Although 23 municipalities have passed resolutions or ordinances opposing the proposed 103-mile long PennEast Pipeline, Bethlehem Township is taking a different approach to the controversial conduit for natural gas conduit extending from the coal regions to New Jersey.

A consultant.

By a 4-0 vote, with Pat Breslin absent, commissioners endorsed solicitor Wendy Nicolosi's suggestion that an expert be retained to make sure that wetlands are preserved, sinkholes avoided and highway crossings minimized.

Nicolosi explained that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will decide on the PennEast proposal, which is still in its pre-application phase. Once a formal application is underway, Nicolosi indicated it would be important to have someone who understands the process and to whom FERC will listen.

Commissioners made this decision after a small group of pipeline foes urged them to adopt a resolution, or perhaps even an ordinance, banning the pipeline.

"I have a master's degree," announced the first speaker, Jamie Snook, who asked that his comments be recorded. He went on for 20 minutes without interruption.

He and and other opponents, including Ross McClellan, warned commissioners of a pipeline going under Routes 22, 33 and 78 in an area known for sinkholes. They spoke of "catastrophic explosions," damaged infrastructure and a loss of air quality brought on by the release of methane gas. They complained the pipeline contains no local benefit, and that the product would be shipped off to China and Europe.

Guy Wagner, whose township property is traversed by the pipeline, asked commissioners to "save our land." he complained that the gas companies "take your land and give you nothing."

"I hear a lot of ifs, maybes, supposes" said Commisioner Michael Hudak. "We need more information before considering a resolution."

"There could be benefits to the municipality," agreed board President Marty Zawarski.

Nicolosi stressed that it's important to have someone on board who can make comments that FERC will actually heed.

Phil Barnard thanked pipeline opponents for making their views known.