The latest changes made in the 114-mile route of the PennEast pipeline, which extends between Wilkes-Barre and Trenton, has Hanover Township supervisors concerned. At their Aug. 25 meeting, they directed Township Manager Jay Finnigan to send a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), expressing concerns about route changes that might have a negative impact on the water supply for 115,000 Lehigh Valley residents, including those in Hanover Township.

While expressing no opposition to the pipeline, supervisors were disturbed to learn that the latest changes not only go through the watershed, but place it too close to Bethlehem Authority’s water transmission line.

The pipeline was re-routed so that it can supply gas service to the Blue Mountain Ski resort.

“It is the issue of the water supply that we’re concerned about,” observed Supervisor Glenn Walbert.

Lower Saucon supervisors have also sent a letter to FERC complaining about the pipeline’s impact on the water supply.