LIPA gives contractor two-weeks to shape up

After last month’s pipeline project failure, the Long Island Power Authority has given its contractor Bortech Inc. an official deadline of Sept. 30. to complete the project.

Bortech has been working on freeing a portion of its drill that snapped off, becoming stuck underground about 500 feet from Greenport’s shore.

While trying to remedy the problem, Bortech has faced additional issues, prompting LIPA to set the Sept. 30. deadline, Supervisor Jim Dougherty said at Tuesday’s Shelter Island town board work session.

Previous Coverage: Greenport residents await word on stalled LIPA project

LIPA spokesman Mark Gross said,  “We certainly share the frustration with those residents that are affected by the project and while we understand the project does have its challenges, at some point we have to move forward and I think that’s what the deadline represents.”

Once the Sept. 30 deadline passes, LIPA officials “will explore all the options available to [them], and move forward,” Mr. Gross said.

Once the piece is freed, the contractor would determine which steps are necessary to complete the project, which involves laying a nearly mile-long pipe about 90-feet underwater to protect three cables that would eventually be threaded through.

With Julie Lane