Sens. Schumer, Gillibrand Want Independent Review Of Pipeline Expansion

PEEKSLILL, N.Y. – U.S. Sens. Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to allow an independent entity to study the potential impacts of the Algonquin Incremental Market pipeline expansion project, before giving it a final approval.

The proposal is to replace the Algonquin Incremental Market pipeline with one that is 42 inches in diameter.
Photo Credit: *File Photo*

by Javier Simon

02/11/2015 4:00 a.m.

Citing concerns from constituents and local officials, the two Democrats, want this independent party to investigate potential environmental and safety hazards.

In a letter to the FERC, Schumer and Gillibrand noted that the project would replace the current 26-inch in diameter pipeline with a 42-inch one that transports natural gas through communities in Rockland, Putnam and Westchester counties. They asked about potential hazards that may arise due to the pipeline’s proximity to the Indian Point Energy Center, which houses two power plants. They also asked about the project’s effect on park land as well as the potential affects of exposure to airborne contaminants.

The senators said they want this independent study to be made public and be the subject of public meetings open to comment and review.

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