January 2020, Vol. 247, No. 1
Projects
Ohio Power Siting Board Approves Natural Gas Pipeline Route
The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) approved a route for Duke Energy’s Central Corridor natural gas pipeline.
The decision comes after a review of the company’s application, and evidentiary and public hearings about the 14-mile natural gas pipeline.
In its ruling, the OPSB concluded the best route for the Central Corridor distribution pipeline is the proposed western or alternate route that runs through southwestern Ohio.
“The board…finds that the need for the project has been demonstrated based on the need to retire the aged and outdated propane-air facilities. The record, however, also reflects that the [pipeline] will improve the north/south system supply balance, which we find is further evidence of need,” the board said in its order.
The pipeline will connect an existing Duke Energy Ohio pipeline near the intersection of Butler, Warren and Hamilton counties with an existing company pipeline in the Norwood area.
“The OPSB’s certificate to construct this critical infrastructure is an important milestone for the Central Corridor Pipeline, and we thank the board for its thorough review of this project,” said Amy Spiller, president, Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky.
The new 20-inch pipeline will help the company balance the natural gas supply, improve the company’s natural gas infrastructure and enable retirement of propane peaking facilities that are used to supplement the local natural gas supply on the coldest days of the year.
Pipeline construction is expected to begin at the northern end of the route in late fall of 2020 and be complete by the end of 2021. Construction will likely take three to six weeks on each parcel the pipeline crosses.
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