Walsh: Feds need to reconsider allowing a gas pipeline around an active quarry in West Roxbury

Mayor Walsh has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reconsider its decision to allow construction of a large natural-gas pipeline down Washington and Grove Streets and a metering station across from the West Roxbury quarry to connect it to National Grid's system.

The commission approved the $95-million project last month. Walsh says it's a threat to the community because of the station's location across the street from an active quarry that uses dynamite:

The project as proposed poses real public safety risks for West Roxbury residents, and we must work together with the community and with our city, state and federal partners to find a solution that is in the best interests of West Roxbury residents.

Walsh formally asked the commission for a rehearing to listen to complaints from residents and elected officials, who include US Rep. Stephen Lynch, state Sen. Michael Rush, state Rep. Edward Coppinger and several city councilors.

In its ruling last month, the commission said the quarry has changed its blasting patterns so that it's now extremely unlikely large rocks would plummet down on the station.