State agency denies gas storage application

State agency denies gas storage application

SCHUYLER COUNTY--Just days after the Schuyler County legislature withdrew support for Stagecoach's (formerly Crestwood) Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) storage facility, the state denied applications for the project. The project application was filed under the name Finger Lakes LPG Storage, LLC.
"New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos [has] issued a decision denying Finger Lakes LPG Storage, LLC'S applications for the construction and operation of a new underground liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage facility proposed to be located in the village of Watkins Glen in the town of Reading, Schuyler County," the DEC said in a statement, Thursday, July 12. "Commissioner Seggos denied the permit applications on the grounds the facility would have a significant adverse impact on community character in the local area and the Finger Lakes region. In evaluating the impact on community character, the commissioner reviewed local land use plans, resolutions adopted by local municipalities in opposition to the project, and the area's development of tourism, the wine industry and agriculture as economic drivers.
The commissioner determined the record supported denying the project at this stage of the administrative process and noted four issues that raised significant concerns that would have otherwise required further adjudication--the proposed facility brine pond, integrity of caverns at the site, public safety preparedness and availability of alternative sites, including the proposed volume of storage capacity, as well as the need for the facility.
No further proceedings are required with the denial of this project based on community character."
Local groups and residents who have opposed the project since the beginning rejoiced at the decision.
"This is truly a great day for our region and we thank everyone who helped make this day possible," said Yvonne Taylor, vice president of Gas Free Seneca. Gas Free Seneca was formed in 2011 when the gas storage project was first announced.
"Undaunted by an out-of-state energy company, the people of the Finger Lakes stood up to protect everything they hold dear," said Earthjustice Attorney Deborah Goldberg. Earthjustice has represented Gas Free Seneca in proceedings and had been poised to challenge the project in court, if needed. "Today they won. We're proud to have worked alongside this brave and spirited coalition and hope their success inspires and emboldens communities throughout the country that are fighting fossil fuel infrastructure projects."
In September of 2011, the DEC held a public session at the Watkins Glen high school auditorium to hear comments about the project. Although early on in the process, the event nearly filled the auditorium and would follow with ongoing protests at the proposed storage facility. Hundreds were subsequently arrested for intentionally trespassing to show opposition. Property owners, businesses and municipalities continued over the years to oppose the project. With the new DEC ruling, the storage project cannot move forward.