Water supply concerns cause Northern Access pipeline permit denial

“While we are still analysing the NYS DEC’s rationale, the denial is purportedly based upon NYS DEC’s determination that Supply and Empire’s construction activities will impermissibly affect the quality of waters in the state, notwithstanding voluminous detailed studies prepared and submitted by the companies and our consultants that show any such effects are temporary and minor," said Ronald J. Tanski, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Fuel Gas Company. "These construction activities would certainly have less effect than either exploding an entire bridge structure and dropping it into Cattaraugus Creek (Route 219) or developing and continuously operating a massive construction zone in the middle of the Hudson River (Tappan Zee Bridge) for a minimum of five years, both NYS DEC approved projects. We and our contractors have a great record with respect to our construction practices. Our Empire Connector, Tioga County Extension, and Tuscarora Lateral projects were completed through NYS DEC Region 8 between 2007 and 2015, consisting of 110 total miles of pipeline and crossing 104 streams and 182 wetlands, and utilising the same proposed construction practices with an excellent environmental record.

Tanski continued: “What is perhaps the most troubling aspect of this decision is that the NYS DEC waited literally until the 11th hour to issue this denial, even though we had detailed discussions with NYS DEC staff over a 34 month period and undertook detailed engineering and environmental studies at the agency's request, to support the stream-crossing techniques that now form the basis of their denial. We believe the NYS DEC’s analysis completely ignores the record that we developed in this process and is inconsistent with the standards of the Clean Water Act. Further, it attempts to set a new standard that cannot possibly be met by any infrastructure project in the state that crosses streams or wetlands, whether it is a road, bridge, water, or an energy infrastructure project."

Tanski explained: “Moreover, we are highly concerned about the ability of utilities in the state to meet the future energy needs of their consumers and the businesses and industries that drive the state’s economy. New York’s continued denial of permits for energy infrastructure projects is simply not sustainable, as it will have the effect of reducing New York’s energy reliability, lead to higher costs for consumers and be a limiting factor in the ability for industry to locate or expand in the state. While New York proclaims that it is ‘open for business,’ and ‘a premier place to invest and grow,’ the NYS DEC’s action belies that claim.

He concluded: “Today, 57% of the electric generation capacity in the state is powered by natural gas, and, as more coal and nuclear power plants are scheduled to be shut down, new gas-fired plants are being built in their place. Additional natural gas infrastructure is essential to connect nearby, growing supply areas to New York consumers. As New York continues a long term transition to more and more renewable electric generation, it is essential for the natural gas industry to stand ready, at a moment’s notice, to provide the gas supply necessary to generate the power to support the reliability of the power grid. National Fuel remains committed to this energy infrastructure project that will be an important contributor to the energy dependability and economic vibrancy of New York state.”

Northern Access is a half billion dollar privately-funded natural gas infrastructure expansion investment by Supply and Empire in western New York and north central Pennsylvania. The project is designed to transport domestically-produced natural gas, providing increased reliability to the western New York natural gas markets, and access to a low cost source of energy for residential and commercial customers throughout the North American pipeline grid. The project also supports new and growing employment at National Fuel and is estimated to increase annual property tax receipts by US$11.8 million for four New York counties, with an additional one-time sales tax impact of US$6.6 million for the same four counties. Twelve school districts within those counties will benefit from the annual incremental increase in tax revenue.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/12042017/water-supply-concerns-cause-northern-access-pipeline-permit-denial/