Neighbors wary of gas project Harpswell proposal raises questions

HARPSWELL – Cumberland and Yarmouth officials and residents are questioning what impacts a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal and its underwater pipeline would have on their towns.

Harpswell residents will vote Jan. 27 whether to approve the $350 million terminal proposed by ConocoPhillips and TransCanada.

Until then, a spokesman for the Fairwinds project says it’s too early to discuss detailed plans for the pipeline.

“You’re asking me to the put the cart so far in front of the horse,” Peter Micciche said Monday. “We haven’t had any talks with anyone other than the people of Harpswell. We don’t know if we have a reason to.”

The company’s preferred route for the 20-mile pipeline is underwater, from Middle Bay in Harpswell to Broad Cove in Yarmouth. On land, plans call for it to follow existing utility line routes to Westbrook and connect to an existing natural gas pipeline. Federal officials must approve the route.

Supporters of the project say Harpswell needs the $8 million annual lease fees the terminal would generate. Opponents say the terminal and its tankers would negatively affect fishing and the lobster catch and could be targeted by terrorists.

If approved, construction for the project would begin in 2006 and operations begin in 2009.

While the debate continues in Harpswell, officials in Cumberland and Yarmouth say residents are worried.

“Many fishermen have called from Chebeague Island who are concerned and want to know what the town’s role will be in this process,” said Bill Shane, Cumberland’s town manager. The underwater pipeline route would run near Chebeague Island.

Shane said he understands the company wants a decision from Harpswell voters before investing time in holding meetings in other communities. But “we’re all kind of on pins and needles to see what the path is going to be and what the potential impacts are as well,” he said.

Fishermen fear that construction of the pipeline will destroy their gear and stir up sediment that will harm lobster and fishing grounds.

Micciche said negative impacts on fishing during pipeline construction would be small and fisherman would be compensated for losses.

If Harpswell voters approve the terminal, company officials will hold informational meetings with towns affected by the pipeline, he said.