Duke Energy plans to replace 34 miles of pipeline
Duke Energy Gas Transmission Co. plans to spend $80 million next year to replace about 34 miles of a natural gas pipeline. “It’s going to be done in four areas. There will be approximately 10 miles in Greene County, 3.5 miles in Fayette County, 12.5 miles in Somerset County and eight miles in Fulton and Franklin counties,’ John Sheridan, Duke Energy spokesman, said.
He explained the new pipeline will replace another one that is not in use.
“We currently have two pipelines that run side-by-side in those areas. One of those pipelines has been out of service for several years. We are going to take that one out and replace it with five sections in those areas, which will allow Texas Eastern Transmission (a Duke Energy subsidiary) to increase its capacity.
“There won’t be a need to buy any new permanent rights-of-way since the new line will go into Texas Eastern’s existing right-of-way,’ Sheridan said.
The company is hosting an open house from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday at the American Legion Post 423, Route 21, Masontown where it will offer more information on the project. The public is invited to attend. Questions will be addressed about construction and operation, environmental and permitting processes, land acquisition and other aspects of the project.
“As part of our outreach program we hold these open houses,’ Sheridan said, “to introduce the project and we have various disciplines of the company at these open houses to answer any questions about the project and show the landowners what we are building.’
Sheridan said the session will be “more of an information open house to get the information out to the public. We find this very to be a very effective tool from the beginning to the end of the process.’
The company plans to file its application for the project with the FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) this month.
“Typically, there is a 14 to 15 month review so we won’t be starting construction until spring or summer next year. Construction for these type of facilities take from five to six months and we are looking at starting service from it in November 2004.’
Sheridan said the company has not yet selected a contractor.
“We would use any type of labor on restoration and landscaping but pipeline construction is a pretty specialized activity,’ he said.