DEP denies PennEast pipeline application

TRENTON - The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has officially denied PennEast's application for permits to construct its natural gas pipeline through Hunterdon County.

However, in a Feb. 1 letter to PennEast, the DEP said that the company may submit a new application.

The DEP said its decision was based on its June 28, 2017 decision to "administratively" close PennEast's application because adequate information had not been submitted to complete the application.

The DEP said that PennEast has not submitted "any further documentation or a complete" application.

READ: Battle over PennEast Pipeline intensifies after federal approval

OPINION: NJ will gain nothing from PennEast pipeline

READ: Advocates redouble efforts to fight PennEast pipeline

The DEP's action comes two weeks after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the proposed 120-mile pipeline that would carry natural gas from northeastern Pennsylvannia to another pipeline in Mercer County.

“Thursday's announcement by NJDEP is part of the multi-year, multi-jurisdictional review process of an interstate pipeline application,” said Patricia Kornick, a PennEast spokesperson.

"Since PennEast Pipeline received federal approval, landowners have contacted PennEast about providing survey permission, and PennEast will continue to work with other landowners in accordance with the FERC order. PennEast looks forward to a continued, positive working relationship with NJ DEP to ensure this project is constructed with minimal environmental impact.”

To date, nearly 75 percent of landowners have provided survey access across the route. About one-third of the route is in New Jersey, crossing six municipalities, in western Hunterdon County paralleling the Delaware River.

For opponents of the pipeline, the DEP decision is a victory.

"We’re very pleased that NJDEP has denied PennEast’s illegal application," said Tom Gilbert, campaign director, New Jersey Conservation Foundation. The Conditional Certificate that FERC recently issued for PennEast clearly states that the pipeline can't proceed without water permits from NJDEP. PennEast is trying to claim that FERC’s Certificate means the project is a done deal, but that couldn’t be further from the truth."

Gilbert emphasized that the project requires DEP approval before construction can begin.

 "PennEast wants to put a polluting, dangerous pipeline across dozens of pure streams and rivers that are the source of our drinking water," Gilbert said. "If PennEast reapplies to NJDEP, we are confident that their damaging pipeline won't be able to meet the strict standards that project our water and natural resources."

"This is a victory against the pipeline because they have to start all over again and apply for new permits," said Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. "DEP did its job and saw through PennEast’s con-game."

Staff Writer Mike Deak: 908-243-6607; mdeak@mycentraljersey.com