Enbridge Will Vent Algonquin Gas Pipeline In Brewster

BREWSTER, NY — Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC notified officials in Brewster and Southeast that "controlled venting" will take place intermittently at its local facility for four days Aug. 26-29.

There may be noise and/or odor associated with the work at 142 Tulip Road.

Venting is the direct release of natural gas into the atmosphere. It happens typically in small amounts for operational, safety, and economic reasons. It is a source of greenhouse gas emissions — especially methane, which has a greater global warming potential than CO2, according a 2021 report from the U.S. Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. "Flaring and venting pose obvious environmental challenges and represent losses of valuable natural resources," the OFECM report said.

As of Jan. 1, New York State, as part of a multi-year effort to protect the environment and combat climate change, began requiring pipeline companies to notify local government officials whenever more than 10,000 scf of natural gas is vented, down from the previous 1 million scf threshhold.

Controlled venting of natural gas is a safe and routine procedure, gas company officials said:

Algonquin will make every effort to minimize the volume of gas released by using recompression equipment at the site to reduce significantly the amount of gas vented by safely diverting gas into another section of Algonquin’s system. The natural gas which is vented will naturally dissipate. Portable deodorizing equipment and monitors that constantly measure the levels of natural gas will also be used. Company representatives will be on site during this work.

There is no cause for concern and there will be no danger to persons or property in the area. Please be advised that local police, fire, and municipal officials in Southeast, New York as well as Danbury, Connecticut will be notified of the operation.

In addition, local fire and police officials will also be notified shortly before and at the conclusion of the release activity.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Algonquin’s area supervisor @
860-982-1798 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Calls may also be directed to the Enbridge Gas Control 24-hour call line at 1-800-726-8383.

SEE: FERC Says Environmental Impacts of Pipeline Expansion are Insignificant