Crestwood Midstream Meets Energy Demands at Seneca Lake

Crestwood Midstream Partners cite approval by more than 1,000 Schuyler County residents to increase natural gas storage at Seneca Lake, according to the Star Gazette. Opponent groups still passionately oppose it.

Robert Phillips, chairman and CEO of Crestwood Midstream said, "The Finger Lakes region has been home to multiple storage facilities that have operated safely and strengthened local economies. Based on expert analysis, science and historical data, DEC staff made clear that its review of this project has been extremely thorough, and that there are no issues requiring adjudication," he said.

The Houston-based company wants to build and operate a new underground facility for the storage and distribution of propane and butane in salt caverns on a portion of its 576-acre site in the Town of Reading. Another project, expansion of methane storage at Crestwood's site, was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

According to Crestwood, the Schuyler County Legislature voted in June to support the expansion initiative and it also cites a statewide supporter base that includes consumers, trade associations and more than 350 businesses.

Despite the support, Crestwood Midstream is concerned about opposition to the project and has hired two public relations firms to inform the overwhelming opponent groups.

It is important that the public know natural gas is a crucial energy resource for the Finger Lakes region. County residents know that this expansion will strengthen the local economy, create jobs, reduce heating costs, and lower energy and raw materials costs for businesses.

Photo courtesy of NYPropaneAdvocacy.com

IN THEIR OWN WORDS…

Approval from County Residents:

"They've had the storage facilities down there for years. Why not put them to use? People think that fracking and Crestwood go hand-in-hand, and they don't. They're two different entities."

Jessica Cecce

Munroe Vineyards

"If you consider the six decades of safe operations at the LPG storage facility in Savona and many more decades of safe gas storage across New York, then it's even easier to understand why farmers like me should support this project.”

George Zemak,

Zemak Farms, Savona

"My livelihood depends on attracting tourists and visitors to my establishments, and I support Crestwood's LPG storage plans."

Jim Franzese

Longhouse Lodge Motel & Manor, Watkins Glen