Northern Access Pipeline in Western N.Y. to move forward
A proposed 97-mile natural gas pipeline to transport gas from Pennsylvania into western New York is back on the table.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) had denied the permit for the Northern Access pipeline on April 17. However, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) waived the DEC’s right to review the Northern Access Project’s application for a crucial Clean Water Act permit because it failed to act within a year of receiving it.
The $500 million pipeline, proposed by National Fuel Gas Company, would transport natural gas from Sergeant Township in McKean County, Pa., to the town of Elma in Erie County, N.Y.
“We are pleased with yesterday’s ruling which removes a major barrier for an important project that will provide consumers with increased access to abundant energy supplies, while also improving reliability and resiliency of the energy grid. We remain committed to the project, and due to the significant delay caused by the actions of the state agency, our team is developing a revised timeline including reviewing the status of various other relevant permits,” National Fuel Gas Company officials said.
Construction of the pipeline would create about 1,700 jobs, National Fuel officials said.
“For more than three years, the Northern Access Project has been extensively reviewed by various federal and state regulatory agencies as the proposed project design incorporated best management practices while producing thousands of pages of technical analysis, months of collaboration, community outreach and compromise, all within the scope of National Fuel’s proven track record of responsible development,” National Fuel said in a statement. “Throughout its 115 years, National Fuel has consistently protected water quality and water supplies in Western New York and Pennsylvania. Like the dozens of natural gas pipeline projects it constructs yearly, the Northern Access Project will use construction techniques which are protective of the environment and will not put at risk or endanger water supplies. Throughout the project’s review, the company has committed to meet or exceed safety codes and environmental protection requirements,” the company said.
Landowners and environmental groups voiced opposition to the pipeline, saying it would negatively impact the environment, watersheds and their properties.
