Editor:

The Dec. 29 issue of the Times News announced a “virtual” public hearing on the two remaining state permits for the PennEast pipeline. The original PennEast pipeline was to begin in Luzerne County and end near Trenton, New Jersey. Because the pipeline ran into roadblocks in New Jersey, the latest version is a scaled-down Pennsylvania-only pipeline that will end in Bethlehem.

Although this version is only 68 miles long, it will impact over 17 acres of wetland and cross 96 water bodies. Sixty-five of these water bodies are designated “high quality” by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Most of these wetlands, creeks and streams will be crossed using an open-cut or trenched method, the most damaging option. Further, the pipeline company has requested that it be exempted from rules protecting creek-side trees and vegetation, “riparian buffers” essential to water quality. Nearly half of the impacted streams are in Carbon County; 16 are located within the Aquashicola Watershed.

Since 2005, PADEP biologists have studied water quality in the Aquashicola Creek Watershed and a petition for the re-designation of the creek to “Exceptional Value/Special” has been filed by conservation groups and Monroe County.

The pipeline crossings will diminish the water quality in this important Carbon County watershed and damage habitat for native brook trout.

Carbon County residents value the beauty and the special environment found here.

This pipeline will have a huge negative impact on that environment. It will cross Hickory Run State Park, Bethlehem Water Authority lands, Weiser State Forest and Beltzville State Park as well as preserved farms, leaving an unnatural clear cut through forests that will be replaced by nonnative species like Japanese Knotweed, Tree of Heaven and stilt grass. Now is the time to speak out. Please send your comments to RA-EPPENNEAST@pa.gov. before Jan. 20.

Linda Christman, President

Save Carbon County