 |
|
|
For Immediate Release: 11/17/2022 Rory M. Christian, Chair Contact:
James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080
22105 / 21-G-0576 November 17, 2022
|
|
PSC Approves Renewable Gas Project in Cayuga County |
|
Project Provides Economic Boost to Agricultural Community in Upstate New York NEW YORK — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) granted approval today to Bluebird Renewable Energy, LLC, to construct, own and operate a renewable gas project in Cayuga County. The project will consist of facilities for the processing and transportation of biogas from anaerobic digesters located at the Aurora Ridge Dairy and Sunnyside Farm to a processing facility located at Sunnyside Farm.
“The project developer has demonstrated the project’s economic feasibility, ability to finance improvements of gas plant, and ability to render safe, adequate, and reliable service, and to provide just and reasonable rates,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “In addition, the project is in the public interest because it will support the State's transition away from natural gas use and help reduce methane and other emissions.”
With today’s decision, the processed gas will be compressed for loading into federally approved- carbon fiber tube trailers and trucked to where the gas will be injected into the natural gas pipeline system, which Bluebird currently anticipates will be the Corning Natural Gas Corporation system near Caton, Cayuga County.
The project will include the construction of two pipelines. One pipeline, approximately 5.5 miles in length, will run from the anaerobic digester at the Aurora Ridge Dairy to the Sunnyside Farm processing facility and cross publicly owned rights-of-way in the Towns of Ledyard and Venice in Cayuga County. The second pipeline, approximately 1,500 feet in length, will transport raw biogas from the Sunnyside Farm’s digester to the processing facility. The processing facility will consist of systems that will purify, compress, meter, and ensure the quality of the processed gas.
According to the developer, biogas from the outlet of the Aurora Ridge Dairy digester would be received and treated by a state-of-the-art biologically regenerated scrubber to reduce hydrogen sulfide content, and then compressed and then chilled to reduce moisture content to avoid condensation of free liquids in the Aurora Pipeline.
While some opponents of the project felt that it would lead to increased Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, Department of Public Service analysis determined that the project will, on average over its 30-year life, result in a net reduction in CO2 equivalent GHGs, and therefore is compliant with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) requirements. The project will also reduce emissions from the farms themselves. Accordingly, the record before the Commission demonstrates that the project is consistent with the CLCPA and supports allowing the project to proceed.
Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 21-G-0576 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
|
|
|
###
|