Until we are ALL FRACK-FREE, this will continue to be our Christmas wish (demand) every year!
http://www.utne.com/environment/minisink-maladies-zl0z1512zsau.aspx
HOME SICK FROM TOXIC EMISSIONS
GAS COMPRESSORS AND NOSEBLEEDS
THE EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MALFUNCTION ALARM SOUNDS FROM MINISINK COMPRESSOR JUST AS RESIDENTS HEAD TO WASHINGTON FOR CHALLENGE BEFORE D.C. CIRCUIT COURT
May 1, 2014
MINISINK, N.Y. : Just as dozens of residents from the town of Minisink, N.Y., were preparing to leave for Washington D.C. in early hour of May 1, to attend oral arguments for their long awaited legal challenge of a federally approved gas compressor station, an alarm sounded at the facility. At about 11:40 p.m.( on Wednesday night) a truck was seen speeding into the driveway.
“As soon as we went outside to pack our car we heard the alarm”, said Leanne Baum, who lives directly across from the facility. ‘Then we saw a Columbia Gas truck flying up the road and suddenly turn into the driveway”, added Ms. Baum who had planned to leave for D.C, at midnight with her four young children.
The 12,260 Horse Power station was built in 2013 by Millennium Pipeline, a subsidiary of Columbia Pipeline Group, formerly known as NiSource despite unprecedented opposition by impacted residents during the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC’s) review process. The project was approved by a rare split 3-2 FERC Commission vote. Dissenting Commissioners rejected the project and argued that the majority failed to consider its significant and permanent adverse impacts upon the host community.
The incident underscores what residents have been saying to regulators and elected officials for the last three year; that this type of facility is too dangerous to be sited in the middle of a residential area. In Minisink there are 200 families living within a half-mile of the facility. Moreover, prominent pipeline engineer, Richard Kuprewicz submitted expert testimony to FERC stating that the Minisink Compressor Station “exceeds prudent design standards and safety margins” . He concluded that, “The Minisink Compressor Project is a very poor proposal and should be rejected.”. In another letter Kuprewicz warns that an explosion at this location can be worse than the San Bruno, CA incident in which 8 people were killed.
“There was definitely some type of mal-function and possible some release. Although it was raining heavily we did see smoke coming from the site”, said Baum. Columbia Pipeline Group also owns and operates the pipeline, which exploded in Sissonville WV last year destroying several nearby homes and melting a portion of an interstate highway.
The case known as MREPS v Federal Energy Regulatory Commission goes before the second highest court in the country, the United Stated Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit., 333 Constitution Ave. N. W. Washington D.C on Thursday, May 1 at 9:30 am. All attendees must be seated by 9:20am.
Residents along with their attorney will meet with supporters and press after the hearing at the Plaza facing Constitution Avenue.
CONTACT Pramilla Malick 646-498-1742 StopMCS@gmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Pramilla Malick
646-498-1742
April 30, 2014
MINISINK, N.Y. : Dozens of residents from the town of Minisink, N.Y., along with many supporters, will travel to Washington D.C. on Thursday May 1st as their case challenging the approval process of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) goes before the second highest court in the country, the United Stated Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit., 333 Constitution Ave. N. W. Washington D.C. The case known as MREPS v Federal Energy Regulatory Commission can have significant impact on how pipeline projects are approved, amidst a natural gas boom across the country
This small middle-class community has fought an unprecedented battle for the past three years against billion-dollar gas pipeline company, Columbia Pipeline Group, formerly known as NiSource, over the siting of a 12, 260 Horse Power Gas Compressor station by its subsidiary company, Millennium Pipeline. The station is now operational in the middle of an otherwise protected agricultural district with over 200 families living within a half- mile of the facility.
The petitioners, Minisink Residents for Environmental Preservation and Safety, are represented by D.C. based Attorney Carolyn Elefant. The heart of their case rests on a community proposed alternative plan deemed environmentally preferable by two dissenting Commissioners; whereas the 3 Commissioner majority deferred solely to the interest of the pipeline company. This 3:2 split is unprecedented at FERC. Petitioners believe the decision of the majority was biased. They argue that FERC’s 99% approval rating for gas infrastructure projects is clear evidence of a completely one sided decision making process. Moreover, they argue that FERC’s own rules require that it reject a project with both significant adverse impacts and a viable alternative.
The stakes for the community are very high. Along with a growing body of scientific studies indicating the likelihood of adverse health impacts, a prominent pipeline engineer has concluded that pressure created on the pipeline from the station makes the facility “unsound” and creates a serious safety hazard for nearby residents. If successful they will be the first community in the nation to force the shutdown and deconstruction of a federally permitted natural gas project.
Oral arguments will begin before the three judge panel exactly at 9:30 am. All observers must be seated by 9:20 am. After the hearing residents from Minisink, along with their attorney and supporters, will assemble outside of the courthouse on the Plaza facing Constitution Avenue to brief reporters, and give statements/interviews.
Click on this link to send a letter to Gillibrand demanding that she help the community of Minisink!! Its fast and easy and you won’t get spam emails from this site.
Minisink familes traveled a long distance with very young kids to come into the city and let her know that we need her help and her staff couldn’t even come down to meet the group and receive the letter. If you agree this is shameful call her office and let them know!!
Everyone please place a quick call to 212-688-6262, ask and share with us the Senator’s positions on these two important matters.