Greenidge expansion will likely go to court via Article 78 after planning board gives approval

There’s going to be a legal battle over the future of the Greenidge Generation bitcoin mining facility along Seneca Lake.

The Torrey Town Planning Board gave approve to Greenidge’s site plan by a 4-1 vote. It was the super-majority that the plan needed to advance after the County Planning Board sent it back to the Town for reconsideration.

Opponents of the proposed expansion filed an Article 78 against Greenidge, the town, and the town Planning Board asserting that the board did not conduct a proper environmental review, according to the Finger Lakes Times.

That suit, which was held until a decision was made by the planning board, will now move forward.

Opponents claim the expansion will have adverse impacts on the environment, including higher air emissions and the need to use more water from Seneca Lake for cooling operations. They also assert that the water leaving the facility, heading back into the Keuka Outlet is warmer than recommended.

Greenidge disputes all of the claims.

The company is mining using around 8,000 computers at this point, and would increase the number of producing computers to 30,000 if approved.

Staff Report

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