Some land and business owners in the Finger Lakes region are speaking out about a proposed liquefied gas storage facility.
Representatives from some Finger Lakes wineries say they have worked hard to turn the region into an area that supports eco-friendly tourism and culture. Joseph Campbell is President of Gas Free Seneca.
"The finger lakes region has positioned itself as an economically sustainable, world-class tourist destination with a vision for continued development that does not include dirty industry."
The company behind the proposal is Crestwood Midstreams. The Texas-based corporation already has a storage facility in the region, and a statement from the company says “Propane has been safely stored in Schuyler County for over 50 years. The region’s wine and tourism industries have flourished at the same time.”
The result of this proposal will be determined by the state Department of Environmental Conservation following a formal hearing. In an article for the New York Times, representatives from the company said the project would create jobs and grow industry.
Jacqueline Augustine the At-Large Counselor for the City of Geneva. She says her region has moved away from that kind of industry. Will Ouweleen of the Finger Lakes Wine Business Coalition says wineries represent a multigenerational investment, and the environmental risks of the project are too high.
"It's not possible for us to simply pick up and move our business interests elsewhere in the country where conditions are more favorable. We are literally rooted to the finger lakes earth, and we are deeply invested not only to our businesses, but its our way of life."
But not all vintners are in opposition of the project. Mark Karasz of Rock Stream Vineyards says he trusts Crestwood's track record.
"I don't think there's going to be any environmental impact whatsoever because of the fact that they haven't had an accident in the last 50 years."
Members of the Rochester City Council have joined those opposing a proposed liquefied petroleum gas storage facility along Seneca Lake. In a letter to a coalition of governments in that region who oppose the facility, City Council members note that Rochester depends on Hemlock and Canadice Lakes for its drinking water supply.
And the council says it understands the objections expressed by the communities that also rely on the fresh water available from Seneca Lake. The city council members say that any proposal to expand or locate a new LPG or natural gas storage facility in close proximity to drinking water sources like the Finger Lakes must be very closely scrutinized.
The letter says that proposals with an unacceptable level of risk should not be permitted.
The Department of Environmental Conservation is holding an issues conference to examine the potential impacts to the Finger Lakes region in February.
