We’ve received a schedule of 6 gas pipeline informational sessions planned throughout the region in January, hosted by area environmental and opposition groups.  While Kinder Morgan representatives have been invited to the meetings currently scheduled, Kinder Morgan cancelled their own meetings after they filed for a route change.  In December, the Berkshire Eagle reported that there is a new route proposed that runs along Western Massachusetts Electric Co.’s existing power line corridor beginning in Hancock and through portions of Lanesboro, Cheshire (including Cheshire Reservoir), Dalton, Hinsdale, Windsor and Peru. The towns of Richmond, Lenox, Pittsfield and Washington are no longer part of the proposed pathway.

The agenda states it is to provide an opportunity to hear how the pipeline will affect local communities and landowners, as well as its potential impact on landscape, air quality, and water supply for neighboring towns.   According to iBerkshires, at some of the meetings, a short film about compressor stations will be shown.  Among the issues to be considered are what dangers the pipeline presents, whether it is needed, and whether area residents will benefit from its construction.  For those interested, the schedule of meetings is as follows:

• January 10, 1:30 p.m., Community House, Main Street, Cummington (snow date, Jan. 11), film
• January 10, 2 p.m., St Mary’s Church, Route 20, Nassau, N.Y., presentation
• January 15, 7 p.m., Town Hall, 83 North Main St, Lanesborough, presentations by Jane Winn and Rose Wessel (snow: call R. Freedman, 413-447-8010)
• January 23, noon, Dodd House, 64 Mission Park Drive, Williamstown, presentation
• January 24, 10:30 a.m. presentation and film, noon photo rally, 1 p.m. follow-up and Q&A, American Legion, 258 North St., Dalton
• January 31, 9:30 a.m., ITAM Lodge, 93 Waubeek Road, Pittsfield, presentations, film and more

For more information on the meetings, see calendar listings at: www.nofrackedgasinmass.org, www.thebeatnews.org or www.350ma-berkshires.org.

Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. proposed pipeline route maps for Berkshire County (scroll down, there are 15 images, for each town)