You are here
Marcellus Shale Press Coverage
Secondary tabs
'Toxics Targeting' against proposed pipelines
(WBNG Binghamton) A local environmental database firm is calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to deny certification for new and expanding natural gas pipelines.
On Thursday, Toxics Targeting presented 114 cases of what it calls "clear evidence" that the Department of Environmental Conservation cannot manage the negative effects of pipeline spills.
The group is demanding the governor to deny 401 Clean Water Certification for the proposed Constitution Pipeline, Northeast Energy Direct Pipeline and the proposed expansion of the Dominion Pipeline.
"The bottom line is you could have the best technology but that doesn't mean it is not going to fail,” said Walter Hang, of Toxics Targeting Inc. “That is exactly what we have seen time and time again in New York based on the DEC's own data."
Hang says Toxics Targeting has already sent a letter to the governor asking to deny the request.
The group says it has not yet heard back.
Battle over Pipelines as State Certification Looms
One of the main opponents of fracking is now setting his sights on proposed pipeline projects in New York.
Walter Hang of Toxics Targeting has documented 114 spills in the state. That's data he says proves the state shouldn't grant what are called Section 401 water quality certifications that projects need to move forward in New York.
This includes the Constitution Pipeline. A spokesperson for that project says the pipeline company has worked with the Department of Environmental Conservation for the past three years to ensure the safety of the project.
"These have probably been granted on a wish and a prayer but now we're going to basically require the Governor to enforce the law and the law is very strict and very onerous," said Hang.
"There's thousands of miles of pipe in New York that operate reliably every single day. The National Transportation Safety Board says that pipelines are actually the safest and most efficient way to transport energy," said Christopher Stockton, Spokesperson for the Constitution Pipeline.
Stockton expects the state to make it's decision on granting the 401 certification soon. Hang says pipelines have caused water quality hazards that have never been cleaned up.
Environmental Advocates Call on Governor to Deny Pending Oil Projects
BINGHAMTON, N.Y.-- Fires, explosions, spills, ruptures, and toxic discharges. Toxics Targeting President Walter Hang said there are more than 100 documented incidents of these across the state of New York.
"Time and time again, at pipelines all across the state of New York, there have been uncontrolled releases that have caused water quality hazards that were never cleaned up to the applicable standards," he said.
That's why he and hundreds of others signed a letter for Governor Andrew Cuomo, asking him to fix compliance issues and deny pending applications for natural gas, crude oil, and petroleum infrastructure projects.
"These are not emotional appeals; we're not yelling at him and saying he's bad," Hang said. "We're basically pointing out his obligations under the law. We're using his own agency's data and the proof is in the pudding. That's a very powerful way to shape public policy on these matters."
"I think it's unfortunate that some groups feel the need to try and sensationalize and create unnecessary fear in New Yorkers," said Chris Stockton, Constitution Pipeline spokesman. "The fact is, there are thousands of miles of pipeline which safely operate and reliably transport gas and other fuels in New York every other day."
Stockton said people have to take this documentation for what it is.
"They're using 40 years worth of data, and I only counted three incidents or leaks that were related to interstate natural gas transmission pipelines, and none of those appear to have involved injuries," Stockton said. "We invest a lot of time, resources, and dollars making sure our pipelines operate safely and that they don't leak."
While Stockton doesn't believe there's a reason for the uproar, advocates are confident the governor will take a good look at the research. They hope he makes a decision similar to the one he made a year ago, banning fracking in the state.