TRR photo by David Hulse Lackawaxen Supervisors, from the left: Richard Krochta, Brian Stuart and John McKay listen to the proceedings at the continuing zoning hearings for Tennessee Gas Pipeline. (Click for larger image)

Pipeline debate recessed, again

By DAVID HULSE

LACKAWAXEN — Township Solicitor Jay Rose said he had hoped to complete zoning and land use hearings for a controversial gas pipeline project on March 15, but it didn’t happen.

After another five hours of often tedious, often acrimonious testimony and attorney exchanges, the hearings on Tennessee Gas Pipeline’s (TGP) application for a site development plan and zoning conditional use permits were once again recessed, this time until Saturday, March 24. “This time, we’re going until it’s finished, if it takes all day,” Supervisor Richard Krochta said.

Last Thursday’s hearing at the Central Fire Station produced another standing— room audience and some new information about the project. The gas compressing and pumping facility planned for Bohemia, adjacent to Fawn Lake Forest and the Central Fire Station, is valued at $18 million, or more than 25 percent of the total value of the $70-million, muti-state project.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has already approved the project, leaving the issue of the importance of local approvals somewhat in doubt. As Rose announced a third session would be required last week after three hours of testimony, TGP officials appeared to be flexing some muscle when they insisted on continuing, as they did not plan to return simply to hear public comment.

The assertion, by TGP attorney Stephen Saunders, came after Fawn Lake attorney Tom Farley predicted lightly that he would take “hours” to cross-examine the last TGP witness, area manager Ron Miller.

Miller, in an apparent reply, drew out his responses to questioning to include minute details, even to the reading of boiler-plate safety guidelines into the hearing record.

Both sides apparently weakened after another two hours, and the new hearing date was agreed, with all sides to return at 1:00 p.m. on the 24th.