The most spirited debate between the judge and Crestwood attorneys came over the topic of financial responsibility and discussion of economic impacts of the project.
McClymonds said that while the DEC doesn’t “adjudicate economic issues,” he believes it is within the scope of the agency to consider if an applicant has adequate financial backing in case of a catastrophe.
Crestwood’s attorney Alessi took sharp exception to any discussion of economics in the hearing.
“Does the department have authority to do this?” he asked. “This is inappropriate for an issues conference.”
But arguing on behalf of a coalition of a dozen Seneca Lake communities, Kate Sinding of the National Resource Defense Council said whether Crestwood has adequate resources in the case of a catastrophe is a key issue that needs to be addressed.
She told the judge if the project caused an increase in the salinity of Seneca Lake and fouled the drinking water for more than 100,000 persons in the region, there should be legal assurances that Crestwood has adequate resources to mitigate the problem.
via www.fltimes.com
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