ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO CALLS ON GOVERNOR MURPHY AND NJ DEP COMMISSIONER …
Increasing the Capacity of Roseland Gas Compressor Station would Pose Risk to the Environment and Public Safety
Essex County, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. is calling on Governor Phil Murphy and NJ Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine McCabe to stop any additional permits from being issued to Williams Transco to increase the capacity of the gas compressor station in Roseland. DiVincenzo expressed his opposition to the project and urged the public to contact the DEP Commissioner during a public hearing hosted by the NJ DEP on Tuesday, August 7th.
“Although the gas compressor station is located in Roseland, this project will have an impact on Essex County and New Jersey. We are asking for Governor Murphy’s help to prevent the expansion from happening,” DiVincenzo said. “This is about protecting our environment and protecting the safety of our residents. The compressor station is located between our Environmental Center and a PSE&G switching station. If something were to go wrong, if the area, which is near the Passaic River, is flooded, it could have a devastating effect on the children who visit our Center, the community of Roseland, West Essex and the entire County,” he pointed out.
In addition to the NJ DEP, the County Executive is encouraging the public to share their concerns with members of New Jersey’s Federal delegation – U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker, and Representatives Donald Payne, Jr. and Rodney Frelinghuysen. “This project is going through a State and Federal review process. It’s important that those who represent us in Trenton and Washington are aware of our local opposition and the negative impact this will have on our property values, personal safety and quality of life,” he said.
DiVincenzo also renewed his request for additional public hearings to be held. “I don’t understand how a public meeting could be scheduled in the middle of summer when people are away on vacation. More public hearings should be scheduled to make sure residents have the opportunity to share their feelings about this proposal,” he added.