Central Corridor Gas Pipeline Extension Project
To contact Duke Energy directly, call (513) 287-2130 or email CentCorridorPipeline@duke-energy.com.
Scroll to bottom for online resource links
7/3/18 – Update on Process
As of early July 2018, the adjudicatory hearing previously scheduled for September 2017 has not yet been scheduled. Duke Energy filed an amended application in February 2018 requesting the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) reset the hearing promptly. Municipalities opposing the pipeline filed a response asking for sufficient time to conduct further discovery, depositions, and investigation. OPSB staff supported the municipalities’ request, but the OPSB has not yet made a decision.
Regardless of when the hearing is scheduled, it is anticipated that Duke Energy and the municipalities will continue to engage in paper discovery, depositions, and investigation in order to prepare for the hearing. The Village will participate by submitting written testimony to the OPSB per its procedures. While there will not be an opportunity for members of the public to participate directly in the hearing, the public may continue to submit written comments and testimony to the OPSB, including online via their website at http://www.opsb.ohio.gov/. When filing comments refer to the Duke Energy Central Corridor Extension Gas Pipeline and Case No. 16-0253-GA-BTX.
8/25/17 – Adjudicatory Hearing Postponed
The adjudicatory hearing set for September 11, 2017 at 10 a.m. has been postponed in response to a motion filed by Duke Energy. The purpose of the adjudicatory hearing is to allow parties to the case to provide sworn testimony and cross examine witnesses. The Village is an intervenor and will participate in the adjudicatory hearing. The motion cited Duke’s request for more time in order to perform additional engineering work along the proposed route (s) and to conduct additional meetings with municipal officials in the areas affected by the proposed route(s). A new hearing date is to be announced.
6/15/17 – Ohio Power Siting Board Public Hearing Held
The Ohio Power Siting Board held a public hearing to receive additional public input on Thursday, June 15, 2017 from 3-8 p.m. at the University of Cincinnati’s Blue Ash Campus. Members of Amberley Village Council attended and submitted their individual oral and written testimony opposing the project.
Prior to this public hearing, the Ohio Power Siting Board staff had issued its Report of Investigation which has recommended the “alternate route” referred to as the “green line” from the proposed route options, rather than the “preferred route” shown as the “orange line” on the map. The alternate route would enter the Village in the area of P&G along the railroad tracks and travel south into Golf Manor. This is not a final decision. The next step in the process is an adjudicatory hearing for intervening parties which will be held July 12, however, that date could be moved if a motion to continue succeeds which has been filed.
4/3/17 – Village Filed Notice of Intervention
On March 30, 2017, the Ohio Power Siting Board certified Duke’s project application as complete and Village Solicitor Kevin Frank has since filed for the Village to be a party of record on behalf of residents and businesses that may be affected if the alternate green route is chosen by the Ohio Power Siting Board.
3/13/17 – Village Council Meeting: Intervention Process
At its regular meeting on March 13, 2017, Village Council confirmed its intention to participate in the intervention process as an opposed party to the pipeline project, including the alternate “green” route proposed that runs along the Village’s southwest border. Watch video of council meeting.
01/26/17 – Open House Information Session
WHEN: Thursday, January 26,2017
WHERE: Crown Plaza Blue Ash
Duke Energy is hosting an informational meeting regarding the Central Corridor Pipeline Extension project. An open house will be held from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. There will be formal presentations at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. Click here for more information.
9/19/16 – Map Routes Modified & Pressure Changed
Duke Energy filed its application for the proposed pipeline project with the Ohio Power Siting Board on September 13 with modified map routes, dropping the proposed route that would have run through the heart of Amberley Village. The route selected in the submittal is referred to as the “orange route” as shown on this map. An alternative route referred to as the “green route” would affect the Village’s southwest border. Another aspect of the submittal included a change in the pipeline pressure which has been reduced from 600 psi to 400 psi. Village officials will continue to monitor developments on this project.
9/12/16 – Council Action to Intervene
Village Council authorized, at its September 12 regular meeting, the Village Manager to intervene in the Duke Pipeline Central Corridor Project. This allows the Village to participate as a party of record in the Ohio Power Siting Board’s processing of the proposed pipeline.
Background Information
Amberley Village residents who may be impacted received a letter from Duke Energy in March 2016 introducing the proposed natural gas pipeline project from the Mason area to the Norwood area. The Central Corridor Gas Pipeline Extension Project has three proposed locations, one of which is Amberley Village.
Duke Energy held three public meetings (March 22 and 23, 2016 and June 15, 2016) for the general public to attend to learn more about the proposed pipeline placement and the process for selecting the final location. The Ohio Power Siting Board will make the decision on which of the three locations will be selected for the pipeline project.
Amberley Village Council, at its June 14, 2016 meeting, passed Resolution 2016-24 opposing the project. The resolution presents Council’s primary objections to this project which include the environmental impact including the removal of many mature trees, the potential impact to emergency services in the Village because one of the proposed routes is along Ridge and the potential safety implications of this project. Council urged Duke and the Ohio Power Siting Board to consider more rural routes for this project.
Letters to the Ohio Public Siting Board expressing opposition to this project have also been submitted by individual Council members and Mayor Muething.
Resources
To learn more about this project are available online:
Duke Energy’s website for this project: https://www.duke-energy.com/home/natural-gas/central-corridor-pipeline-ext
Map of proposed locations
Residents wishing to express support, opposition or file a public comment can do so with The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio at http://dis.puc.state.oh.us/CaseRecord.aspx?Caseno=16-0253&link=COM. To contact Duke Energy directly, call (513) 287-2130 or email CentCorridorPipeline@duke-energy.com.
Residents interested in participating in a grass roots effort opposing the pipeline, a group referred to as NOPE! (Neighbors Opposing Pipeline Expansion) can visit https://nopecincy.org/ to connect and join.
To track the progress of this project through the Ohio Power Siting Board’s website, go to www.opsb.ohio.gov where you view the potential route map, review the Ohio Power Siting Board’s process flowchart and the guide for public participation. Click the case number below to view the state’s case documents, public comments, etc.
Ohio Power Siting Board Case Number: 16-0253-GA-BTX
Project: Central Corridor Extension Gas Pipeline
Company: Duke Energy Ohio
Location: Hamilton County
You can stay informed by signing up on the state’s website to receive case updates.