The final Environmental Impact Statement regarding Broadwater's proposal to site a liquefied natural gas terminal in the heart of Long Island Sound was released on Jan. 11 by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Clearly, the study's finding that the LNG proposal is generally sound and safe contradicts reason and evidence to the contrary. Topping the list of the Impact Statement's flaws is that it is incomplete and inaccurate, failing to provide sufficient facts to determine Broadwater's impact on Long Island Sound or to consider alternative technologies and locations.

The serious concerns outlined by the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) have not been adequately addressed by this document, displaying a blatant disregard for requests for accurate information. For example, it is clear that the construction of the project's pipeline will move a massive amount of sediment and forever alter layers of Long Island Sound sediment structures that have taken millions of years to form. The DEC clearly states that the open trench created for the pipeline may negatively impact the movement and survival of lobsters and other aquatic organisms, already stressed by rising water temperatures in the Sound. Increases from the pipeline may raise ambient temperatures to a level that can be fatal to lobsters during the warm summer months.

Air quality standards will be exceeded for sulfur dioxide and particulate matter emissions. The withdrawl of large quantities of sea water will kill millions of eggs and larvae as well as small fish, causing a significant impact to the aquatic environment and fishery of Long Island Sound, according to DEC.

The precedent setting step of allowing this LNG project to co-opt public waters for private benefit cannot be ignored. FERC's conclusion that this project is safe and sound clearly does not consider the cumulative impacts of such a facility. One thing is clear - we need to develop a comprehensive regional energy plan that seeks to implement energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy initiatives. Short of that, we will continue to face unreasonable proposals such as this one that excludes citizens from portions of Long Island Sound.

Long Island residents love and cherish Long Island Sound. We love to swim and boat and fish in the Sound. We love to celebrate its clean waters and we value their contribution to region's quality of life and to the regional economy. Many of us have already spoken out against this ill-advised proposal. Now it is up to Governor Spitzer to decide.

Let the governor know how you feel by sending him a Valentine's Day message, urging him to listen to our hearts and protect Long Island Sound. Ask him to protect the future of Long Island Sound by saying NO to Broadwater:

• Call Gov. Eliot Spitzer at :(518) 474-8390

• Write to Gov. Eliot Spitzer at: State Capitol, Albany, NY 12224

• Email Gov. Eliot Spitzer at this link: http://161.11.121.121/govemail

Robin Kriesberg,

Executive Director, Friends of the Bay