FREEHOLD — As a plan for a high-pressure gas pipeline through Upper Freehold Township continues to take shape, residents of the township brought their concerns to the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders.
At a Jan. 22 meeting in Freehold Borough, the freeholders listened to comments from Upper Freehold residents in regard to a New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) plan to install a 30-inch diameter pipeline through portions of the municipality.
Indications have been that the pipeline would cross Route 537 and Route 539, both of which are county roads.
Sean Sweeney, a member of Families for Responsible Pipelines, told the freeholders everyone must work as a team.
“We need to work together and make that approach visible. We are asking for your support in raising awareness with this issue,” Sweeney said.
Families for Responsible Pipelines has taken the position that if NJNG must construct a gas pipeline through Upper Freehold, then it must find the safest route to do so.
Walter Szymanski held a picture of his 4- year-old son and told the board that the child is worried about a gas pipeline being built near his home.
“My son asked me the other day if we were going to die if a pipeline is put outside his home,” Szymanski said.
Freeholder Lillian Burry said, “This pipeline is set to go through an area that is environmentally sensitive, as well as an area that is very historic. It is like an invasion to our community.”
Freeholder Thomas Arnone said NJNG representatives contacted county engineer Joseph Ettore to discuss the pipeline’s planned route. NJNG subsequently met with Upper Freehold officials. Ettore attended that meeting because the route can have an impact at the county level, he said.
“Right now, there are two routes this pipeline can take. One seems to have less impact on the county and more on Upper Freehold and the second is vice versa,” Arnone said, adding that the freeholders may formalize their position in a letter or resolution.
Burry said getting the Monmouth County Park System’s support in this matter would also be a good idea, because the proposed pipeline could run through areas owned by the park system, such as the Union Transportation Trail.
Freeholder John Curley said Upper Freehold Township has his full support.
“I am with you on this issue; a pipeline is definitely not the right thing and it is not good for the community,” Curley said.
— Taylor M. Lier