Feds Consider Pipeline Expansion Foes' Requests for a Rehearing

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today acknowledged requests from foes of Spectra Energy’s expansion plans in Rockland, Westchester and Putnam counties that the federal agency revisit its order approving the AIM pipeline project.

By issuing a “tolling order,” FERC showed it is still considering the merits of those requests, which were filed by local, state and national politicians, residents, advocacy and environmental groups after the agency approved the first of Spectra’s projects expanding the Algonquin pipeline.

Spectra’s AIM project would:

• expand approximately 37.4 miles of the existing Algonquin natural-gas pipeline and related facilities that stretch through New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts
• install two new 15,900 hp natural gas-fired compressor units, restage one existing compressor unit, install gas cooling for the new compressor units, and modify station piping at the Stony Point Compressor Station in Rockland County, New York
• install one new 10,320 hp natural gas-fired compressor unit, restage one existing compressor unit, replace the compressor body of one existing compressor unit, install gas cooling for the new compressor unit, and modify station piping at the Southeast Compressor Station in Putnam County, New York

FERC could grant rehearing, in which case there would be further proceedings before that agency.

“Rehearing is not an opportunity to reargue reasonable differences of opinion, since the law requires deference to FERC’s in matters within its jurisdiction. Rather, it is the opportunity to argue that FERC missed critical evidence, or did not squarely comply with legal requirements,” according to the Hydropower Reform Coalition.

RELATED:

• Algonquin Pipeline Foes Stage ‘Die-in’ Protest at Company’s Info Session
• Feds Approve Spectra’s AIM Project
• FERC Says Environmental Impacts of Pipeline Expansion Minimal
• Puglisi Asks DEC to Say No to the Algonquin Pipeline
• Is Algonquin Expansion Part of System Upgrade: FERC
• Spectra Files Next Stage of Algonquin Pipeline Expansion
• Pipeline Foes in 4 States Join to Fight Spectra Expansion
• Schumer, Gillibrand, Lowey Call for More Pipeline Review
• Spectra Seeks May 4 OK to Build Pipeline Staging Areas in Montrose, Pomona
• Algonquin Pipeline Foes Lobby in Albany