26-15 Resolution Opposing Pilgrim Pipeline.pdf

depletion of water quality and quantity as the region provides drinking water to 5.4 million state residents; and WHEREAS, the federal government acknowledged the exceptional value of the highlands resources and the urgent need for their preservation in 2004 when Congress passed the Highlands Conservation Act, which recognizes the importance of the water, forest, agricultural, wildlife, recreational and cultural resources of the Highlands region, and national significance of the Highlands region to the United States and; WHEREAS, many Township residents depend on ground water and public community water systems for water supply and septic systems for waste disposal and this project will impact ground water quality and quantity and the septic fields of residents along and adjacent to the right of way; and WHEREAS, the wise stewardship of our natural resources involves protection of the Township’s water supplies, water and other natural resources for generations to come; and WHEREAS, protection of the Township’s water supplies and resources is better accomplished by prevention of contamination and environmental degradation, rather than attempting to clean up contamination and restoring degraded environments after the fact. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of West Orange, in the County of Essex, that the Township Council opposes the Pilgrim Pipeline Project, and calls for a moratorium on any and all planning, proposal, surveying or construction of the Pilgrim Pipeline Project; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall be published and made available in the Clerk’s Office for reasonable inspection in accordance with applicable law. A copy of this Resolution shall be sent to all neighboring municipalities, the County of Essex, Governor Chris Christie, State Senator Richard J. Codey, Assemblyman John McKeon and Assemblywoman Mila Jasey. Karen J. Carnevale Jerry Guarino Municipal Clerk Council President Adopted: January 6, 2015