On June 29th Duke put the brakes on its Central Corridor Pipeline extension proposal, as it tries to find “the best possible route”.    While they are not filing a formal application with the Ohio Power Siting Board until the end of summer, we fear our concerns still aren’t being heard.

Media reports suggest that Duke is not considering major route changes to less densely-populated areas.  We believe the company will only make minor changes, if any, and is waiting for the furor to die down.  Duke is contacting some municipal leaders in an attempt to smooth some ruffled feathers.  We are not privy to behind the scenes negotiations taking place, if in fact there are any.

It is essential that we continue keep the pressure on Duke and State/Local leaders who are not committed to keeping this pipeline out of densely populated areas.  Unless they choose to employ another delay tactic, Duke must file their formal application by September 15th.

When Duke files their Formal Application, a new phase in the pipeline approval process begins.  During the Formal Application Phase, OPSB continues to accept public feedback on the pipeline.  This feedback is combined with testimony from public hearings, later in the application process.