Protesters Push to Halt Pipeline Construction Pending Health, Safety Inspection

Protesters opposed to Spectra Energy’s pipeline project are pushing public officials to bring the construction to a halt until a health and safety inspection is completed.

An anti-pipeline group issued the following statement:

“URGENT! We, the undersigned, strongly urge you to exercise the power of your office to effect a moratorium on the Spectra Algonquin Incremental Market (AIM) pipeline expansion and the West Roxbury Lateral Pipeline project until the Boston Public Health Commission can complete a thorough health and safety evaluation of the project.”

The petition says the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should rescind approval of the West Roxbury Lateral pipeline because it has not taken the time to learn the exact risks presented by the construction.

“Recognizing the significant risk of blasting and the potential impacts on a co-located high pressure pipeline and above-ground terminus, we request a complete seismic and health and safety study,” the group stated.

Protesters feel the health, well-being, and property of the residents of West Roxbury, Dedham, Westwood, and the surrounding areas are at risk due to the construction.

“An explosion of this 750psi pipeline would cause certain devastation to an area as large as a 30 city block radius. Leaked fracked gas passing through this pipeline has toxic components like PCBs, arsenic, radon, and methane. The risk of leaks is increased by live blasting in the immediate area,” the group writes.

Nearly 500 residents have signed the petition.