Enbridge to begin operating their compressor station soon

After receiving rubber stamp approval from PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration), Enbridge can begin operating their compressor station. This decision comes nearly three months after Enbridge was forced to shut down the compressor after they had two systems failures. PHMSA did a review of the failures and although they did not state a reason as two what caused the failures, they are allowing operation to continue. Please be aware as this means that Enbridge will be releasing gas into the community throughout the week.

The Boston Herald - Weymouth natural gas compressor will vent gas into the community during its first week of operations (link)

“Beginning Friday, a controversial Weymouth natural gas compressor station could vent gas into the community multiple times during its first week of operations.

“Having received approval from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration…we are proceeding with safely placing the Weymouth Compressor Station in service,” said Max Bergeron, a spokesman for Enbridge, the energy company that built the facility. “…The process will involve the controlled, planned venting of natural gas, which is required to remove any air in the station piping, followed by the gradual pressurization of the facility with natural gas.”

The venting may occur intermittently between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 4 through Dec. 11, said Bergeron, who called the venting “a safe and routine procedure,” during which the gas “will naturally dissipate,” and monitors that “constantly measure the levels of natural gas will be used.”

But community activists are unconvinced that the venting – and the facility itself – will be safe after accidental gas leaks this fall prompted two emergency shutdowns and a federally ordered pause in operations.” (The Boston Herald)