The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's PennEast gas pipeline continues its inexorable advance through flimsy bulwarks of municipal red tape throughout the region, Bethlehem's Authority is reinforcing its own position in defense of its tens of thousands of watershed acres.

Director Steve Repasch and solicitor Jim Broughal said April 9 the actual physical plan for the pipeline remains perhaps intentionally vague, and may eventually be built anywhere within several hundred feet of a broadly defined path. "The routing has been a moving target since day one," Broughal said.

A plan discussed in March to charge $50,000 for expense reimbursements was related to FERC, Repasch said, but he'd heard nothing back in weeks. He reminded board members that FERC must be eager to get started on testing and surveying, but, "They're not allowed on our property until this gets resolved."

Responding to the concerns of a resident who questioned the possibility of expansive damage from pipeline access roads, member Vaughn Gower said, "We're as skeptical as you are."

Broughal reiterated the need for detailed paperwork to protect the property and citizens from whatever repercussions come with the pipeline. "It's misguided to think FERC will try to appease us, so a risk assessment is very important."

The wind energy project, on the other hand, is gaining steam, Repasch said. He said briefly that whatever data has been collected from the first two towers thus far has peaked the interest of energy company Iberdrola Renewables. He said the company is now seeking necessary permission to erect two new temporary towers – giant 80-meter models – for improved and expanded data collection.

Meanwhile engineer Neal Kern and Director of Water and Sewer Resources Ed Boscola report a recent water rate increase of 4.7 percent was successfully enacted, which will help with the ongoing replacement of aging water pipes in the city.

Boscola said they have targeted 6,000 feet of pipes for replacement this year.

This is on par with previous years, which Boscola – and his predecessor – have awkwardly acknowledged makes the project to replace the water system on track for completion sometime in the 26th century.

Shrugging, Boscola said, "Six thousand feet out of 500 miles [of pipeline] … you do the math."

The next meeting is scheuled for 3:30 p.m. May 14 at city hall.