Goldfeder to Williams and National Grid: Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder

Urges companies to agree to appropriate long term mitigation for Jamaica Bay

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway) is urging Williams, one of the largest-volume transporters of natural gas in the United States, to commit to offset mitigation in Jamaica Bay to restore the marshlands and design a thorough plan to improve portions of the artificial reef or ocean habitat that will be affected by the Rockaway Delivery Lateral Project— a plan designed by Williams to deliver additional natural gas to Southern Queens and Rockaway.

“We must do everything we can to protect our communities and the fragile ecosystems surrounding Jamaica Bay from any harm while the new Williams’ pipeline is constructed,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder.  “Williams has committed to being a strong community partner, but they must agree to oversee and repair any potential damage to nearby artificial reef and take into consideration funding for offset mitigation in Jamaica Bay to restore our marshlands.”

The ongoing project involves installing a 3.2-mile, 26-inch pipeline that would create an additional delivery point from the existing Transco system into National Grid. The line would run approximately 2.9 miles offshore and 0.3 miles of onshore.  The planned route takes the line under Jacob Riis Park to a tie-in point with National Grid located outside the Gateway National Recreation Area.

“The installation of the ocean portion of this project will cause a substantial environmental impact on marine wild life, essential fish habitat and to the adjacent reef which must be mitigated –both at the reef site and with offset mitigation in Jamaica Bay for marsh restoration projects,” said Dan Mundy Sr., president of the Jamaica Bay EcoWatchers. 

In his letter to the Williams Company, Assemblyman Goldfeder requested the company commit to remediate any damages the pipeline installation may cause to the ocean habitat as well as assist in mitigation efforts in Jamaica Bay. Specifically, he asked that they provide funding to repair and improve the adjacent artificial reef as well as invest in the waters of Jamaica Bay through wetlands mitigation.  The installation of the offshore portion of this project will see a huge environmental footprint from the Williams project and the potential to offset this damage by augmenting the artificial reef and creating new wetlands in Jamaica Bay would demonstrate a desire to forge a long community partnership, noted Goldfeder

“Williams has already created a comprehensive grant program for community organizations and has contributed financially to Sandy recovery,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder. “But they must take the next step before any further work permits are issued. I urge Williams to do the right thing and invest in the growth, safety and protection of our community.”

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