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TUNKHANNOCK — The state Department of Environmental Protection held a public hearing on permits related to the proposed Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline project Monday night, with both advocates and opponents of the line voicing spirited opinions.
If completed, the proposed project would add 197 miles of pipeline from northeast to southeast Pennsylvania, crossing 10 counties, including Luzerne, Columbia, Wyoming and Schuylkill.
Colleen Connolly, community relations coordinator for DEP, reminded the roughly 100 attendees that no questions would be answered at the hearing, but the agency would review the testimony and respond in writing.
The hearing was specifically intended for testimony regarding two specific permits under technical review by DEP — one regarding water obstruction and encroachment, and the second in regard to earth disturbance.
However, those testifying took the opportunity to comment on all aspects of the project.
Jim Spak, of Ashley, said he believes present methods of using and transporting fossil fuels are harmful to the environment, contributing to global climate change and putting “nails in the coffin of mother Earth.”
Spak said technology for green energy is available, but is not being fully explored.
“We will all have to answer to future generations,” he said.
Doug McLinko, a Bradford County commissioner, disagreed.
“The bottom line is: in Bradford County, we have over 1,000 miles of installed and permitted pipeline,” McLinko testified. “If you laid it end-to-end, you could reach Florida. We’ve had no problems.”
McLinko said he has a pipeline going across his own 40-acre property and has seen no negative impact to wildlife or otherwise.
He emphasized he does not own the gas rights to the property.
“I believe this pipeline is important to the economy of Pennsylvania, of this area,” he said. “But it’s not all about money. I take issue with people that think support for the pipeline means disregard for the environment.”
Thomas Schachner, vice president of sales for Cleveland Brothers Equipment, spoke in support of Williams Companies Inc., owner of the pipeline.
Schachner, whose family-owned company would provide equipment for the project, said Williams always utilizes “best practices” with respect to the environment.
In a prepared statement to the media, Williams said it anticipated the permits would be granted and the Atlantic Sunrise line would greatly benefit Pennsylvania.
“This vital project, which was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in February 2017, will create a crucial connection between Pennsylvania and consuming markets all along the East Coast. In the process, it will deliver economic growth, jobs and increased access to affordable, clean-burning energy,” the release stated.
