Updated: 4/16/21 – 2:15 P.M.
ENDWELL, NY (WSKG) — The fate of Greenidge Generation’s plan to expand cryptocurrency mining operations at its power facility along Seneca Lake will be decided by the Town of Torrey Planning Board Monday.
Environmental advocateshave been pushing back against the proposal, which they allege will lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions by the plant and other detrimental impacts.
"It's a decision that the town should really take seriously and yet we are afraid that they are about to approve the site plan for this facility and once Pandora's box is open, you will not be able to get the lid back on," Yvonne Taylor, vice president of Seneca Lake Guardian* told WSKG.
Greenidge converted the former coal plant to natural gas in 2017, and installed its first machinery to “mine’ Bitcoin a year later using excess power generated at the facility. Now, they want to expand that operation, adding four out buildings equipped with mining rigs.
Michael McKeon defended the plant, asserting that it’s within permits and regulations set by the DEC and EPA.
“It's always going to be within the permitted limits,” McKeon said of the plant’s operations. “It's always going to be in compliance with the environmental rules and regulations that we have to follow. And, it's going to be done in a way that is protective of the lake at all times."
Monday’s Planning Board meeting is set for 7:00 p.m. at the town offices at 56 Geneva Street, Dresden.
*This story has been updated to more accurately reflect the primary group opposing the efforts as Seneca Lake Guardian