By 1808Delaware
As we have shared more than once in stories concerning the construction of two silicon chip manufacturing facilities for Intel in northeast Licking County, the closeness of Delaware County – the border of which is just a few thousand feet away – is certain to be impacted by the project.
That impact is likely to come in many ways. At the moment, it comes in the form of a proposed 4.15 mile, 12 inch gas pipeline for Columbia Gas that would begin in Harlem Township, move down the Delaware/Licking County line, and feed Intel.
Most of the line will be constructed within existing public rights-of-way. The proposed route begins on South County Line Road just north of Evans Road and then goes south to U.S. 62, then northeast to Beech Road, south on Beech Road, and then east to Miller road where it finishes going up north to Clover Valley Road near the Intel site.
The relatively short distance means that Columbus Gas can – and has – request an expedited review before the Ohio Power Siting Board.
An environmental review with over 100 pages has been submitted with the application. In part, the application states
“Columbia is proposing to construct a natural gas pipeline identified as the Intel Pipeline Project (the “Project”); the Project is generally located in the areas in and around New Albany and Johnstown, Ohio. The proposed Project will be approximately 21,891 feet (4.15 miles) in length and consist of construction of a 12-inch diameter high pressure gas distribution pipeline plus related facilities at the Intel plant. The Project will allow Columbia to provide required natural gas for Intel’s planned operations as well as serve businesses that will serve or supply Intel.”
“Much of the 12-inch natural gas main will be constructed within the public road rights-of-way within Delaware County, Licking County, and Franklin County, Ohio as well as the City of New Albany. Exceptions include the crossing of other utility easements such as railroads, interstate roads, and environmental features such as streams and rivers. Open cut installation methods will be utilized on the public rights-of-way Approximately 6 locations are anticipated to be conventional bored to avoid culverts and environmental streams. No horizontal directional drilling will be required on this project.”
A decision is expected soon.
