natural gas drilling

[projoe]

I was reading an article the other day in the star ledger about a natural gas company wanting to drill a pipline underneath Monksville and through out Ringwod State Park.  Obviously the enviromental groups are up in arms about this but I was wondering what everyone's opinion on this matter is.  I dont know much about the subject but know there is currently a pipline up that way so it should not have any negitive effects on wildlife or would that be an incorrect assumption?  The article mentioned that during the construction it would bring over 700 jobs to the area which I think would be great for the economy in the surrounding area.

[acabtp]

no!

to put these in, they clearcut a swath through the forest that is about 30 yards wide.  and then that stays open for a year or more while they drive dump trucks and bulldozers around destroying the grass and brush layer

it might bring 700 jobs to the area, but they will only be temporary during the construction phase of the project.  a lot of them will be filled by out of state firms with pipeline experience that have large contracts with the natural gas transmission company.  it does not create any long term jobs in the area, the pipeline itself is unmanned; once the pipeline is complete, the jobs go away.

it takes years for the forest to recover (it has to regrow completely from mud) and we are left with a permanent notch through the land that has to be kept partially cleared for pipeline maintenance.

they recently did this up through Hamburg WMA and in wawayanda state park.  i would highly recommend you go look at it for yourself.

I am definely AGAINST any more pipelines through the forested areas of the NJ highlands.