the way other municipalities did with their opposition. County Attorney Steve Getman agreed, saying a county legislature has the constitutional right to voice their opinions as well as individuals, adding there is no liability in the resolution. When a vote was finally taken after a lengthy discussion, the measure passed six votes to two.