Columbia Gas plans pipeline expansion

Columbia Gas of Ohio is planning to expand its pipeline system to meet growing demand for gas in an area that extends from northwestern Franklin County into Delaware and Union counties.

The routes that the natural gas distribution company is considering for the project would transport natural gas under the Scioto River.

Called the Northern Loop, the project begins at Hyatts Road in Delaware County, where earlier segments of the Northern Loop end.

It extends to U.S. 42 and down to U.S. 33 to Mckitrick Road near Hyland Croy Road in Union County, where gas will enter existing lines.

The project will bring natural gas from pipelines on the eastern side of Franklin County, where supplies are abundant, to areas north and west of Columbus.

Columbia Gas expects construction to begin in 2022. The cost is projected at $100 million to $110 million.

“It ensures upstream capacity is available to meet the growth that continues to occur in the northwest part of our system,” said Vince Parisi, president and chief operating officer of Columbia Gas of Ohio.

Several phases of the project already have been completed, bringing the line to Delaware County. The final phase loops from southern Delaware County to southeastern Union County, where it will connect to the existing gas distribution system.

The project will consist of 11 miles of 24-inch pipe and 4 miles of 16-inch pipe.

Columbia has not settled on a final route, but the preferred and alternate routes both cross under the Scioto River.

Other utility lines in the region also are located under the river.

“Columbia is currently working with regulatory agencies regarding the Scioto River crossing to ensure

that we can safely install the pipeline and minimize environmental impact,” spokeswoman Staci Perkins said. “Construction begins in early 2022 and we anticipate having all regulatory agency reviews and approvals prior to that time. These regulatory approvals will specify the methods of installation and the pipeline route by the end of 2021.”

The project, along with a separate Columbia Gas project called the Marysville Connector, a 4.78 mile, 12-inch natural gas pipeline to service new industries and residential development southeast of Marysville in Jerome and Millcreek townships, are vital to the region’s growth, said Eric Phillips, economic development director for Union County and Marysville.

Phillips also is chairman of the

Ohio Gas Access Partnership, a group formed in 2019 to satisfy long-term energy needs in the region.

Union County is among the fastest growing housing markets in the country, along with being home to operations for Honda and other auto-related companies, he said.

“It sets the stage for more of that growth in the future,” Phillips said. “That’s the big win in all of this.” mawilliams@dispatch.com @Bizmarkwilliams