On Friday, June 6, we after received an update on our Ch. 91 Waterways License appeal. MA DEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple issued her final decision, adopting the Recommended Final Decision of Chief Presiding Officer Giorlandino and directing MassDEP to (re)issue the Chapter 91 Waterways License to Algonquin. This decision came more than six months after Presiding Officer Giorlandino’s RFD was released, and nearly 18 months after closing arguments were heard in January 2024.

We have some "bad" and yet completely expected news to share with you. On Friday, December 20th we received the decision from the MassDEP OADR regarding the Ch. 91 Waterways appeal. Unsurprisingly, they decided against us and for Enbridge and the DEP.

We wanted to provide you with a short update on one of our final appeals before the MassDEP. 

CommonWealth Beacon published a story on Enbridge’s “Project Maple” expansion project. You can read an excerpt below and the full article here.

In mid-September, nearly 9 months after closing arguments, we received our first update on the case. Mr. Giorlandino stated he wanted feedback on what bearing, if any, two recent court cases have on our case. Those cases are: City of Port Isabel v. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Conservation Law Foundation v. Energy Facilities Siting Board.

Our attorney, on behalf of the “Ten Residents Group”, had to file a supplemental brief on this matter, as did Enbridge (Algonquin), and Mass DEP. The supplemental briefs are available below.

Today, FRRACS members visited the Boston Public Library and engaged with Governor Healey as she entered and exited the building for her hour long "Ask the Governor" show on Boston Public Radio. FRRACS was outside with signs that were seen from inside and recorded on their livestream. Signs read: “Maura! Don’t Let Enbridge Gas Bully MADEP!”

Just this week, we received our first update on the case. Mr. Giorlandino is seeking feedback on what bearing, if any, two recent court cases have on our case. Those cases are: City of Port Isabel v. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Conservation Law Foundation v. Energy Facilities Siting Board.

Margaret returned to the Fore River Bridge for her annual “Black Widow” performance.

You can watch a clip of stills from the performance here.

The recording of the Public Involvement Program meeting held at Weymouth High School on May 14, 2024 has been posted by VHB at this site: https://projects.vhbapps.com/weymouth-pip/

Enbridge gave a presentation to Middleborough Gas & Electric Commission on May 8, 2024, as part of their Project Maple expansion plans.

Once again, FRRACS members attended Gov. Healey’s appearance on Boston Public Radio’s “Ask the Governor” radio segment. We joined forces with SJPE (Stop Private Jet Expansion). You can learn more about SPJE’s campaign here.

As we move forward in our campaign, we wanted to let you know that we have made the decision to move our meeting schedule from monthly to every other month. But don't fret -- we are still active behind-the-scenes and are committed to the fight long-term! If something urgent or time-sensitive arises, we will schedule a meeting sooner. 

On January 31, 2024, the parties in the Ch.91 Waterways Appeal hearing met again for oral arguments. The second hearing lasted close to two and half hours. We expect to hear a final decision from the Presiding Officer sometime in March. We will keep you updated. You can watch the full recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6t2c2akQa8

Stop Project Maple, a multi-state coalition of nearly 100 community organizations from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, delivered a letter to Governor Healey, to bring attention to Enbridge’s Project Maple.

Videographer Robert Lamothe filmed our rally on November 15, 2023. You can watch the footage below. Thanks, Bob!

Today, five people blocked a gate at the site of the Enbridge gas compressor station in Weymouth. Members of Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station (FRRACS) and their allies are blocking the gate while sitting in rocking chairs & holding baby dolls, to highlight the need to protect current and future generations from fossil fuel pollution. Signs at their feet read: “No More Toxic Gas”.