WATKINS GLEN—Around 200 protesters against the proposed Inergy Midstream liquid petroleum gas storage and transfer facility in Reading took their message to the streets with a march through Watkins Glen, Friday afternoon, Aug. 17. The event was organized by Saving our Lake(s) through Action and Community Effort (SOLACE), but was attended by several similar groups. The people marching were opposing a $40 million underground storage and transfer facility in Reading, on the western side of Seneca Lake. The proposal is currently being reviewed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Gas Free Seneca co-founder Joseph Campbell has been promoting the event, but explained his group was not the main organizer. The march went through Watkins Glen, from Seneca Harbor Park to the Watkins Glen State Park, and ended back at its starting location. Area resident Elaine Mansfield read an entry from her blog entitled "Angry Faces, Placid Waters" at the end of the march. She frequently writes about her land on Seneca Lake. Also present was Nate Shinagawa, Democratic nominee, challenging Rep. Tom Reed (R-Corning) for the 23rd district's congressional seat. People on both sides of the debate have been vocal about whether this project should be allowed or not. One topic each side remarks on is the jobs it would create. Inergy Midstream President Bill Moler has said previously that the work creates eight to 10 permanent jobs, 50 construction jobs, and he adds that since Inergy has taken over U.S. Salt they have created another 15 positions. Moler also said the company employs almost 300 New York residents in total, with more than 100 working at U.S. Salt. Campbell counters saying there has never been an industry project like this in Schuyler County before, which includes: six track rail siding and two open brine ponds. Protesters express concerns about potential impacts to the environment and residents if there is an accident. In response to the number of jobs, he said the project could decrease existing jobs. "Not to mention the disastrous impact to local tourism, and the result will almost certainly be a net loss of jobs," said Campbell.
