HUDSON COUNTY -- In response to concerns raised by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey regarding the route of Spectra Energy’s proposed natural gas pipeline, the company has agreed to modify its plan.

In February, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey expressed concerns to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding the route of the pipeline because it would be placed under Route 440 near the Bayonne Bridge. The agency suggested that the pipeline be routed under the Kill Van Kull instead. The pipeline’s originally proposed path, the agency feared, would jeopardize its plans own to reconstruct the Bayonne Bride.

The agency also believes there should be a risk analysis of what could happen in the event of a natural gas explosion on the pipeline route.

In an initial response to FERC, Spectra stated that re-routing the pipeline under the Kill Van Kull isn’t feasible.

However, in a revised response submitted to FERC on April 8 the company agreed to modify its route to address the Port Authority’s concerns.

“We have worked with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to address concerns regarding the proposed pipeline route in the vicinity of the Bayonne Bridge,” said Specta spokesperson Marylee Hanley on June 3. “Our most recent modification relocates the 30-inch Kill Van Kull…exit point, adjusts the pipeline alignment along the Chevron/Texaco property, and adjusts the exit point on the First Street alternative approximately 240 feet west of the Bayonne Bridge. These adjustments are designed so that the proposed route avoids construction within First Street in Bayonne, avoids direct impact to Mayor Dennis P. Collins Park, and crosses the Bayonne Bridge in an area suggested by the [Port Authority].”

Spectra Energy has proposed building an underground pipeline that, if approved by FERC, would run through parts of Bayonne and Jersey City, near the southern edge of Hoboken, and into Manhattan.

Local elected leaders in Jersey City, Bayonne, and Hoboken have all publically opposed the pipeline project citing concerns about safety and the impact on property values.