Dans Papers - June 1, 2007 - A Writer's View Of The Broadwater Plan

It truly comes down to concerns for public safety verses a corporation's view of a way to make a profit, while at the same time addressing its perception of the energy needs of the local area. The Broadwater Energy project which we all know plans to build the liquefied natural gas port in the middle of the Long Island Sound that will perhaps change forever the tenor of the Sound for exclusive energy needs and services well as profits for Shell Oil and TransCanada is troubling. Local political leaders such as Marc Alessi (d) of Manor Park, Fred Thiele (r) of Sag Harbor, and Ken LaValle (r) of Port Jefferson have introduced legislation in the State Legislature to study the cost to the local communities.

It seems Broadwater Energy officials are losing patience with the opposition to their plan to turn Long Island Sound into their own private profit center. Trying to take advantage of the energy crisis to slickly slide this adventurous plan with so many environmental concerns is beginning to reach critical mass. There is no doubt the well-financed aims of the oil interest is looking to get a foothold on off shore platforms in this area. Their deep pockets have been used to "educate" public officials to see things their way for the public good. As the project becomes more known to the public the tide may be turning against any public support for this project. The ambitions of the Broadwater Energy planners have hardened. Memories of the Exxon Valdez need to be revisited to remind us what could eventually go wrong when huge tankers are used on a day to day basis in the private sector. And with liquefied natural gas, what price are the Broadwater Energy people willing to pay? What about the Sound itself?

The public officials of the affected area have a responsibility to investigate every potential danger and the ramifications that may occur. The corporate planners will get the bonuses and the profits the Long Island Sound will get the pollution and the environmental impact of the large scale commercial activities.

The proposed study commission would consist of the county executives of Westchester, Suffolk, and Nassau, the assessors of the counties plus other appointed officials, with the idea to study the Broadwater Plan and its impacts in the greatest detail possible. All aspects are to be reviewed. Emergency responder capabilities, protection from terrorism capabilities, weather related problems and impact to existing industries like boating, fishing and tourism. Long Island Sound is not some unknown fish hole. It is lined with the some of the most exclusive real estate in the world. To have a corporation muscle in to have a profitable foothold on a newly created monopoly is a very daring and creative plan.

The question is how many of the original creators of the Broadwater Energy proposal are life long residents of the affected area? Are their first responsibilities to the profits of foreign corporations, and do they report first to the officers of these foreign corporations? The risk is on the people who will live in the affected communities even with a successful venture and, God forbid, a disaster.

That is why prudence upon prudence in studying the impact to New York State counties by the representatives of the counties is imperative and wise. There cannot be a rush to judgment on whether or not this project moves forward. At risk is the way of life as we know it. The positive is at best a short-term band aid on energy needs while making profits to an industry that is in the process or redefining the ceiling of corporate profits using the energy crisis as its cover.