A full environmental review is needed before Vermont Gas Systems digs up wetlands and pollutes the air.
Federal law requires a full review for major projects – like pipelines – that will have significant environmental impacts. The Vermont Gas project should not be exempt from this requirement.
The proposed gas pipeline planned for Addison County would use publicly owned rights of way. Land acquired with federal tax dollars. When federal land is used for a major project, the environmental impacts need to be fully evaluated. That’s the law. And it only makes sense that before we allow our tax dollars to support major projects, we know what the environmental impacts are.
In a letter to the Federal Highway Administration, Conservation Law Foundation is calling on the Agency to undertake this needed review.
The significant wetland, water resource, habitat and air pollution impacts have already been noted in testimony filed with the Public Service Board. Vermont Gas plans to use a right of way that was acquired for the Circ Highway and has already been shown to have significant and valuable wetlands. A full and new review is needed for the gas pipeline.
Before we blindly commit to a pipeline that will have far-reaching impacts for generations, we need a thorough and transparent understanding of what is at stake.
Read CLF’s letter here.
Mary Gerdt
Thank you Sandy, for saying what needs to be said now, Before agreements are carelessly made by towns. There could be no doubt with a pipeline there will be negative impacts to our fragile environment. I remain and always will oppose making Monkton and other beautiful towns like Cornwall and Shoreham into transmission fields. Burdening our first responders, threatening our natural habitat and water supply. Supplying select few citizens and businesses, not all, on the way. Finally under the lake, such a sickening thought, the potential of a pipeline leak into Lake Champlain.
Ross Conrad
Thank you CLF for your efforts to be sure ALL environmental impacts of the Vermont Gas pipeline are considered during the decision making process. Expect to receive a donation from me in the future in recognition of the work you are doing on this issue. Thanks again.
Mary Martin
Excellent observations and summations. Well done!