Tom Newman, a supervisor in Towamensing Township, said a new gas pipeline extending from Luzerne County to New Jersey will be passing through the township.

Newman said at a meeting of the supervisors that he attended a meeting regarding the pipeline.Newman reported that for the project, surveys will be done this year, a formal application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will be made in 2015 for a permit, and construction will begin in 2016 if all rights of way have been received.David Morgan from Western Land Services will be attending the Oct. 2 supervisors' meeting to answer question and provide more information.People are asked to contact the office at

info@towamensingtownship.com or 610-681-4202 if they want to attend so it is known if larger quarters will be needed.The gas line may affect Preacher's Camp and private residences in the township.PennEast Pipeline said a right of way will be from 90 to 125 feet wide, and following construction it can be returned to normal usage with the exception of planting trees or adding permanent structures.Some places will be taken by easement and some by right of way. The main difference is how the payment will be treated for tax purposes.Every 7 1/2 miles, a shut-off valve will be placed above ground.The pipe will be 36 inches below ground level. If anyone has to dig in the area, 811 should be called. It was said just tapping the pipe is enough to cause a break because of the pressure.Zoning officer Carl Faust said he talked to a person in acquisition and was told some questions to ask are whether landowners still own surface rights, will stumps be removed, will there be a bond to guarantee land restoration, and who will care for the easement or right of way.In other township business:• The Owl Creek Bridge should be open in the next several weeks. At present the township is waiting for the guide rails.• Faust said he still didn't get the plans as required from Falling Creek Investment. Supervisors said there are unresolved problems with the state police barracks which must be resolved before Oct. 15.• A consent decree was signed in what was termed the Ponstingle matter. The Ponstingles were living in a travel trailer.