The Lower Saucon Township Council Wednesday passed a motion to do further research and fact-finding before it passes a formal resolution opposing the construction of the new PennEast natural gas pipeline scheduled to run through a 1.5-mile portion of the township.
Township Manager Jack Cahalan and council members reported on a Nov. 12 meeting Lower Saucon requested with PennEast after the pipeline company said it would be conducting "open-house" style public meetings as opposed to attending individual municipality meetings.
Cahalan said at the meeting PennEast proposed the construction of an additional 24-inch wide pipeline called "the Hellertown lateral" to branch off the main pipeline and run in a southwesterly direction.
The additional pipeline would serve local natural gas customers in addition to fulfilling the energy needs of the Calpine power plant on Applebutter Road, according to the company.
The township manager said PennEast promised to conduct annual pipe leakage surveys and ongoing monitoring, deal with property owners' concerns, and secure all necessary construction permits.
They also said they would host four open-house style meetings in addition to "scoping" meetings in January.
Cahalan said PennEast claims it will resort to using eminent domain only as a last resort when property owners refuse to communicate with the company.
Councilman Dave Willard said the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), who makes the final decision on the pipeline's future, said the commission approves the majority of its pipeline applications except when residents voice a strong opposition which more often results in the company backing out of its construction plans.
Referring to landowners communicating with PennEast, Councilman Tom Maxfield said, "We want to get the best deal for the residents of the township."
He was referring to what property owners would be paid for allowing the pipeline to be constructed on their land and advocates residents talking to PennEast representatives.
He said a property owner allowing a land survey by the company does not sacrifice any of their rights.
"I see no benefit to the residents of Lower Saucon Township," commented Willard in reference to the pipeline being built in the township. He added UGI is denying the need for more local gas and added, "Maybe if we scream loud enough we can get somewhere."
Readington Road resident Bruce Petrie, whose land PennEast already surveyed and rejected for pipeline construction, advises residents to "make a creative deal" with the company.
He suggests landowners "keep pushing for eminent domain and keep pushing more" in order to get the best deal for the use of their land.
In the path of the proposed pipeline, Moore Township, Riegelsville Borough, and Carbon County, have all passed resolutions opposing the PennEast pipeline project.
from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1vqRATa
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire