Take enough dirt, sediment, and other building materials to fill 10 Empire State buildings. The Atlantic Sea Island Group (ASIG) wants to create an island with this material to be used for a facility to offload, store, and process liquefied natural gas (LNG) only 19.5 miles off the coast of Sea Bright. This group has no experience when it comes to offshore construction and LNG operations.

Currently, America is already nearly independent for natural gas supplies and according to United States government estimates, has enough natural gas to last the next 120 years. The Middle East and Russia will likely supply the proposed LNG ports off the Jersey Shore.

This proposed island, called "Safe Harbor Energy," is in close proximity to one of the busiest harbors in the world. LNG is transported on large tankers — that are up to nearly four football fields in length — to ports throughout the world. Who is to say this large facility and enormous LNG tankers will not fall under terrorist attack? Also, ocean currents head toward New Jersey and so do winds during nor'easters; therefore, any accidents or spills from collisions between LNG tankers and perhaps other tankers will be detrimental.

This island would smother up to 140 acres of sea floor, including cholera bank, one of the largest and richest fishing spots in our area. This region is also home to endangered species.

So far nearly 40 groups in New Jersey/ New York have banded together to condemn plans for LNG in this region. Over 500 citizens rallied together to say no to ASIG at a public hearing on Jan. 27 in Eatontown. California, Connecticut and New York have already said no to LNG ports off their coasts — so must New Jersey. The community must get involved by signing petitions and contacting local, state and federal officials. Tell them that New Jersey does not need LNG and our ocean is not for sale.
Leslie Weinberg
Deal