New Jersey Natural Gas is proposing a 28-mile, 30-inch pipeline
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST -- A proposed alternative route for the New Jersey Natural Gas pipeline has been shot down by the commander of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst because it would have a greater impact to the base, according to a report.
NJNG filed its application to build the 28-mile, 30-inch pipeline in April.
The Southern Reliability Link, if approved, would begin at an interstate pipeline connection in Chesterfield and continue through North Hanover, Upper Freehold, Plumsted and the base before connecting to the utility's system in Manchester.
Following concerns from residents and elected officials about the proposed route being too close to homes and businesses, Assemblyman Ronald Dancer (R-Ocean) and U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th Dist.) asked Col. Frederick Thaden to consider an alternate route that would cover a greater portion of the base, according to the Burlington County Times.
In an October letter obtained by the newspaper, Thaden told Dancer the alternate route would have "numerous impacts to operational requirements, to (joint base) residents and personnel and to the environment."
He also said it would cross base ranges, requiring an expensive and time-consuming search for unexploded ordnance, the report said.
Thaden endorsed the project, saying it would provide "natural gas supply redundancy" and possibly allow the base to convert some of its facilities from oil to gas energy, the Times reported.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.
