South Jersey Gas to reapply to build Pinelands pipeline

UPPER TOWNSHIP (AP) — South Jersey Gas is again seeking permission to build a 22-mile natural gas pipeline in New Jersey's Pinelands.

The Press of Atlantic City  reports the company on Thursday is filing an amendment to its 2013 application, which government regulators rejected in 2014.

The company will argue the pipeline to the B.L. England Generating Station in Upper Township meets standards for approval.

At issue is how much gas would be used by customers outside the Pinelands. The company will argue the pipeline would only serve others in the event of a disaster.

About 500,000 people live in the Pinelands National Reserve, which covers 1.1 million acres in seven counties and 56 municipalities.

Environmental groups said the pipeline construction would damage land and leave the area open to future development.

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