28 Bergen County Municipalities Opposing Pilgrim Pipeline

The controversial Pilgrim Pipeline has been opposed by municipal leaders in the 28 towns along the proposed Bergen County route if it is built.

Edison officials passed a resolution last week opposing the pipeline’s construction in their community, the last of 28 communities to do so, the New Jersey Sierra Club announced.

The pipeline would carry Bakken crude oil, which, the non-profit environmental group said, is one of the most explosive types of oil in the world.

“They know that Pilgrim Pipeline could be a disaster for their communities, especially for public safety and the environment,” said Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “Bakken oil is not only the most flammable, it’s the most explosive, and no matter how to ship it there will be serious disasters.”

Of particular concern to the group are the potential impacts the project and oil could have on the Passaic and Pompton rivers, which provide drinking water to 1 million area residents, the group said.

“Counties and towns near and along the route came out in opposition because they have seen the devastating impacts from pipeline leaks and are well aware of the risks,” Tittel said.

For more information on the project and a list of the municipalities that have opposed it, click here.

(Pictured: The Pompton River Dam/Patch file photo)