Focused on Safety, Reliability and Supply

Focused on Safety, Reliability, And Supply

BY DAN MCVEY, NATURAL GAS PIPELINE REPLACEMENT

The Energy Cooperative provides natural gas service to more than 35,000 residential and commercial members within a seven-county area. This service is provided through a network of 150 miles of transmission pipeline; three underground gas storage fields; and nearly 1,000 miles of distribution pipeline.

We are committed to providing our members with safe and reliable service. Our natural gas pipeline replacement efforts address aged or inadequate infrastructure. Part of this commitment includes a recent project near the Heath-Newark Licking County Port Authority to upgrade and relocate a bare steel pipeline that was installed in 1965 (53 years ago). We removed approximately 5,700-feet of 8-inch and 10-inch bare steel pipe. We then relocated the pipeline and replaced it with a single 10-inch coated steel that is cathodically protected to prevent corrosion. The pipeline was relocated because its location inhibited potential development of property owned by the Port Authority and the corresponding industrial park. The pipeline’s new location on the western edge of James Parkway allows for improved industrial development within the park. Dan McVey

The project was completed in two phases over a period of one year, and required regulatory approval from the Ohio Power Siting Board.

Focused on Safety, Reliability, And Supply

VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER – GAS OPERATIONS NATURAL GAS PIPELINE REPLACEMENT

While most of the installation was done using conventional methods, completing the project involved a challenging 750 foot horizontal bore for the installation beneath Ramp Creek (pictured above).

The new section of pipeline is designed for a Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (“MAOP”) of 275 pounds per square inch (psig) and was pressure tested in place to ensure integrity. This increased operating pressure allows us to deliver greater volumes of natural gas to the Licking County area when demand is high.

The Energy Cooperative worked closely with the Port Authority to determine the pipeline’s new location and maintain service to existing consumers while work was underway. The success of this project is the result of thoughtful planning by our legal and engineering personnel as well as skillful work by everyone on the job site. The new pipeline is now flowing natural gas to our members, and is safely increasing our reliability, and supply.

In accordance with Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations 49 CFR, Part 192.16, The Energy Cooperative (TEC) is required to inform members that the member shall be responsible for their gas service lines. Here’s what you need to know: The member is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all gas piping from the gas meter to all gas appliances. • The member is responsible for the repair/replacement of the gas service line located on the member’s property from the buried curb valve to the inlet of the gas meter. Buried gas piping that is not maintained may be subject to the potential hazards of corrosion and leakage. • For your safety, all buried pipe should be periodically inspected for leaks. If the buried piping is metallic, it should also be periodically inspected for corrosion. If an unsafe condition is found, the gas piping will need to be promptly repaired. • When digging near buried gas piping, the piping should be located in advance and the excavation done by hand. As a reminder, any time a member is excavating, Ohio 811 should be called by simply dialing 811 or 1-800-362-2764 at least 48 hours prior to digging. Ohio 811 will notify various utility companies to locate utilities lines in the area. • Plumbing and heating contractors can assist in locating, inspecting, and repairing the member’s buried piping. The Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that a DOT-qualified plumbing contractor must be used to repair or replace a member’s buried piping upstream of the meter, including the gas riser attached to the meter set. While this is not required for piping downstream of the meter, TEC strongly recommends a DOT-qualified plumber be used for all buried gas piping. For further information, please call our Member Service Department at (800) 255-6815.