The time for Crestwood Midstream’s subsidiary Finger Lakes LPG to appeal the Department of Environmental Conservation’s denial of a permit for underground gas storage along the shores of Seneca Lake expired on December 14, 2018.
“Now that we are sure Crestwood cannot challenge the Commissioner’s decision, we can mark our final victory in an 8-year epic David vs. Goliath battle against this ill-conceived project,” said Joseph Campbell, President of Gas Free Seneca and Seneca Lake Guardian. “We wouldn’t have won this fight without the help of our legal team from Earthjustice and the backing of the entire Finger Lakes community.”
Much celebration occurred in August, when the Department’s decision came out; spurring impromptu parties among residents and businesses in the region–with Finger Lakes bubbly flowing freely–but the victory was not permanent until the December deadline passed without incident.
“The Region-wide coalition of small businesses led by wineries and vineyards breathes a huge sigh of relief today as the deadline has passed for Crestwood Midstream to challenge DEC Commissioner Seggos’ denial of a permit to store fracked gas in the abandoned salt caverns on Seneca Lake,” said William Ouweleen, Secretary of the Finger Lakes Wine Business Coalition. “ The small businesses, residents and tourists of Finger Lakes Wine Country applaud Governor Cuomo and his team for defending our way of life and protecting the waters of the Finger Lakes from this very bad idea.”
“We will still keep an eye on Crestwood, in case there are any potential problems at its existing gas facility or any other attempts to expand,” said Yvonne Taylor, Vice president of Gas Free Seneca and Seneca Lake Guardian. “But now, with our new organization Seneca Lake Guardian in the lead, we can use our community’s strength and experience to focus on other issues impacting the region, including garbage incineration, coal ash landfills, and more,” Taylor added.
Seneca Lake Guardian is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and a Waterkeeper Alliance Affiliate, formed by the leadership of Gas Free Seneca, that is dedicated to preserving and protecting the health of the Finger Lakes, its residents and visitors, its rural community character, and its agricultural and tourist related businesses through legal action, public education, citizen participation, engagement with decision makers, and networking with like-minded organizations.
