Adams Conservation Commission Approve Gas Main Improvements
ADAMS, Mass. — The Conservation Commission approved Berkshire Gas' request to make improvements to a Commercial Street gas main.
Travis McCarthy, representing Berkshire Gas, asked the commission Thursday to approve a notice of intent to make improvements to a bridge-mounted gas main on Commercial Street.
He said currently the 6-inch, steel-coated main is turned off but it would service Grove Street and part of Prospect Street.
McCarthy said Berkshire Gas plans to eliminate an underground regulator system on Columbia Street near the former Memorial Middle School to help upgrade the facilities within the town to a low-pressure system.
"We are looking to upgrade our facilities by getting rid of Columbia Street regulation pit, which is vault underground," he said. "It is very old and we want to get rid of it so one of the back feeds we want to utilize is this existing main we have under the bridge."
He said either a new main will be inserted into the old one or it will be lined. They will access the main from both sided of the roadway.
Commissioner James Fassell said within the application there is 20 order of conditions, many of which are not even applicable to the project. He said the project is pretty "boilerplate" and there are few conservation concerns.
McCarthy said he wanted to reach out to the commission just to be safe because the company was still crossing a waterway.
He added that with the elimination of the Columbia Street regulator station, Berkshire Gas plans to install two above-ground regulator stations. One will be at the intersection of Spring Street and the other on Gavin Avenue.
"They look like the typical green utility boxes," he said. "I am moving to make them dark green. I want them to be a little more appealing so they are less of an eyesore."
Fassell thanked McCarthy for keeping the commission informed.
"It is for our information, and I am happy that they are coming to us so we know what is going on if someone were to ask or complain," he said.
The commission also welcomed new member Brian Bishop, who was appointed by the Selectmen last week.
"Brian Bishop is crazy enough to be part of us and he is going to fit right in," Fassell joked.
Tags: berkshire gas, conservation & recreation, gas line,
