Cornell's Resolution Addresses Algonquin Pipeline

The Rockland County Legislature unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by Legislator Harriet Cornell, Chairwoman of the Legislature’s Environmental Committee, to urge federal and state regulatory agencies to require comprehensive environmental, health and safety assessments and mitigation in regard to the proposal by Houston-based Spectra Energy to enlarge its Algonquin pipeline that crosses Rockland, Westchester and Putnam Counties, to serve customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The company has plans to replace 26-inch diameter pipe with 42-inch pipe, tunnel a new length of pipe beneath the Hudson River and upgrade compressor stations in Stony Point and Westchester Co.

Rockland County joins with Westchester and Putnam Counties to encourage the state and federal agencies to mandate independent assessments and monitoring, prior to permitting process, with cost borne by Spectra and continuous monitoring of air, water and land around the pipeline subsequent to completion.

Legislator Cornell referenced scientific studies that firmly link neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory health problems to air pollution and emissions from pipeline components and compressor stations.

“Emissions will significantly increase in the Hudson Valley by the expansion of the Stony Point compressor station in Rockland and the Southeast station in Westchester,” stated Cornell. “The materials and contaminants in the gas pipeline include many known carcinogens. The proximity of the pipeline to Indian Point Nuclear Energy Plant is an added factor to our concerns.”