Attending: Leigh Hall, Lucy Del Muto, Nancei Radicchi, Ethan Hoag, Roberta Horn, Vinny Ieni, Lauri Webster, Jim Linthwaide, Gail Miller, Arthur Horn, Robertson Ward, Mary Ellen Welch, Patricia Fidler, Susan Voloshian, Christopher Blackler, Diane Albano (Councilor Scapicchio’s office), Debra Blandin (Police, District 7), Roseann Bongiovanni (Chelsea Greenspace), Sherri Brokopp and Aaron Toffler (Urban Ecology Institute), Gus McLachlan (Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline), Jon Bonsall (Keegan, Werlin and Pabian , LLP), Pete Woody and Franklin Gessner (Algonquin Gas Trans Co.), Rick Paquette (TRC Environmental), and Stacey Chacker (NOAH).

• "Environmental Justice Across the Mystic" Public Forum, has been changed to 2/25, 7 P.M. at the Harborside. This will be an opportunity to learn from the efforts of the Northern Rhode Island Conservation District regarding their work along the Woonasquatucket River in R.I.

• Annual Toxics Action Conference, Sat, 3/8 at Northeastern U. NOAH has two free tickets; Chelsea has two more. Pat and Susan plan to go. If others are, please contact Stacey.

• Chelsea Creek Rail Trail: Lucy and Stacey took representatives from National Parks Service and New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) on a tour to see the rail corridor along Route 1A. NEFA is applying to the National Endowment for the Arts to get funds to work with local groups. If they receive funds, they will choose groups to sponsor public art projects that would promote projects (e.g. Rail Trail). Funds about $50,000. We should hear by May 2003.

• CCAG submitted an "Active Living" pre-proposal to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation with UEI, Chelsea, Boston Natural Areas Network and East Boston Neighborhood Health Center. The grant would fund "active programs" – like organized walks, canoe trips, etc, and planning for the continuation of the East Boston Greenway and the Chelsea Creek Rail Trail.

• Friends of Belle Isle Annual Meeting – Sun, 3/9, 2 P.M. at Our Lady of Lourdes, 1 Endicott Avenue, Revere. Karl Pastore of EOEA, will present Belle Isle Marsh inventory/problems.

• Condor Street Urban Wild Tour set for 2/22 at 10 a.m.; please note: this tour has been postponed (tentative date: Sat 3/29). Aaron asked about putting BBQ’s on the site. It was brought up that having open fires on public property in the City is illegal; many participants also had concerns regarding safety.

• EB-CCAG Exec, Committee (Ana Maria, Vinny, Nancei, and Lucy) now meeting regularly to address other issues that we do not have time for at monthly meetings. At next meeting, we will meet with reps from East Boston Artists Group to see if we may work together.

• Meeting w/ U.S. Representative Capuano: Gail, Stacey, Aaron, Anita McCandless, Roseann, and Dora Santaniello attended to discuss Chelsea Creek Vision Plan, specific projects, Duke Energy, etc. Rep. agreed to look into MWRA building and MassPort’s attempt to purchase it. Rep has concerns about Algonquin pipeline; CCAG will remain in touch with him re: this issue. Rep supportive of efforts to work with Trust for Public Land (TPL) to purchase Hess site.

• Hess: Nancy Kafka and Badge Blackett from TPL, and Stacey and Morgan Wilson of NOAH met with Deputy General Counsel and consultant from Hess regarding the possibility of TPL purchasing an option on Hess site. Meeting was positive; they were impressed with TPL’s work, open to the idea, and said that they realized that any redevelopment of the Hess site must include significant open space. Next steps: TPL will submit concept paper on how a real estate transaction would be structured, and will meet with Hess officials in NY.

• Environmental Justice Demonstration Project: Chelsea Creek Restoration Project (CCRP) is one of 15 projects nationally from EPA to get this designation (an initiative of Clinton’s, continued with Bush Admin). CCRP will be held up as national model working on environmental justice and different federal agencies should be available to provide technical assistance towards our goals. EPA Region 1 is making a commitment to organize internally to provide more coordinated efforts regarding Creek enforcement and other issues. Kudos to everyone who has worked so hard to make CCAG efforts so successful.

• Proposed Algonquin gas line originates in Sable Island, off Nova Scotia. The gas source was found in 1970’s; piping began in 1990’s. It is estimated that reserves could exceed the Gulf Coast, and that supply will last 50-100 years. Currently this source provides 10% of New England’s Gas Supply. Maritimes plans to double its capacity by 2006.

• There is a pipeline from Salem to Quincy that was constructed in Sept. 2002. It is expected to be in service by the end of this summer. It is called the Hub Line project.

• Everett Extension Project: Proposal is to have 7-mile pipeline (24 and 8-inch diameters) (3 miles offshore and 4 onshore) that would connect to Hub Line at Deer Island. Proposed route is via Airport, through Constitution Beach and tennis courts, cross Bennington and Saratoga Sts, via Brandywyne Village, behind Addison St, by Budget Rent-a-Car, south on Chelsea Creek on rail corridor – with spur to Keyspan connection, under Chelsea Creek by Chelsea Bridge, down Marginal Street in Chelsea to Williams Street and through to Everett). There would be four meter/regulator stations (Keyspan in East Boston, and Exelon (Everett power plant line), District Gas LNG facility, and Algonquin in Everett). It would be in service in 2005.

• Stated benefits: a) Increased supplies to Greater Boston; b) Enhance energy reliability and security; c) Decrease reliance on foreign oil; d) Increase competition in wholesale energy market; e) Increase fuel diversity; f) Enhance operating efficiency of Algonquin System; and g) Improve regional air quality.

• Siting Process: a) Evaluate preliminary route and proposed alternate routes; b) Contact landowners to obtain survey permission; c) Work with municipalities, landowners and agencies to identify issues; d) Sponsor open houses prior to filing Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) application (filed on 2/5/03); e) Notify impacted landowners of FERC filing within 3 business days (after FERC notices application); and f) Copies of FERC application in Winthrop, Chelsea, EB libraries, City Council, City Manager and Mayor. Throughout process Duke will continue to refine pipeline route based on input from municipalities, landowners and permitting agencies. Goal: Select route that minimizes impacts to residences, businesses and environment while meeting project requirements.

• Siting Process – FERC (makes final decision for pipeline route): a) Review takes 6-10 months; b) Balances project need v.s. project impacts; c) Issues Notice of Application and sets forth Intervention and Comment Process; d) Notices preparation of an Environmental Assessment, with public comment period; e) Holds Scoping Hearing to receive public comment; f) Reviews public comments; g) Issues an Environmental Assessment; and h) Makes determination whether to issue a certificate to build pipeline.

• Siting Process –MA Energy Facilities Siting Board: a) Holds Regional Info Hearing(s); and b) Submits Comments to FERC on behalf of citizens and local communities.

• Environmental Review: What is done to protect environment? Algonquin: a) Conducted extensive onshore and offshore surveys; b) Will comply with applicable federal, state and local environmental regulations; c) Will use advanced technology to minimize environmental impacts; d) Will work with agencies to develop offshore monitoring processes; e) Will comply with FERC’s construction procedures to minimize wetland and water body impacts; and f) Has developed detailed soil erosion control plan.

• Agency Oversight: Federal Permit Review: a) FERC; b) Army Corps of Engineers; c) US EPA; c) US Fish and Wildlife Service; d) US National Marine and Fisheries Service; and e) US Coast Guard. Mass State Permits/Reviews: a) Mass Environmental Policy Act – Notice of project change and File Environmental Impact Report; b) Coastal Zone Management; c) Department of Environmental Protection; d) State Historic Preservation Office; e) Mass Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program; and f) Mass Highway Dept. Local Permits Reviews (Boston, Chelsea, Everett): a) Municipal Conservation Commissions; b) Depts. of Public Works (for road permits); c) Fire Depts (for blasting permits); and d) Municipal Harbor Masters.

• Property Issues: 1) Typical Construction Work Area: a) 50 ft of permanent right of way w/ 25 ft of temporary workspace (additional in some areas); b) Street construction limited to road right-of-way. 2) Use of easement: Most uses still can continue except for installation of permanent structures.

• Showed aerial photos to show construction process: 1) Offshore: Horizontal Directional Drills (HDDs) and conventional dredging will be used from Deer Island to East Boston, under the Harbor and Airport, and to cross the Chelsea River. HDDs drill underground – using a 6 inch drill bit, going at a 30 degree angle underground (includes underwater) 60 to 100 ft. They can go for 1000 to 5000 feet and then pop up. They will continue to drill with larger drill bits until the hole is large enough for the 24" pipeline. Using this technique on Chelsea River so as not to disturb contaminated sediments, utility lines, and shipping channel. 2) Onshore: a) Advise landowners of construction schedule; b) Re-survey and mark route and work area; c) Clear construction right-of-way where required; d) Install soil erosion devices where required; e) Grade construction area and separate top soil where required; f) Implement traffic control plan; g) Dig trench for pipeline; h) Weld pipe together and inspect welds (both in-street and non-street construction); i) Backfill and hydrostatically test; and j) Final clean-up, restoration and repaving.

• Construction: What protective measures does Algonquin pun in place to prevent damage to the pipe?: a) Pipeline is built of high strength carbon steel; b) It is coated externally with a corrosion resistant, not-conductive inert material; c) East joint is welded by certified welders; d) Each weld is x-rayed to verify integrity; e) Pipeline is cathodically protected; f) Hydrostatically tested at high pressure to ensure structural integrity prior to being placed into service; g) Generally installed at a minimum of 3 feet beneath the surface; h) Not susceptible to frost heaves; and i) Aboveground or flush markers installed in line-of-sight intervals.

• Operation and Maintenance: a) U.S. Dept. of Transportation (DOT) overlooks: 1) Pipeline is designed, constructed and operated to meet or exceed safety requirements as exclusively governed by US DOT; 2) US DOT performs periodic inspections of pipeline operator; b) National Transportation Safety Board – Interstate natural gas pipeline system is the safest energy delivery system in the nation; c) Algonquin’s procedures: 1) Visual inspection – on foot, vehicle and air; 2) "Dig Safe" program: "Outside forces" are cited as the primary cause for reportable accidents; 3) Community liaison meetings and mailings; 4) Computerized gas monitoring system electronically monitors the operations of the pipeline: Remote control valves and pipeline pressures are read every 60 seconds or less; 5) Commercially available odorant is added.

• Mobil/Exxon owns Sable Island gas.

• FERC has never denied any pipeline project.

• Alternate Routes: Stated that: 1) cannot put pipeline through Boston Inner Harbor due to MBTA, Callahan, Williams and Sumner Tunnels (Williams is 15 feet below surface) and they are not allowed to close down the Federal Shipping Channel. Also said cannot go south of Logan due to possibility of new runway; 2) they switched their route due to reaction from Coleridge Street residents, also not going through Winthrop Streets or Eagle Square.

• Sediments will not be disturbed at Constitution Beach; they’ll use HDD to drill 50 ft below the ground, coming up by the tennis courts.

• Not sure which side of the chain link fence they would be on along Chelsea Creek – on top of the rail corridor, or parallel to. They cannot give all specifics as still doing surveying and then meeting w/property owners.

• On land, pipeline will be 3 ft below surface, except on roads and parking lots where will be 5 feet below. Crossing Rte 1A, if there are utility lines, it will be even deeper down.

• They are not sure if the connection to District Gas will bring in more LNG’s (Liquefied Natural Gas tankers) through the Harbor; stated that they are not privy to District Gas’ business plan. However, it was clear that District Gas would be using this pipeline to sell gas that they vaporize, as they do not have equipment to liquefy natural gas (they would need to put in new facilities to do this); they currently have 2 tanks to hold liquefied gas that comes in on LNGs. They will be paying to use the Algonquin line as a transport system for the vaporized gas. It seemed a clear possibility to CCAG members that more LNG’s would be coming through the Harbor; and everyone is concerned about this.

• Keyspan and Everett Power Plant are purchasing gas.

• Algonquin pipeline runs along Rte 128 - connects to W. Mass and then runs south to NJ, NY and Conn.

• Don’t believe that having a pipeline through neighborhood will increase homeowner’s insurance rates.

• CCAG member pointed out that there is on average one accident/day in the U.S. related to pipelines. There was a catastrophic fire in E.B. many years ago, blowing up houses sporadically; no one anticipated this disaster. Duke representatives said that Algonquin has been running pipelines since 1950’s and there has never been a cartographic accident. However they try to improve each pipeline they build. Lines are "piggable" (meaning they have a machine that goes through them periodically to determine dents, erosion, wall thickness compromises, etc). Believes the one/day is related to retail gas lines, and not any wholesale lines.

• CCAG member mentioned reading about maintenance violations and safety concerns – rust, fire, etc. Duke reps stated that during and after line is constructed, they work with police, fire and EMTs – provide maps of the pipeline. If there is a call regarding someone smelling gas, they will respond and determine if an area needs to be evacuated; Duke does not determine this.

• Everett Power Plant used Oil #6; switched to natural gas; generates enough electricity for 2 million homes.

• Duke Energy does not own the gas that goes through the pipeline – they are kind of like the Mass Pike – collecting tolls from those who choose to use their transportation route.

• We’ve heard that MassPort is not eligible to acquire MWRA building through State surplus program, as they are a State authority. Rep. Capuano was not sure about this and said that he would do some further research. Meanwhile, according to our understanding of the process and the updates that Roseann has received, the Dept. of Capital Asset Management is now going to notify the City of Boston regarding the building’s availability. Stacey is in the process of setting up meetings with politicians. We have a meeting set with Councilor Scapicchio on 2/19 @ 2 P.M. Aaron, Gail, Leigh, and maybe Lucy volunteered to attend with Stacey.

• Boston Conservation Commission: Aaron, Sherri, Gail and Stacey attended. Conservation Comm. listened to our concerns regarding public access around building. Asked project proponents (Grossman Companies) to clarify property lines and to meet with CCAG reps.

• Meeting w/ Grossman Companies –(also property owner along Creek). Lauri, Maddy, Stacey and Aaron attended with Louis Grossman, his lawyer and consultants. It was a positive meeting. Mr. Grossman was interested in CCAG’s work, impressed with Chelsea Creek Vision Plan and stated that he would be willing to work with us. Stacey will follow-up with a letter outlining what we agreed on at the meeting, and stating again EB-CCAG’s concerns regarding 150 McClellan Highway development. Will copy the letter to the Conservation Commission.

• Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) approved the Article 80 process. Project still needs to go before the Zoning Board of Appeals and before the Conservation Commission again.