Letter to Norman Bay, Chairman, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - Underground Natural Gas Storage Project

Letter

Dear Chairman Bay,

We write regarding an underground natural gas storage project slated for construction in New York's Schuyler County. We understand that the Arlington Storage Company is requesting a two year extension of the two year timeline the company was allotted in 2014 to construct the Gallery 2 jurisdictional facilities. Since the Commission's issuance of the construction certificate in 2014, our constituents have raised significant concerns about the adverse impacts this project could have on public health, safety, the environment and quality of life currently enjoyed by our constituents in this area. In addition, the federal government is considering new regulations to address the safety of natural gas storage that, if applied to this facility, could have substantial impact on a variety of constituent concerns and the way this facility would operate. In light of the new federal regulations and the significant public opposition to this project, we urge FERC to schedule a public comment period that allows the community the opportunity to weigh-in on both their significant concerns and the potential impacts of pending new regulations.

Arlington's project is located in salt caverns adjacent to Seneca Lake, the largest glacial lake of New York's Finger Lakes region. Seneca Lake provides clean drinking water for 100,000 residents living in the area, and is relied on for recreational opportunities in one of the most highly-trafficked tourist destinations in upstate New York. We continue to hear well-argued concerns about the economic effects this project could have on the region, including the burgeoning Finger Lakes wine industry, which has become a major driver of the region's economy and tourism.

Originally, the project scope was open for public comment, but it appears as though FERC will not evaluate public comments prior to a rendering a decision on whether to grant the extension. Given the? significant public opposition? to this project, it is imperative that a public comment period is opened before FERC makes a final decision on the extension. The Commission's comment periods are the only mechanism by which the public can participate in the decision making process, and we ask that FERC continues to allow the concerned citizens the opportunity to make their voices heard.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. We ask that you give all this letter and all the concerns brought forth by the community your full attention as the Commission makes its decision.

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