A proposed PennEast pipeline gained some ground this year as Kidder Township approved a compressor station in December.

In September 2015, PennEast filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to construct, maintain and operate a compressed natural gas pipeline from northeast Pennsylvania into southwest New Jersey.The pipeline will consist of 118.8 miles of pipe and laterals and a 47,700-horsepower compressor station in Kidder Township, as well as eight metering and regulating stations, 11 mainline valve sites and four PIG launch/receivers sites. The pipeline will pass through several Carbon County townships.In 2016, PennEast made adjustments to the route, including 33 deviations that were reported in September.FERC issued its Draft Environmental Impact Statement in July, citing some adverse impacts would occur as a result of the construction."FERC staff determined that construction and operation of the project would result in some adverse environmental impacts," read the statement. "But impacts would be reduced to less-than-significant levels with the implementation of PennEast's proposed and FERC staff's recommended mitigation measures."In November, FERC sent a letter to PennEast demanding additional information, corrections and clarification to the draft EIS filed by the company. The letter included questions regarding air quality and noise levels for the compressor station proposed to be build off Route 940 in Kidder Township.Despite the issuance of the letter, the Kidder Township Zoning Hearing Board approved the special exception application for permit and a height variance for the compressor station on Dec. 19.Also during the course of 2016, a number of complaints were made at various township meeting of incidents of PennEast employees conducting property surveys trespassing. In New Jersey, the group HALT filed a suit against PennEast alleging trespass and asking the court for monetary damages. A judge dismissed that case due to there being no legal way to award damages.Residents in Carbon County continue to attend township meetings and express their concern over the project.FERC is expected to issue a final Environmental Impact Statement on March 29. The final approval for the project would come this spring at the earliest.