Two organizations are challenging the potential location of a proposed natural gas pipeline and two water lines in northwestern Lycoming County.

According to John Beauge of PennLive.com, Mid State Trail Association Inc. and the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited have proposed an alternate location for what is commonly known as a gathering line in Cummings and McHenry townships, to be developed by Pennsylvania General Energy Co.

The state Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a July 2 virtual public hearing to accept testimony on the energy company’s application for sediment control and water obstruction and encroachment permits.

The project would consist of 19,925 feet of 12-inch natural gas pipeline and two 19,887-foot-long 8-inch flexsteel waterlines within a permanent 30-foot right-of-way, according to PennLive.com. The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has given preliminary approval to the project as it relates to state forest land.

Nearly all of the project is on state game land with about 800 feet in Tiadaghton State Forest. According to PennLive.com, the pipeline route is adjacent to and crosses the Mid State Trail on sections between Hackett and Silver Springs roads north of Little Pine State Park. The groups say nine streams and a wetland containing wild trout could be impacted for distances ranging up to 55 feet by the open-cut installation.

The Trout Unlimited proposed alternative route is longer and likely would require compressor stations, Game Commission spokesperson Tim Haydt told PennLive.com. No compressor stations are required in the selected route, he said.

“We recognize the oil and gas industry’s economic footprint in the area is formidable but believe the industry must also recognize and be sensitive to the fact that outdoor recreation and tourism is also a vital economic engine for north central Pennsylvania,” Mid-State Trail Association president Ed Lawrence stated in a letter to the Department of Environmental Protection, according to PennLive.com. The route as proposed “will have a significant, direct and detrimental impact” on the Mid State Trail, he wrote.

Those wishing to participate in the virtual hearing on July 2 are to contact Megan Lehman, DEP’s regional communications director in Williamsport, at meglehman@pa.gov or 570-327-3659 before noon on July 1. Those unable to participate will have until July 22 to submit a written statement, PennLive.com reported.