WASHINGTON -- A venture that plans to build a pipeline that stretches from Columbiana County, across Ohio, Michigan and into Canada, has filed papers with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Houston-based Nexus Gas Transmission LLC, a partnership formed by Spectra Energy Partners and DTE Energy, submitted the initial paperwork, known as a pre-filing, Dec. 30. The Nexus pipeline is intended to ship gas from the Utica shale to markets in the Midwest, and Ontario, Canada.

The pipeline will run 250 miles northwest starting in Columbiana County and cross 11 counties before turning north into Michigan, where it will connect with existing pipelines and shipped into Ontario, according to the filing.

The pipe will measure 42 inches in diameter and the system would be capable of moving 1.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day.

Four new compressor stations -- one each located in Columbiana, Medina, Erie and Lucas counties in Ohio -- would also be installed to support the project, the filing said.

Nexus' filing is the first step toward regulatory approval, which is required before work could begin on the project. Construction is expected to start in January 2017 and the company hopes to have all of the regulatory approval in place by Nov. 1, 2017, so the pipeline could begin service.

Some residents affected by the pipeline's route have organized a group, the Coalition to Re-route Nexus, to oppose the pipeline. In December, government leaders in Lake Township and the city of Green sent letters to Spectra requesting that the pipeline be re-routed to less populated areas.

According to the filing, the project stands to affect 3,479 properties, and 2,205 landowners have granted permission for the company to survey their property for a 600-foot wide corridor to make room for the pipeline.

The city of New Franklin in December passed a resolution opposing the pipeline project.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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