U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) urged the New York PublicService Commission (PSC) last week to quickly approve thecompromise route for the 442-mile Millennium Pipeline, which hasbeen languishing in a regulatory quagmire since December 1997. TheFederal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a supplemental draftenvironmental impact statement last month approving the new routefor the project, which would bring 715 MMcf/d of gas to New YorkCity from connections with the Canadian pipeline grid under LakeErie.

“As you know,” Schumer told PSC Chairman Maureen O. Helmer, “NewYork has an enormous need for increased natural gas supply togenerate electricity and heat homes and businesses, and this needwill only grow in the years to come. The Millennium Pipeline is avital part of addressing this need, and its swift constructionshould be a top priority.”

The last remaining hurdles for the project are final approvalsfrom FERC and the PSC of a small stretch of pipe in northernWestchester County. In April 1999, the PSC rejected the originalroute through the middle of Consolidated Edison’s right of wayafter the electric utility complained about the dangers toelectrical service to the city. An alternative route along Route 9and 9a that was agreed upon by Millennium, ConEd and the PSC wasvehemently opposed by landowners in the surrounding communities.

However, a compromise was found that appears to satisfy allparties involved, said Schumer. FERC approved it and the localcommunities and the pipeline company find it acceptable. Thatproposed route would locate the pipe in the ConEd right of way butfar enough away from the utility power lines that the danger toelectric service is eliminated, Schumer noted.

“Madam Chairman, a ConEd Offset/Taconic alternative [route]represents an agreement between the local communities and ColumbiaGas that was reached after months of collaboration, extensive studyand briefings on virtually every aspect of the project,” saidSchumer. “It strives to meet the PSC’s technical and safetystandards essential to siting a natural gas pipeline, whilebalancing the concerns of the local communities with the vitalneeds for an increased supply of natural gas.”

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