Rutgers Postpones Seismic Study Until Next Year
Research Vessel Still Undergoing Repairs as Project Window Closes
http://thesandpaper.villagesoup.com/p/rutgers-postpones-seismic-study-until-next-year/1223822
snip> Rutgers University and its partners have decided to postpone a geological survey planned for 15 miles off the coast of Barnegat Light. The R/V Marcus G. Langseth – slated to conduct the seismic testing for the project – has been moored for repairs for weeks, and now, says Clean Ocean Action’s Lauren Townsend, “the study cannot meet the required 30 days completed by the August 17, 2014, deadline.”
snip> “It is a victory for marine life this summer, and for the state of New Jersey and thousands of citizens that have rallied to their defense,” remarked COA Executive Director Cindy Zipf. “The coastal economy won’t be a victim of Rutgers’ seismic blasting off our coast … this year."
snip> The state, COA and others opposed to the study plan to regroup in their attempt to halt the project altogether. “They blind-sided us last time, but now time is on our side, and we will demand that the permitting process have robust congressional and state oversight and ample time for public review,” said Zipf. “We, the people, will be prepared and organized to advocate on behalf of New Jersey marine life to stop this dangerous experiment.”