Public comments continue on the Spectra Energy’s proposed Algonquin Incremental Market (AIM) gas pipeline expansion project under review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The FERC is accepting comments until January 31, 2014 to be included in the scoping for preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The proposed Spectra AIM project should be rejected for many reasons, including those listed below. Please add any additional comments that you believe should be included in the scoping process.
The proposed AIM expansion includes a 42” diameter, high pressure pipeline traversing the Hudson River from Rockland County, NY, entering Westchester County and intersecting underground with proposed mega voltage electric transmission lines in close proximity to the Indian Point nuclear power facility. Indian Point stores 40 years of spent nuclear fuel rods, and sits near the Ramapo and Stamford faults. The proposed AIM project also includes new massive gas compressor stations in Stony Point, Rockland County and in Southeast, Putnam County. The expansion would continue into Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
To submit comments, you will need to register with FERC through their Quick eComment website (click here). The docket number for the case is: Docket # PF 13-16-000
Once you have registered, submit the following talking points as well as your own:
1) The proposed AIM project poses an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of the Northeast region. A pipeline rupture, explosion, or other accident near Indian Point nuclear power facility's 40 years of spent fuel rods could be an unimaginable catastrophe. The FERC must study and assess the risks associated with pipeline explosions, and radon exposure from the venting of fracked gas from infrastructure and home appliances, and consider the potentially catastrophic effects on a region already burdened by a nuclear generating facility, several power plants, proposed High Voltage cables, and other heavy industrial facilities.
2) Gas infrastructure leaks methane, a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. Therefore, The FERC should consider the climate change impacts of the Spectra Algonquin AIM proposal by adopting a carbon neutral standard for the approval of the pipeline. Such a standard takes into account the life cycle impacts that methane extraction and transport have upon global climate change.
3) The proposed five massive gas compressor stations along the AIM project route will continuously emit tons of highly toxic pollutants into the air annually resulting in severe degradation of air quality. The FERC must comprehensively study the negative public health impacts of degraded air quality from compressor stations that are known to include nosebleeds, visual impairment, respiratory and neurological problems, leukemia, lung and breast cancer, damage to liver, kidney, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Cumulative impacts of the entire proposal should be assessed and a formal Health Impact Assessment (HIA) should be conducted.
4) The pipeline expansion to 42" in some sections would carry volumes which significantly exceed the amount committed for purchase by local distributors. The FERC must identify the need for the expanded pipeline as I believe the Hudson Valley should not bear the environmental and economic costs of infrastructure designed to facilitate natural gas export.
5) The FERC should consider the burden on local taxpayers who will bear the costs of enhanced emergency response actions, additional emergency healthcare, damage to water supplies and other impacts and if municipalities will be able to adequately and rapidly increase taxes to fully cover the cost of these emergency services.