Opponents Set Sept. 3, 4, 13 Info Sessions on Natural Gas Pipeline Project

The following release is from Stop the Algonquin Pipeline Expansion:

The federal permitting process for Spectra Energy’s proposed Algonquin Incremental Market (AIM) natural gas expansion project is underway and there is limited opportunity for the public to weigh in. Two grassroots groups, Stop the Algonquin Pipeline Expansion (SAPE) and Concerned Peekskill Residents (CPR), are hosting three workshops to inform people about the project and to help them prepare comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The workshops will be held on Wed. Sept. 3 at the Centennial Fire House, 701 Washington Street in Peekskill from 7-10 p.m., on Thurs. Sept. 4 at the Lake House, 33 Lake Way in Purdys from 7-10 p.m., and on Sat. Sept. 13 at Buchanan Family Day at the Pavilion, 218 Westchester Avenue in Buchanan from 1-4 p.m.

Residents and elected officials throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties have become increasingly concerned about the impacts on health and safety, as well as home values and the municipalities’ liability from this project. Courtney Williams, a Peekskill resident and founding member of CPR said, “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? The DEIS says there are 337 residences within 50ft 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. A 42” 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.”

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. Public comment is limited to three minutes and one must arrive early to sign up. 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 websitewww.sape2016.org for information about commenting.

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.”

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