MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Tuesday, October 12, 1999
3:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: M. Kaplowitz. Members: V. Pinto; U. LaMotte.
STAFF: Steve Bass; Barbara Dodds; Charlotte Ryer - Sec’y.
LEGISLATORS: Kay Carsky, Lou Mosiello, Tom Abinanti.
ALSO PRESENT: David Pentzien, Brent Archer (Millennium Pipeline); Jim O’Toole, Paul Olmstead (Con Edison); Paula DeCaro (W/LOWV); Bill Randollph, Ingrid Bint (CE’s Office); Ed Hoffmeister, Commissioner Joyce Lannert (Plng. Dept.); Richard Halevy (Mayor’s Ofc.-Yonkers); Gudrun LeLash (FCWC); Donna Greene (NY Times); Nancy Gold (Gold Std. Millennium Pipeline); David Woods (Mt. V. Planning & Con. Devel.); Hon. Nancy Hand (Mayor, Bxvl.); William Mooney (Corp. Council –Yonkers).
Chair Kaplowitz called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m.,
and asked Legislator Carsky to discuss the draft resolution opposing the
construction of the Millennium Pipeline in Westchester County. Legislator
Carsky noted that a meeting was held in July (1999) in the area which would be
affected by the pipeline (from east to west), when it leaves the Con Edison
right-of-way. Legislator Carsky added that she pulled together the
elected officials and representatives in the affected communities (Mt. Vernon,
Yonkers, Bronxville and Tuckahoe), with representatives from Millennium to
answer some vital questions. The Legislator questioned if there is really
a need for the project and additional gas in the area. She also noted
that the area in question for transmitting the gas is the most densely
populated area in the County, but is also the conduit of the water supply for
New York City and will affect major infrastructures and thoroughfares into New
York City. Legislator Mosiello added that his concern was whether there
would be an increase in cost to the taxpayers. He also reiterated if
there is a need for the pipeline – for
MINUTES
the good of all people of Westchester County, not just the good of the Millennium people.
Chair Kaplowitz commented that this is the fourth meeting on this issue. Ed Hoffmeister of the Planning Department noted that the Administration has been monitoring the give-and-take that has been going back and forth in correspondence with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The Administration still maintains the position of wait, monitor and see. An opinion has not yet been established by the Administration, as monitoring the information and awaiting the results of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). Legislator Pinto commented that his concern was regarding the time and amount of work to be performed in Mt. Vernon will be devastating to Mt. Vernon. He had been informed previously, that the only place the lines could hook-up is Mt. Vernon.
Brent Archer introduced David Pentzien, Millennium’s
Project Manager, to address the Committee and answer the questions that have
been raised. Mr. Pentzien emphasized that he wanted to give a factual
overview of the project, and noted that this is the fourth time Millennium has
been before this Committee. Mr. Pentzien directed his comments to the
questions asked in regard to the need for the pipeline and its delivery
point. He stated that a need for the pipeline has been determined by a
third-party, based on tangible facts and contracts. It has been
determined that the pipeline is fully subscribed (with 9-[gas]shippers) and
that this (area) is an under-served market (in Millennium and shippers’
opinion) – the existing natural gas infrastructure in Westchester is
inadequate. On April 30, 1997, Con Edison directed Millennium’s team to
the location in Mt. Vernon and determined it is the delivery point. Con
Edison has not provided a shorter route through the County as an option for an
alternative delivery point. Mr. Pentzien commented on disruption and risk
noting that there will be temporary disruption during construction, stating
that the natural gas pipeline are the safest energy delivery system –
MINUTES
emphasizing that there has never been a fatality among the public from an accident on the Columbia system. He made a comparison that nationally, on the 300,000 mile interstate pipeline network, not a single fatality occurred in the years 1997 to-date – more than 120,000 automobile fatalities have occurred in that same time period.
Legislator Mosiello questioned the conflict between Millennium and Con Edison, who seem to differ about the need for a pipeline. Millennium feels Westchester is under-served, and Con Edison has stated that there is room in the existing pipeline and additional room for the foreseeable future. He also questioned the cost of gas by volume. Mr. Pentzien responded to both questions, stating that the Millennium contracts are long-term agreements (10-20 years), indicating that people are willing to pay money to transport natural gas into this County. He added that as far as the overall expansion, the largest diameter pipeline has been used to meet the needs of the current contracts, and as pipeline volume is expanded, compressor stations can be placed at different locations throughout the route (in 3 locations across NYS).
Legislator Pinto commented that an environmental concern
is to switch from oil burning to gas heat. Chair Kaplowitz commented that
FERC looks at two things: (1) economic need; and (2) safety-related
issues/environmental concerns and the actual sighting of the pipeline.
Chair asked if the Committee will see the FEIS, and the analysis of the
economic need for the project. Mr. Pentzien responded that the draft EIS
is compiled by the FERC, and was released earlier this year (April/May).
He emphasized, although it is a small document, it is back up by numerous
documentation and support information – it is the results of two years of
extensive environmental and engineering work, it encompassed over 350 data
requests for clarification by FERC. It concludes that Millennium can be
built in an environmentally responsible manner, with minimal impact on
MINUTES
Westchester County. The FEIS should be issued in the October/November timeframe, and will be open for comment and clarification. The final certificate (if issued), could come as early as the November/December timeframe.
Chair Kaplowitz stated that a certificate will not be issued unless there is an economic need for it – his question is where will the determination of need be found. The reply was, it will be found in the certificate. Chair also asked how the policy-makers can make a meaningful decision when there is hidden information.
Commissioner Lannert noted that the County should be considering the economic side. She added that the Planning Department/County should not determine whether there is a need for gas delivery. Legislator Mosiello added that as representatives of their constituents, they would need to be convinced that this is a project that is needed, as opposed to being a profit-motivated venture. He expressed that as the Millennium people convince the people along their route – they should also convince the representatives of the people. Legislator Pinto expressed his concern over the route where the pipeline will cross, as it is a compact, highly urban-populated area of the County.
Jim O’Toole stated that Con Edison does not favor the project for three reasons: (1) does not feel it’s needed; (2) the County would have to make a significant distribution system to move the volume of gas to customers; and (3) the proximity of the pipeline to the electric transmission lines. The discussion continued, briefly.
In closing, Mr. Pentzien stated that Westchester County is not unique with concerns and offered Millennium to pay for a third-party inspection. Chair Kaplowitz requested that offer in writing.
MINUTES
Chair thanked the guests for their participation. With no further business to discuss and on the motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the meeting adjourned at 5:17 p.m.
A TAPE OF THE MEETING IS ON FILE.