Community Rally Planned In South Brunswick To Oppose Williams-Transco Pipeline Project

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A grassroots coalition of environmental activists and community members will gather this Saturday to voice their opposition to the Williams-Transco Northeast Supply Enhancement Project (NESE), which threatens local neighborhoods and sacred spaces in Central New Jersey.

The "Stop NESE Rally" will take place on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Woodlot Park, located at 124 New Road. The 90-minute event will feature live music, inspiring speakers including South Brunswick Mayor Charlie Carley, and a unified message to Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

Organizers are encouraging attendees to bring water, sunscreen, folding chairs, and most importantly, friends and family members to amplify their collective voice. The goal is to draw more than 200 community members to demonstrate the strength of local opposition to the project.

At the center of the controversy is Williams-Transco's proposal to construct Compressor Station 206, a massive 32,000-horsepower gas-powered facility on the border of South Brunswick and Franklin Township, activists say.

The station would be built on property where the pipeline company currently holds an easement through the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center (NJBV) in Franklin Township.

The proposed compressor station would sit just a quarter mile from the recently constructed temple building, raising serious concerns about the facility's impact on religious practices and community well-being.

The New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center has emerged as a vocal opponent of the project, citing threats to their ability to practice their faith. Temple representatives explain that the constant noise from industrial operations would disrupt essential religious activities including meditation, chanting, and mindfulness practices.

Beyond the spiritual concerns, the Buddhist community has raised alarm about potential health impacts from air and water pollution associated with both the construction and ongoing operation of the compressor station. These environmental concerns extend to monks, community members, children attending the temple's Dhamma School, and visitors from across New Jersey.

The compressor station represents just one component of the larger NESE project. Community advocates are also opposing additional infrastructure including 3.5 miles of connecting pipeline through Old Bridge and a new 23-mile offshore pipeline through Raritan Bay to Rockaway.

Rally organizers characterize NESE as a "dangerous, unnecessary expansion" that puts cultural landmarks, local communities, and regional ecosystems at risk. They are calling on the NJDEP to deny all permits associated with the project.

The rally represents the latest effort by local residents to block the pipeline project through coordinated public pressure. Organizers believe that a strong turnout will send a clear message to state officials about the depth of community opposition.

"It's important that citizens of South Brunswick get involved in what development is going on," said resident John O'Sullivan, former councilman and member of the SB Environmental Commission.

"Yes, it will be much harder to stop this project since it crosses state lines, which means the US Government is involved. As a former councilman and member of the SB Environmental Commission, it is important to express how we feel about quality of life issues here in South Brunswick and not the profits of the builder of the pipeline."

Those unable to attend the rally are encouraged to contact the NJDEP directly to voice their concerns about the proposed permits for the Williams-Transco Northeast Supply Enhancement Project.

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