Home » Hopewell Twp Board of Health Hearing on PennEast Pipeline Health and Safety Harms

Hopewell Twp Board of Health Hearing on PennEast Pipeline Health and Safety Harms

by Mary Galioto

Hopewell Township’s Board of Health will be hearing a petition by Hopewell Township Citizens Against the PennEast Pipeline (HTCAPP), next Tuesday, as HTCAPP presents health and safety issues pertaining to the proposed PennEast pipeline.

HTCAPP is asking that Hopewell Township hear testimony and pass a resolution declaring that the pipeline would pose an “unreasonable” and “involuntary” risk to the health and safety of Hopewell Township residents, along with harm to the health quality of the environment.

Hopewell Township Board of Health Meeting
Tuesday – July 28th, 2015 – 7:00 PM
Performing Arts Center of the Hopewell Valley Central High School
259 Pennington Titusville Rd, Pennington, NJ

While HTCAPP has not yet confirmed the final list of presenting experts, Patty Cronheim,  HTCAPP Coordinator, hinted that attendees can expect testimony from hydrologists and geologists, information about blast zones, specific risks and consequences and other health and safety issues pertaining to the installation and continued existence of a pipeline in Hopewell Township.

“We are not actuary tables. We’re people,” emphasized Cronheim. “The pipeline will put residents’ health and safety at involuntary and unreasonable risk.”

The Board of Health is seeking testimony on any potential health effects associated with the pipeline which are unique to the Township due to its topography, and geology, including groundwater and surface water, and other health related impacts (such as increased exposure to radon). Individuals with expertise in pulmonary, endocrine, oncology, pediatric, or any other medical field that correlates health risks with an increase in VOCs, methane, and radon exposure, or with expertise in other related fields such as engineering, public health, environment, are encouraged to attend and participate. Additionally, testimony by Township residents with existing health conditions that could be worsened, such as asthma or other breathing conditions, would be helpful.

At the meeting on Tuesday, there will be a sign in sheet at the door for anyone who wants to speak and those individuals will be allotted 3 minutes to express specific concerns.

Everyone in the community who is interested in learning more, sharing expertise, or expressing concerns about the health and safety ramifications of the proposed PennEast pipeline, including residents from neighboring towns, are encouraged to attend.

For more information about HTCAPP, you can visit their website at htcapp.org.

 

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