No Definitive Answers on Pipeline; BOS Votes to Oppose It.
Kinder Morgan officials faced tough questions from the public this past Monday evening and were unable to satisfy the dozens who asked questions about a proposed pipeline which will traverse the northern sections of Massachusetts including Groton and surrounding towns includimg Pepperell, Townsend and Dunstable. More than a 100 people attended the third informational meeting held on the pipeline which was hosted by Selectmen and included representatives from Kinder Morgan, the company proposing to build the pipeline.
Allen Fore, Director of Public Affairs at Kinder Morgan, gave a brief overview of the project, before opening the meeting to questions. Fore noted that current gas pipelines are at capacity and New England needs an increase in infrastructure to deliver more natural gas to the region. Early questioning by residents focused on the financial viability of the project and the strength of forecasts which support the company's claim that the pipeline is needed to meet increased demand.
Several residents challenged the claim that demand is there by asking Fore if any long term contracts for the gas have been secured. Fore indicated that no contracts have been signed by either electric generating companies or local distribution companies but noted that Kinder Morgan has opened talks with several distribution companies. In an effort to find out more about alternative means to increase natural gas supply, Selectmen Chair Josh Degen asked how much gas is lost through existing pipelines. Fore noted that very little is lost and implied that such loss is negligible as far as meeting demand for more natural gas. A handout at the meeting prepared by those in opposition to the pipeline noted that the Conservation Law Foundation reported in December 2012 that 1.725 million cubic feet of gas is lost in Massachusetts through leakage from existing pipelines.
Degen also wanted assurances from Kinder Morgan that gas brought into the region through the proposed pipeline would be use only in the United States and not for exported to overseas markets. Fore said Kinder Morgan could not commit to such a situation but noted that the gas is meant to meet the increased demand in New England. Resident John Giger asked if the demand is so strong why aren't electric companies and distribution companies signing up for more gas. Fore noted that as the process moves forward and no contracts are signed, the pipeline won't get built. Giger responded, "Before I worry about the route, I would want to know if the demand is there."
Resident Becky Pine moved the discussion to alternative routes and using existing rights-of-way. Pine said residents in Groton have contributed huge amounts of tax dollars to conserve land and such a commitment of tax dollars presumed land would not be disturbed or impacted by development. Pine wanted to know why Kinder Morgan chose a route through towns with hundreds and thousands of acres of conservation land and not through existing rights-of-way such as the Mass Pike, Route 2 and even Kinder Morgan's existing pipeline in the southern part of the state. Fore replied that different issues are involved in existing rights-of-way but said the company will look at those routes. He said when Kinder Morgan applies for a permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, they provide information on what is called a "preferred route" and several alternative routes.
Fore said the new pipeline's proposed route through northern Massachusetts is the preferred route for reasons he didn't specify. However, the implication of choosing the northern route is lower cost and fewer property owners to deal with. Later in the discussion, Selectmen Chair Josh Degen stated, "If you want less landowners, why not negotiate with just one landowner, 'The Commonwealth of Massachusetts'!"
In making the case for the pipeline, Fore noted that natural gas as an energy source will act as a "bridge" to more renewable energy sources in the future. However, a local owner of a solar company challenged that notion and said that solar energy is a viable alternative and that costs for solar panels have decreased significantly in the past several years.
In response to a question about the company surveying private property, Fore said that has not happened yet. He said that company surveyors will be present in a week or two to conduct surveys on surrounding roads. He added that the surveyors will not be entering private property.
Selectmen Vote Unanimously to Oppose Pipeline Project; Join Area Towns to Prevent Pipeline Route Through Nashoba Valley
Following the informational meeting with Kinder Morgan officials, Selectmen met briefly to consider a formal vote in opposition to the proposed pipleline. The Board voted unanimously to oppose the project and then on another unanimous vote agreed to join a group of Middlesex County towns and work in concert with them to oppose the proposed pipeline.
Selectmen's vote on the pipeline comes one week in advance of a special town meeting which will consider one warrant article: A vote of town meeting in opposition to the pipeline. Special Town Meeting is scheduled for June 30 at the middle school
