NY to Analyze Gas Pipeline Safety near Nuclear Plant

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has directed his staff to do a safety analysis of the Algonquin natural gas pipeline where it runs past the Indian Point nuclear plant.

Cuomo had state agencies issue a letter Monday calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to immediately halt construction of the pipeline expansion project until that comprehensive safety review is completed -- a move greeted with delight by environmental activists and foes of the pipeline and of Indian Point.

“The only prior risk assessment provided at the Indian Point site was done by its operator, Entergy, and reviewed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Neither the NRC nor the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission had required a truly assessment of bringing a high-pressure natural gas flow within feet of a critical nuclear facility’s infrastructure,” Riverkeeper President Paul Gallay said in a statement commending the efforts of grassroots organizations such as Stop Algonquin Pipeline Expansion and Sane Energy Project in bringing the issue to the attention of the public and government officials.

“The safety of New Yorkers is the first responsibility of state government when making any decision. Over the past several months there have been a series of serious incidents at the Indian Point Nuclear Facility, which my administration is investigating,” Cuomo said in his announcement. “At the same time, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved a natural gas pipeline in close proximity of Indian Point. I am directing my administration to commence an immediate independent safety analysis of the natural gas pipeline project and until that occurs, we urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to suspend the project.”

In point of fact, the pipeline has long existed close to Indian Point, and what FERC approved was an expansion plan. Current construction near the plant is for the AIM project, the first of several planned by Spectra Energy.

Cuomo’s move comes after demands to shutter both the pipeline project and Indian Point were made publicly over the weekend by activists holding a vigil outside Cuomo’s home in Chappaqua.

It comes months after FERC approved the AIM project, the first of several to expand the pipeline, which runs from New Jersey to New England.

It comes months after his administration issued necessary permits and FERC and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission rejected arguments from experts and opponents that the pipeline would cause a threat to the plant.

It comes subsequent to a series of moves the governor has initiated against the nuclear facility.

SEE:

• NY Doubles Down on Indian Point Opposition
• Indian Point Sues New York State

State agencies are currently conducting an investigation into several recent failures at the facility. This investigation is examining unplanned shutdowns, a transformer fire and, most recently, a radioactive tritium leak that has caused groundwater radioactivity levels to fluctuate above normal.

According to Cuomo’s statement, while Spectra had agreed to more stringent construction measures near Indian Point, ongoing state investigations will assess the adequacy of these measures and may also reveal new information about the environmental, health and safety risks posed by the project’s siting.

“We’re relieved and grateful that Governor Cuomo recognized that construction of the Spectra AIM pipeline at Indian Point must be halted,” said Susan Van Dolsen, Cofounder of Stop the Algonquin Pipeline Expansion (SAPE) in a press release. “However, FERC must halt construction immediately. By directing his administration to conduct an independent risk assessment, he is fulfilling his primary obligation to protect the health and safety of his constituents and the 20 million people in the entire region. The risk assessment will prove that the siting of this pipeline in this location is unacceptable. However, until FERC actually halts construction and Spectra is stopped, we cannot claim victory.”

The state is urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to cease construction of the Algonquin natural gas pipeline expansion project until its analysis is complete and it can be determined that the project will not impact the health and safety of surrounding communities.

“The Cuomo Administration correctly put the safety of New Yorkers first. There are significant issues regarding the Algonquin Incremental Markets pipeline, but it is especially troublesome that it crosses the property of an aging and increasingly problematic nuclear power facility that has suffered a series of major malfunctions. The safety concerns with Indian Point are well known and well documented, and the stakes are too high for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commision to allow this project to proceed while four state agencies are evaluating the risks,” Gallay said.

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