Sharon Hubberman

“Take it Up With the Planning Board”

PERTH AMBOY — On the agenda of the February 27th Council Meeting was a Communication #5 stating – Buckeye Partners, LP submitted a copy of the application for Waterfront Development Permit and for Freshwater Wetlands General Permit 2, for proposed upgrade of approximately 5.7 miles of petroleum product pipeline that travels from Perth Amboy to Linden. This project includes installation of two new 12 inch pipelines between Perth Amboy and Sewaren.

Resident Sharon Hubberman was concerned about the impact on the environment if this pipeline is installed. “What risks are involved?” She wanted to know. “I am in a four mile radius of this. A lot of pipelines are old and it is not uncommon for ruptures to happen.”

Business Administrator Greg Fehrenbach told Hubberman that, “This is something that should be answered at the Planning Board Meetings but acknowledged that her questions were very reasonable. Fehrenbach continued by saying that, “The Council has no jurisdiction over this.” (Referring to the application process of Communication #5.) “The Planning Board has to submit a site plan.”

Hubberman also wanted to know if there is an Environmental Advisory Committee. Whereas Fehrenbach responded, “There was not an Environmental Advisory Committee before I came Here. Nor is there one now.”

Councilman Kenneth Gonzalez said he would check to see if there was ever an ordinance creating an Environmental Advisory Committee.