Parsippany Becomes First NJ Town to Formally Oppose Pilgrim Pipeline

Just weeks after a group that opposes the construction of pipeline that would transport oil from Albany, New York to Linden, New Jersey set up shop for an information session in Parsippany, the town’s government passed a resolution that would formally oppose any such project.

Parsippany became the first town in New Jersey to pass a resolution opposing the Pilgrim Pipeline project, according to Kate Millsaps of the Sierra Club.

The governing body’s resolution calls for a moratorium on surveying and project planning within the municipality, Millsaps said in a statement, and asks for a thorough environmental review to be conducted.

The project’s outline shows impact on the Troy Meadows section of the township, which already includes a PSEG right-of-way to house the Susquehanna-Roseland line.

“The impact on Parsippany residents is tremendous. There is nothing Parsippany would get from this project. Our residents take on the risk of potential leaks in the future but there is no gain- financial or otherwise,” said councilman Michael dePierro at the most recent meeting, according to Millsaps.

County Follows Suit?

In addition to Parsippany making the first move, residents from the area are now looking at the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders to do the same.

Residents spoke of the topic at Wednesday’s Freeholder meeting, Millsaps said, and while no action was taken by the governing body, Freeholder Director Tom Mastrangelo said the issue would be on the agenda for the group’s next meeting in July.

That meeting is scheduled for July 9 in Morristown at 7 p.m. at the 10 Court Street. The meeting is open to the public and residents are encouraged to attend.