MILFORD - The Pike County Commissioners are very unhappy over FERC’s (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) decision to approve on a seven mile gas pipeline loop through seven acres of county land . They feel that the alternate choice to put pipeline beside an existing Tennessee Gas right of way makes more sense, is quicker, cheaper and wouldn’t affect 14 private property owners. They feel the loop could also disturb bald eagles’ nests and cause closings on Cummins Hill Road which would sometimes have residents drive all the way around through Mill Rift to get on Routes 6 & 209.

“It makes no sense to upset seven acres of pristine land”, said Bernard Kozykowski, past chair of the Upper Delaware Citizens Advisory Commission to the NPS.  “They can use the existing right of way. There is more than enough room for new pipeline. What is the right and reasonable thing for them to do? It is both right and reasonable for the existing line to be used in the easement they have.”

All the commissioners believe that the voters of Pike County “need to make noise.”

The commissioner asked the public to contact their U.S. Senators Robert Casey Jr. and Pat Toomey who had made no statements about FERC‘s decision and U.S. Representative Tom Marino.  State lawmakers, including Senator Lisa Baker and Representatives Mike Peifer and Rosemary Brown sent a letter which was read in support of using the existing line.

The commissioners also asked voters to contact the NPS which is in support of the seven mile loop. Commissioner Rich Caridi said that Park Superintendent John Donahue is standing in Pike’s way as he is in favor of the seven mile loop the commissioners claim would destroy pristine land.

The commissioners urge Pike residents need to send emails and letters by June 27th to voice their disapproval of FERC’s decision.