For Immediate Release
Contact: Jeff Tittel, NJ Sierra Club, 609-558-9100
[May 16, 2020] The NJ DEP denied the Wetland and 401 Water Quality permit for the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) project, whose plans included about 23 miles (37 km) of submarine pipeline off Raritan Bay The department cited concerns over water quality and aquatic life. See DEP’s rejection letter attached. Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club released the following statement:
“This is a big victory after fighting 4 years, Williams Transco’s permits for NESE were rejected. Governor Murphy and the DEP stood up for the environment by denying the permits for this dangerous pipeline. This a big win for climate change and a big blow for the battle against fracking. Since New York also denied it, this is a one two punch against this project and may be a knockout. The proposed fossil fuel project would cut through the already polluted and sensitive Raritan Bay and the New York Bay. An explosion or leak from their proposed compressor station could threaten communities and destroy important habitat while adding even more pollution. Even though New York and New Jersey denied the fossil fuel project, Transco may still come back. However, given how strong both state denial were I doubt it would ever get approved.
“Governors Cuomo and Murphy denied the 401 Water Quality Certificate, which is critical. Even if Transco came back and sued, they would have a hard time in court. There is precedent when NY denied the 401 Water Quality Certificate for the Constitution Pipeline it was upheld in federal court. New York and New Jersey rejected the permits because the pipeline would impact water quality and aquatic life. The pipeline could carry and release contaminated stormwater and sediment into the environment and both bodies of water and disturb contaminated sites. This project will mean more gas and more pressure, increasing the chances of an accident.
“This is a huge victory for the people in South Brunswick and Franklin Township who have been fighting the compressor station for the past four years. It’s also an important win for the people living near the Raritan Bay where Transco’s pipeline would cut through. Transco may move the project further north but we will be there fighting them every step of the way, no matter what. When you are fighting a big gas company, it’s like David against Goliath, but sometimes David wins, and that today was that win.
“It’s important that the DEP rejected Williams Transco’s permits. Transco will destroy critical wetlands for their compressor station and pipeline, which will be a disaster waiting to happen. New York doesn’t want the pipeline and neither does New Jersey. It’s clear that this project would be bad for the environment and water quality. This is the 4th time NJDEP rejected these permits. Four Strikes, You’re Out! Hopefully this will be the last time once and for all. Finally, after 4 years we have a huge win!”