South Shore legislators sent a letter to MassDEP in September after Enbridge’s compressor station had multiple system failures. Commissioner Martin Suuberg of MassDEP responded to their letter today. Of course, the usual--nothing to see here, move along. As we await the investigative report on the two accidents in September, do not be surprised if these same organizations rubber stamp the start up of the compressor within the next days or weeks.

Looking for an overview of the compressor station fight? WBUR has updated their reporting of the compressor station to include the two recent accidents. Many thanks to WBUR for continuing to report. You can read the full article here.

We’ve said it before and we will say again: this compressor station poses a serious safety risk. It’s not a matter of if, but when. After two emergency shutdowns in less than 3 weeks, Enbridge’s compressor station official start-up date has been delayed. Congressman Lynch is urging FERC to revoke their approval of the compressor station, citing the recent failures at the facility. Congressman Lynch also said that the FBI has been asked to look into possible cyber security issues. If you ask us, we think Enbridge cut corners while rushing to construct the compressor station. You can read more from the Weymouth News here and State House News Service here.

The Red Rebels, an international performance group dedicated to highlighting the global climate crisis, visited the North Parcel today. They walked in a silent procession past the compressor station, on the Fore River Bridge, and through Kings Cove Park. It was beautiful and powerful procession. Many thanks to the Red Rebels for visiting us today!

You can watch a video of the procession here and here.

What a week it has been. Just when you think it can’t get more crazy, it does! Below is a recap of the events that have transpired over the past week. This post is a bit long, but we hope you find it informative and helpful. Stick with us, friends!

Beautiful day on the bridge today with so many of our wonderful friends. We stood out on the Fore River Bridge today as it was supposed to be Enbridge’s first day of operation. They had to delay their startup plans after proving what we’ve been saying for years: this facility is not safe.

We decided to still hold the standout because we want Enbridge to know that we aren’t giving up the fight.

PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) issued a Corrective Action Order to Enbridge after their compressor station had a second systems failure in less than 3 weeks. This is serious stuff, Campers. Really serious--for Enbridge. Definitely worth the read.

Many thanks to our ever vigilant attorney, Michael Hayden, for pulling this off the PHMSA site. You can read the full COA here.

Small win today! Enbridge had planned to put their compressor station into service today, October 1, but has since delayed their plans due to two recent safety issues involving emergency shutdowns. PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) issued a stay on operations until a safety investigation has been completed.

Well, look at what you can dig up if you keep digging! Kudos to Anita of Braintree for finding this little gem. Seems in 2008 that there was a conference about siting renewable energy projects--and the idiots in charge considered gas to be renewable--on CONTAMINATED sites. And guess who was in attendance at this little confab? Our friend Thomas Cushing of the DEP. You know, the guy who approved the air quality permit.

Nothing to see here. Move along. You are too stupid to understand what we are doing, says Enbridge. Not operational, two accidents in two weeks--but FERC says go ahead and fully operate TOMORROW. And, where is PHMSA? Where is FERC? Where is our local emergency management system?

WBUR - Second 'Unplanned' Gas Release At Weymouth Compressor This Month (link)

Many thanks to Congressman Lynch for alerting us. The community didn’t even know.

Senators Markey and Warren sent a letter to PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration), urging them to shut down activities and to investigate the emergency shut down that occurred on September 11. We thanks Senators Markey and Warren for continuing to advocate on behalf of the residents of the South Shore. You can read their press release and letter to PHMSA below.

Back in June, the First Circuit Court vacated Enbridge’s air quality permit, stating that Enbridge had not properly reviewed the BACT (best available control technology) analysis for a gas vs. electric turbine for the compressor station. (You can read the First Circuit court’s June 3 decision here.) An electric turbine would be better than a gas turbine, but Enbridge did not do the proper analysis on this during during the application process. The First Circuit handed the issue off to DEP to review and make a decision on. Well, the DEP’s decision is in, and as you may have guessed, they gave Enbridge the go-ahead on the BACT and is saying that the gas turbine is fine with them. We aren’t surprised, but we are disappointed.

Action Item: Call Gary Moran at DEP to report toxic exhaust, loud sounds, and strong odors at the site -- 617-292-5775

Yesterday we posted a photo of some alarming brown exhaust gas blowing from one of the stacks at Enbridge's compressor station. What is this stuff?? Well, whatever it is, it's not good. We've already received reports of eye irritation, difficulty breathing, strong odors, loud sounds, and light pollution.

FERC announced their decision today to grant full operation to Enbridge for the Weymouth compressor station. Though we are disappointed by their decision, we are not surprised. FERC has long been a rubber stamp agency enabling the fossil fuel industry to destroy communities and, ultimately, the planet.

The Fore River Residents are disappointed but not at all surprised by FERC's decision today to grant full operation to Algonquin for Weymouth compressor station. FERC has long been a rubber stamp agency enabling the fossil fuel industry to destroy communities and, ultimately, the planet. FRRACS will continue to fight, through all means available, the operation of this monster in our midst until it is shut down. We have every intention of making it, as Mayor Hedlund says, a $100M White Elephant--a monument to the hubris of Enbridge.

Well, Campers, in a not at all surprising move, FERC just rubber stamped Algonquin's demand to begin shipping gas on October 1. All on a day when 3 witnesses saw the smoke coming out of the stack.

Stay tuned-- we'll have actions soon!

Senator Patrick O’Connor sent letters to Attorney General Maura Healey and the and EEA Secretary on behalf of the Fore River Basin Delegation, requesting a halt to activities due to recent safety issues.

Many thanks to Senators O”Connor, Keenan and Timilty and Representatives Mariano, Cusack, Murphy, Meschino, and Ayers for their continued advocacy.

As we are trying very hard to stay on top of all of the fracked gas venting going on at the failed compressor station, we want you to know--and we apologize for the late notice--that the major blowdown of 265,000 standard cubic feet of this nasty methane and all of the toxins it carries with it will be tomorrow "around" 2:00 PM. Enbridge will not give us the courtesy of a two hour window or anything exact, but this was what was told to a FRRACS' member today. Go here for the letter to the Town sent last Friday with the specifics.

We have submitted a letter on the FERC docket, demanding that they refuse Enbridge's request to place the facility in-service. You can read the letter here and below.

Samantha Phillips is the head of the Mass Emergency Management Agency. MEMA is the agency that SHOULD have paid a lot more attention to the siting of this compressor station. They have failed us as a region by ignoring all of the safety issues we have brought up for almost six years. They have failed to provide even the most basic safety and evacuation plans for the residents of the Basin.

We are counting on you to call Ms. Phillips at 508-820-2010 or Tweet to her @MassEMA