Morris Freeholders to Discuss Opposition of Oil Pipeline Project

After a handful of county residents voiced their concerns to the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders this week, a discussion is now set for the governing body’s next meeting that could bring about formal opposition to the construction of a multistate oil pipeline.

According to Kate Millsaps of the Sierra Club of New Jersey, Freeholder Director Tom Mastrangelo told concerned residents the body will discuss the topic at its next meeting on July 9.

The topic comes just a week after Parsippany-Troy Hills Township became the first town in New Jersey to formally oppose the pipeline’s construction with a council-approved resolution, Millsaps said.

The Pilgrim Pipeline is proposed to run from Albany, New York to Linden, New Jersey, and would carry raw oil between the two states as well as participate in fracking.

“The impact on Parsippany residents is tremendous. There is nothing Parsippany would get from this project. Our residents take on the risk of potential leaks in the future but there is no gain- financial or otherwise,” said councilman Michael dePierro when the resolution was approved, according to Millsaps.

The Freeholders will next meet on July 9 at 7 p.m. at 10 Court Street in Morristown. The meeting is open to the public and residents are encouraged to attend.