$2 billion NEXUS pipeline project through Mahoning Valley gets federal approval

Staff and wire report

CLEVELAND

A federal agency has approved the construction of a high-pressure natural gas pipeline that will pass through Columbiana County.

The pipeline has drawn intense opposition from some Ohio residents concerned about safety and property rights.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in Washington on Friday granted a partnership between Calgary, Alberta-based Enbridge and Detroit-based DTE Energy a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the project.

The $2 billion NEXUS Gas Transmission pipeline is designed to carry gas from shale fields in Appalachia across northern Ohio and into Michigan and Ontario, Canada.

The 255-mile-long pipeline will be capable of carrying 1.5 billion cubic (42.5 million cubic meters) feet of gas per day.

A NEXUS official says the approval is a “testament” to the company’s “strong history of consultation.”

An opposition leader says the fight isn’t over.

The path of the planned pipeline would travel through Hanover, West and Knox Townships in Columbiana County, according to 21 WFMJ-TV, The Vindicator’s broadcast partner.