The construction of a 16-mile underground gas pipeline through an environmentally sensitive area in northern New Jersey’s Highlands region is stirring up heated debate among environmentalists throughout the state.  The New Jersey Highlands Council is close to approving a $750 million project conducted by the Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co., after the company agreed to preserve about 80 acres of land in the region, according to the council’s Web site.

Environmentalists argue the project is harmful to the environmentbecause it will disturb about 177 acres of forestland as well as impact a reservoir in the region and the Wallkill River Refuge, a division of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.

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