MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Joint w/COMMITTEES ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS & HEALTH
Tuesday, June 6, 2000
3:00 P.M.
PRESENT: ENV. Chair: M. Kaplowitz. Members: V. Pinto,
U. LaMotte; J. Maisano.
CA Chair: K. Carsky; L. Bronz
HLTH Chair: T. Abinanti; S. Swanson; K. Carsky
LEGISLATORS: S. Swanson
STAFF: Steve Bass; Sally Schecter, Charlotte Ryer.
ALSO PRESENT: Brent Archer, Jim Albitz, Jim McGinnis, Tom Lauro (Millennium Pipeline); Hugh Creechan (DPW); Ed Hoffmeister (Plng. Dept.); B. Randolph, Ingrid Bent (CE’s ofc.).
DISCUSSION:
Chair Kaplowitz of the Committee on the Environment, Chair Carsky of the Committee on Community Affairs, and Chair Abinanti of the Committee on Health called the meeting to order, each with a quorum, simultaneously, at 3:15 p.m. Chair Kaplowitz noted that all three committees have monitored the Millennium Pipeline project over the years, and have been awaiting an update of the recent changes.
Brent Archer of the Millennium Pipeline Company was introduced to begin the discussion. Mr. Archer gave a recap of the developments over the past few months, noting that the original intent of alignment for the proposed project was to use the route along an existing power line corridor operated by Con Edison. In March, a letter was received from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which was in response to the opposition of the Public Service Commission of NY (PSCNY) and their concern with issues raised regarding the use of the power line. After reviewing the issues, FERC announced that the project would no longer be considered with the current alignment plans.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
TUESDAY, June 6, 2000
Mr. Archer added that Millennium has constructed and operated similar pipelines within similar energy corridors in other states, and had not looked seriously at using routes other than the existing energy corridors, which has been FERC’s policy. Subsequently, a team from Albany came to Westchester County to review and investigate the proposed routing, to see if there is a possibility of another constructable route capable of reaching the designated market delivery point in Mt. Vernon. The result of the investigation provided an alternative constructable route. The discussion continued with a visual presentation of the proposed alignment trail shown on a map provided by Millennium and Mr. Archer.
Chair Abinanti suggested that it would be a good idea for Millennium to meet with the locally elected officials and the policy-making bodies of the areas who would be effected by the construction of the power line. Mr. Archer expressed that he preferred to meet with the municipalities on an individual basis, as well as, being involved with the various municipal official associations. He explained, the purpose of individually meeting with a municipality, is that each has a different concern, which can be discussed in detail. He feels, this method seems to work best. Mr. Archer continued, noting that over the past few weeks, the engineering and environmental staff have been going from north to south with the proposed new route – looking carefully at the new considerations for easements. Chair Carsky questioned if the distribution facility located in Mt. Vernon would still be used, and if there is as much unopened dialogue with Con Edison as there was one year ago. She was also concerned if there was room to discuss alternative distribution points in Mt. Vernon. Mr. Archer responded, that he has been having regular conversations with Con Edison and has also been in contact with Jack Zecaoll, Deputy Director (PSCNY/Albany), assigned by the Chairman (PSCNY) to head this particular project – there should be an open public discussion/hearing during the summer to hear the municipalities.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
TUESDAY, June 6, 2000
PAGE 3
Chair Abinanti noted that since so much of the pipeline is going through the town of Greenburgh, he questioned the reaction of the Town Board Supervisor. Mr. Archer responded that he met with Supervisor Feiner, and he seemed pleased with the new routing (off the power line) – the use of the bike corridors would have less of a disturbance or impact (to the Town). Legislator Pinto expressed concerns with the areas crossing the Sprain Brook area, and stressed that construction through the Mt. Vernon streets would be very disruptive because of the small streets. Chair Abinanti questioned if there are any other possible places to connect the system without coming south through the County of Westchester (i.e., ending in Croton or Peekskill). Mr. Archer replied, that Millennium has been looking at a broader market area within NYC. Chair Abinanti and Legislator LaMotte questioned the need for a pipeline.
Chair Kaplowitz questioned as to what permission, if any, is needed from Westchester County government relative to the parkland and other sites. Mr. Archer stated that he does not have an answer at this time, but he will be looking further into the property issues, as to what entity has jurisdiction. Ed Hoffmeister of the Planning Department, stated that he met with Columbia Gas to find out what maps are needed and what properties/ownerships are involved or will be effected. Chair Abinanti interjected that the south county trailway will be effected to some extent, and the County will have to give permission to enter upon the trailway – his primary concern is the effect on Greenburgh. Mr. Hoffmeister added that the route would be slightly altered, but noted that the pipeline can’t be laid on trailway and then modified for the parkway, and vise-a-versa. Chair Abinanti emphasized that State parkland (i.e. Saw Mill River Parkway) used for purposes other than non-parkway purposes would require the vote of the State Legislature, and a waiver from the Board of Legislators to waive the county right of reversion along the parkway.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
TUESDAY, June 6, 2000
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Chair Kaplowitz suggested that the three Committee Chairs draft a brief memo to the County Attorney requesting what votes are required from the BOL, in relation to this project. Steve will be the contact person for the three Committee Chairs. The discussion continued with focus on the construction technique. Jim Albitz noted that the construction plan is designed above and beyond the required federal guidelines, and (gas) pressure will be monitored along the pipeline. Legislator LaMotte and Chair Kaplowitz requested written documentation and verification from Mr. Archer which will support the proposed plan.
Chair Carsky asked where additional hearings will be held and stated she would like them to be more accessible to area residents. Mr. Archer replied that she must notify FERC for a schedule of hearings. Chair thanked Mr. Archer and Columbia Gas representatives for their participation.
The Committees on Health and Community Affairs adjourned on the motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Chair Carsky, at 4:37 p.m., and the Environment Committee continued with their meeting. The minutes of May 9th were reviewed, and on the motion of Legislator Maisano, and seconded by Legislator Pinto. The minutes of May 30th were also reviewed, and on the motion of Legislator Maisano, seconded by Legislator LaMotte. Both minutes were carried with a vote of 4-0.
With no further business to discuss, the Environment Committee meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m., on the motion of Legislator LaMotte, and seconded by Legislator Maisano.