Noncompliance complaint submitted to FERC

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Enbridge contractors are not in compliance with toxic waste removal from the North Parcel — the RAM (release abatement measure) plan has been blatantly ignored. Enbirdge has violated many cleanup procedures, including the requirement to construct a decontamination pad before soil removal began. Alice Arena submitted a noncompliance complaint to FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission). See her letter below:


Alice Arena, Weymouth, MA.
January 24, 2020
Ms. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20426
Re: Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC, Docket No. CP16-9-000, Noncompliance with RAM Plan

Dear Secretary Bose,
According to the Final Release Abatement Measure Plan file on November 25, 2019 with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection in accordance with the Mass Contingency Plan, the following was to be performed on all trucks hauling contaminated soil from the site:

  • Prior to leaving the work area, transport vehicles will be securely covered and then cleaned of soil on exterior surfaces and tires.

  • A decontamination pad will be constructed by the Contractor prior to soil removal activities in accordance with the SLGMP.

  • The method of soil removal will likely be a combination of brushing the wheels to remove loose soils and/or passing vehicles through a decontamination station.

  • The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that tracking of potentially contaminated soil onto public roadways is prevented.

Hauling of contaminated soil began on or around January 13, 2020. As of this writing, trucks are being loaded and are immediately moving off site with no decontamination methods being employed. We do not see a decontamination pad and there appears to be no brushing of wheels. Soil and mud is being taken outside of the work area and onto the access roads. The only visible type of clean up being done is with a standard street sweeper being employed on said access roads. This sweeper is making contaminated soil brought by the haulers airborne in an area where the public can be exposed. The sweeper is also pushing any contamination onto grassy areas and potentially will force it into storm drains and run-off areas.


As we have previously brought to your attention that the soil contains not only high levels of arsenic but also will contain asbestos freed from refractory bricks that have been broken due to drilling activities, it is imperative that the Applicant and its contractors adhere to strict cleaning methods of the trucks removing this contamination. We expect your investigation of this issue.


Respectfully submitted,
Alice Arena, President
Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station