Mayor Walsh Stands Against West Roxbury Gas Pipeline

The City of Boston has taken another step to protect the residents of West Roxbury in regards to the proposed West Roxbury Lateral Gas Pipeline, according to Mayor Marty Walsh.

The City has asked the Court to deny Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC’s motion for a preliminary injunction seeking immediate access to Washington, Grove and Centre Streets citing that Algonquin has failed to satisfy any of the requirements for such a release.

“It is critical that Algonquin uses the appropriate process for any proposed development in our City,” said Mayor Walsh. “We will continue to pursue all avenues to protect the health and safety of the residents of West Roxbury by working together with the community and with our city, state and federal partners to find the best long-term solution in the interest of our residents.”

On July 22, the City filed an opposition to the actions taken by the Algonquin in federal court to take control of Washington, Grove and Centre Streets in West Roxbury in order to begin excavation and installation of the proposed gas transmission line due to the inability to “acquire the necessary easements” from the Public Improvement Commission.

The City’s opposition cited (1) the easements that Algonquin seeks are not necessary to install the pipeline; (2) Algonquin did not negotiate in good faith with the City for the acquisition of rights to be under the streets; and (3) the Public Improvement Commission (PIC) process, which results in grants of location for utilities under public ways, is consistent with the National Gas Act and the certificate issued by the Federal Energy Regulation Commission (FERC).

The proposed pipeline poses public safety concerns because it would be constructed directly across the street from a quarry that uses dynamite on a daily basis.

A hearing on the City’s opposition has been scheduled for September 22 in federal court.