A project to expand a gas pipeline that extends throughout Albany County was met with mixed reactions.
An informational meeting was held at Bethlehem Town Hall on Thursday, Oct. 30, by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as Texas-based KinderMorgan prepares for an environmental assessment. Some attending the meeting felt the review would not go far enough, while members of a local union assured the crowd every precaution would be taken during the installation process.
The project calls for 1.35 miles of 36-inch diameter pipeline to be installed in Bethlehem. There are already two natural gas pipelines installed in the town, one from the ’50s and one from the ‘80s. This project would see the extension of a third pipeline that already exists and ends to the west of Feura Bush. The pipeline will run horizontal with the other lines near Route 32. It would then be reconnected back into two pipelines near the pump station in Nassau, Rensselaer County.
Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, which is owned by KinderMorgan, is proposing the pipeline extension. Project Manager Jim Flynn said the new pipeline is needed for upgrade purposes and because of a larger demand for natural gas in New England.
Flynn said the upgrade would help provide adequate pressure to the lines as the gas moves eastward.
The morning of the informational meeting, residents and town officials were invited to walk a portion of the land where the pipeline would be installed. Those who wished to participate were asked to meet at the town Department of Public Utilities Garage, so residents could get a visual of the impact of the project. There are no homes in the area, but there is a cemetery, which has been informed of the possible work.
The Connecticut Expansion Project would see 72 million additional cubic feet of gas throughout Massachusetts to Connecticut, said Flynn during a short presentation to the crowd before residents were allowed to speak. Similar projects are proposed in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
“The project is targeted to go into service in the November of 2016 heating season,” said Flynn.
If approved by the FERC, installation is estimated to take six to eight weeks, depending on the weather.
Only six people spoke at the meeting.
Three speakers were opposed to the project. Some were worried about the number of violations KinderMorgan has received in recent years for corroded pipelines, while citing environmental concerns and a perceived lack of safety oversight. Others wanted to make sure the expansion was happening because the gas needed in the United States, and it was not being shipped out of the country.
“FERC is reviewing this project through the abbreviated fast-track process of environmental assessment, instead of the more comprehensive review of environmental impact statement,” said Dianne Sefcik. “I object to this project. It would dramatically expand the use of fracked gas in New York state. More gas means more fracking, risk to public health and accelerated climate change.”
A significant number of members of Albany Labor Union #190 were in attendance to lend support to the project.
“This project has nothing to do with fracking,” said union member Frank Marchese, who has attended a number of the scoping meetings throughout the Northeast. “It’s a very small addition to an existing pipeline.”
Members also wanted to stress they would never put their needs for jobs before safety, and all workers would be appropriately trained and have the necessary certifications.
“Of the thousands I trade members I have met throughout the state, not a single one would trade the well-being of their community, and the health and safety of their families, for a three- or four-month job,” Marchese said.
Additional information can be found on the town’s website and at www.ferc.gov.
