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Demonstators Rally and March Against LPG Storage

Updated Monday, March 18, 2013

Written By: Tanja Rekhi

Demonstrators Rally and March Against LPG Storage

WATKINS GLEN -- [WENY] Things started off pretty calm with protesters holding up signs in disagreement with l-p-g storage on Seneca Lake.
     Some even took to what they call civil disobedience earlier in the day, getting arrested for trespassing and linking arms on the U-S Salt property owned Inergy Midstream.
     "Everybody has a cause, I have no issue with that it's just when they do this being a small county and a small agency they really put a burden on my staff," said Schuyler County Sheriff, Bill Yessman.
      Yessman says he had a long conversation with the twelve who were arrested.
Melissa Chipman was one of them.
      "Once we got to the police station, they were really nice and very cordial and they realized that we are not criminals," said Chipman. "We are not trying to make their lives more difficult we are just trying to make a point."
      But that was just the start of the day.
      Despite heavy snow, the demonstrators took to the streets of Watkins Glen, marching and chanting things like "wine, not brine."
     "We're here to say no to natural gas infrastructure and it's time to take a stand to protect our land water and air of our community as well as as young people our future," said K.C. Alvey, a demonstrator.
     Though over a hundred came out in force against LPG storage, some feel there is no need to worry about the impacts.
      Especially since engineer Larry Sevenker recanted his findings about sustainability of the well in question.
     Those arrested are scheduled to appear in the town of Reading Court, and could face jail time and/or fines.