In 2017, North American energy infrastructure company Williams Transco proposed a 23.4-mile, 26 inch diameter pipeline as an expansion to its current subsea (below seafloor) framework that delivers natural gas to New York City and surrounding areas. This study delves into the environmental significance of the Northeast Supply Enhancement Pipeline, ascertaining that despite its projected distribution of 400 million cubic feet of natural gas per day to residents, construction will cause too much disturbance to 14,000 acres of marine habitat across the Lower Bay of New York’s harbor. This potential disturbance is supported by peer-reviewed scientific studies and literature on the structure and use of pipelines, as well as Williams Transco’s safety records. While receiving acceptable review from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) with regards to environmental impact, past failures of similar projects signifies too much risk to local marine biodiversity.

The Proposed Pipeline Project

For years, the transport of oil and natural gas through pipelines has been a topic of contention, especially between conservationists and energy infrastructure providers. The rise of alternative energy in direct response to the adverse environmental effects of fossil fuel dependence has exacerbated this argument. If approved, energy infrastructure company William Transco’s Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Pipeline is set to begin its building this year with a completion date by winter 2020 (“Project Timeline”, n.d.). Local organizations are voicing their disapproval for the project, including Food & Water Watch, Sane Energy Project, New York Communities for Change, Surfrider NYC Chapter, NY/NJ Baykeeper, 350.org, Rockaway Beach Civic Association, United for Action, Sustainable Staten Island, and Ocean Action Research Rockaway. These organizations constitute the Coalition to Stop the Williams Pipeline, which has taken action through petitions and letters of opposition to the New York government. (“Stop the Williams Pipeline”, n.d.)

In contrast, Williams Transco emphasizes the need for increased natural gas in New York. An existing pipeline by the company already exists, running nearly parallel to the proposed route for NESE. But according to the company, the infrastructure is at its capacity and the new project will heat 2.3 million more homes and displace the use of up to 900,000 barrels of oil, thereby reducing CO2 emissions. The company expects it to bring in $327 million in additional economic activity (GDP) and create 3,186 jobs for its construction (“About the Project”, n.d.).

While this paper is mainly concerned with the pipeline’s effects on local marine life, it is important to note three things: it is true that natural gas is a cleaner option compared to oil but it is still a fossil fuel and requires the process of hydraulic fracturing to source. Hydraulic fracturing leaks toxic additives, extracts harmful materials, and releases a potent greenhouse gas called methane, among many other risks (“Environmental Impacts of Natural Gas”, n.d.) Second, according to an assessment by the New York City Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability, the city’s gas supply requirements are behind by about 10%. The NESE pipeline will provide much more than needed, up to 64%, while it is possible to bridge the gap through building efficiency improvements and renewables (“Assessment of New York City Natural Gas Market Fundamentals and Life Cycle Fuel Emissions”, n.d.). The project also includes the construction of a Compressor Station to power the pipeline, where blowouts would be a source of air emissions, including methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane and hexane (“Final Environmental Impact Statement”, 2019). Lastly, the continued expansion and operation of natural gas infrastructure may hamper the pursuit of renewable energy as its substitution, with far-reaching and long-term implications to the economy, as well as human and wildlife health, due to climate change.

Local Marine Biodiversity

The NESE outlined path stretches from New Jersey to the Rockaways, a popular destination for beach-goers and surfers. It will pass through the New York Lower Bay, which is connected to the Raritan-Hudson Estuary that is teeming with marine wildlife (Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Project, n.d.) As detailed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this is an important area because of the “variety and quality of habitat types found here: these include shallow estuarine open water, sandy beach…salt marsh, mudflats and riparian forest (Dowhan et al., 1997). These habitats support a large number of regionally rare and important species – including humpback and minke whales, loggerhead and sea turtles, horseshoe crabs, bottlenose dolphins and harbor seals” (Dowhan et al., 1997). Estuarine ecosystems are known to be areas that provide deeply critical habitat to numerous species. Yet, they experience some of the worst anthropogenic impact due to urbanization (McFarland et al., 2018).

More recently, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) New York Aquarium and the National Geographic researched and published a map (pictured below) depicting the rich array of life within the New York Seascape.

Marine life is deeply interconnected, and according to WCS: “the New York Seascape is home to more than 338 species of marine fishes, including more than 40 species of sharks and rays.” (“New York Seascape”, n.d.)

According to research published in Marine Mammal Science, there were 46 reported humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) sightings in the New York New Jersey Harbor Estuary between 2011 and 2016 (Brown et. al., 2018). Twenty-eight of the sightings, or 60.9%, took place in Lower New York Bay, including 19 in Raritan Bay (Brown et. al., 2018). One of the most important factors in whale distribution is the presence of menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus), a fish species that constitutes their primary food source. It is known to have increased sightings in areas where whales have historically been rare (Brown et. al., 2018). Since menhaden become most abundant in the late summer and fall due to their life cycle, whale sightings also reach their peak at that time. (Brown et. al., 2018)

Unfortunately, this is also the same period of the NESE’s proposed initial construction. For several months, as is the case for subsea projects, work will involve substantial digging dredging, which is the process of removing sedimentary material from a seabed by use of heavy machinery (“What Is Dredging”, n.d.). In 2017, an extensive literature review by twelve authors analyzed the direct effects of dredging on fish in all aquatic environments, based on specific stressors. Suspended sediment, and the length of time of suspension was linked to fish mortality (Wenger et al., 2017). If the sediment was contaminated with metals, this resulted in higher effect sizes: “with two studies showing no effect, one study observing behavioural changes, 11 studies recording physical damage, 15 studies recording physiological and sublethal impacts and seven studies documenting mortality” (Wenger et al., 2017). Turbidity of the water caused by increased sediment also affected predation and foraging behavior, in part due to the visual acuity of the fish (Wenger et al., 2017).

The research also took into account sound disturbance caused by the activity of dredging. “Five studies observed behavioural changes (response type 1), six studies recorded physical damage and substantial behavioural changes (response type 2), and five studies measured physiological stress (response type 3) (Wenger et al., 2017).”

Another important species that resides along the path of the pipeline are eastern oysters. Long ago, New York City’s coastal waters provided essential habitat to eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica), but have since become nearly bereft of oyster reefs (McFarland et al., 2018). The restoration of eastern oysters through hatchery-production, habitat protection, and other means, have been the focus of organizations such as The Billion Oyster Project (“Our Purpose, n.d.)

The ecological benefits of oysters are numerous. Aside from erosion control, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), “oyster reefs create important habitat for hundreds of other marine species and filter and clean the surrounding water. Species like mussels, barnacles, and sea anemones settle on them, creating abundant food sources for commercially valuable fish species. Oyster reefs provide habitat to forage fish, invertebrates, and other shellfish. They also provide a safe nursery for commercially valuable species (“Oyster Reef Habitat”, n.d.).”

Aside from the broader effects of climate change, oysters are regularly impacted by dredging, both by survey and commercial purposes. The Western Dredging Association, a pro-dredging organization, released a paper on the effects of dredging on oysters and the reasons why heavy restrictions on the activity must be enforced. According to the WDA, “the  resuspension of sediments during dredging and dredged material disposal operations will cause either the direct burial of oyster beds or reductions in filtration efficiency, respiration rates, and/or reproduction and settlement” (Wilber et al., 2019).

Finally, it is important to note that the NESE’s proposed path lays across waters that are home to a few endangered species, including North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) and one of the smallest sea turtles, the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists Atlantic sturgeon and shortnose sturgeon, emphasizing that for the latter, the presence of dredging has directly caused the loss of habitat area and quality (“Endangered and Threatened Species in New York”, 2014).

Williams Transco’s Safety Record

In addition to the aforementioned concerns to local marine wildlife, energy infrastructure such as pipelines have the potential to create sweeping damage through mismanagement, misconduct and accidents (Williams, 2017). Unfortunately, Williams Transco has a historically poor safety record in the construction and operation of its pipelines, processing plants, and compressor stations, as evidenced below. For the purposes of this paper, records detailed in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) were accessed. These include penalties levied against the company for the violation of safety protocols. The search presented 94 instances of these records, for which Williams (the parent company) paid a total penalty of $80,606,957. Seven of these infractions are dated as recently as 2018. (Violation Tracker Parent Company Summary, n.d.) Examples are as follows:

In March 2017, PHMSA’s Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS), carried out an on-site safety inspection of Williams Field Services Company, LLC, which is a subsidiary of Williams Companies, Inc. The facility, a 50-mile pipeline spanning West Virginia and Pennsylvania, and its two connected processing plants, did not follow a manual of written procedures “for conducting normal operations and maintenance activities and handling abnormal operations and agencies. Williams failed to follow its abnormal operating conditions (AOCs) procedure for completion of AOC reports” (CPD No. 1-2017-5032). Williams Companies Inc. did not contest the allegation and paid the penalty of $22,400. (Occupational Safety and Health Administration Inspection Detail, 2017). (“Enforcement Action Detail”, 2017).

From October 24 through November 2016, PHMSA conducted an assessment of Transcontinental Pipeline Company, LLC (Transco), a subsidiary of Williams Partners, LP, and its operation of approximately 10,200 miles of gas pipelines. There were two findings, including the violation of 49 C.F.R. Part 191 which rules that there must be immediate notice of certain incidents. The company failed to “give notice of an incident of the unintentional release of natural gas exceeding 3 million cubic feet” (CFP No. 2-2017-1002). Additionally, the company violated 49 C.F.R. Part 192 by failing to “investigate the effect of corrosive gas on the pipeline and failing to take steps to minimize internal corrosion. Transco did not investigate the corrosive effects of gas being transported between the storage caverns and dehydration plants” (CFP No. 2-2017-1002) (“Enforcement Action Detail”, 2018).

Other than these two most recent examples, more perilous occurrences by Williams pipelines have injured and taken the lives of workers and non-workers alike, such as the case in 2015, when an explosion and fire from a pipeline in New Orleans resulted in the deaths of four contractors (Korte and Wooten, 2018).

In conclusion…

There is significant potential harm of a second offshore pipeline in New York’s Lower Bay, for both humans and wildlife alike. Beyond the adverse consequences of dredging on local and endangered species, accidents and mismanagements also occur. Throughout history, there have been hundreds of instances of pipeline leaks and explosions – these are not exclusive to Williams Transco. Due to the company’s safety record, it is possible that the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline will face a technical disaster resulting in water contamination and marine wildlife destruction.

The remaining 10% of New York’s energy demand can, and should, be bridged by building efficiency enhancements and the introduction of more renewable alternatives – that is, if the goal is to someday fulfill a complete transition to clean energy.

References

Project Timeline (n.d.) Retrieved from: https://www.northeastsupplyenhancement.com/the-projects/project-timeline-map/

About the Project (n.d.) Retrieved from: https://northeastsupplyenhancement.com/home/about-the-project/

Assessment of New York City Natural Gas Market Fundamentals and Life Cycle Fuel Emissions (n.d.) Retrieved from: http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/pdf/2012/icf_natural_gas_study.pdf

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (2019). Northeast Supply Enhancement Project: Final Environmental Impact Statement. Docket No. CP17-101-000. FERC/EIS-0280.

Dowhan, J., Halavik, T., Milliken, A., MacLachlan, A., Caplis, M., Lima, K., Zimba, A. (1997). Significant Habitats and Habitat Complexes of the New York Bight Watershed. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Retrieved from: https://nctc.fws.gov/resources/knowledge-resources/pubs5/begin.htm

Brown, D., Robbins, J., Sieswerda, P., Schoelkopf, R., Parsons, E. (2018) Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) sightings in the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary. Marine Mammal Science. 4(1): 250–257 DOI: 10.1111/mms.12450.

What is Dredging (n.d.) Retrieved from: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/dredging.html

Wenger, AS, Harvey, E, Wilson, S, et al. A critical analysis of the direct effects of dredging on fish. Fish Fish. 2017; 18: 967– 985. Retrieved from: https://doi-org.proxy.lib.miamioh.edu/10.1111/faf.12218

MacFarland, K., Hare, P. (2018) Restoring oysters to urban estuaries: Redefining habitat quality for eastern oyster performance near New York City. Retrieved from: https://doi-org.proxy.lib.miamioh.edu/10.1371/journal.pone.0207368

Wilber, D., (2019) Dredging Activities and the Potential Impacts of Sediment Resuspension and Sedimentation on Oyster Reefs. Retrieved from: https://www.westerndredging.org/phocadownload/ConferencePresentations/2010_SanJuanPR/Session2A-EnvironmentalAspectsOfDredging/1%20-%20Wilber%20-%20Dredging%20Activities%20and%20Potential%20Impacts%20of%20Sedimentation%20and%20Resuspension%20on%20Oyster%20Reefs.pdf

Endangered and Threatened Species in New York (2014). U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Retrieved from: https://www.fws.gov/endangered/map/ny-info.html

Korte, G., Wooten, N. (2018) Pipeline peril: Natural gas explosions reveal silent danger lurking in old cast iron pipes. USA Today. Retrieved from: https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/nation/2018/11/01/natural-gas-cast-iron-pipeline-explosion-fire-leak-safety-phmsa/1362595002/

350 Brooklyn (n.d.) Stop the Williams Pipeline. Retrieved from: https://350brooklyn.org/stop-the-williams-pipeline/

Union of Concerned Scientists (n.d.) Environmental Impacts of Natural Gas. Retrieved from: https://www.ucsusa.org/clean-energy/coal-and-other-fossil-fuels/environmental-impacts-of-natural-gas

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (n.d.) Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Project. Retrieved from: https://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/115980.html

Wildlife Conservation Society (n.d.) New York Seascape. Retrieved from: https://www.wcs.org/our-work/regions/new-york-seascape

The Billion Oyster Project (n.d.) Our Purpose. Retrieved from: https://billionoysterproject.org/about/our-story/

Williams, T. (2017) Pipelines: Environmental Considerations. Library of Parliament. Retrieved from: https://lop.parl.ca/sites/PublicWebsite/default/en_CA/ResearchPublications/201237E

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (2017). Enforcement Action Detail. Retrieved from: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/reports/enforce/CaseDetail_cpf_120165010.html?nocache=6464

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (2017). Enforcement Action Detail. Retrieved from: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/reports/enforce/CaseDetail_cpf_220171002.html?nocache=943

Featured Photo: © AP Photo / Kathy Willens