Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy is pleased the DEC has rescinded the negative declaration previously issued regarding Global’s expansion at the Port of Albany.
“I applaud Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Martens for listening to the concerns we and many others in the community have raised and recognizing that there are issues that have not been addressed in Global’s application that point to health and safety risks to the community,” said County Executive McCoy. “Information we submitted during the public comment period about potential emissions of sulfur compounds which are found in crude oil and cause potential adverse health impacts, odors and corrosion has had an impact. Specifically, the close proximity of the Ezra Prentice Homes to Global’s facililty and the potential significant adverse impacts on the environment still need to be addressed. I remain committed to the moratorium we have put into place and to calling for a full State Environmental Impact Study to be done to assess the cumulative impact of the facility due to the increased amount of crude oil being transported by rail through Albany County every day.”
Sixteen million gallons of crude oil pass through the Port of Albany each week and the Port has become the third largest hub of crude oil across the country.
“I am also encouraged that the issue of how to clean up the heavier tar sands oil in the event of a spill at the facility is being addressed,” continued McCoy. “I have raised that concern because of the proximity to the Hudson River. Should the heavier tar sands oil leak into the water, it is nearly impossible to clean up. There needs to be a comprehensive clean up plan outlined in the event of any such disaster.”
“I commend Albany County Executive McCoy for his leadership on this issue and fighting for the people of Albany County against big oil,” said Peter Iwanowicz, of Environmental Advocates. “This is a victory for residents and opens the door to what the County Executive has called for, a full State Environmental Review.”
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