DEC under fire for granting permit extension to Greenidge bitcoin facility
DRESDEN, NY (WETM) – Controversy over a cryptocurrency mining facility along Seneca Lake continues, as those against the facility claim the NY DEC pulled an “11th-hour bait and switch” to extend deadlines for plant projects that would help protect wildlife in the lake. But the agency and the company say both parties adhered to agreed deadlines and proper procedure.
At a press conference on October 3, 2022, Seneca Lake Guardian, Assemblywoman Anna Kelles and winery owner Vinny Aliperti joined in touting the DEC’s grant of the expansion. The DEC originally set a deadline of September 30, 2022 for Greenidge to install screens over the intake pipe in Seneca Lake.
At the press conference, Kelles said the intake pipe draws in more than 130 million liters of water every day. Without screens in place, Kelles said this harms wildlife and the food chain — even down to the cellular level — in the lake. The group also said Greenidge pumps water back into Seneca Lake at a temperature above 100 degrees, potentially creating toxic algal blooms that will harm drinking water coming out of the lake.
SLG and Kelles urged the DEC to quietly change the permit just days before it was set to expire. Greenidge applied for wireline authorization in March 2022, but the group said the company has had five years, the Seneca Lake Guardian said.
Greenidge told 18 News that the sheer amount of work, research, studies and paperwork involved in implementing the screens prevented the company from applying for authorization sooner, as it can take years from the initial plan being submitted to the actual installation. Both the DEC and Greenidge said the company is prohibited from doing any work on the displays until it receives state authorization.
In response to SLG’s frustration, the DEC said that on Sept. 27, Greenidge granted authorizations to install the screens and at the same time amended the company’s permit to allow the installation until Jan. 20, 2023, and installation only. The agency explained that the authorization fell on Sept. 27 because the DEC and Greenidge followed proper timelines and dates for public comment and were awaiting state approval.
Greenidge’s overall water permit was set to expire Sept. 30, and the company applied for renewal months ago, the DEC said. However, the agency said it granted the extension regardless of Greenidge’s renewal application; as such, the extension is only for the installation of the wire wedge screens, not the permit as a whole.
Greenidge is allowed to continue operations while the renewal application is under review and until a decision is made by the DEC
“DEC’s latest move is inconsistent, irrational and undemocratic,” said Yvonne Taylor, vice president of the Seneca Lake Guardian. “Those of us who live with Greenidge’s daily threats should be heard in this process, not just Connecticut-based speculators desperate to siphon as much money as possible out of the Finger Lakes.
The DEC said it will continue to require compliance from Greenidge for all permit applications “to ensure protection of public health and the environment.”
DEC continues to require compliance with all permits while work at Greenidge Generating, LLC is ongoing to ensure continued protection of Seneca Lake, including enhanced protection for fish and their habitat. DEC subjects all applications for environmental permits to a transparent and rigorous review process to protect public health and the environment. As such, the facility is required under its existing State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit to install wedge wire screens at the facility to prevent fish mortality.
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Greenidge said it has continuously worked closely with the DEC to meet deadlines and follow proper procedures. It also said it is ready to install the screens and will meet the January 2023 deadline.
In a statement, Greenidge said: “We have consistently worked to ensure that Seneca Lake, which our team enjoys and values as much as anyone, and its aquatic life is fully protected. Our application was submitted in March and we await final regulatory approvals for that project; we will immediately complete the installation of our displays upon receipt of those approvals.”
In June 2022, New York State denied a Title V air permit for the facility. Kelles said Greenidge is currently appealing that decision but is allowed to remain open.
