Dominion is proposing to build an 8.4-mile, 20" natural
gas pipeline to help secure current and future natural gas supplies for customers
in northern Ohio markets, including the greater Cleveland and Akron regions.
The proposed Franklin pipeline will provide greater flexibility to store gas
during the warm weather months, and move gas from storage to distribution markets
during cold weather.
The pipeline's net effect will be to increase current gas
storage capacity by 10 billion cubic feet (Bcf), consequently securing gas storage
in the area for the foreseeable future. In addition, the proposed pipeline will
increase efficiency by minimizing migration loss in the storage pools and providing
larger working gas capacity for peak day requirements.
Ownership and Operation
Dominion East Ohio will construct, maintain, operate and own
the proposed natural gas pipeline.
Need for the Pipeline
Dominion East Ohio's existing natural gas pipelines in the
project area are incapable of meeting projected demands within their design
parameters. Dominion East Ohio's storage capabilities have become inadequate
to move necessary amounts of gas to minimize migration losses from the current
storage systems. Studies indicate that peak day send-out of gas has continued
to increase, although the load has declined in the oldest parts of the system.
Connection of the proposed pipeline to the existing natural
gas transmission system in northeastern Ohio will ensure the continued supply
of natural gas to the region and fulfill Dominion East Ohio's legal requirement
to provide services to meet customer demands. Consequently, by constructing
the proposed Franklin 20-inch pipeline, Dominion East Ohio will meet its legal
obligations, corporate public responsibility, and business development goals.
Location and Route
The location of the proposed Franklin pipeline will be through
Wayne and Summit Counties, Ohio. It will start at an existing Dominion East
Ohio storage yard and compressor station in Chippewa Township, Wayne County,
progressing easterly and connect to Franklin Station in Green Township, Summit
County, and terminate at Shoop Station in Green Township, Summit County.
The preferred pipeline route has a 40-foot to 60-foot wide
right-of-way (ROW) and follows an existing gas pipeline corridor along nearly
its entire length. A reduced construction corridor width of 30 feet, in association
with the existing pipeline corridor, will be established in woodlot areas and
near streams.
The Dominion East Ohio project area predominantly occupies
upland settings drained by the Tuscarawas River, which crosses the western portion
of the corridor, and its tributaries. It includes agricultural fields, woodlands,
scattered residential areas, wetlands, and residential development associated
with the city of New Franklin toward the eastern terminus.
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Project Schedule
September 2007 – August 2008: Preparation of Application
May 2008: Public Information Meeting
September 2008: File application with Ohio Power Siting
Board
November 2008 – February 2009: Ohio Power Siting
Board Hearing Process (60-90 days)
March 2009*: Ohio Power Siting Board Review and Action
(no time limit)
April 2009*: Certificate Received
* projected
Dominion plans for site work to begin in May/June of 2009,
with the pipeline to be in-service and completed by February/March 2010.
Application
Dominion's certified application can be downloaded below (four
parts). Information about the Ohio Power Siting Board process and a copy of
the application also can be found at www.opsb.ohio.gov.
OPSB Case No. 08-289-GA-BTX.DOC
Application For a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility
and Public Need for the Franklin 20" Natural Gas Pipeline (Note:
Large PDF files; allow time for download)
