BURRILLVILLE – In 2028, interstate natural gas transmission company Algonquin aims to embark on a major project proponents say will enhance reliability across the northeast region with expansion of a gas pipeline.
The work includes installation of a three mile loop of 36-inch diameter pipeline through Burrillville, tying in to the current discharge station on Wallum Lake Road.
On Tuesday, April 28, area residents had the chance to provide feedback on the project, which Algonquin Gas officials say they plan to incorporate into final design plans. The open house took place at Crystal Lake Golf Club, and included the opportunity to hear details and ask questions.
The Burrillville session is just one of several scheduled in the coming weeks across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, with additional enhancements to the system expected in the towns of Mendon, Bellingham, Franklin and Wrentham, as well as Cumberland, Little Compton and Tiverton.
‘During these meetings, we respond to stakeholders’ questions and for those questions that require additional information or research, we commit to responding in a timely fashion,” the business noted in a request to move forward with the project submitted in February.
The $300 million upgrade is set to begin in 2028, with new lines in service to eliminate existing bottlenecks and improve delivery during periods of high demand by November of that same year. The project will not require the construction of any new compressor stations, and will utilize space in or adjacent to existing rights of way in place since the 1950s, according to Algonquin officials. The company is based in Waltham, Mass. with Rhode Island offices in Pascoag.
The pipeline, a 1,100 mile system covering five states that delivers natural gas to distribution companies across New England owned by Canada-based business Enbridge, will have the ability to bring more gas to the region if the project comes to completion. Dubbed the “Algonquin Reliable Affordable Resilient Enhancement” the project is currently working its way through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission process.
The improvements, proponents say, will help to provide stability to a local marketplace plagued by some of the highest energy prices in the country.
“The combination of high demand, colder-than-normal temperatures and system constraints have resulted in considerable economic strain on households and businesses throughout the region,” notes Enbridge in a write-up on the initiative.
On top of the work in Burrillville, Algonquin hopes to replace an additional 8.25 miles of its existing pipeline through Providence County, along with Worcester and Norfolk Counties in Massachusetts. Another 12-inch diameter, 2.2 mile section of pipeline in Newport County would also be replaced.
The plan does have its opponents, with groups including Pipeline Awareness Network for the Northeast and Climate Action Rhode Island also holding informational sessions with hopes to educate impacted communities. Detractors point, in part, to Rhode Island’s pledge to phase out reliance on gas through legislation including the Renewable Energy Standard and the Act on Climate.
Protests began both locally and across the region as word of the proposal first spread in 2023.
In November, more than 300 affected landowners were contacted with a request to survey their properties to determine if the company would need a temporary workspace or new permanent easement on the land to complete the project.
“If it is ultimately determined that a portion of your property will be needed for temporary workspace or new permanent easement, we will then advise you and begin negotiations for the appropriate land rights,” the notice explained.
Around 71 percent of those contacted reportedly granted survey permission.
The business may hear from others in the coming weeks at the series of open house sessions.
A full list of upcoming public sessions can be found here.
Editor’s note: The above article has been edited to reflect that the event in Burrillville has passed.
