Schuyler County LEPC 6/28/11

    Meeting: The Schuyler County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) met Tuesday, June 28.
    Attendance:  Members Bill Kennedy, Brian Gardner, Mark Smarr, Bill Yessman, Lynn DeGraff, Pearl Jayne, Timothy Alimossy, and Vickie Perazzini were all present.
    Discussion without action: Inergy is proposing a Finger Lakes LPG (liquid petroleum and gas) Storage Facility in the abandoned salt caverns at Seneca Lake.  George Lawson, publisher of the REVIEW&EXPRESS and a member of the committee, was unable to attend but requested by e-mail:
“This month I would like to make a request as a member. I think it is very important that the LEPC insists that Inergy provide a Schuyler County specific Emergency Plan for their gas storage facilities that is submitted to you, committee members and members of the media. (Not after the project is approved as Inergy suggests). As you know, gas storage is not new and most times the process is done without incident. However, I think we would be foolish as a group to not expect Inergy to produce this county specific disaster plan now - in advance of the project getting approval. Then, their plan can be reviewed, resources could be projected and the county residents will be better-served in case something does happen. With recent disasters across the country, we are simply doing our job to expect this.”
    One of the new aspects of this situation is that railroad cars will be filled and loaded for transport with propane.  It is being done currently by truck.  The committee has requested Barry Moon of Inergy to give the committee as much information as possible concerning this project.
    • The committee’s representative met with the state concerning the New York dam safety plan.  The biggest concern was the two high hazardous dams at the top of the gorge.  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation decides the risk factor.  They sent out a file of information that now needs to be updated.  When that is done they will forward it to the committee.  In the event of a catastrophic failure the 911 center and emergency operation center would be impacted.
    • DeGraff reported she and the  Department of Transportation have been doing on-road exercises with Steuben and Chemung Counties.  All emergency personnel and DOT employees were there.  The exercise consisted of day and night scenarios, and on two lane roads and the interstate.
    Upcoming meetings:  The next meeting is Sept. 27, at 10 a.m. in the Emergency Management office.