DEC Extends Public Comment Period for Global Co. Permit at Port of Albany Regarding Crude Oil

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today extended the public comment period for the Global Companies permit application at the Port of Albany for an additional 60 days until Nov. 30, due to broad public and community interest, the agency announced. The public comment period was set to expire Sept. 30. Global Companies submitted a permit application to modify its Air Title V Facility permit to allow the company to heat petroleum products, including crude oil, residual fuel and biofuels at its facility at the Port of Albany. The draft permit was listed in the Jan. 29, 2014 Environmental Notice Bulletin. DEC will continue to work with community leaders to coordinate on a public participation plan and any further requests deemed necessary to supplement information Global provided with its application. DEC will continue its dialogue with the community to ensure all questions are answered fully and objectively. DEC's review under Title V of the Clean Air Act and the State Environmental Quality Review Act is ongoing. DEC will not make a final determination on pending permit applications until it has fully reviewed all issues and only after the impacted communities are provided additional opportunities to learn about and comment on the proposals. The extension of the comment period will enable members of the public to participate meaningfully in the process. Comments on the permit can be submitted to DEC by Nov. 30via e-mail: r4dep@dec.ny.gov or mailed to the contact below: William Clarke NYSDEC Region 4 Headquarters 1130 North Westcott Rd Schenectady, NY 12306 The DEC extended the public comment back in March as well. And this follows comments this week from the Governor and local residents regarding crude oil transport. --Danielle Sanzone