Boston Takes Additional Steps to Protect Residents From Pipeline Construction

Mayor Marty Walsh and the city of Boston has taken another step to protect the residents of West Roxbury in regards to the proposed West Roxbury Lateral Gas Pipeline, according to the Walsh’s office.

The city filed an opposition to the actions taken by the Algonquin Gas Transmissions, LLC in federal court to take control of Washington, Grove and Centre Streets in West Roxbury in order to begin excavation and installation of the proposed gas transmission line due to the inability to “acquire the necessary easements” from the Public Improvement Commission.

According to legal documents filed on June 22, the city cites, 1) the easements that Algonquin seeks are not necessary to install the pipeline; (2) Algonquin did not negotiate in good faith with the City for the acquisition of rights to be under the streets; and (3) the Public Improvement Commission (PIC) process, which results in grants of location for utilities under public ways, is consistent with the National Gas Act and the certificate issued by the Federal Energy Regulation Commission (FERC).

The city also says Algonquin never completed the PIC process and that they must continue the process to completion.

“It is critical that Algonquin uses the appropriate process for any proposed development in our City,” said Mayor Walsh. “We will continue pursue all avenues to protect the health and safety of the residents of West Roxbury by working together with the community and with our city, state and federal partners to find the best long-term solution in the interest of our residents.”

Residents in West Roxbury are concerned with the proposed pipeline because of the many safety issues it would bring about, especially since it would be built across from a quarry that uses dynamite on a daily basis.

A hearing on the city’s opposition has been scheduled for September 22 in federal court.

Several local officials have spoken out against the pipeline project.

“As a united group, the federal, state and local elected officials from West Roxbury have repeatedly made it painfully clear to Spectra Energy that we believe that the current alignment of the pipeline is a threat to public safety,” said Congressman Stephen F. Lynch.

“I commend Mayor Walsh and my federal, state, and local colleagues for continuing to listen to our constituents’ apprehensions regarding major aspects of the West Roxbury lateral pipeline project,” said State Senator Mike Rush.

“I applaud Mayor Walsh for his response to Algonquin’s absurd request and demand of easements in our West Roxbury neighborhood,” said Representative Ed Coppinger.

“I am proud to continue to stand firm with Mayor Walsh, Congressman Lynch, Senator Rush and Representative Coppinger in opposition to the pipeline and support the residents of the West Roxbury community,” said Boston City Councilor Matt O’Malley.