Marie J. French reports for Politico that New York's Department of Environmental Conservation announced May 16 a denial "without prejudice" for the Williams natural gas pipeline near New York City. The DEC said it would stir up mercury and copper in sediments and disturb shellfish beds along its 24-mile length from New Jersey across Raritan Bay and New York Bay to just off the Rockaways. "As currently conceived in the application, construction of the NESE pipeline project is projected to result in water quality violations and fails to meet New York State's rigorous water quality standards," the agency said in a statement. Northeast Supply Enhancement is allowed to reapply to install the pipeline, and Williams spokesperson Chris Stockton said they would, with a change to a “minor technical issue” raised by DEC. “We are confident that we can be responsive to this technical concern, meet our customer’s in-service date and avoid a moratorium that would have a devastating impact on the regional economy and environment,” he said. Environmental advocates praised the decision. “The state has made it clear that dangerous gas pipelines have no place in New York. This is a victory for clean water, marine life, communities and people’s health across the state,” said Natural Resources Defense Council senior attorney Kim Ong. Read the full story at Politico.