New York state blocks construction of propane storage facility

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) commissioner Basil Seggos issued a decision denying Finger Lakes LPG Storage LLC’s applications for the construction and operation of a new underground LP gas storage facility proposed in the town of Reading, Schuyler County. The site is about 2 miles north of the village of Watkins Glen.

Crestwood, which has spearheaded the project, has faced community opposition since it first proposed the underground LP gas storage solution for the region to the DEC in 2009. The company amended its project plans in 2016 in an effort to address local concerns; this included reducing its LP gas storage capacity from 2.1 million barrels to 1.5 million barrels.

According to a DEC press release, 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.

Crestwood declined to comment on the decision.