Pipeline Foes Due in Cortlandt Town Court

Nine community members and activists arrested for blocking access to a Spectra Energy construction yard in November are scheduled to resume their trial in Cortlandt Town Court Wednesday morning.

The group, which calls itself the Montrose 9, is being represented by social justice attorney Martin R. Stolar. He is expected to present a Necessity Defense, arguing that their activity was justified because it was done to stop a danger more harmful than the violation of the law and only after all other legal and regulatory options were exhausted.

The ResistAIM movement against the Algonquin Pipeline expansion named the members of the Montrose 9:

• Michael Bucci
• Kim Fraczek
• Melissa Freedman
• Monica Hunken
• George Packard
• Susan Rutman
• Andy Ryan
• Linda Snider
• Kathleen Thomas

The Algonquin natural gas pipeline owned by Spectra Energy runs through Rockland, Westchester and Putnam counties on its way to New England. Spectra’s plan to enlarge the pipeline is in three phases 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.

The projects comprise an expansion plan for the pipeline from New Jersey to New England. FERC is considering each separately.

RELATED:

• Pipeline Project Making Progress Under the Hudson
• Pipeline Foes Step Up Protest Blockades in Cortlandt
• Algonquin Pipeline Foes File Appeal
• Opponents Protest Pipeline at FERC Meeting in Sleepy Hollow

PHOTO: Montrose 9 stage protest/contributed