Kinder Morgan has begun the process of seeking federal approval for a natural gas pipeline project through northern Massachusetts that has already garnered significant local opposition.The Houston-based company has filed a request with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission seeking to use its so-called "pre-filing procedures."
A company spokesman says the process will help identify environmental issues before a formal application is filed. He said the company will submit detailed draft environmental reports that the public, including affected landowners, will be able to comment on during the process.
A statewide coalition of environmental activists intends to line up scientific and legal experts in preparation for fighting the proposal. Area politicians have already come out against the proposed 250-mile, Richmond-to-Dracut pipeline.
Officials from Kinder Morgan will present the company's proposal at a Berkshire Regional Planning Commission informational session Thursday. It is scheduled to run from 6 to 8 p.m. at Berkshire Community College's Koussevitzky Auditorium in Pittsfield, Mass. The public is welcome to attend.
Meanwhile, Northeast Utilities and Spectra Energy Corp. has announced a $3 billion project to expand existing pipelines in New England.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.