DeCotiis Lawyer Wendy Rubenstein conducts the Public Scoping Meeting on 1/26/17 *Photos by Katherine Massopust

1/26/17

By: Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – DeCotiis Attorney Wendy Rubenstein conducted the Pipeline Scoping Hearing on 1/26/17 held in City Hall Chambers. Representatives from Buckeye gave a brief presentation on the pipeline. Answers to all questions will be given at another meeting on date, time, and place TBA.

Buckeye Representative Sullivan said, “We’re excited to talk about this new project. The pipeline will be 16” in diameter and will transfer liquid petroleum products. It will be monitored 24/7 at Buckeye control. The direction is bilateral. In this way the material avoids truck shipment and is safer and cleaner for the environment. It will join the Buckeye Perth Amboy Terminal and the Raritan Bay Terminal.”

Residents, Union Members and Businesspeople attended the Meeting held at City Hall ChambersResidents, Union Members and Businesspeople attended the Meeting held at City Hall Chambers

Environmental Services Langan Engineering Principal/Vice President Dave Charette spoke next, “The pipeline will go down the bicycle and through the park without impacting any residences. We will replace and plant new trees. It’s all underground.”

During the public portion, many Union Members, Business Owners and Residents spoke. There were no microphones and many people who spoke were inaudible. The Meeting was not filmed. There were also complaints of Residents not being informed in English and/or Spanish and that the meeting was not well advertised.

Close-up of Pipeline Path. Click to enlarge.

Matt Panconi, Senior Vice-President FM Sylvan Inc. State Street, Perth Amboy spoke first, “My family has a long history in Perth Amboy. Perth Amboy has always been a part of my life. We do a lot of work for Buckeye. They take a lot of personal time when dealing with people. Safety and quality comes first. We have zero imperfections and 100% Unions working. They are trained and skilled. They have zero tolerance for anything but first quality. I stress the top quality of Buckeye.”

Raritan Riverkeeper Bill Schultz had concerns of the impact of the pipeline on the environment. The depth of the pipeline is 4’. Is that the minimum requirement to be covered? Does it parallel any active rails? Are there any railways in active or inactive in the area? Most smaller trees that are planted are vandalized in that area. Does Buckeye have an adequate water supply?”

Ariel View of Perth Amboy
*Photos and Diagram Courtesy of Langan. Click to enlarge.

Many Union Members from Teamsters Local 469 spoke stating that the pipeline would bring jobs to the area. One Representative stated, “We want them to stay and grow.”

The Local 9 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union which are based in Englishtown had many Members come up and speak in favor of the pipeline. One Member stated, “Chevron was dismantled in the early ‘90’s. I’m in favor of the pipeline. Buckeye came to invest in the town. There already are gas  pipelines from Texas to Maine. If Buckeye is willing to invest in Perth Amboy, we should invest back.”

A Representative From Buckeye speaks.

Resident Sharon Hubberman said, “I like to see jobs in Perth Amboy and I like to see when safety is an issue to use local unions. Residents will be impacted. How many union members live on these streets (affected by the pipeline)? One Resident lives on Charles Street and did not receive a note in the mail. Any company that comes into town – you take your own risks. I was expecting this hearing to define specifics.”

A Teamsters Local 469 Member stated, “Pipelines work. They are safe. It’s not only creating jobs for the universe but it’s good for the people. I worked for a lot of pipeline companies. It’s safe and cost efficient. It’s a win-win for everyone. It’s going to create jobs once the pipeline is finished. It’s 100% safety.

Siro Scullaro from the Laborer’s Union Labor Management Fund stated, “We have 136 Members in Middlesex County; 79 Members live in Perth Amboy. I want you to know we have a sizable amount of Residents in town and they support it.

Resident Caroline Pozycki-Torres was concerned about the value of property in Perth Amboy, “I’m not aware of Buckeye’s Community involvement at all. It’s a risk to our children. Do residents and owners know the depreciation of their property?”

Resident Renne Skelton was next, “I don’t think it reflects all the views of Perth Amboy. Perth Amboy has its shares of pipelines. I think our main concern for the people who live in Perth Amboy is safety.”

Charles Whalen a Representative from Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 9 stated, “Buckeye has made a presentation here tonight. I’ve spent many times driving up and down State Street over the years seeing Perth Amboy. I’ve spent most of my life in the pipeline industry. I think they’re doing a wonderful job for doing what they have to do. Not only does Buckeye employ safety, other Locals have the highest safety.”

Resident Norman Vazquez had a few concerns, “Where is this monitoring station physically located? Who is going to take control if something goes wrong? What about First Responders? How does this go with the plans of Buckeye? Is jet fuel a part of this? What actually is physically going through here?”

Another Resident had concerns, “My house is over here. My nephew did not receive a certified letter. What happens if something goes wrong? Lines are already spray painted. The street is already torn up. How is this going to affect my kids? Home insurance? As a home owner anything that happens concerns me.”

Robert DeZinc from Teamsters Local 469 spoke in support of the pipeline, “How are you going to power America’s Industry? I’ve been on at least 12 pipelines. Everything is inspected by the EPA.”

Business Owner Virginia Lugo had her concerns, “How many jobs are here? We have double digits of people who are  unemployed. How many fines does this company get? What’s its benefit to Perth Amboy? Are jobs here? Probably not.”

Former City Council President Lisa Nanton spoke next, “Where’s the microphone? Where’s the video camera? Shame! Shame! Shame! I’ve been a Union Member all my life. I understand unions. Unless you claim to be God no one can be 100% safe! I would like to know the impact radius of the pipeline. Are you asking for a PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes)?”

Nanton then addressed Rubenstein, “Were letters sent in English and Spanish?”

Rubenstein answered, “No, English only.”

She then addressed B.A. Adam Cruz, “Make sure the public is notified.”

Nanton continued, “We (the City) are a tier one target for terrorism. We don’t have an apparatus in case of an explosion. What is the potential impact radius?”

Another Resident spoke next, “I’m very disappointed. Most of us were not notified. I didn’t want a pipeline in Perth Amboy. Find another way. Many people don’t know me. Buckeye was fined in June in Brooklyn. What matters: the life of people or money?”

Written comments on the diversion request may be directed to Adam Cruz, Business Administrator at City of Perth Amboy, 260 High Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 or at 732-826-0290. Please send a copy of any comments submitted on this request to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Green Acres Program, Bureau of Legal Services and Stewardship, Mail Code 501-01, 501 East State St., P.O. Box 420, Trenton, NJ 08625-0420. All comments must be received 2/9/17.