MINISINK, NY — Dozens of emergency vehicles rushed into Minisink and blocked Jacobs Road on the evening of September 7, when a strong gas smell was detected in the vicinity of the Minisink compressor station, shortly after 7 p.m. Volunteer Fire Department officials reported the leak to Millennium/Columbia Gas, with fire and EMS vehicles stationed all along the road. Columbia Gas representatives arrived at approximately 8:45 p.m. and deemed the situation as safe, before dispersing the emergency response units.

Families in Minisink said they were disturbed by the lack of communication from Millennium during the event, and the length of time it took gas company officials to arrive. Many Minisink residents report they have health conditions related to the compressor station, which became operational in June of 2013.

This event occurred three weeks after the Minisink community learned they had lost their court case against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Millennium Pipeline, Inc.