DRYDEN, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Department of Environmental Conservation announced that it has extended the deadline for Greenidge Generation to install screens to protect aquatic wildlife prompting outcry from local environmental groups. The Seneca Lake Guardian and Assemblywoman Dr. Anna Kelles (D-125) held a press conference Monday to criticize the decision by the DEC to extend the deadline to January, 2023. 

"The DEC's latest move is inconsistent, irrational, and undemocratic," said Yvonne Taylor, vice president of Seneca Lake Guardian, adding, “Instead of sneakily moving the goalposts at the end of the game, the DEC should shut Greenidge down and proceed with the permit renewal process with public input. We will be exploring our legal options." 

The issue stems from extending the deadline on a State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit requirement that Greenidge install cylindrical wedge-wire screens to prevent fish die-off. Under the original permit Greenidge had until the end of September to install the screens, but will now have until Jan. 20, 2023.  

According to Maureen Wren of the DEC, the newly modified permit includes the requirement that Greenidge install the “Best Technology Available” to reduce the impacts of the cooling water intake system on the aquatic wildlife of Seneca Lake. 

"We should not have to keep fighting these battles at every turn. There is overwhelming evidence that proof-of-work cryptomining is harming our environment,” said Kelles. 

In a statement released to WENY News, Greenidge Generation said that the company has been in full compliance with its permits and has already spent $6 million on meeting SPDES requirements. 

“The final phase of compliance with our SPDES Permit involves the installation of additional protections like wedge-wire screens, which represent the Best Available Technology.  Our application was submitted in March and we’re awaiting final regulatory approvals for that project; we will promptly complete the installation of our screens upon receipt of those approvals,” said a statement issued by Greenidge.  

Greenidge also released documents to WENY detailing the timeline of the permitting process and documents from the DEC showing the DEC made the determination to extend the deadline. 

In a press release issued by the Seneca Lake Guardian on Monday, the non-profit said that the decision to extend the deadline, “doesn't pass the smell test” and stated that it is the opinion of the Seneca Lake Guardian that the DEC modification of the permit so late in the process was illegal. 

Greenidge issued a statement saying that it is eager to fulfill its permit obligations.  

"We've already invested $6 million into meeting each of our SPDES permit obligations, including installation of variable speed drives in 2019 and years of detailed study, with comprehensive sampling, a pilot study, development of a verification monitoring plan and more. We look forward to finishing our work in the weeks ahead.” 

Vinny Aliperti, co-owner, Billsboro Winery, also appeared at the Seneca Lake Guardian press conference, and argued economic considerations extended to Greenidge should not come at the expense of the wine and tourism industries.  

"The New York State wine industry generates $6.6 billion in economic activity, $2.4 billion in taxes, and employs over 60,000 right here in the Finger Lakes. New York State needs to get its priorities straight,” said Aliperti.