Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Gas today informed the State Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Public Service Board, and Department of Public Service about an inadvertent “taking” of Harsh Sunflowers, listed as threatened in Vermont, on a Monkton parcel of land within its Addison Natural Gas Pipeline corridor. This occurred late yesterday, July 18, as contractors were preparing the site for a horizontal directional drill. A contractor cut vegetation outside of the project’s right-of-way including some areas of Harsh Sunflower, which has been the subject of recent news reports. Vermont Gas said in a statement that it is disappointed by this event and that it immediately notified its environmental experts and state regulatory agencies.
Complete investigation and analysis of impacts is still pending. While that work takes place, Vermont Gas has ordered its contractors to cease all work at the site, which is owned by the company.
| Helianthus strumosus L.
paleleaf woodland sunflower
Source: http://plants.usda.gov |
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Vermont Gas President and CEO, Don Rendall has directed project management to identify and implement additional measures for construction activities at or near sensitive environmental areas and directed all construction contractors to receive supplemental training.
“I take this violation extremely seriously. While this was an isolated incident, it is not acceptable. We will conduct a thorough investigation, working with our regulators and environmental experts to understand what occurred and ensure this does not happen again.”
Rendall continued, “This is inexcusable considering the incredible lengths we have gone to protect this threatened species and indeed all wildlife and habitat along our project’s corridor. This is a very disappointing setback. We will cooperate fully with our regulators as we work to rectify this situation.”
Vermont Gas is actively working with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to assess the potential impacts and the applicable regulatory requirements. Vermont Gas is committed to work closely with its regulators to abide by regulatory and permit requirements.
About Vermont Gas
Vermont Gas Systems is a leader in energy efficiency and innovation, offering a clean, safe, affordable choice for over 50,000 homes, businesses, and institutions in Franklin and Chittenden counties. The company plays an important role in Vermont’s clean energy future by displacing higher-emitting fuels and with its award-winning energy efficiency programs. For more information about Vermont Gas visit www.VermontGas.com.