Marblehead selectmen hope Race Week goes unaffected by LNG work

MARBLEHEAD- The installation of an off-shore liquid natural gas pipeline is scheduled to begin next Wednesday and town officials want to make absolutely sure that the work by Suez LNG and Neptune LNG does not interfere with Race Week.Suez representative Carol Churchill and Neptune spokesman Doug Jones came before the Board of Selectmen last night as the start of a campaign to keep Marblehead informed of their plans and progress. Harbormaster Charles DalFerro came with them.They explained that the project begins this month and runs through the end of September, laying and burying surplus pipe the companies purchased from another LNG firm. Most of the work will take place 12 miles off-shore but for a few days the work will take place within three miles of Marblehead Neck. The pipe will be connected to an existing hubline May-September, 2009.Town Administrator Tony Sasso interrupted Jones to ask if the company considered holding off until Aug. 4, the day after Race Week concludes.Jones explained that the work took 10 weeks and the company wanted to finish the first phase by the last week of September. Selectmen reacted when Jones used the word "hopefully" in describing the companies’ intentions toward Race Week."We’d like more assurance," Selectman Judy Jacobi said. "People are not going to be happy if you interfere with Race Week."When Jones said he would work with the town’s four yacht clubs Sasso suggested that DalFerro arrange a meeting between the clubs and the company representatives – and include the company plans for next year as well, since the Halifax Race occurs next spring.DalFerro said he would do that, but added that he has already contacted the yacht clubs. "They didn’t seem surprised," he said. "I think they were prepared for it."Jones and Churchill told selectmen a Web site will be available to keep the public informed of their process, www.neptunelngconstruction.com.