On November 4th and 11th, residents can join concerned community groups, legislators and local leaders to tour the Tennessee Gas Pipeline’s 300 Line project located on public lands in Pike County, Pa.  The group will visit sections of the gas pipeline that were installed almost a year ago.

“Pipelines that have been installed in the region, as highlighted in this tour, are proving our point, that installation of pipelines, individually and collectively, is a hazard for Pennsylvania, the Delaware River, our streams, our communities and our ecosystems.  Pipeline proposals that would cross the state and region are proliferating at an increasing rate to serve the shale gas drilling industry.  As a result, we are on the cusp of a new and yet-to-be-recognized environmental hazard for our communities. The level of land disturbance and in-water construction the pipelines will require, the volumes of methane that pipelines are known to leak, the noisy and polluting air compressor stations that pipelines bring, and the many dozens of violations recent pipelines have imposed on our environment and communities, have raised a red flag of concern for citizens and legislators alike,” said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper.

The 300 Line Project was completed in November of 2011, and the environmental groups say the region is still suffering its impacts, citing the company’s mitigation techniques were inadequate and as a result problems are continuing almost a year later. 

Despite the record of the 300 Line project, TGP is applying to build more pipeline loops with the Northeast Upgrade Project, which would harm more critical and forested lands and begin as soon as this November if all permits are granted. 

Part of the NEUP involves a loop known locally as the Milford Loop that would cross over into Sussex County NJ from Pike County -- crossing the Delaware River -- as well as two additional loops in Bradford County, Pa and Passaic and Bergen Counties, New Jersey.

“This pipeline project will have devastating impacts on the region, and we need to work together to stop this new line from being built.  This line goes through some of our most environmentally sensitive areas to deliver gas to a region where demand for gas is dropping.  This tour is an opportunity for concerned citizens and neighbors to learn more and will offer ways they can get involved in opposing and defeating the project in its entirety, because we do not need to expand this infrastructure to carry more gas produced through the dangerous technique of fracking,” said Kate Millsaps, Conservation Program Coordinator, NJ Sierra Club.

“This proposed pipeline is just one of many, including the Keystone XL Tar Sands pipeline, where communities across the nation are organizing against extreme energy infrastructure and demanding clean energy alternatives,” stated Matt Smith, 350 NJ.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (approved the NEUP at the end of May, but the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, NJ Sierra Club, and NJ Highlands Coalition are challenging the approval, represented by the Columbia Environmental Law Clinic, and have requested a rehearing.

The project has not yet received all permits from DEP and the Army Corps of Engineers for impacts to wetlands and flood hazard areas. 

The environmental coalition is also asking elected officials and citizens to request a review of the NEUP and all pipelines proposed in the Delaware Watershed by the Delaware River Basin Commission who has the authority to regulate these projects: see Delaware River Basin Commission Jurisdiction Over Pipelines.

“We want to ensure the Milford, Pa community understands that Tennessee Gas’s path of destruction will affect all of us, not just those living along the pipeline route.  We believe many people have been uninformed or misinformed,” said Jolie DeFeis, Save Cummins Hill.

“NorthJersey Pipeline Walkers has witnessed numerous negative environmental impacts over the last 16 months, and it is our opinion the Tennessee Gas Pipeline reps have not lived up to their promise of transparency when questioned on these impacts. NorthJersey Pipeline Walkers feels this pipeline project should not to be allowed to carry on through state parks or near any sensitive water areas.  TGP should in no way be granted more waivers or exemptions in the State of New Jersey, and we feel that TGP has not earned the right to self-regulate,” stated Beverly Budz, NorthJersey Pipeline Walkers.

“Fracking and the infrastructure that accompanies it can be of great value to our nation but only if it is done in a way not to cause extreme damage to the environment and in particular to our clean streams, rivers, lakes, drinking water and the air we breathe.  The Twin and Walker Creeks Watershed Conservancy is proud to partner with the Delaware Riverkeeper Network and other concerned groups for an educational tour of the present and future gas pipelines crossing our region,” commented Chet Dawson, President, Twin & Walker Creeks Watershed Conservancy.

Suppliers have produced a glut of natural gas, but actual industrial, commercial, and residential customer demand remains flat. 

The 2010 U.S. Energy Information Administration International Energy Outlook found that between 1999 and 2009, total natural gas consumption for all sectors decreased by 13.3 percent in New Jersey and 10.4 percent in New York. 

The glut of natural gas is also causing prices to drop, to the point where Chesapeake, the second largest natural gas producer, announced they were scaling back production in 2012 due to the low price.  The company recently sold gas reserve assets at a low price because of the need to recapitalize.

This is one of at least twelve new pipelines or pipeline expansions being proposed to cross the Delaware River Watershed, which will impact our water supplies, forests, and open spaces.  The Delaware River Watershed serves as drinking water for over 17 million people.

“Last summer, I crossed major pipeline construction three times on my way to work as a grounds technician.  The most frustrating part is seeing the poorly remediated scars across my hometown they left in their wake, especially because my trade is to make this area a more beautiful, valuable place to live,” said Alex Lotorto, Energy Justice Network.

The tour will begin at 10 a.m. on November 4 and 11 – rain or shine.  Legislators and local leaders are also invited to attend.   Participants are asked to wear hiking shoes, dress for the weather, and meet up at the Pike County Park off Schocopee Road (off Rte 6) in Milford PA (Pike County).

If you are interested in attending the tour, find out more, Click Here to register. 

11/5/2012