Overview

The project is the next phase in upgrading Columbia Gas of Ohio’s natural gas distribution system in the Columbus area, and is a critical part of Columbia’s long-term plans for maintaining safe, reliable natural gas service to Columbia’s customers throughout Franklin County. 

The Ackerman Road Project will be constructed from the company’s existing 20-inch natural gas pipeline located on Ackerman Road between Fred Taylor Drive and Defiance Drive to the project’s completion on West Tulane Road near the intersection of High Street and East Weber Road. The facility provides natural gas service to the residents of Clintonville as well as the commercial establishments on High Street and Olentangy River Road.

Pipeline Facts

  • Length: Approximately 1.5 miles
  • Diameter: 20 inch
  • Material: Welded steel pipeline with epoxy coating
  • Depth: 3-4 feet of soil cover
  • Construction: Open excavation and horizontal drilling methods

Route Selection

As approved by the Ohio Power Siting Board, Columbia will build the new natural gas distribution line on a route  that stretches east along Ackerman Road, travels north along Olentangy River Road, crosses the Olentangy River and Clinton-Como Park to the east, travels east along Weber Road, south along Sunset Drive, west along Tulane Road.

Safety

State-of-the-art construction methods, pipe corrosion protection, welding techniques and other safety features will be utilized for the Ackerman Road Project. For example, the outside of the pipe is coated with an epoxy film that prevents corrosion.  Before each pipe section is installed it will be carefully inspected in the field. All welded joints will be inspected to make sure they meet strict industry standards. Additional corrosion control measures will be used during construction. The new pipeline will be pressure tested to ensure the integrity of the pipe.

When the pipeline has passed all the necessary safety checks, it will be ready to deliver natural gas. Once in operation, the pipeline will be inspected regularly.

Construction

The pipeline will be constructed in several phases. First, the pipeline route will be marked with survey stakes. Next, pipeline installation site preparation will occur. Excavators will then begin digging a trench where the pipeline will be installed. When a portion of the trench has been dug, sections of  pipe will be welded together. The segments of welded pipe will be placed in the trench and the pipe coating will be checked for any voids that may have been created during construction.

After this safety check, the trench will be filled in with clean backfill material. Once all pipe has been installed, it will be pressure tested as a final safety check prior to placing the line in service.

Acquiring Easements

Easements are legal agreements that give Columbia Gas of Ohio the right to use specific portions of land for certain purposes. Easement fees are negotiated between Columbia Gas of Ohio and property owners at fair market rates, depending on the size and location of the easement. When terms of the agreement are reached, a legal document is drawn up and signed by both parties. 

The property owner will maintain ownership of the property, subject to the rights granted to Columbia Gas of Ohio.

A Columbia Gas of Ohio representative will contact property owners where easements are needed and work with these owners to resolve any special concerns, such as replacing pavement, grass, trees or other landscape features. The signed legal document will be recorded at the Franklin County Courthouse.  

Property Restoration

Some lawns, sidewalks, landscaping and roadways will be disturbed temporarily during pipeline construction. Any property disturbed by the construction will be restored to its original condition or better. A video of the pipeline route will be taken before any construction begins and will be used to guide restoration. 

After the pipeline has been constructed, owners can use their property as before, with a few exceptions. Driveways, sidewalks and fences may be constructed to cross the easement with prior review and approval of Columbia Gas of Ohio. Permanent structures such as homes, garages and swimming pools are not allowed within the easement because Columbia Gas of Ohio needs to maintain access to this area. Specifics of property restoration will be discussed during easement negotiations.

Schedule

This is an estimated schedule for the pipeline project. The permit application process must be completed before construction can begin. 

Project Schedule:      

April 16, 2012               Construction begins           

November 1, 2012       Construction complete

Summary

Columbia Gas of Ohio is committed to providing customers with safe, reliable natural gas service. The Ackerman Road Project will enhance existing system reliability and meet the needs of our customers for years to come.

Project Information

Project Map

Ackerman Road  Project Hotline (Voicemail):  1-888-414-1237. 

Ackerman Road Project E-mail: Ackerman@Nisource.com

For general information about natural gas, please visit the American Gas Association web site at www.aga.org.

Columbia Gas of Ohio Profile

Columbia Gas of Ohio, headquartered in Columbus, is an investor-owned public utility that provides natural gas delivery services to customers in Ohio. The company serves 1.4 million of Ohio's approximately 3 million natural gas customers. Columbia is the state's largest natural gas utility, serving more than 1,000 communities in 61 of Ohio's 88 counties with a service territory covering approximately 25,400 square miles. The primary Ohio metropolitan areas served include Columbus, Toledo, Parma, Mansfield and Springfield. Columbia Gas of Ohio, with headquarters in Columbus, is a natural gas energy distribution company of  NiSource Inc., an integrated energy company with headquarters in Merrillville, Indiana.