Proposed facility is part of a proposed $1 billion natural gas pipeline.
FRANKLIN -- Officials have settled on a site for a natural gas compressor station strongly opposed by residents that would be built as part of a proposed $1 billion pipeline project.
Williams Company, which owns the Transco pipeline, has decided on a 52-acre tract that is located approximately one mile south of the intersection State Highway 27 and County Route 518, said Chris Stockton, a spokesperson for Williams. The land is currently owned by Trap Rock Industries.
The other site being considered was a 40-acre tract off Route 27 near Promenade Boulevard.
"The site was selected because it minimizes potential impacts to residential areas as well as to environmental resources, such as wetlands and waterbodies," said Stockton. "As part of the application process, Williams will develop a detailed analysis of the project's effect on wildlife, vegetation, wetlands, waterbodies and groundwater, geology, soils, land use, air and noise quality."
The project has been met with opposition in the township, with residents expressing concerns about pollution, noise, safety and quality of life issues.
Stockton said the company will submit a formal application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) this spring.
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The facility would be situated on about six acres, said Stockton. The current design would require clearing approximately 15 acres, while the remaining 37 acres will be left wooded. Design plans also include an extensive sound-buffering insulation, Dark Sky compliant LED lighting, and the utilization of state of the art air emission control technology, he said.
The Northeast Supply Enhancement Project would add 35 miles to the existing Transco pipeline system, including a 22-mile pipeline under the Raritan Bay from Old Bridge to Brooklyn, 3.5 miles of pipeline through Middlesex County and 10 miles of pipeline in Lancaster County in Pennsylvania.
The compressor station would include two, 16,000 horsepower compressors. Branchburg is the site of one of five compressor stations in the state serving the Transco pipeline, said Stockton.
The final decision on whether the pipeline will be built rests with the FERC.
Williams Company has said the pipeline is needed to meet the needs of some 1.8 million customers in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Long Island.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.