SRMT Environment Division Statement on Massena Green Hydrogen Facility
Feb 20, 2024
AKWESASNE — (Enníska/February 20, 2024) The Environment Division of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has been keeping a close eye on the proposed Massena Green Hydrogen Facility since the summer of 2023. We are aware of the ongoing concerns regarding the environmental review process and pollution allegations. We want to assure the members of the Akwesasne community that we are committed to protecting their health and well-being, as well as safeguarding our ecosystems.
Background
The Massena Green Hydrogen Facility, which is owned by Air Products & Chemicals Inc., is currently being reviewed by the Town of Massena Planning Board. As the lead agency, the Town is obligated to conduct an environmental review of the project, following the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) decision process. The environmental impacts, as well as the social and economic considerations of the project, will be equally examined by the Town.
The town of Massena has issued a Negative Declaration, signifying that the project will not have a significant impact on the environment. The Massena Green Hydrogen Facility is subject to multiple permits and is required to comply with New York Environmental Conservation Law.
The Environmental Assessment Review Team, belonging to the SRMT Environment Division, has conducted a thorough review of the SEQR documents and assessed the potential impacts on jurisdictional resources, including potential impacts on Treaty resources along the Grasse River.
Representatives from Air Products and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) have satisfactorily provided all information requested by the review team. Rest assured that the SEQR process ensures that the project's impacts are thoroughly examined, and where necessary, appropriate steps are taken to mitigate those impacts, as required by law. The construction impacts are fully consistent with the commercial zoning designation by the Town of Massena, and the project includes robust systems to mitigate operational hazards on-site and comply with DOT requirements for the transportation of hazardous materials.
The Environment Division has thoroughly evaluated a request for permit coverage under the State Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (SPDES). It's important to understand the significance of this review and the impact it could have on our community.
The upcoming project has plans to release its treated water, or effluent, into the Massena Power Canal. This body of water is man-made and situated between the St. Lawrence and Grasse rivers. The project is subject to strict regulations, and the draft permit contains specific instructions on how the effluent should be discharged. It is worth noting that these instructions comply with state standards and ensure that water quality and aquatic resources, especially fish, in the Massena Power Canal are not negatively impacted.
Additionally, it is important to mention that there are no anticipated consequences or adverse effects on the Grasse River or St. Lawrence River.
The community has expressed concerns about the environmental review process and pollution allegations. However, the Environment Division could not find any evidence to support these claims in its examination of the documents or in its discussions with Air Products and DEC.
Public Availability Session
To address these concerns, Air Products has agreed to conduct a public availability session in Akwesasne. Air Products will provide advance notice of the meeting once arrangements are final. In the meantime, community members are encouraged to review the documentation as part of the SEQR process, including draft permits, factsheets and FAQs.
-30-
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.