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Feds allow West Roxbury pipeline construction even as they reconsider their approval of it
By adamg on Thu, 06/18/2015 - 7:53am
The town of Dedham's federal lawsuit seeks to block construction of a high-pressure gas pipeline from Westwood to West Roxbury at least until after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) holds a hearing on requests by Dedham, Boston and others to force changes in the pipeline's route.
Although the commission approved a request by local officials for a rehearing on its approval of the pipeline route, on June 11, it gave Algonquin Gas Transmission permission to start construction - two days after Dedham asked for a delay at least until after the rehearing.
In its lawsuit, filed yesterday in US District Court in Boston, the town argues this makes no sense: What happens if the company completes major portions of the pipeline, then FERC reverses its previous approval? In a memorandum in support of a preliminary injunction against construction - which was scheduled to start this week - the town's attorneys write:
[I]f the Town prevails on Rehearing, or prevails on judicial review (should FERC issue a decision unfavorable to the Town), it will have already suffered the harms relating to construction that it has argued are not adequately addressed in the Certificate, if construction is permitted to proceed while the Request is being considered. Further, if the pipeline is completed and put in use before final action is taken on the Request, the Town could potentially suffer harms associated with what it contends are inadequate safety measures imposed on the completed pipeline. ...
If construction is not stayed during FERC's consideration of the Town's Request for Rehearing, the harms suffered by the Town due to construction (and possible completion) of the Lateral cannot be remedied, should the Town ultimately prevail. As such, the Town's right to meaningful judicial review is vitiated if construction is permitted to proceed while FERC considers the Town's Request.
Construction of the pipeline and the "metering and regulating station" that would transfer the gas into National Grid's pipeline system in West Roxbury, is scheduled to run through September of next year - with the Dedham portion finished this December.
Neighborhoods:
Free tagging:
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 Dedham's complaint | 285.45 KB |
| Dedham's memorandum in support of a preliminary injunction | 243.25 KB |
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Comments
BOOM
The bad kind of real estate boom.
Can you say PARANOIA
In fact, it's reactionary paranoia - the worst kind.
Want the pipeline moved? They why don't you and your NIMBY friends provide conclusive proof to everyone that the current location will result in a disaster. And also provide Spectra with detailed construction plans to accomplish the relocation, as well as compensating Spectra for the additional costs incurred becasue of your silly-ass selfish "OMG, we want gas service, but how dare they put the pipeline here" BS.
This nonsense of "although we have no expertise in such matters, we are still right and the experts are obviously wrong" is so wrong it's pathetic.
Finally someone sticks up for
Finally someone sticks up for the multi-billion dollar energy conglomerates of the world. Thank you.
My understanding is they've
My understanding is they've reached out to several, several agencies and individuals qualified to make an independent assessment and get that conclusive proof you're asking for, and none of them will do it at the risk of being blackballed by Spectra.
Hmm.
Funny how there's always an anon calling people with valid and rational concerns "NIMBYS" as soon as Adam posts something about the pipeline.
I know, I know: PARANOIA. But either you're on someone's payroll, or you're just a jackass.
Consider the facts
1. This is not a matter of "wanting gas service" and even if it were, the need for it is questionable at best.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2015/03/22/with-increase-lng-suppli...
2. This is not a matter of NIMBY paranoia, but genuine concern over co-location of a high-pressure pipeline adjacent to a live quarry that blasts frequently at seismic levels in a densely populated neighborhood that includes three schools and a nursing home. Nothing in the Spectra study addresses the effects of seismic activity in the immediate area of the pipeline. That is the real risk. While the pipe itself is rated for 10- to 20x the local blast level, *there is absolutely no control* for what happens in the surrounding ground, which is *ledge* the disruption of which presents real and significant risk of leaks, and worse. Review Mark McDonald, a national expert on gas safety, comments here:
http://swrl.info/video-clips-demonstrate-the-issue-for-w-roxbury/
And our elected officials echoing concerns:
westroxburysavesenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/LocalOfficialsMotionforStay_6.23.15.pdf
And other explosions across the country resulting from Spectra negligence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYNRIPOnnYs
Hardly NIMBY.
Spectra cannot adequately address these concern and cannot point to a single corollary case that supports their position of safety.
http://west-roxbury.wickedlocal.com/article/20150111/News/150119708/?Sta...
3. This is not a matter of "we are not the experts" but of genuine interest in due diligence for the health and safety of the community. The only study completed so far was contracted by Spectra. Would you buy a house from an owner who said "I'll do the inspection - don't worry." Is that "Silly-ass and selfish"?
4. The community has made every effort to request a public health hearing to provide exactly the "conclusive proof" you suggest we need. Efforts to obtain an independent study by qualifying organizations have been blocked by their fear of opposing Spectra. These efforts continue, however.
But why should the burden of proof for the fundamental right to environmental health and safety fall to the residents? Shouldn't the agent seeking profits from a commercial activity guarantee that no harm will befall those affected? Spectra has failed to do so, and that is why we must have a moratorium on this construction until the safety of this activity is guaranteed.
Thank you your well
Thank you your well documented,thoughtful and cogent response.
Selectman Mike Butler Ready for Civil Disobedience
according to this article, http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2015/06/17/west-roxbury-pipeline... he's headed down to Elm Street and Route 1 to get himself arrested this morning.
Thanks Liz
You showed tremendous courage running out of the community meeting. We appreciate you standing up for the little guy.