Knowing all too well how critical it is for the local area to have access to natural gas following an environmental disaster such as Superstorm Sandy, the Beach Haven Council passed a resolution Monday, April 13, supporting New Jersey Natural Gas’ proposed Southern Reliability Link Pipeline Project. The SRL, which is currently in the engineering and design phase, is being developed to support customers with “safe, reliable and resilient distribution” of natural gas. It is expected to provide a major interstate connection between NJNG’s distribution system, which serves customers in Ocean, Burlington and Monmouth counties, and the interstate pipeline system adjacent to the New Jersey Turnpike.
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| Photo via NJNG The total distance of new pipeline is approximately 28 miles. |
The three counties are currently served by one interstate pipeline, which runs through Middlesex County. Because a majority of natural gas is supplied through this location, customers at the southern end of the system could be negatively affected by a supply interruption or system failure.
“By reinforcing the supply of natural gas with a second feed from a separate interstate supplier into the southern end of NJNG’s system, the SRL will help mitigate potential customer interruptions, enhance system resiliency and ensure safe, reliable natural gas service for the region,” NJNG’s website states.
The SRL would also strengthen the natural gas distribution system that serves Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, making it more economical by allowing the joint base to access natural gas in locations closer to its facilities. This would open opportunities for the base to install equipment that is more efficient, thereby reducing operating expenses with low-cost natural gas.
The U.S. Department of Defense’s Base Realignment and Closure Commission periodically reviews existing military bases to verify their present capabilities and future sustainability to achieve the military’s mission.
“Natural gas is a cost-effective infrastructure to underpin the current operations of the Joint Base,” NJNG stated. “A transmission line within a military base is a unique feature, which provides the basis to support growth for future operations. The SRL would be a favorable infrastructure foundation to allow the Joint Base to grow.
“By supporting this major driver of the economy, and jobs in Ocean and Burlington counties, the SRL will provide tangible benefits to the entire region.”
The SRL would begin at the supply point of the interstate pipeline in Chesterfield Township in Burlington County and continue through North Hanover, Upper Freehold and Plumsted until it enters the joint base. From the base, the SRL would connect with the system in Manchester Township. The total distance is approximately 28 miles.
Permits for the project are expected to be obtained during the coming months. If acquired, construction would begin in the fall and last a little more than a year. The project should be completed in late 2016.
— Kelley Anne Essinger
This article was published in The SandPaper.
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