South Brunswick Passes Resolution Opposing Transco Compressor Station

South Brunswick, NJ - At its town council meeting Tuesday night, South Brunswick passed this resolution opposing the construction of a compressor gas station at Promenade Blvd. and Rt. 27, very close to Princeton Walk.

A firm called the Williams Companies is looking to construct a 32,000-horsepower station, which will connect to the existing underground Transco pipeline on either Rt. 27, or at a second location a bit farther north in Franklin. However, the Township Council said both of those sites "would dramatically affect the quality of life of many of the residents of South Brunswick Township ... while providing no benefits to this area."

The sound of a compressor station has been compared to four diesel locomotive engines running 24/7, according to a website some residents have created; however a spokesman for the company told Patch it would be no louder than a refrigerator. Learn more about the proposed compressor station here.

When the vote was taken, both South Brunswick and Franklin township residents applauded, said Elizabeth Roedell, a South Brunswick resident who is against the pipeline.

When asked by Patch whether Wednesday night's resolution would have any impact on their decision for a site location, a spokesman for the Williams Companies said only the federal government has jurisdiction over where the station will ultimately go.

"Having met with township officials just a few weeks ago, we certainly understand the concerns that have been expressed. However, our goal remains to identify the best possible location in proximity to the existing Transco pipeline, which minimizes impacts on people and the environment," said Williams spokesman Chris Stockton.

"We will continue to work with local municipal authorities to keep them informed as the project advances, however, ultimately the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has exclusive regulatory jurisdiction over Williams with respect to the siting of pipeline facilities," he added.