Updated Draft Petition

We the undersigned oppose theSpectra Energy’s Algonquin Incremental Market (AIM) gas pipeline expansion under review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The 42” expanded pipeline is proposed to traverse the Hudson River from Rockland County, New York and enter Westchester County near the Indian Point nuclear power facility’s 40 years of spent nuclear fuel rods in close proximity to the Ramapo and Stamford faults. The pipeline expansion, including five expanded compressor stations, will continue through Westchester and Putnam Counties and into Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The AIM pipeline and compressor station expansion poses unacceptable risks; therefore, we are endorsing the NO BUILD OPTION.

UNACCEPTABLE RISKS:

· A pipeline rupture or other accident could cause a major, region-wide catastrophe.[1]

· A proposed high voltage transmission line could intersect the pipeline in close proximity to the Indian Point nuclear power plant, posing an additional accident risk.

· Pipelines and compressor stations are subject to leaks and explosions. When methane is released into the air it can come in contact with a spark source and a major explosion and fire can occur.

· The methane and associated hydrocarbons transported in the pipelines are vented and released in large quantities at compressor stations during blow down events and accidental release events.

HEALTH IMPACTS:

· Health impacts associated with compressor station air emissions include nosebleeds, vision impairment, headaches, leukemia, aplastic anemia, and damage to the lungs, liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system nervous system, brain and other body systems.

· The Marcellus Shale has large quantities of radioactive materials such as Radium-226 and Radium-228 and are transported with the gas. Radium-226 is a bone seeker and causes bone and lung cancer.

· Due to serious health impacts, the FERC process should require a comprehensive Health Impact Assessment (HIA) in addition to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

ECONOMIC IMPACTS

· Taxpayers could bear the costs of any emergency response actions, healthcare, damage to water supplies and other impacts.

CLIMATE CHANGE

· Gas pipelines and compressor stations leak methane which is a far more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

· We object to the increased use of natural gas repowering electric plants in NYS proposed by Gov. Cuomo's Energy Plan (link to Plan and how to submit comments, by when) and support increased energy efficiency, conservation, renewable energy, and transporting more upstate energy to downstate including wind energy by upgrading bottlenecks in transmission lines.

Quote - Another nuclear expert

Quote – Pipeline expert

Quote – Janette Barth – economic expert

Quote - Tony Ingraffrea – Pipeline expert plus other expertise