Opinions vary over a proposed $1 billion Marcellus gas pipeline that would pass through several townships in Carbon County.

This month, PennEast Pipeline Company, LLC, is hosting a series of open houses to discuss the proposed pipeline that would extend from Luzerne County to New Jersey.One of those sessions will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company, 290 Little Gap Road.The roughly 108-mile, 36-inch diameter natural gas pipeline could be built as early as 2017 and be in service later that year pending regulatory approval.It would carry 1 billion cubic feet of gas per day and would run through Carbon, Northampton and Bucks counties.The pipeline is expected to slice through Towamensing, Lower Towamensing, Penn Forest and Kidder townships, according to a map released by the developer.The company will evaluate several routes before settling on the one it believes is best.A memo from PennEast Pipeline states, "Local input is important to identifying a pipeline route that will minimize impact to the environment and community while providing a safe and reliable way to deliver low-cost natural gas, stable supplies and overall reduced energy costs to consumers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey."Landowners and other stakeholders were expected to receive letters of invitation.Barbara Green, owner of Blue Mountain Ski Resort in Lower Towamensing Township, said she received a letter that said the pipeline will not cross the property.Green said she is fine with the proposed project."All I know is that, regardless whether it is or it isn't, we've got no problems with the pipeline coming up through our property," Green said. "I've got no problem with going ahead and trying to improve our infrastructure, and become energy independent from the rest of our world."Contacted Thursday, Christina Novak, press secretary for the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, offered her perspective on the matter."At this point, DCNR only knows of potential routes of the pipeline, and we have not had any project meetings regarding this proposal, so it's premature for us to comment," Novak said. "The department does have a right of way process in place when our lands are impacted by utility lines."That information can be viewed at

www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/rightofways/index.htmAnyone who would like to obtain additional information regarding the proposed PennEast pipeline project may call their toll-free line at 844-347-7119, email

answers@penneastpipeline.com or go to penneastpipeline.com.