Weymouth Mayor Disappointed In 'Precedent Setting' Permit For Natural Gas Pipeline

The mayor of Weymouth says he is disappointed after the state on Friday issued its permit for a company to build a natural gas pipeline in the city.

Mayor Robert L. Hedlund says he anticipates further legal action and does not think the conditions the state attached to the permit will change his longtime opposition.

"It's a precedent setting decision siting a plant like this in this kind of setting, this densely populated area," Hedlund told WBUR.

Hedlund says the planned site is in a heavily industrialized neighborhood and critics are concerned the compressor station will add to levels of carcinogens in the area.

The Baker administration says its review found that emissions from the project would meet all standards.

The project needs to obtain other permits before it can proceed.