The proposal to offer gas service less than 300ft from Crooked Lake public beach at Steuben County Park presents the possibility
of significant issues concerning the health risk of patrons and the surrounding environment. The health risk and environmental consequences that this development might cause for the surrounding area could potentially be detrimental. 

Benzene a component of gasoline will contaminate the land, water and air and has been proven to be a factor linked to 7 different cancers including childhood leukemia. 

There is NO safe threshold of exposure and studies show high risk areas are within 500-600 feet of any gas service. 

Most county ordinances have regulations of at least 300ft and it's irresponsible to have anything less than 500ft as contamination/exposure has been linked to up to a mile. 

No amount of safety precautions or
devices will eliminate all contamination.

Some of the immediate risk of exposure to benzene can cause neurological symptoms of inhalation exposure including drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, and unconsciousness. Ingestion of large amounts of benzene may result in vomiting, dizziness, and convulsions in humans.