The numbers are used again and again to stress what was at risk: 22,000 acres of healthy watershed woodland and 115,000 people who depend on the water it provides. They are used in the final draft of a document from the Bethlehem Authority to deflect the incoming PennEast gas pipeline. Fixed with the signatures of board President John Tallarico and Mayor Bob Donchez, copies are en route to PennEast, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and state office of the Department of Environmental Protection.

The 43-page risk analysis, prepared by Maser Consulting, offers an array of maps, structural reports and other data presenting a single clear impression: If it can be avoided, we don't want the pipeline on authority watershed property at all.

Highlights include the proposed pipeline's proximity to transmission lines and natural water sources, Wild Creek Dam and Wire Ridge Tunnel in Towamensing, which was built of concrete in 1939. Engineers suggest normal construction is a low risk for damaging these sites, but a catastrophic accident at either one would have a significant impact on the water supply. It might even damage existing petroleum pipelines in the area, compounding the threat.

Maser said, "The Bethlehem Authority watershed and its transmission mains can convey up to 33 million gallons per day (MGD) to the city of Bethlehem and 10 other municipalities. Should this sourcewater be incapacitated, the city has emergency interconnection agreements with five adjacent utilities. However, these emergency interconnections would provide only a total of 5.04 MGD of water supply."

During final review July 9, it was suggested PennEast simply doesn't realize just how close its proposed gas line is to existing water lines. Board member Vaughn Gower said, "It's a big deal to build a gas pipe 67 feet from a transmission tunnel."

The Maser document notes PennEast had observed that number and moved the line 200 feet further along a mountain slope.

The study clearly suggests it would be safest for PennEast to plan their pipeline outside the watershed altogether, preferably east. Barring that, it includes a list of other recommendations, primarily regarding readjusting the pipeline both vertically and horizontally away from significant points along the water route.

When asked what recourse the authority has if PennEast chooses to ignore the recommendations, solicitor Jim Broughal said PennEast must consider it still has to negotiate for easements and rights-of-way, and that ultimately it will have to abide by whatever FERC chooses to require. But, he said, between a number of state agencies in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, "PennEast has a lot of hoops to jump through yet."

The next meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Aug. 13 at City Hall.