Beginning Friday, a controversial Weymouth natural gas compressor station could vent gas into the community multiple times during its first week of operations.
“Having received approval from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration…we are proceeding with safely placing the Weymouth Compressor Station in service,” said Max Bergeron, a spokesman for Enbridge, the energy company that built the facility. “…The process will involve the controlled, planned venting of natural gas, which is required to remove any air in the station piping, followed by the gradual pressurization of the facility with natural gas.”
The venting may occur intermittently between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 4 through Dec. 11, said Bergeron, who called the venting “a safe and routine procedure,” during which the gas “will naturally dissipate,” and monitors that “constantly measure the levels of natural gas will be used.”
But community activists are unconvinced that the venting – and the facility itself – will be safe after accidental gas leaks this fall prompted two emergency shutdowns and a federally ordered pause in operations.
“This opens up our community to more health risks,” said Alice Arena of the Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station. “They say they’re going to have intermittent and planned releases. But they’re what we call a blow-down, the release of unburned methane into the air. Not only is it toxic, but it’s really driving us over the edge in terms of climate change.”
The group plans to mark the start of compressor service with an “Elf effigy” in nearby Kings Cove Park. The art installation seeks to collect 310 elves of all kinds by Dec. 20, each representing 10 children who live in the immediate area, culminating in a 3 p.m. gathering on Dec. 20 at the park.
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Weymouth natural gas compressor will vent gas into the community during its first week of operations - Boston Herald
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