State denies company's request for propane storage facility

A Texas company's application to build a propane storage facility near the shores of one of New York's Finger Lakes has been rejected.

Basil Seggos, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, issued a decision Thursday denying the application from Houston-based Crestwood Equity Partners to construct an underground liquefied petroleum gas storage business near Watkins Glen.

The company submitted its application in 2009 to build the facility in salt caverns near Seneca Lake's southern end, 65 miles (105 kilometers) southwest of Rochester.

Seggos says the project would have had a "significant adverse impact on community character."

Local winemakers, tourism industry leaders and environmentalists opposed the project.

Crestwood had said the project would improve the Northeast's propane supply. Company representatives haven't responded to requests for comment on the decision.