VERGENNES, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont Gas Systems is facing pressure over a pipeline in Addison County. Some residents there want it removed due to growing mistrust of the company.
“I don’t know why you haven’t checked on this like, yesterday. This is a serious issue,” said Ross Conrad of Middlebury.
Almost 50 people filled the room of the barre opera house Thursday night to hear about the state’s case against Vermont Gas Systems’ implementation of a natural gas pipeline.
“There was a long list of allegations,” said VGS representative Owen McClain.
Some residents claimed the pipeline was unsafe. Then, the state started an investigation, and the two entities ended up hiring an independent consultant to see if any of the allegations about the line’s construction held up in court.
“With a few noted exceptions. It was constructed in compliance with applicable rules and commitments,” said McClain.
While McClain didn’t find any major violations that prove the pipeline could be unsafe, that didn’t stop independent citizens from investigating on their own.
Multiple parties ultimately found that VGS changed construction plans before they were approved, and the company was fined $150,000. Now, some citizens want the pipeline decommissioned, fearing the risk of danger, contamination, and other environmental concerns.
“It’s crazy to keep a pipeline that already has safety concerns,” said Addison County resident Katherine Bock.
The public utility commission heard all their concerns and said they will be considered when making their upcoming decision.
VGS is hoping to amend a certificate of public good to address the citizens’ concerns. If the public utility commission approves the amendment, remediation efforts will begin.
“Vermont Gas has already adopted and accepted a series of remedial actions that were recommended as additional safety measures,” said McClain.
The public utility commission will be continuing their investigations. There is no set date when a decision will be made.
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