FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ - The Williams' Northeast Supply Enhancement project reached a major milestone Friday, March 23, thanks to the release of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's draft Environmental Impact Statement. 

The NESE project would have “less than significant levels” of impact on the environment in Franklin Township, according to FERC. 

“This draft Environmental Impact Statement is a significant milestone for the project," Christopher Stockton, spokesperson for Williams/Transco said in a prepared statement. "Since this proposal was first introduced in 2016, we have worked diligently to identify potential environmental issues or concerns, incorporating adjustments to the project design to avoid or minimize impacts. We believe that the draft EIS positively reflects our efforts to collaborate with stakeholders to design this project in an environmentally responsible manner.”

Many local residents who have been paying close attention to the project would beg to differ.

Opposition to the project has also seen bi-partisan support. Lifetime Franklin resident State Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (D-LD-17), and Senator Kip Bateman (R-LD-16) have both expressed concerns. 

"We are going to continue to press the current administration in Trenton and the DEP to really analyze and review all the draft studies, and to show that this is not the best idea and there are still many concerns remaining," Wayne Dibofsky, Danielsen’s Chief of Staff, said during a phone call to TAPinto Franklin Township. 

"I'm very concerned about the detrimental effects that this pipeline and compressor station would have on our air, the Raritan Bay, and the health of the people of New Jersey. It would have unacceptable and irreparable impacts on our communities." Bateman said in a statement. 

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"It’s more important than ever for residents to raise their concerns about the dangerous compressor station proposed in Franklin Township that will spew toxins into the air and threatens public health," Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, Ed Potosnak said. "FERC has a history of candy coating the environmental impacts of projects, and this draft EIS is no exception. Make no mistake about it, if built we will have major air quality threats."

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