Proposed Natural Gas Plant Has Rehoboth Seeing Red

REHOBOTH (CBS) – People living in Rehoboth are making noise about a new plant they say would ruin their quiet town. Spectra Energy wants to build a natural gas compressor station as part of a massive project called "Access Northeast."

It involves expanding a natural gas pipeline into 22 cities and towns, building North America's biggest LNG facility in Acushnet, and expanding or building new compressor stations in Weymouth and Rehoboth.

The people of Rehoboth are now fighting back.

Three years ago Chris Gauthier bought land in town and created a horse farm. His family's dream was coming true until Spectra announced plans for the pipeline compressor station right next to his farm.

"I'm not sure if they think they can just come in and just push us around to get what they want," Gauthier said.

According to opponents, the compressor stations are needed to move natural gas through the pipeline, and release chemicals into the air during daily blowdowns.

"We're all guinea pigs for these companies that are coming in for profit taking," said Rehoboth resident Tracy Manzella.

Other residents are concerned that leaking gas will pollute their drinking water. "I can't stress enough that they are not governed by the clean water act or the safe drinking water act," said Kellyann Erskine.

Not only do opponents claim the station will pollute the air and water, but there's also the daily jet engine noise.

"This compressor station will destroy the character of Rehoboth," said Kathleen Boivin.

Because there is little or no local regulation over this type of project, what the residents now want is the governor or the state attorney general to step in to stop it.