BOSTON, MA – On Friday, July 21, 2017, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-Boston) conducted a meeting and site visit in Weymouth and East Braintree to further review the results of independent air quality testing conducted by Doctor Curtis Nordgaard. After meeting in Weymouth with Dr. Nordgaard, as well as with Alice Arena of the Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station organization, Congressman Lynch visited the home of Mike Lang on Cotton Street in East Braintree, one of the four testing sites evaluated by Dr. Nordgaard for toxic air pollutants in the Fore River Basin. Dr. Nordgaard’s testing showed that the area surrounding the site of the proposed Weymouth Compressor Station tested at toxic levels of “criteria” air pollutants, such as ozone and lead, which is a violation of National Ambient Air Quality Standards, as well as tested at unsafe levels of hazardous pollutants, such as benzene and formaldehyde, which is a violation of the Clean Air Act.

“As local families remain concerned about the proposed Weymouth Compressor Station, it is critical that we have all the facts about potential risks to the environment, public health, and public safety. I thank Dr. Nordgaard, Alice Arena, Councilor Becky Haugh, Councilor Margaret LaForest, and other local advocates for their commitment to promoting a safe and healthy environment for residents of Weymouth, Braintree, Quincy, and surrounding communities. Following my review of Dr. Nordgaard’s testing, I plan to take the concerns raised by the local community to the Environmental Protection Agency. I have been in contact with Governor Baker about this issue and will continue to consult the Governor as well as our local elected officials moving forward. The health and well-being of area families are of the utmost importance,” said Congressman Lynch.

Earlier this week, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-Boston) offered amendments to H.R. 2910, the Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act, seeking to improve safety for communities near proposed pipeline projects and ensure environmental and safety standards are met before construction begins. While Congressman Lynch’s amendment to ensure that pipelines are not placed in communities that already face unsafe air quality levels was not included in the final version of the bill, his amendment to improve pipeline security by requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to consult with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was accepted by voice vote. The amendment would ensure that prior to the issuance of federal authorization, FERC must consult with TSA to ensure compliance with TSA security guidance and best practices regarding pipeline infrastructure security, pipeline cyber security, pipeline personnel security, and other pipeline security measures designed to ensure the public safety.