Grassroots Organization Aims to Stop Gas Pipeline Expansion Near Danbury/Brewster Town Line

Spectra Energy’s proposed Algonquin Incremental Market (AIM) natural gas expansion project is underway and a small group of activists are doing everything in their power to stop it.

Two grassroots groups, Stop the Algonquin Pipeline Expansion (SAPE) and Concerned Peekskill Residents (CPR), are hosting a series of workshops to inform the public about the project. Their goal is to educate the public on the project and help residents prepare comments to make to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

The workshops to be held are as follows:

NY: Wed. Sept. 3 at the Centennial Fire House, 701 Washington Street in Peekskill from 7-10 p.m.

NY: Thurs. Sept. 4 at the Lake House, 33 Lake Way in Purdys from 7-10 p.m

CT: Mon. Sept. 8 at the Danbury Public Library, 170 Main Street in Danbury from 6-7p.m.

NY: Sat. Sept. 13 at Buchanan Family Day at the Pavilion, 218 Westchester Avenue in Buchanan from 1-4 p.m.

Courtney Williams is a Peekskill resident who spearheaded the initiative to stop the pipeline through Concerned Peekskill Residents.

“For residents, this project is frightening. If this proceeds, my children will be living and going to school 450 feet from a massive natural gas pipeline. A rupture at this proximity would be certain to cause fatalities. How can I raise my kids like this, knowing they are at risk?” Williams asked.

“The DEIS says there are 337 residences within 50 feet of the pipeline work area, all those people and families are in the same, dangerous position. Perhaps even more upsetting, I cannot even move away from this problem without leaving my job because this project endangers the entire New York metropolitan area,” Williams stated.

She went on to explain, “A 42-inch natural gas pipeline rupture only 1,500 feet from Indian Point nuclear power plant in this densely populated area would be catastrophic. This isn’t safe. We need to speak up.”

Co-Founder of SAPE, Susan Van Dolsen, said, “It is absolutely critical that people make their concerns known to FERC, either in person or in writing. There is too much at stake to sit on the sidelines. The health and quality of life of area residents are at risk. Please make every effort to attend a workshop, come to the public hearing and share this information with your friends and neighbors.”

The only FERC public hearing in New York State will be held on Monday, September 15, 2014 at the Morabito Conference Center, 29 Westbrook Drive in Cortlandt Manor, NY at 6:30 p.m. Those who wish to make a public comment must arrive early to sign up. Each comment is limited to three minutes.

Written comments on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) must be submitted to FERC by September 29, 2014 in order for the issues to be addressed in the final EIS. Please go to the SAPE website www.sape2016.org for information about commenting.

For more information, please contact SAPE at info@sape2016.org or call 914-525-8886.

Information based off a release from Concerned Peekskill Residents.

Photo: Concerned Peekskill Residents