Dear Editor,

The hearings held by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding the PennEast pipeline did not serve the purpose of informing the NEPA process as required. We residents do not have current siting proposals, mapping and accurate information.That said, I trust that FERC will fulfill its mandate to act as a fair and transparent, disinterested third party in considering the overwhelming evidence that this project is an environmental hazard, a waste of resources, promotes unsustainable technology and provides no mitigating benefits to local residents.In determining issues to be included in the environmental impact study, it is essential that they study the long-term, cumulative effects of this project on groundwater and wells. Clean water is a precious and valuable natural resource. The vast majority of people in the path of the pipeline get their water from wells. We are fortunate in this state that we are not in drought conditions like much of the rest of the country. It would be irresponsible to act in any way that could squander this limited natural resource.Research shows conclusively that the process of putting in a pipeline alters groundwater flow. There are pages of information about "fugitive emissions," leaking of toxic gas into the air at pipeline seams. We can assume that the same pipeline seams would leak the same toxic gas underground as well. There are no studies on the long term, cumulative damage from minor but persistent leaks of gas into the permeable rocks and sediments that make up the aquifers in this part of the state. This is an issue that must be addressed before any action is taken. I recommend no action.We are the greatest country in the world, yet we are losing the worldwide race toward true energy independence because FERC grants licenses to individual projects like this one without really studying how it fits into a master plan. It is essential that FERC develop a more comprehensive master plan that includes a serious investment in existing clean energies sources and incentives to develop new clean technologies that do not even exist yet.In 2013 the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, reiterated our constitutional right to clean water when they wrote, "Our right to pure water, clean air and a healthy environment is inherent and indefeasible and must be protected for present and future generations." To move forward on a project like this is clearly in conflict with that ruling. I recommend no action.Sue Ann LewineMahoning Township