FLX Residents, Winemakers, & Assembly Member Kelles Respond to DEC 11th Hour Greenidge Bait & Switch

DRESDEN, NY (10/02/2022) (readMedia)-- Three days before Greenidge Generation's five-year State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit was set to expire, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) attempted to change the expiring permit to give Greenidge more time to make modifications necessary to protect the Seneca Lake's aquatic life. But both the original and modified permit contain language clearly stating that the last day to install the required screens was October 1, 2022, prohibiting DEC from granting Greenidge an extension. Seneca Lake Guardian would have advised DEC of the illegality of the permit modification, had DEC given advanced public notice of the modification and an opportunity to comment. Instead, Seneca Lake Guardian got wind of the permit change buried in a response to comments.

Greenidge has had this permit for five years, but did not apply for the permits needed to install the screens until March 2022. Greenidge's failure to timely install the screens does not justify an extension past October 1, 2022. Greenidge's water permit expired on September 30, and DEC claimed to set this new compliance deadline past the permit expiration date–a move that doesn't pass the smell test.

Finger Lakes advocates, winemakers, and Assembly Member Anna Kelles will respond to this inconsistent, irrational, and undemocratic move from the DEC.