Empire Green Biofuels, owned by Cilion, wants to build an ethanol plant at the former Seneca Army Depot. The location they have proposed to use is a Superfund Site. It is close to public schools and residences. The EPA reports that the soil is contaminated with VOCs and lead. The stormwater system flows to homes and to Seneca Lake. Over 2 million gallons of water will be removed DAILY from the lake. The ethanol will be brought to market using rail and trucks through populated areas. Trucks will be used to bring corn from both local and out-of-area farms increasing traffic, noise and pollution.
The Depot is the home of a herd of rare White Deer (Photo by Lee Brun, Copyright 2004). Additionally, the Depot is the home and migration spot of a number of birds designated as of concern by the Audubon society and one endangered species. The proposed wildlife study will start AFTER the plant is built. Plus, the plant will be visible from the other side of Seneca Lake, ruining the views of vineyards and farms.
Amazingly, the Seneca County IDA ruled that the plant would have NO NEGATIVE IMPACTS on the environment. Please sign our petition to have the state and local authorities reconsider proceeding without an assessment of the plant on the environment, wildlife and the beautiful Finger Lakes.
We the undersigned request that that SEQR negative declaration be rescinded and a proper environmental impact statement be prepared for:
- construction of the ethanol plant in the Seneca Depot
- changes to the water pumping station on Seneca Lake
- digging a new 2 mile water line from the lake to the plant
- increases of 100 plus trucks per day bringing corn and chemicals to the plant and taking ethanol and other products away
- upgrades, maintenance and repairs to the rail lines
- changes to the wetlands and the watershed
- impact on endangered, threatened, and rare species that make the Depot their home.
Thank you for taking the time to read this petition and listen to our concerns.
