New York governor urges regulators to halt Algonquin gas pipeline construction over safety risks

New York governor Andrew Cuomo has urged federal energy regulators to halt construction on Spectra Energy’s Algonquin natural gas pipeline, stating it may pose safety risks as it will be near the Indian Point Energy Center.

Cuomo directed state agencies to issue a letter calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to suspend the pipeline construction until the completion of a comprehensive safety review.

Cuomo said: "Over the past several months there have been a series of serious incidents at the Indian Point Nuclear Facility, which my administration is investigating.

"At the same time, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved a natural gas pipeline in close proximity of Indian Point.

"I am directing my administration to commence an immediate independent safety analysis of the natural gas pipeline project and until that occurs, we urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to suspend the project."

The agencies including the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Public Service Commission, Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Department of Health are carrying out an investigation into several recent failures.

Under the investigation, the agencies are examining multiple unplanned shutdowns, a transformer fire and a radioactive tritium leak.

Spectra Energy agreed the pipeline will be built by taking stringent measures near the three-unit nuclear power plant station. However, ongoing state investigations will assess the adequacy of these measures.

The proposed 1,129 miles Algonquin gas transmission pipeline will have a 2.74 billion ft³ per day capacity and connect to Texas Eastern Transmission and Maritimes & Northeast.