Five air compressor permits approved for NEXUS pipeline project

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) has awarded permits for five air compressor stations along the NEXUS Gas Transmission pipeline.

The Ohio locations for the five compressor stations are Clyde (Sandusky county), Hanoverton and Salineville (Columbiana county), Wadsworth/Guilford Township (Medina county) and Waterville (Lucas county).

The 36 in. dia. pipeline is set to transport approximately 1.5 billion ft3/d. Depending on approval, construction could commence in early 2017, with the pipeline’s first flow of natural gas beginning in 4Q17.

The Ohio EPA had considered and reviewed Spectra Energy’s (the company behind the NEXUS pipeline project) application before awarding the air permits, in order to guarantee that emissions would meet the terms of the federal and state air pollution control standards. Additionally, the Ohio EPA held public hearings to gain insight into the community’s opinions.

Gary Schoen, an opponent of the NEXUS pipeline project, explained his reservations: “The industry claims that natural gas is clean, but in fact the front-end process of obtaining it is no better and possibly worse than the practice of burning coal for energy.”

Spectra Energy has also recently merged with Enbridge Inc. Spectra President and CEO, Greg Ebel, stated: “The combination of Enbridge and Spectra Energy creates what we believe will be the best, most diversified energy infrastructure company in North America, if not the world. Together, the merged company will have what we believe is the finest platform for serving customers in every region of North America and providing investors with the opportunity for superior shareholder returns.”

Enbridge President and CEO, Al Monaco, also relayed his opinions on the merge. “We look forward to welcoming Spectra Energy employees to Enbridge as we move forward as one company. In building on our existing strengths by joining with Spectra Energy, Enbridge will be very well positioned for future growth and continued value creation.”

The US$2 billion pipeline project is currently awaiting final approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which is expected on or before 30 November 2016.

Appeals can be made to the Ohio EPA within 30 days of the decision.

Edited from various sources by Stephanie Roker

Sources: The Blade, Sentinel Tribune, Kallanish Energy, The Intelligencer

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/13092016/five-air-compressor-permits-approved-for-nexus-pipeline-project/