Blockaders Arrested at Crestwood Midstream Salt Cavern Gas Site

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y., Oct. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In spite of overwhelming opposition, grave geological and public health concerns, federal approval has been given to move forward with plans to store highly pressurized, explosive gas in abandoned salt caverns on the west side of Seneca Lake. While the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has temporarily halted plans to stockpile propane and butane (LPG) in nearby caverns—out of ongoing concerns for safety, health, and the environment—Crestwood is actively constructing infrastructure for the storage of two billion cubic feet of methane (natural gas), with the blessing of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Local businesses and municipalities are part of broad opposition to Texas-based Crestwood-Midstream's plan to use crumbling, abandoned salt caverns along the west side Seneca Lake to store millions of barrels of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and billions of cubic feet of natural gas. The facility has generated opposition from over 200 businesses, over 60 wineries, 11 municipalities (including neighboring Watkins Glen). Seneca Lake provides the drinking water to over 100,000.

The ten are: Patricia Heckert, Roland Micklem, Jeanne Judson, Patrick Judson (mother, son), Chuck Geisler, Nancy Kasper, Colleen Boland, Catherine Rossiter, Sandra Steingraber, Dwain Wilder

"Our federal government and our state officials are not here to protect us. I am here to protect the drinking water, and to get in the way of the fracking infrastructure build out coming in and around New York State." Colleen Boland, Senior Master Sergeant, USAF, (Retired), Former White House National Space Council

"Even though outstanding questions have been raised by scientists and the public alike about the inherent instability of these caverns and the possible fault lines and accidents that can happen here, a lot of that data are hidden away from us. " Sandra Steingraber, renown author, biologist

"I'll be back at the earliest opportunity.  This is our Valley Forge and we have yet to cross the Delaware" – Roland Micklem, 86, Geneva, NY

Seven were arrested at the north gate, blockading a truck, and charged with disorderly conduct and trespass.  Three were arrested at the southern gate and were charged with trespass.  All have been released and have a Nov. 5th court date.

www.WeAreSenecaLake.com - video of arrest, background, bios

#WeAreSenecaLake

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141030/155457

SOURCE We Are Seneca Lake

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