The Northern Westchester Examiner

Residents’ Groups to Host Workshops Prior to Pipeline Hearing

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The federal permitting process for Spectra Energy’s proposed Algonquin Incremental Market (AIM) natural gas expansion project is underway and there is limited opportunity for the public to weigh in.

Two grassroots groups, Stop the Algonquin Pipeline Expansion (SAPE) and Concerned Peekskill Residents (CPR), are hosting three workshops to inform people about the project and to help them prepare comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The workshops will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at the Centennial Fire House, 701 Washington St. in Peekskill, from 7 to 10 p.m.; on Thursday, Sept. 4 at the Lake House, 33 Lake Way in Purdys from 7 to 10 p.m.; and on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Buchanan Family Day at the Pavilion, 218 Westchester Ave. in Buchanan from 1 to 4 p.m.

Residents and elected officials throughout Westchester and Putnam counties have become increasingly concerned about the impacts on health and safety as well as home values and the municipalities’ liability from this project.

“For residents, this project is frightening,” said Peekskill resident and CPR founding member Courtney Williams. “If this proceeds, my children will be living and going to school 450 feet from a massive natural gas pipeline. A rupture at this proximity would be certain to cause fatalities. How can I raise my kids like this, knowing they are at risk?”

The only FERC public hearing in New York State will be held on Monday, Sept. 15 at the Morabito Conference Center, 29 Westbrook Drive in Cortlandt Manor at 6:30 p.m. Public comment is limited to three minutes and one must arrive early to sign up. Written comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) must be submitted to FERC by Sept. 29 in order for the issues to be addressed in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). www.sape2016.org for information about commenting.

“It is absolutely critical that people make their concerns known to FERC, either in person or in writing,” said SAPE co-founder Susan Van Dolsen. “There is too much at stake to sit on the sidelines; the health and quality of life of area residents are at risk. Please make every effort to attend a workshop, come to the public hearing and share this information with your friends and neighbors.”

For more information, call 914-525-8886 or e-mail info@sape2016.org.

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