WHITE PLAINS – At the same time as the Westchester County Health Department was conducting an anthrax response drill at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Wednesday, an ad hoc group of residents conducted a “die-in” to call attention to the gas pipeline expansion that is to begin shortly by Spectra Energy.
Dr. Susan Rubin, a Chappaqua resident and environmental educator, who is one of those opposed to installation of a new 42-inch diameter high-pressure gas pipeline, said the county health department has remained silent on the issue.
“The main concern is Spectra Energy’s Algonquin Pipeline expansion, which is coming right through Westchester County, very close to the Indian Point nuclear plant and way too close to an elementary school and this pipeline is carrying fracked gas from Pennsylvania through New York, through Massachusetts and out to the coast,” she said. “This is not gas that is going to heat anybody’s around here. This is gas that is heading through our area for export overseas.”
Rubin claimed emissions can lead to serious health issues for people who live close by, including eye and respiratory tract irritation, nausea, memory impairment, damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system, and elevated risk of cancer.
Protestors make their point outside the Westchester County Center arena
