Comment on the proposed gas Kinder Morgan Pipeline

By Walt Cudnohufsky 8.13.14

Gas is neither a bridge fuel nor a cleaner fuel! It contributes at least equally, with other dirty

fuels, to our accelerating climate problem. Substantial methane, freed by gas drilling and

transport, has recently been calculated as sixty eight times more impactful and longer lasting

than co2. Clean and green is thus a myth!

By allowing the proposed Tennessee (Kinder Morgan) gas pipeline, even if against our will,

we are enabling destructive fracking and more pollution that any life time of conscious living

could ever mitigate. By voting no, this proposed pipeline gives us an opportunity, possibly the

single largest in our lives, to make a discernable difference on climate change and reducing

environmental impact.

It is my widely shared opinion that FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) is little more

than a rubber stamp for the oil and gas industry and our all too corrupt government. FERC will

almost assuredly find a “public need/necessity” where none exists.

It is critical to notice, even if you are now just learning of this pipeline proposal, that it is not

early in the planning process! On the contrary it is very late and near the end of that process.

As a land planner with some experience with transmission routing and road alignment, I have

come to know the four major stages of planning and design for such networks.

(1) Corridors several corridors would normally be reviewed--each multiple miles wide. Then

(2) Routes which can be up to one or two miles wide and within a selected corridor.

(3)Alignment the more specific path within the route and finally

(4) Design the technical specification for construction.

Kinder Morgan are assuredly in the fourth and final design stage for this pipeline, no matter

what they pontificate.

Sophisticated environmental data for the first three stages is readily accessible to the

corporations without going on the land. The important thing to note is there is only minimal

flexibility in their plans at this late fourth stage and with a favorably inclined FERC (they

know already of their favored odds of achieving approval) what we say and think is severely

discounted if ever it had value.

I submit that the cumulative effect of impacts of the pipeline, must be assessed for the entire

pipeline even if in multiple states and tabulated and reviewed cumulatively by state and at the

federal level.

The impact studies must also include any lateral distribution pipes (mentioned in their

presentations) which could rival the proposed direct pipe line in aggregated length and

impact. The laterals are likely to be equally impactful and damaging because of certainty to

be in populated areas. If Kinder Morgan claims there are no laterals planned or designed,

it is assured that the huge proposed volume of gas is destined to be shipped off shore. The

container ships and LNG stations are on order, being planned and constructed as we ponder

this pipeline.

The environmental impacts of fracking in addition to the pipeline itself (PA, NY, elsewhere)

must also be a simultaneous part of an environmental and cultural impact assessments.

Incremental review of any part of this fracking-pipeline system is severely deficient. There

are ample town, state and federal regulations that support and require this cumulative and

aggregated environmental review.

There is currently encouraging momentum in the mounting resistance across the affected

Towns in Massachusetts. By use and electricity rate increases, everyone in the State is involved

not just the directly affected communities.

My conclusion: If ever you were to speak up and take action, now is that time! Support your

neighbors and fellow citizens and all the Massachusetts and New York communities certain to

be harshly impacted. See http://www.nofrackedgasinmass.org/