TRENTON, NJ – Today EELC filed suit on behalf of a coalition of nonprofits against the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for unjustifiably approving the water quality certification for the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline, after rejecting the project in 2019 and 2020 for violating state water quality standards.
The proposed 23-mile segment of the natural gas pipeline would run from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, through Middlesex and Monmouth counties in New Jersey, and on to New York City. The underwater segment beneath Raritan Bay and New York–New Jersey Harbor poses risks to marine habitats and would dredge up harmful materials such as mercury, PCBs, and copper. The project also includes a proposed compressor station near the Trap Rock Quarry in Franklin Township, New Jersey, threatening wetlands that support habitat for endangered species.
The Eastern Environmental Law Center filed a petition for review on behalf of NY/NJ Baykeeper, Princeton Manor Homeowners Association, Central Jersey Safe Energy Coalition, Food & Water Watch, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, and Sierra Club. NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) filed its own suit.
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