Algonquin Apologizes to Feds for Digging Up Cortlandt Wetland

CORTLANDT, NY — When the drill stem disconnected from the pipe Spectra Energy's contractors were trying to pull through a bore hole under the Hudson River on Aug. 27, workers were concerned that if the pipe was not moved immediately it could get permanently stuck or the bore hole could be lost.

They told the federal environmental monitor that, and because of "miscommunication" they thought that's all they had to do.

That's what officials of the controversial Algonquin pipeline explained to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in their letter explaining why they dug up a wetland in Cortlandt without permission and spent three nights pounding at the pipe with pneumatic hammers.

Based on these conversations with the FERC Compliance Monitor,
Algonquin personnel expected the Monitor to return to the site early Sunday afternoon and due
to the exigent circumstances of this situation, Algonquin personnel made the incorrect
assumption that work could be initiated prior to obtaining written authorization. In retrospect,
Algonquin made an incorrect decision and should have waited until written approvals were
received prior to performing the work.

The company told federal officials that they have overhauled their communications protocols, and taken the contractors through environmental compliance steps and awareness training; and will re-evaluate communications flow.

The event discussed in the attachment was inconsistent with Algonquin’s construction procedures, and is neither representative of Algonquin’s past practices
nor acceptable to Algonquin. As described in the attached responses, Algonquin is
implementing additional measures to ensure future compliance with all Commission orders,
regulations and policies, as well as other applicable permits and authorizations.

Algonquin also gave FERC details about how it would restore the wetland.

Spectra Energy’s plan to enlarge the pipeline includes three projects so far.

The AIM Project involves the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of 37.4 miles of pipeline and related facilities in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Most of the pipeline installation will replace existing pipeline with larger diameter pipeline.
Atlantic Bridge includes replacement of another 10.9 miles of existing pipeline with new larger diameter pipe.
Access Northeast includes the expansion of approximately 125 miles of the existing Algonquin pipeline system, plus new lines and facilities, including a new Liquified Natural Gas Storage Facility in Acushnet, Massachusetts.

RELATED:

• FERC Says Environmental Impacts of Pipeline Expansion Minimal
• Peaceful Resistance Training Offered to Opponents of Pipeline Expansion
• Is Algonquin Expansion Part of System Upgrade: FERC