To the editor:

Thirty years ago, the gas company proposed an enlargement of gas pipes to Aquidneck Island. An informational presentation was held at a local high school, perhaps Tiverton High School. Until now, that pipe replacement/enlargement never happened. Thirty years ago, folks. 

Instead, a peaking station was established at Coddington Cove on the Naval Base. It accepted tanker trucks of gas that were injected in to the system. Somewhere along the line this ceased. We were told truck drivers couldn’t get security clearances. Think how many trucks enter the base daily. They seem to get on the base OK. 

Oh and yes, more and more buildings on the base are using gas for heating and hot water. In 2019 the gas company shut off service to most of Newport and part of Middletown for about a week. Portsmouth was spared. The gas company claimed cold weather. Most of us know that cold weather means ice on adjoining waters. There was none. They claimed they did not make supplies in Providence available as they should have. Perhaps they should practice harder. Then they claimed a valve in Weymouth failed. Perhaps they should have a backup one installed. 

Please note: “Why did Portsmouth avoid the pain?” Maybe it’s because Newport gas pipes are ancient and undersized. The Energy Facility Sting Board has given the gas company five more years on Old Mill Lane for their peaking station. No hearings were conducted locally. I suppose the law does not require them. 

In closing I note that the planned pipe line construction has begun. Perhaps I missed the public notice or discussion. The construction fences are 30 feet tall.

Philip Driscoll

169 Immokolee Drive

Portsmouth