Federal officials could soon allow a controversial gas piping project to move forward.
After initially being denied key permits by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, a regional gas pipeline company aims to soon begin construction on a controversial stretch of new piping in a town near the Hudson Valley.
Millennium Pipeline Company wants to build about 8 miles of new piping to supply the Competitive Power Ventures Valley Energy Center in Wawayanda, New York, with gas via Millennium’s mainline.
Wawayanda is located in Orange County, about 70 miles northwest of New York City.
Michelle Hook, director of public relations for Millennium, said the gas company will try to obtain a final notice from FERC to move the project forward.
But whether the federal agency allows construction to start soon remains unclear, she said.
“Whether the New York DEC will fight, that remains to be seen.
If FERC grants the notice, Millennium must wait until the end of bat roosting season to start construction.
“We have been delayed.
“(FERC’s decision) could very well mean that this pipeline is permitted and goes forward,” Friedman said.