Lower Nazareth to feds: Keep PennEast pipeline away from our homes, school

Lower Nazareth leaders have a softer message than most for the authorities behind the proposed PennEast pipeline: Just steer clear of our school and as many homes as possible.

The township's Board of Supervisors agreed Wednesday night to send a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that won't state any direct support or opposition to the project.

But they do have some requests concerning the line, which would carry 1 billion cubic feet of natural gas a day from the Wilkes-Barre area through the Lehigh Valley to a distribution terminal outside Trenton, N.J.

Supervisors want the pipeline's route to be set as far away from Lower Nazareth Elementary School and residences as possible and be directed instead toward the township's undeveloped farmland.

"So as few residents as possible will be inconvenienced," board Chairman James Pennington said.

The letter also will request that Lower Nazareth not be considered as a possible location for the pipeline's compressor station and to have as few, if any, above-ground valves as possible.

In addition, Township Manager Timm Tenges said it's likely the letter will include a request for the township to receive some sort of financial benefit, as well as an option for residents and local businesses to tap into the line.

Supervisor Robert Kucsan said if residents have particular concerns with the path of the pipeline, they should contact officials to see if adjustments can be made. At least, that's what he did.

"If the pipeline would have gone in the way it was [initially drafted], they would probably knock down two of my gazebos and have to take out my pool," he said.

Kucsan said he discussed the issues with project representatives and received a revised route map that accommodated his request.

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Lower Nazareth to feds: Keep PennEast pipeline away from our homes, school