Members of the environmental organization, Mothers Out Front Newton (MOF-Newton) were invited to discuss their concerns about Newton’s defective gas pipeline infrastructure at the June 22nd Public Facilities Committee meeting.
According to MOF Newton, National Grid has not been maintaining gas turn-off valve caps (also called gate boxes) in accessible and operable condition. Turning off the highly flammable and explosive gas could save lives and property in case of a fire in a house, school, store, or other building.
At the meeting, the National Grid representative confirmed that only National Grid, not Newton’s Fire Department, can have the authority to operate the valves. It was agreed that residents can report defective valve caps to Newton’s Department of Public Works or the Newton 311 system so the information can be forwarded to National Grid. DPW Commissioner James McGonagle also said that Newton will use a drone to take before and after photos of street paving projects to avoid paving over turn-off values and other infrastructure.
The Gas Safety Working Group will include representatives from MOF Newton, 350 Mass Newton, city councilors, DPW, and National Grid. MOF expects the Working Group’s agenda to also discuss the question: Why is National Grid installing new high-pressure gas pipes on streets where there were no gas leaks instead of prioritizing Newton’s hundreds of leaks including many old high-volume leaks, categorized as Significant Environmental Impact (SEIs). (See Newton’s Interactive Gas Leaks Map tinyurl.com/NewtonLeaks2021.)
“We thank Councilor Alison Leary for giving us the opportunity to present our concerns to the Council and to participate in this working group to address serious long-standing gas system safety issues,” said Cindy Calloway, MOF Newton team leader.
MOF Newton’s recent Library exhibit, Mobilizing for a Livable Climate, highlighted MOF’s campaign to reduce risk, pollution, and waste from our leaky gas pipelines and to promote clean energy, efficiency, and conservation. MOF advocates for a Triage and Transition Plan to fix the most dangerous leaks and stop installing new pipelines or replacing old ones while National Grid charges Newton ratepayers for the lost gas. (https://www.mothis-triage-and-transition-gas-leaks/)
