Fwd: Time Sensitive Alert: Southeast Compressor Station Venting/Algonquin Pipeline Maintenance Activity

[Jen Lahey]

Hello Everyone,

We are within the 10 mile radius of this enlarged compressor station and I just received this alert - our safety depends upon which way the wind is blowing so I am just passing along to you.  Perhaps the town should send something out to a greater audience.  The concerns are real.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ellen Weininger <eewgra...@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Apr 14, 2020 at 5:36 PM
Subject: Time Sensitive Alert: Southeast Compressor Station Venting/Algonquin Pipeline Maintenance Activity
To:

Dear Friends,

We are reaching out to alert you to the announcement that has just come to our attention regarding planned maintenance activities 

and venting/blowdown events at the Southeast Compressor Station on Tulip Road on the border of Westchester and Putnam Counties 

scheduled to begin early tomorrow morning, April 15th - April 17th according to the notice posted at the Town of Southeast website: 

 Algonquin Maintenance Activity Along Tulip Road This Week

Air emissions from natural gas compressor stations and other pipeline infrastructure are known to cause chronic and acute health effects.  

While some air emissions take place at a relatively steady rate, other emissions occur in episodic peaks.  Wind direction, weather conditions and 

terrain may impact one's actual exposure.  Acute health symptoms may be temporary, episodic or persistent. The episodic intense peak exposures 

can last for a few minutes and as long several hours and can trigger acute health symptoms even though the total emissions averaged over 

a 24 hour period or longer can appear to be far less.  These exposures to the air contaminants increase the risk for cardiovascular or respiratory 

disease or exacerbation of these pre-existing health problems.  Some of the air contaminants have neurological as well as carcinogenic impacts.  

Developing fetuses, children, the elderly and those with pre-existing diseases are especially vulnerable to these toxic exposures.  

These are the same serious underlying conditions that put people at greater risk for COVID-19.  This is especially important as we 

are sheltering in place, confined to our homes and may also be utilizing our yards for fresh air, exercise and outdoor play time for our 

otherwise house bound children.

In this current State of Emergency besieged by a pandemic crisis, where so much is at stake for residents who are already 

disproportionately impacted, every emergency measure at our disposal to protect public health is essential for consideration.

Please see the attached brochure, Important Information for Health Care Providers and the Environmental Health Project - NY 

website for more information about simple action steps residents can take as outlined below.

Simple steps individuals can take to reduce exposure to air pollutants from natural gas                                                     compressor stations: 1.  Keep indoor air clean with home air filters/purifiers  2.  Clean using damp, disposable cloths 3.  Vacuum with a HEPA filter, rather than sweeping, to reduce airborne particles 4.  Remove outdoor clothing and shoes when coming indoors 5.  Check weather reports daily - cloudy, windless days create the unhealthiest air quality; sunny, windy says are best.  6.  On bad days, keep windows and doors closed and use air conditioning to keep outdoor air outside.

We strongly urge contacting the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to require Enbridge, the 

Algonquin pipeline operator, to direct air emissions from these venting operations back into the pipeline to eliminate or 

at least significantly reduce air pollutants. 

Thank you!

Ellen Weininger

Director, Educational Outreach

Grassroots Environmental Education

www.grassrootsinfo.org

914-422-3141