Southeast Pipeline Expansion Opponents Will Join Rally Oct. 25 in Peekskill

A coalition of groups worried about the effects of Spectra Energy’s proposed Algonquin project, the first of two that would expand its natural-gas pipeline through Rockland, Westchester and Putnam counties on the way to New England, will hold a rally at Pugsley Park in Peekskill from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Their concerns include the disruption of construction and the long-term dangers of natural gas transmission through the densely populated region. They are also worried about the monitoring, pigging and compressor stations that will be built periodically along the line.

The rapid growth of the fracking industry has resulted in a surge in natural-gas production in the U.S. Spectra says the additional product is needed by markets in New England, where high demand, low supply and high prices become issues particularly in cold winters.

Here’s the full text of their press release:

A rally on Saturday, October 25 from noon to 3:00 p.m. at Pugsley Park, 1038-1098 Main Street in Peekskill is being sponsored by Reynolds Hills, Concerned Peekskill Residents (CPR), Keep Yorktown Safe (KYS), Stop the Algonquin Pipeline Expansion (SAPE) along with Rockland, Westchester and Putnam elected officials united in opposition to Spectra’s proposed 42” diameter high-pressure natural gas pipeline and infrastructure through the Hudson Valley. Speakers will include New York State Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, Peekskill Town Board members Kathleen Talbot, Joe Torres and Darren Rigger, Cortlandt Town Board members Debbie Costello and Seth Freach, North Salem Town Board member Amy Rosmarin, Yorktown Town Board member Vishnu Patel and others.

There are many reasons why they oppose the Spectra Algonquin pipeline expansions. A new 42” pipeline would cross the Hudson River just 1500 feet from the Indian Point nuclear power plant, two earthquake fault lines and two 1,000 megawatt electrical transmission lines. It will also run just 450 feet from the Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School. “Pigging stations” for the removal of the hazardous, radioactive decay products that accumulate in the pipelines would be placed close to homes, parks, and schools in Buchanan and Yorktown. Existing compressor stations, which vent gas and other toxins, would also be expanded. But, despite calls from over 30 elected officials, including Congresswoman Nita Lowey, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has ignored requests for a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement and a reasonable opportunity for residents to comment.

The rally will draw attention to the tremendous risks involved with this ill-advised project, particularly the unprecedented siting of this expanded high-pressure pipeline near a nuclear facility. Peekskill resident Nancy Vann said, “This area already has more than its share of environmental burdens. We don’t need more of them. Particularly not a mega-pipeline that won’t bring any benefits to our communities but will put us all at risk.”

FERC could issue a permit for this project as soon as December 2014 and construction could take place in 2015 and 2016. Peekskill resident Courtney Williams said, “We are running out of time. Many impacted residents still don’t know they are in the path of this pipeline. If Spectra has its way, we’re looking at three or more years of massive construction in residential areas, and when it’s over, we’ll have a lifetime of health and safety risks!”

Spectra is also planning two additional pipeline expansions on the same Algonquin line. In 2017, the 26” diameter pipeline from Yorktown through Somers to Carmel would be replaced by 42” diameter pipeline. Compressor stations would be expanded again, and a pigging station moved to a residential neighborhood on the border of Carmel and Somers. The third project, Access Northeast, is a $3B partnership with Northeast Utilities to expand pipelines all over the Northeast. Together they would turn Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam into a superhighway for Marcellus Shale gas. Susan Van Dolsen of SAPE said, “Spectra claims that their two other expansions on the Algonquin line are separate from the AIM project, but residents along the pipeline will suffer the cumulative health and safety impacts. This is illegal segmentation. Everyone should tell FERC and their elected officials that Spectra’s plans are unacceptable.”

RSVP for additional details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1506417959600681

Read more about what is happening with these projects here: http://sape2016.org/category/press/