ALBANY – The State Department
of Environmental Conservation filed a last minute formal challenge to
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s decision that DEC waived
its jurisdiction under the federal Clean Water Act for the Millennium
Pipeline Company’s proposed Valley Lateral project.
That pipeline was intended to deliver Pennsylvania fracked gas to the
CPV electric generating plant in the Town of Wawayanda.
“FERC should not, and cannot, be allowed to undercut the state’s
ability to protect our water resources by making informed decisions to
ensure water quality standards are met,” a DEC statement issued
late Friday read. “DEC demands that FERC refrain from authorizing
Millennium to commence construction of the project while DEC’s appeal
is heard. DEC is committed to ensuring the protection of New York’s
natural resources, and will continue to vigorously defend its right to
do so.”
The grassroots group, Protect Orange County, has been lobbying the state
to take formal action to challenge FERC’s decision.
