Sunoco pipeline replacement to continue under Mill Creek MetroParks

BOARDMAN

A replacement project for two pipelines that run under parts of Mill Creek MetroParks will continue as Sunoco Pipeline L.P. begins work on sections of pipe in Hitchcock Woods.

Sunoco is replacing pipeline from Mogadore to Vanport, Pa., as part of the Allegheny Access, a project to deliver refined products from the Midwest to eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Two pipelines run through the southern parts of the MetroParks Farm/Bikeway and Hitchcock Woods preserve.

Although Sunoco has existing easement agreements with the park system that date back to 1967, and before that an agreement with Mahoning County that dates back to 1930, the replacement project required the company to obtain two new easement agreements for a new section of easement in the Hitchcock Woods property.

The park board voted to approve those two new agreements at meetings in December and January, with the understanding that Sunoco will compensate the park system for various aspects of the project.

“The MetroParks has been very proactive in working with them in making sure that even though there are impacts to the environment and our facilities, we’re making sure that it will be restored in the fashion and manner that we feel is appropriate, and we are being compensated for the impacts to our facilities,” said Justin Rogers, park planning manager.

Read more about the project and plans in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.