What is the West Dryden Road Pipeline?

NYSEG has proposed a $17 million, 10-inch diameter steel pipeline that starts in the Village of Freeville and extends for 7 miles along West Dryden Road to Warren Road in the Town of Lansing.  NYSEG customers are required to pay for this pipeline on our gas bill. 

 

Why is the pipeline needed?

NYSEG says there isn’t enough capacity to provide for all the new and proposed development in Tompkins County, especially out at the end of the gas supply system in Lansing.  Of most concern are the 14- 30 really cold days in winter – when everyone cranks up the heat and the pressure in the gas system could drop to very low levels.  Further, NYSEG anticipates future growth in northern Lansing over the next 20 years – and they want to provide gas service to that development.

 

Who supports this pipeline and why?

The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, Tompkins County Area Development organization and the Town of Lansing are all concerned that we need sufficient gas supply to support economic development.  And some residents view natural gas as a more economic fuel for heating than propane and would like to have the choice of heating with natural gas.

 

Who opposes this pipeline and why?

Fossil Free Tompkins, Sustainable Tompkins and the Dryden Resource Awareness Council all oppose the development of this pipeline and any other gas expansion in Tompkins County.  The County’s Commissioner of Planning has cautioned that it will be difficult to reach our County’s greenhouse gas reduction goals if this pipeline is built.  In addition, about half of the 117 households along the proposed pipeline route oppose the pipeline and have not signed easements.  NYSEG may soon begin eminent domain proceedings to force residents to accept this pipeline on their property. Fossil Free Tompkins believes we should be decreasing our reliance on fossil fuels, not investing in infrastructure that will soon be obsolete.  We stand with residents in opposing the pipeline and eminent domain.

 

What are the alternatives?

Fortunately there are economical alternatives for heating our businesses and homes that don’t require natural gas.  The most important thing we can all do is increase the energy efficiency of our homes by improving insulation and sealing air leaks.  This can decrease energy use by as much as 35% - helping us save money and stay warmer while also reducing our greenhouse gas footprint.  We can also convert our heating systems to energy efficient air or ground source heat pumps.  New construction can be built to accommodate these systems from the start – cheaper and higher efficiency than retrofitting at a later date. 

​

How can I learn more about energy efficiency improvements?

Contact HeatSmart Tompkins  or  Get Your Green Back Tompkins to learn more about these remedies and the rebates and incentives that are available to help you afford the energy efficiency improvements you want to make!

​

​

​