SPRINGFIELD — City councilors are seeking additional details and answers to concerns about Eversource’s plan for a natural gas pipeline connecting Longmeadow and Springfield’s South End.
The council’s Sustainability and Environment Committee has a remote meeting with Eversource officials scheduled at 2:30 p.m. Thursday regarding the proposed Western Massachusetts Natural Gas Reliability Project.
“We want to understand its purpose, the cost, and what the impact could be relative to the quality of life of the residents and the impact on the environment,” committee Chairman Jesse Lederman said. “So much vagueness around the project has led to quite a few questions from all parties — the residents, organizations and businesses.”
Eversource, on its website, said the proposed gas pipeline “would be constructed underground in state and local streets between the existing Eversource Bliss Street POD (point of delivery) Station in Springfield and the new proposed Longmeadow POD Station.”
“This update is designed to improve reliability of the natural gas system in the Greater Springfield area for approximately 58,000 existing natural gas customers,” Eversource said. “This includes protecting against a loss of service during the coldest times of the year. The proposed project will also reduce the chance of gas service interruptions during periods of maintenance or an unexpected disruption.”
The specific location in Longmeadow is not stated on the website, but there is a map of potential paths for the 16-inch diameter pipeline.
In 2020, Eversource purchased the former Columbia Gas of Massachusetts for $1.1 billion. A news conference to celebrate the purchase and defend gas pipeline plans attracted members of the Columbia Gas Resistance Campaign, a group opposing area pipelines.
The group lobbied against the proposed pipeline connecting Longmeadow and the South End, and a separate project in Agawam. Bill Akley, Eversource’s president of gas operations, said at the time of purchase that the projects are needed for safety and reliability.
Lederman said there are “definitely” questions and concerns.
“It started under Columbia,” Lederman said. “There was very little known then and very little known now.”
There are multiple local and state meetings occurring and a lengthy regulatory process, Lederman said.
Eversource states on its website that a project proposal will be submitted to the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board at a date not yet determined.
“This opens an approximately two-year regulatory proceeding before the EFSB, which reviews major energy facility projects,” Eversource said. The process includes both public and evidentiary hearings, the company said.
Abutting property owners will be notified of the public hearing date or dates, Eversource said. The regulatory process requires approval from local, state and federal permitting agencies, the company said.
Those wishing to watch the Thursday’s meeting may call the City Council office at 413-787-6170, or watch the taped meeting when it is posted online subsequently by Focus Springfield.
Related content:
- Springfield City Council, Eversource expand dispute over unpaid utility taxes
- Home heating bills could jump 25% on tight natural gas market, utilities warn
"gas" - Google News
October 12, 2021 at 04:49PM
https://ift.tt/3mPoe0r
Springfield councilor to meet with Eversource on proposed gas pipeline - MassLive.com
"gas" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2LxAFvS
https://ift.tt/3fcD5NP
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Springfield councilor to meet with Eversource on proposed gas pipeline - MassLive.com"
Post a Comment