In 2014 Vermont Gas did a presentation to the town and stated that HDD was "no silver bullet", risky, unreliable, and not guaranteed. A couple weeks ago VT Gas came to Hinesburg to inform us that they would offer to use HDD, that it is the "gold standard" and would protect the park and wetlands from damage. Which is it? We know VGS has had a lot of problems with HDD along the route already. And there is also the question: if there is a problem with a pipe that was installed using HDD, how will they detect it, and how will it be repaired or mitigated? This is especially concerning in Hinesburg where we are hosting 6 miles of colocated pipeline with electric transmission lines. This results in induced voltage that causes the pipelines to corrode and is a major factor in pipeline explosions. The Interstate Natural Gas Agency of America - an industry agency - reported in 2015 that anything longer than 500 feet of colocation is "high risk". That is less than a mile. We have 6. How dangerous is that? Especially now they are in a mad rush to "get er done". There are many many reasons to oppose this pipeline in Hinesburg and elsewhere. VGS has totally mismanaged and cannot be trusted. Ratepayers are getting shafted. It doesn't fit with the states renewable plans, it is destroying our lands, and people are having their beloved properties taken away via eminent domain. Shumlin should be held accountable for pushing this project forward against the interests of all. What a hideous mess.
Re: “Vermont Legislators Wary After Trump Signs Pipeline Orders”
It should be made crystal clear to legislators and to the public that pipelines that cross state boundaries (interstate) are under the jurisdiction of FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission). State control over those is largely limited to the Water Quality Standards 401. Trumps orders would be relevant to those pipelines.
But: Vermont Gas's Addison Natural Gas Pipeline does NOT cross state lines - therefore the state has far greater authority and the legislature CAN AND SHOULD exercise that authority in adopting the above mentioned legislation.
Sure - it is possible that we will face a pipeline proposal in future that will be interstate - a FERC jurisdiction pipeline. And we need to find ways to address that. But a VT legislature banning fossil fuel infrastructure buildout would be a huge step in the right direction!