By K.B. Sherman, Contributing Writer
Grafton – Jon Bonsall, an attorney representing Algonquin Gas, appeared before the Grafton Board of Selectmen Oct. 20 to discuss Algonquin’s proposed 1,100 mile liquid natural gas (LNG) pipeline that would run through part of Grafton.
Bonsall met with the board to discuss the Access Northeast Project, which provides gas to power plants as well as to consumers. He explained that the Access Northeast Project is designed to expand existing natural gas pipeline capability throughout New England and increase LNG storage at its plant in Acushnet, Mass. The project is a development of Eversource Energy, National Grid, and Spectra Energy.
The West Boylston Lateral (pipeline) runs 27 miles from Medway to West Boylston. Its purpose would be to alleviate natural gas shortages while reducing electrical rates in Worcester County.
Recent comments about the project have been concerned with LNG shortages in the winter, Bonsall said, shortages which have resulted in a greater use of oil and coal to meet energy needs. As a result, he continued, last winter electric power rates spiked 40 percent, while this year a 20 percent spike is forecast. Projected annual savings for the region will be approx. $1 billion to electric customers, he said. LNG is cleaner than fuel oil or coal and will significantly reduce the need to burn either, he added.
The board was told that there are four parcels of land in Grafton that will carry the proposed pipeline: the Leland Street area, Route 140, the Grafton and Upton Railroad, and Keith Hill Road. The current proposal involves surveying a 600 foot-wide corridor that will later be shrunk to engineering and landowner needs. Algonquin will hold a “Pipeline Open House” in January 2016, to keep residents up to date.
Selectman Dennis Flynn asked how a townsperson would know the impact the project would have on his land. Bonsall replied that the proposed survey would address that. Easements are not yet being requested, he added.
“What happens if someone won’t grant an easement?” asked Flynn. “Is their land taken?”
“Not necessarily,” said Bonsall. “Negotiations would last 6-12 months to ease the process.”
Chair Craig Dauphinais then confirmed that this evening’s meeting was simply Algonquin asking for permission to survey along the proposed pipeline and that the survey project would not interfere with the town’s roadway repair project.
How the pipeline would cross under Fisherville Pond and under wetlands was also questioned by the board. Issues regarding drilling near wells and septic systems were also raised.
Although the meeting had not been advertised as a hearing, one voter rose to ask how easements for the pipeline would be determined. Dauphinais ruled such questions out of order at this time.
At this point Flynn stated that there were too many unanswered questions to allow him to sign-off on the proposed survey, and that more information was needed before the survey can occur.
“Isn’t the real question, ‘Do I want to have a pipeline come through my town?’’ he asked.
“Wouldn’t it make more sense to first determine if the towns through which this pipeline would pass are interested?”
Despite his objections, the board voted 3-1 (with Selectman Brook Padgett absent) to approve the survey.