Pipeline opponents and affected landowners are appealing a state water quality certificate granted for a pipeline expansion project in southwestern Massachusetts.The Pipe Line Awareness Network for the Northeast or PLAN, the Berkshire Environmental Action Team and landowners in Sandisfield have requested a hearing on the state Department of Environmental Protection granting of a water quality certificate for the Connecticut Expansion Project. PLAN’s president Katy Eiseman says the agency made errors in issuing the certificate to Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co.
“There are many vernal pools along this route and it really looks like the workspace that TGP is proposing goes right up to these vernal pools,” Eiseman said. “There are also issues with the invasive species plan that has been put forward by the company and approved by the department.”
The company says the project is needed to meet increasing demand for natural gas transportation capacity in the Northeast.