Pipeline Regulation

Overview

The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) is obligated to review and approve any pipeline projects that pass through the boundaries of the Delaware River Watershed. To date it has chosen not to exercise that jurisdiction.  And so DRBC has received a formal Petition from the Delaware Riverkeeper Network to secure the exercise of their jurisdiction. 

Pipelines are a serious and significant source of damage for our rivers, streams, wetlands, forests and communities. Pipelines clear, cross, cut and/or otherwise damage what ever is in their path. Exceptional value streams, productive wetlands, mature forests, and peaceful communities have all suffered when they lie in the path of a pipeline. Pipelines also require loud and polluting compressor stations that add insult to injury for the communities where they are placed. The proliferation of pipelines is in order to serve the proliferation of drilling and fracking pressing forth across our states and region. Even communities where fracking and drilling is prohibited or not yet happening, find themselves the unwilling targets of the pipeline companies. 

 The DRBC could provide a critical and irreplaceable level of review and protection if they would exercise their authority. At least a dozen pipelines or pipeline expansions are being proposed for the Delaware River Watershed. Pipelines that are known to be considered for construction will cross counties throughout the Basin including Chester County, Pike County, and Monroe County, PA; Sussex County, NJ; Delaware County and Broome County, NY; a number of counties leading up to and into Philadelphia yet to be specifically identified. Additional communities will be targeted with additional proposals anticipated.