The Transco NESE Pipeline Is Back

On June 10, 2019 Williams/Transco submitted new applications to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for numerous permits required for the construction of the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project. The resubmission follows a denial of six permits by the NJDEP on June 5, 2019.
“Even though we had a victory with NJDEP denying NESE’s permits, Transco just reapplied for those same permits. The fight against this fossil fuel project continues. These pipeline companies are like Dracula, even though they have been denied, they keep coming back. Transco does not care about our safety, our clean air and water, they just want to put a dangerous compressor station and natural gas pipeline in our backyard and in our bay,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “The NESE messy is back but we will continue to fight this fossil fuel project until it’s gone. This is exactly why we need a moratorium.”
Williams Transco submitted applications for a Freshwater Wetlands permit, Flood Hazard application permit, and a Waterfront Development permit to NJDEP.
“NJDEP denied NESE permits last week without prejudice, which is why Transco was able to reapply with new permits just 5 days after they were denied. The DEP should have denied the project with merit and without prejudice so they could have rejected the compressor station and pipeline in current form. This is an example on how the Murphy Administration calls balls and strikes on natural gas,” said Tittel. “NESE has was rejected DEP because the project could not meet the Surface Water Quality Standards. We believe they cannot meet those standards again. NESE would have tremendous negative impacts on New Jersey’s waterways. Construction would disrupt 1 million cubic yards of contaminated sediment, putting toxic chemicals into the bay.”
An explosion or leak from the NESE project could threaten communities, important habitat ¬¬and add pollution to waterways. Transco’s proposal would mean more gas and more pressure, increasing the chance of an accident. The project’s compressor station would release air pollutants such as methane, ethane and MTBEs. Industrial runoff including metals such as chromium would worsen pollution. Wetlands would be destroyed.
“DEP rejected this project because they know how bad this project really is. It’s time they reject NESE again. Because NESE is back, it proves why we need a moratorium. With all of these pipelines and fossil fuel projects proposed, we will never reach Governor Murphy’s 100% renewable energy goals. This is a critical test for Gov. Murphy to deliver on campaign commitments to reduce greenhouse gases and move toward 100 percent renewable energy. He must side with the people, not the polluters,” said Tittel.
There has been major opposition from towns in Monmouth and Middlesex County on the NESE project. A coalition of groups, including the NJ Sierra Club have also been able to generate over 10,000 signatures asking DEP to deny Transco’s pipeline and compressor station.

“Hundreds of people have come out to hearings, over 10,000 have signed petitions to the NJDEP to reject this dangerous project. Even though NESE may be back, we will keep fighting and keep growing our opposition. The gas companies get the money, New York gets the gas, and we get the pipe. Denying the permits again will protect the public health and safety, and the environment. If Governor Murphy cares about our clean water and clean air, then he needs to put a moratorium on fossil fuel projects.” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “We need a moratorium so that the Governor can do his job and tell Transco to get the Frack out of New Jersey and never come back.”