NJNG proposed Pipeline Hearings being held in Manchester next week

A controversial plan by New Jersey Natural Gas to build a 28 mile pipeline through parts of Ocean, Burlington and Monmouth Counties undergoes public scrutiny next Tuesday, July 28.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities will hold the hearings on the Southern Reliability Link, to support natural gas distribution to 83 municipalities, at the Manchester Township Municipal Building at 3 and 6 p.m.. It's unclear whether additional meetings will be scheduled in other locations for residents who live further.

Michael Kinney, spokesman for New Jersey Natural Gas, said Super storm Sandy taught the utility the critical need for resiliency.

"We took a look at our entire system and looked at what would have if there was a service disruption or another natural disaster and it impacted our main trunk line. Our system is fed by one primary interstate feed that comes into the northern end of our system, and to provide that resiliency, we are looking to develop a feed to a second, separate interstate pipeline that will provide that resiliency as well as supply diversity and strengthen our overall system," explained Kinney.

Community members have criticized the project, saying it would threaten the safety of the public and the environment, and cause heavy traffic during construction.

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In addition to monitoring the project 24-7, the utility plans to take other steps to ensure safety, according to Kinney.

"We will be installing remotely-controlled valves that will give us the ability to shut-down the flow of gas if necessary. We will do monthly physical inspections and annual leak inspections to ensure safety," he said.

As far as traffic concerns, Kinney added the utility would work with local police and officials to develop construction schedules to try to minimize the impact.

Those who can't attend the public hearings can submit written comments to the state Board of Public Utilities before a vote on the project. Kinney did not have a date as to when a decision would be made.