News
Columbia Gas Will Hold Meeting To Discuss Logan Gaslines Improvements
By: Debra Tobin | Logan Daily News
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A public meeting will be held to discuss Columbia Gas of Ohio's $2.6 million investment to improve the gas pipeline system within the city.
Logan City Mayor Martin Irvine made the announcement during Tuesday's Logan City Council meeting.
Irvine stated work would be done on Second, Main, Spring, High, Market, Weis and Front streets. It also will encompass Gallagher, Lincoln, Motherwell, Barton, Henrietta, Friesner, Hocking and Weldy avenues; as well as Miller Place.
According to Shane Cartmill, external affairs specialist for Columbia Gas, the company constantly studies the gas pipeline system to be sure it meets the service expectations in neighborhoods both old and new.
As part of an ongoing commitment to ensure the safest, most reliable delivery of natural gas to all valued customers, Columbia Gas will be replacing portions of pipeline systems in communities across Ohio, including Logan.
The pipelines that bring natural gas into local homes and businesses are often steel pipe, according to Cartmill.
Just like other important parts of the infrastructure in the community, such as highways and bridges, age and condition can impact their safety and reliability. While the current system has performed well, it is now time to replace the pipelines, usually with much longer lasting, specially designed, plastic pipe.
"Some of those pipes could be as old as 40 to 60 years," Cartmill stated. "It's important to maintain and replace the pipes as needed."
Residents and businesses will receive information during construction regarding any work to be done at that particular address.
To provide the service of the new pipeline system, Columbia Gas will conduct the following work:
• Replace the main line – this pipe usually runs underneath streets or alleys.
• Replace service line – this pipe runs from the main line to the meter that serves homes and businesses.
• Relocate any gas meters to the outside of the home or business.
Although a project of this magnitude may cause some inconveniences, Cartmill told The Logan Daily News they would be very mindful of community events such as the Washboard Music Festival.
The project is expected to begin in late spring. Notification will be given before work directly impacts the various areas, and a representative from the company will be available on site to provide customers with updates throughout the construction process.
The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of 2014. There will be more than 18,000 feet of pipeline replaced, with approximately 390 customers benefiting from the investment.
The cost of building, maintaining and replacing the pipeline system is shared by all customers and is part of the monthly bill paid. However, customers won't pay specifically for the improvement to their neighborhoods.
Because all natural gas pipelines are buried, some digging will be necessary. Columbia Gas will restore any landscaping or disruptions to property that occur as a result of the work.
The public meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 24 at the Scenic Hills Senior Center, 187 S. Spring St.
For more information on the project, plan on attending the public meeting where customers will learn about the construction process and have the opportunity to talk to the engineer and person overseeing the project.