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| Photo Wendy Lynne Lee |
Williams
Partners Atlantic Sunrise Expansion of the TRANSCO: ASK THE HARD QUESTIONS
1. What is Williams’ view of eminent domain
to access private property given that the Atlantic Sunrise is a for-profit
venture—not a public utility? What justifies this seizure of land for the
purpose of private profits? Why isn’t this theft?
2. Why is Williams marketing ASP for Americans
when the gas is destined for LNG export to global markets?
3. What’s Williams’ plan to control VOC
emissions, light/noise pollution, and potential explosions at its planned
compressors—especially since one (Bloomsburg) would be near populated areas?
4. How does Williams plan to respond to letters
received by home/property owners from their insurance carriers who decline to
cover accidents that are the result of gas company leases?
5. How does Williams
respond to its “lengthy record of pipeline safety violations,” for example the
massive natural gas explosion in Alabama, 2011, or its failure to follow
company policy for “controlling external corrosion in natural gas pipelines
running through the New York City borough of Staten Island”?
For more, go to: THE WRENCH LIBRARY: STOP THE ATLANTIC SUNRISE PIPELINE
EIGHT REASONS TO TELL
WILLIAMS
PARTNERS
“I AM NOT YOUR NEXT SACRIFICE
ZONE”
1. 2008 – Natural gas explosion in Virginia
[Transco] the blast ripped a 32-foot section of pipe from the ground
and caused a 1,100 feet burn zone. Property damage reported
to exceed $3 million.
2. 2010 – Transco Pipeline leak in Texas. Leak
was not reported for 4 days. The 1/4inch diameter leak caused a reported
$57,000 in property damage. Aerial patrol did not see the leak. Found by
an operator who saw some bubbles.
3. 2010 / 2011– FINED $275 Thousand over failing
to implement and/or maintain storm water measures to prevent potential
pollutants during plannedconstruction in Parachute, Colorado. State
inspectors notified Williams (Bargath) in Nov. 2010 of violations
and told them to take immediate action. According to report, Williams
did not fix violation for 7 months.
4. 2013 (Jan) – Williams discovers leak of NGLs in
Parachute plant while working on construction to expand the plant. Reports say
the leak was found by ACCIDENT. Leak stopped, but Benzene, a
cancer causing agent, has contaminated soil. Williams says leak not
affecting creek. (March 15) – Groundwater in Parachute is contaminated
with Benzene from NGL leak. Spill finally announced to public. Benzene
is cancer-causing agent that breaks down bone marrow.
5. 2012 – Gas leak caused explosion at
Natural Gas Compressor Station in Pennsylvania. Williams
restarts the station within 24 hours and started pumping fracked
gas despite request from PA Dept. of Environmental Protection not to
do so. DEP states they make it very clear on the above matter but because it
was not an official order no fines were issued. 1 ton of Methane released.
6. 2013 (April) – Williams say faulty pressure
gauge cause of leak in Parachute. Diesel found at gates of Parachute
water supply. Benzene detected in creek. State Health Dept takes over
oversight of leak. (8) (9) (May) – Benzene levels rise in Parachute, CO creek.
State agency tells Williams violated it the law. (8). Williams announces
it will not expand the Parachute, Co plant expansion NOT because of the NGL
leak but due to low gas prices.
7. 2013 (June 13) – Williams’ Natural Gas Liquid
(NGL) cracker plant that process NGLs in Louisiana. Explodes and Burns. That
chemical plant was in middle of $350 million expansion. 700
contract workers were present; 2 people killed (ages 29 & 47); 70
injuries; 62,000 pounds of toxic chemical released.
8. 2014 (May 14)A probe into safety
practices at pipeline operator Williams Cos.
(WMB) is being expanded after a natural gas plant fire led to
the evacuation of a town in Wyoming
last month, the company’s third accident in a year… In December, the U.S.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited
Williams for six safety violations at the Geismar plant and proposed a $99,000
fine.
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