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Why is This Work Being Done?

This update is designed to improve reliability of the natural gas system in the Greater Springfield area for approximately 58,000 existing natural gas customers. This includes protecting against a loss of service during the coldest times of the year.

The proposed project will also reduce the chance of gas service interruptions during periods of maintenance or an unexpected disruption.

Learn more about reliable supply.

Our environmental responsibilities are paramount to the Western Massachusetts Natural Gas Reliability Project, and we are working diligently to comply with all the necessary requirements in accordance with Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act's (MEPA) request for a supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Report. We will continue working with our regulators and local stakeholders to meet all requirements of the process, particularly as it relates to environmental justice. 

Where is the Work Being Proposed?

See a more detailed route map

The new line would be constructed underground in state and local streets between the new Longmeadow POD Station and the existing Eversource Bliss Street Regulator Station in Springfield.

We have identified many potential alternatives for locating the pipeline between the Longmeadow POD and the Bliss Street Regulator Station and are developing a route selection analysis to evaluate these options.

Watch a 24-minute “Virtual Site Tour” of the proposed route, noticed route alternatives and route variations by clicking this video link.

Regulatory Approval Process

The project is under review by two state regulatory authorities, the MEPA office and the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB). 

We filed the Draft Environmental Impact Review (DEIR) on May 1, 2023. In July, the MEPA office requested that Eversource file a supplement to the DEIR.  

Of the 58,000 customers currently on the single source of natural gas supply, it is important to note that most of those customers are located within environmental justice communities in Springfield, Agawam, West Springfield, Chicopee and Southwick. Customers in  East Longmeadow and Longmeadow are also affected. 

The primary goal of the Western Mass Natural Gas Reliability Project is to provide energy supply resiliency to all customers, including vulnerable environmental justice populations. 

In the other state agency review, we filed a petition with the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board on May 26, 2022.  

This opens an approximately two-year regulatory proceeding before the EFSB, which reviews major energy facility projects.

The decision lies with the EFSB to determine which potential routing option best suits the area while, at the same time, adequately addresses the identified system reliability needs.

The EFSB siting process includes both public and evidentiary hearings. The public and other interested stakeholders are given the opportunity to participate in the siting process through the EFSB-sponsored public hearing.

Owners of property abutting and near the proposed project will be informed of the public hearing date(s) and are encouraged to participate. The regulatory process also requires approval from local, state and federal permitting agencies, including environmental agencies.

More information about the siting process and how to participate is available at mass.gov.

• EFSB Notice of Adjudication and Public Comment Hearing (English)
• Aviso De Adjudicación y Audencia Pública De Comentarios (Spanish)

Have Questions?

Keeping the lines of communication open is an important part of our work in your community.

For more information about this project, please call the project information hotline at 1-833-836-0302 or email ProjectInfoMA@eversource.com.