BLUE ASH, Ohio (WKRC) - Duke Energy hosted its fourth open house Thursday, January 26, in Blue Ash to address concerns about a proposed natural gas pipeline.
The utility made changes to its Central Corridor Gas Pipeline Extension project and the Ohio Siting Board required another meeting before the company re-submits its application.
Hundreds of people packed the Crowne Plaza eager to talk with Duke employees about the proposal. The utility company submitted its plans to the state in the fall but has since made some adjustments, in part based on customer feedback. The changes diverted it away from some parks and a country club, but they weren't enough to convince neighbors worried about the consequences of a pipeline near their homes.
"We want to see this route put out either east or west of I-275, somewhere in a rural area, not through the densely populated central corridor of Hamilton County," says Ron Friedman of NOPE (Neighbors Opposing Pipeline Extension).
A representative with Duke Energy says that's not feasible.
"The gas users are in the city. So, it ultimately has to get here to the city. Even if it were to be routed out around Clermont County you're still going to have a pipeline through the center of Hamilton County to be able to get it there," says Sally Thelen, Duke Energy spokeswoman.
After Thursday night's meeting, Duke's application will go back to the Ohio Siting Board for additional consideration.
