Atlantic Bridge Project - Letter to Franklin

Dear Town of Franklin: 

Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC, ("Algonquin") previously informed you of its intent to develop the proposed Atlantic Bridge Project ("Project") by expanding its interstate natural gas pipeline system. In that earlier communication, we described new and replacement pipeline facilities that were being considered as determined by system design studies based upon expressions of interest from customers to move new volumes of needed natural gas along Algonquin's pipeline system. In the earlier mailing, we informed you that the proposed Atlantic Bridge Project may involve your property and that we had identified your property within the initial study corridor. 

Since that time, Algonquin has finalized its commercial agreements which has resulted in a reduced scope of the previously proposed expanded pipeline facilities in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Based on the revised project design, your property, as identified above, is no longer under consideration for the Atlantic Bridge Project. 

Atlantic Bridge Project - image from Spectra Energy webpage

However, you should know that Algonquin continues to consider separate and unrelated pipeline expansion projects that are currently in the development phase. If Algonquin ultimately determines that one of these projects may involve your property in the future, there may be a need to contact you if and when a project proposal moves forward. Nevertheless, with respect to the Atlantic Bridge Project, we presently do not have the need to access your property as previously requested outside of the existing Algonquin rights-of-way. 

We appreciate your patience and cooperation in this process with regard to our earlier request for survey permission. Please feel free to call our toll free number (888) 331-6553 if you have any questions.

This was shared from the Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0213DF1E-000F8513

The full PDF of the doc can also be found here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczdDhVNFd0emVuaUE/view?usp=sharing

Informational Meeting on the Atlantic Bridge Project

Algonquin Gas Transmission has scheduled an informational meeting on the Atlantic Bridge Project, which includes a proposed expansion of the Algonquin Gas Transmission with new pipelines in Southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Algonquin representatives will be available to answer questions concerning the proposed facilities, safety, environmental and permitting processes, construction and operation, and other aspects of the Atlantic Bridge Project.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

5:30 pm -7:30 pm

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham,

835 Upper Union Street in Franklin

If you are unable to attend feel free to call 888-331-6553 or write to the Algonquin Project Office, 3 Allied Drive, Suite 303, Dedham, MA 02026 with questions

Atlantic Bridge Project

You can also find additional info on the Spectra Energy webpage here
http://www.spectraenergy.com/Newsroom/News-Archive/Spectra-Energy-to-Expand-Pipeline-Systems-in-New-England/

and here
http://www.spectraenergy.com/Operations/New-Projects-and-Our-Process/New-Projects-in-US/Atlantic-Bridge/



This was shared from the Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01E79389-000F8513

What is the story about a pipeline coming through Franklin?

Come to the Helen Keller Elementary School Monday night to find out.

Spectra Energy is holding a series of Open House events to share information and gather feedback on the proposed Atlantic Bridge pipeline.

March 16, 2015 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Helen Keller Elementary School Cafeteria 500 Lincoln Street Franklin, MA 02038

You can find information about the pipeline project here
http://www.spectraenergy.com/Operations/New-Projects-and-Our-Process/New-Projects-in-US/Atlantic-Bridge/

screen grab of Atlantic Bridge project webpage

The PDF of the Atlantic Bridge map can be viewed here (7 MB file size)
http://www.spectraenergy.com/content/documents/Projects/AtlanticBridge-map-12-18-14.pdf


WBUR did a piece on the overall supply situation and alternatives
http://www.wbur.org/2015/03/11/natural-gas-lng-everett-terminal

Governor Baker wants us to pay for the construction of the pipeline through our electricity bills?  

http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2015/02/25/baker-calls-for-input-paying-for-gas-pipeline-through-electricity-bills/uArnaaoQsd5Vf4QQfJvz2M/story.html

No Fracked Gas in MA   http://www.nofrackedgasinmass.org/norfolk-county/

"administration’s decision advances a project sought by the natural gas industry"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"In a decision blasted by South Shore lawmakers as reckless, irresponsible and dangerous, Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration on Friday approved air quality permits for a natural gas compressor station in Weymouth, with state environmental regulators concluding the Enbridge Energy project conforms with air pollution regulations. 

The project will support natural gas capacity upgrades and the expansion of a gas transmission pipeline system that runs from Mahwah, New Jersey, to Beverly, Massachusetts, for transportation and deliveries on the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline system. Collectively, it’s referred to as the Atlantic Bridge Project, which includes the siting of the compressor station, and which received federal approval in January 2017. 

“This reckless and irresponsible decision is harmful to the health, safety and well-being of residents of Weymouth and the entire South Shore,” said Rep. James Murphy, D-Weymouth, in a statement released after state energy officials disclosed their decision just before 5 p.m. Friday. 

“Generations of residents living in the Fore River basin have been burdened by industrial pollutants. These industries once supplied much-needed jobs to the area, while simultaneously poisoning the earth, water and air,” added state Rep. Ronald Mariano, D-Quincy. “Now, Enbridge plans to expose current and future generations of Quincy and Weymouth residents to a new source of toxins, all in the name of padding the profits of a multinational energy corporation. With today’s decision, Enbridge is one step closer to succeeding.”

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190113/baker-oks-air-permits-for-natural-gas-project

Given the approval provided by Governor Baker, could the Algonquin Pipeline Expansion come back on the table? It was proposed to run through Franklin. It is still shown as part of the Atlantic Bridge Project. Check the green lines on the map shown.

https://www.enbridge.com/projects-and-infrastructure/projects/atlantic-bridge#projectdetails:project-to-date

"The Atlantic Bridge Project is designed to provide additional capacity"

Concerns with the Spectra Atlantic Bridge Pipeline - Apr 2, 7:30 PM

I want you to know that concerned Franklinites are meeting this Thursday, April 2, to discuss concerns with the Spectra Atlantic Bridge Pipeline.  

The meeting is at the First Universalist Society of Franklin, 262 Chestnut St. at 7:30PM.

The informational meeting on the Atlantic Bridge Pipeline had been held at Keller School on Monday, March 16.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/what-is-story-about-pipeline-coming.html

sign truck parked outside the informational meeting at Keller Elementary

A new pipeline passing through Franklin is both unnecessary and a bad idea. An informational meeting will be held at FUSF Church (262 Chestnut St) Thursday April 2nd, 7:30pm. Please attend and become informed.

The details outlined in this posting: 7 Reasons to Oppose New Gas Pipelines in MA will be among the topics discussed on Thursday.

First Monday, gas pipeline expansion, bikes & batteries are covered in this Making Sense of Climate episode #33 (audio)

FM #1072 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1072 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Monday, October 2, 2023.  

In this episode we cover the following topics

• First Monday in October

• Gas pipeline expansion

• Bikes and batteries

Links to the articles we talk of are collected below.   

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

The conversation runs about 49 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted as we help ‘make sense of climate.’ Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1072-making-sense-of-climate-33-10-02-23

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Links to articles referenced:

First Monday.in October…SCOTUS may rule on Chevron Deference… Thomas is bought?

https://www.propublica.org/article/clarence-thomas-secretly-attended-koch-brothers-donor-events-scotus

I hope to get these guys on a podcast, but we can tease the topic.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/09/29/opinion/hanscom-airport-jet-expansion-massport/

Gas Pipeline expansion… 11/2029…goes very close to Franklin

https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/09/22/enbridge-weymouth-compressor-natural-gas-fossil-fuel-climate-change-pipeline-expansion

Wasser on podcast

https://www.wbur.org/the-common/2023/09/28/enbridge-pipeline-expansion-natural-gas-ferc

Franklin Matters archives have quite a few references to the Atlantic Bridge project

https://www.franklinmatters.org/search?q=atlantic+bridge 

Bikes and batteries

https://www.euronews.com/next/2023/09/20/this-french-company-has-designed-the-first-e-bike-that-doesnt-need-a-battery

Role of batteries is growing..

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/energy-storage/grid-batteries-have-never-been-more-abundant-or-more-useful

** See the page that collects all the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

First Monday, gas pipeline expansion, bikes & batteries are covered in this Making Sense of Climate episode #33 (audio)

Spectra Access Northeast Open Houses Announced

Dear friends,

Spectra has just put out its schedule of Open Houses.

Algonquin Open Houses for the Access Northeast Project

Per Spectra's notice:

Algonquin will hold Open Houses in January in order to provide updated information concerning the Access Northeast Project to landowners, public officials and interested stakeholders.  The Open Houses are designed to enable people to get their questions answered by Project representatives.  In addition, since there is no formal speaking program, individuals may arrive at any time during the hours listed.  FERC representatives will also be in attendance and will be available to speak with attendees.

WALPOLE/SHARON/CANTON/STOUGHTON: Tuesday, January 19, 2016
5:30PM – 7:30PM
Four Points Sheraton
1125 Boston Providence Turnpike
Norwood, MA

MEDWAY/BELLINGHAM/FRANKLIN/MILLIS/NORFOLK:
Thursday, January 21, 2016
5:30PM – 7:30PM
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham
835 Union St.
Franklin, MA

They are lumping MILFORD (and strangely enough MEDWAY again) into the West Boylston 16-inch lateral pipeline called the West Boylston Lateral:

MILFORD/MEDWAY/UPTON/GRAFTON/MILLBURY/SUTTON/SHREWSBURY/BOYLSTON/WEST BOYLSTON:

Monday, January 25, 2016

5:30-7:30PM

Highfields Golf & Country Club

42 Magill Drive

Grafton, MA

For those of you live on the east end of the Q-1 Loop, there's a piece of pipeline also proposed in Quincy and Braintree as well as the compressor station in Weymouth.  If you'd like to support their fight as well:

QUINCY/WEYMOUTH/BRAINTREE:

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

5:30-7:30PM

Boston Marriott Quincy

1000 Marriott Drive

Quincy, MA

If you want to attend any other Open Houses to show support for other towns, here's some basic information.  Let me know if you want more details:

• Wednesday, January 20: Rehoboth
• Thursday, January 21: Burrillville, RI
• Tuesday, January 26: Freetown/Acushnet/New Bedford

I will send out more information next week about what to expect at the Open Houses and what you can learn and do at them.

As usual, call me with questions.

Carolyn

508-473-3305 H

508-335-0848 C

one of several Franklin lawn signs

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Also of note:

• a group in NY against the project   http://sape2016.org/
• the group in Quincy has a website  http://nocompressor.com/tag/access-northeast/

and if you need some of the pipeline material

• Spectra Energy's Access North East page

http://www.spectraenergy.com/Operations/New-Projects-and-Our-Process/New-Projects-in-US/Access-Northeast/

as well as 

• the Atlantic Bridge portion of the project

http://www.spectraenergy.com/Operations/New-Projects-and-Our-Process/New-Projects-in-US/Atlantic-Bridge/

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - Thursday, May 28, 2015 7:00pm

LEGAL NOTICE

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

ENERGY FACILITIES SITING BOARD

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD BY MASSACHUSETTS

ENERGY FACILITIES SITING BOARD STAFF REGARDING PROPOSED

NATURAL GAS PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION IN NORFOLK, PLYMOUTH, AND

BRISTOL COUNTRIES, MASSACHUSETTS

Algonquin Gas Transmission, L.L.C.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Docket No.: PF15-12-000

Notice is hereby given that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) has entered into a Pre-Filing review of Algonquin Gas Transmission, L.L.C.’s (“Algonquin”) Atlantic Bridge Project (“Project”). FERC will prepare an Environmental Assessment (“EA”) to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”). The EA will be used by FERC to consider the environmental impacts that could result if it authorizes the Project by issuing a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity under the Natural Gas Act. The
Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (“EFSB”) will begin its environmental review of the proposed Project and provide input to FERC in conjunction with the Pre-Filing Process.

The Project consists of the expansion of Algonquin’s natural gas facilities in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The portion of the Project to be located in Massachusetts would consist of approximately 3.5 miles of new 30-inch pipeline in Medway, Bellingham, and Franklin. In addition to the pipeline facilities, the Company would construct a new 7,700 horsepower gas-fired compressor station in Weymouth. The Company would also modify a regulator station in Needham, and rebuild three existing metering and regulating (“M&R”) stations, two in Plymouth, and one in Fall River.

Additional information about the Project is available on the FERC Internet website (http://www.ferc.gov) using the “eLibrary” link. Click on the eLibrary link, click on “General Search,” and enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the Docket Number field (i.e., PF15-12-000). Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov. Alternatively, assistance is available by calling FERC at 1-202-502-8659 or 1-866-208-3676.

Public hearings that are designed to provide an opportunity to offer comments on the proposed Project have been scheduled in the Project area in Massachusetts. The EFSB will conduct these hearings as part of its responsibilities articulated at 980 Code of Massachusetts Regulation § 7.07(9). The two hearings will be held as follows:

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

7:00 p.m.

Abigail Adams Middle School Auditorium

89 Middle Street East

Weymouth, Massachusetts 02189

Thursday, May 28, 2015

7:00 p.m.

Town of Franklin Municipal Building

Council Chambers, 2nd Floor

355 East Central Street

Franklin, Massachusetts 02038

Interested persons are invited to attend these hearings. Written comments will be accepted at the public hearings. Written comments may also be sent by email or by mail delivery service to the EFSB at the address below; written comments must be received no later than June 5, 2015.

Robert Shea, Presiding Officer
Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board
One South Station
Boston, MA 02110
Robert.J.Shea@state.ma.us

Based on its environmental review, including public input, the EFSB will provide its comments and transmit the comments it receives from the public to the FERC.

a sign truck parked outside the information night at Keller School in March 2015

Related posts on the proposed piipeline

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/what-is-story-about-pipeline-coming.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/10-miles-of-pipeline-through-towns-like.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/concerns-with-spectra-atlantic-bridge.html

Rep Roy: What's happening in the district - April 2015 newsletter

This is our regularly monthly newsletter. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can get on our email list by clicking here. View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website Email House passes FY16 budget I was honored to join my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass the FY16 budget which emphasizes economic growth through investments in multiple areas including education and local aid, reform to the state's transportation system, and an acute focus on improving behavioral health services. The $38.05 billion spending bill highlights the House's ongoing commitment to fiscal prudence and targeted investments, a practice that has resulted in Massachusetts retaining its AA+ bond rating, the highest in the state's history. The budget includes no new taxes or fees and reduces its reliance on one time revenue sources. For the first time since 2007, it does not withdraw any funds from the Commonwealth's stabilization fund, leaving the balance in excess of $1 billion. This budget is a true reflection of our commitment to investments in education and economic development, while also proposing creative new solutions to the Commonwealth's challenges. I thank Speaker DeLeo and Chairman Dempsey for their work in helping us build a strong set of policy statements in a fiscally prudent manner that gained unanimous support among the House members. I am also delighted that we were able to secure $60,000 for the purchase of school safety zone lighting for both Franklin and Medway, along with $50,000 for the Horace Mann Park and statue. You can read a more detailed release about the budget by clicking here. You can view the actual budget with amendments and Chamber actions by clicking here. The budget now goes to the Senate. Horace Mann honored Franklin took time out to honor one of its most famous residents Horace Mann on the occasion of his 219th birthday.  The Franklin Historical Commission celebrated 'Horace Mann Day' on Sunday, May 3, 2015 with a special presentation, HORACE MANN AND HIS WORLD, featuring writer and commentator Peter Golden. The speech traced Mann's roots in Franklin and provided the historical context in which he pioneered public education for Massachusetts and the rest of the country. Mann was born in Franklin in 1796 and went on to become a lawyer, politician, abolitionist, the first Secretary of Education, and the President of Antioch College in Ohio. He is most often referred to as the 'Father of Education'.   In his introductory remarks at the event, Rep. Roy announced that the Massachusetts House of Representatives included $50,000 in its budget to assist with the construction of the Horace Mann Park and statue in Franklin. Rep. Roy is looking forward to working on the committee established by the Town Council to construct the monument to honor Mann and public education.  You can learn more about the event by clicking here. Wiper law softened The Massachusetts House has voted to soften the impact of a new state law that requires motorists to turn their headlights on whenever they are operating their windshield wipers. Under a state budget amendment approved last week, the headlights law would remain in effect and violators could still be ticketed with a moving violation. But they would no longer be subject to a potentially costly surcharge on their auto insurance premiums. The law requires drivers to turn on their headlights during daylight hours when it is raining or visibility is poor. It has not been widely enforced by police to date. The change backed by the House must also be approved in the Senate. Student Government Day For 67 years the Commonwealth's legislature has hosted Student Government Day at the State House. Every high school in MA is eligible to elect and send two students to represent their town, acting as a state official. Each student plays a role as a State Senator, State Representative or as a Chief Justice. The students who attend testify during a public hearing and then have the opportunity to debate, amend and then vote on a student related piece of legislation. It is a wonderful opportunity to educate an involved student and it is a lot of fun. This year all three high schools in Rep. Roy's district participated and had a great experience. DESE offers snow day relief to schools Massachusetts schools can make up some snow days by experimenting with out-of-school assignments or activities. The concept was presented as an option by the commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Mitchell D. Chester, to school departments statewide in March in one of his weekly memos. It allows districts to offer instructional projects and activities that students can complete outside the classroom, that may be counted toward the state's 180-day academic year requirement as long as local school committees determine the work meets the definition of structured learning time. This is a great option for districts who are running up against the calendar because of snow days. To view the text of Chester's memo, click here. Delegates chime in at Best Buddies dodgeball tourney Rep. Roy and Sen. Spilka took the court with the Delegates team at the the Third Annual Best Buddies Dodgeball Tournament. They were joined in the effort by Mike Mershimer, Mark Cole, Joel Loitherstein, and Robert Dellorco. All proceeds from the tournament, donations and silent auction went directly to the Best Buddies organization to aid with increasing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As always the Dodgeball Tournament was a lot of fun and was successful at raising these important funds. For more pictures from the event, click here. Rock the House III at Black Box Join Rep. Roy and his band Ben Gardner's Boat on Thursday, May 7 from 6 to 9 pm at the Black Box in downtown Franklin for Rock the House III. Come chat with Jeff and others about what's happening on Beacon Hill, listen to some music, and dance the night away -- or just kick back, relax, and have some fun with friends and neighbors. Franklin solar challenge spring campaign Now that the snow has melted and the roofs are clear again, the Franklin Solar Challenge is kicking off its Spring campaign. Started last fall, over 20 Franklin residents have signed up to install solar panels on their houses and start taking control of their electric bills. As seen from this past winter, utility electric rates are unpredictable, and all signs point toward increasing rates in the coming years. The Franklin Solar Challenge is a community-sponsored initiative modeled off the state's Solarize Massachusetts campaign. A group of concerned citizens went through a Request for Proposal process to select a vendor, SolarFlair, who could offer the town the best combination of quality and price based on our aggregated buying power. This arrangement gives the residents and businesses in Franklin better pricing and quality control than if every individual tried to negotiate on their own. This program is open to all residents and businesses in Franklin, no matter how big or how small. The more that participate, the better price everyone gets, and if we hit a certain goal, SolarFlair will donate a solar array to the Franklin Affordable Housing Trust! For more information, click here  or call 508-293-4293. JFK statue open to visitors Visitors to the State House now have improved access to a statue of John F. Kennedy that has been largely blocked from the public for more than a decade. After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, state officials restricted viewing of the monument, citing security concerns because of its proximity to the governor's office. This year, officials said they were finally able to address the issue by stationing officers near the door that leads from the State House. "This is an opportunity to see a great piece of Massachusetts history up close," noted Rep. Roy. "I am happy to be able to bring constituents out onto the courtyard to see this memorial to our 35th President." Atlantic Bridge Pipeline meeting on Thursday May 14 Over the past several months, Spectra Energy has held a series of Open House events to share information and gather feedback on the proposed Atlantic Bridge pipeline that will run through Franklin and Medway. It was the subject of a recent Local Town Pages article which you can view by clicking here. Those interested in learning more about Algonquin Gas's Atlantic Bridge Pipeline which is proposed to go through Franklin and Medway should attend the scoping meeting on Thursday, May 14 at the Hawthorne Suites Hotel. For more details on the meeting and project, click here. Copyright © 2015 State Rep Jeff Roy, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you either contacted our office or indicated you wanted to keep updated on the 10th Norfolk District and things going on at the State House. Our mailing address is: State Rep Jeff Roy State House Room 527A Boston, MA 02133 Add us to your address book