http://www.cantonrep.com/news/20160801/final-environmental-study-filed-on-rover-pipeline
By Shane Hoover
Repository staff writer
Posted Aug. 1, 2016 at 12:18 PM
CANTON The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has filed its final study of the environmental impact of a proposed local natural gas pipeline.
Building and operating the Rover Pipeline would harm the environment, but the impact would be reduced to acceptable levels if the project follows applicable laws and regulations and FERC staff recommendations, according to the 481-page main report.
The report, with a raft of public comments, now goes to the four commissioners for a final decision on whether to approve the project.
There is no deadline for the commission to issue a decision, said FERC spokeswoman Tamara Young-Allen.
Texas-based Energy Transfer wants to build dual 42-inch-diameter pipelines across southern Stark County, and parts of Tuscarawas and Carroll counties as part of the project.
Rover would ship 3.25 billion cubic feet of natural gas a day from the Utica and Marcellus shales to markets in the Great Lakes, Midwest, Gulf Coast and Canada.
Energy Transfer is aiming for FERC approval in the fourth quarter of this year. Rover would be completed and fully operational by November 2017, according to information on the company website.
The FERC staff report asks commissioners to require 49 specific safeguards if they approve Rover and two related projects.
The safeguards are similar to those contained in a draft report released in February. They address noise and dust control, Rover’s use of eminent domain, tree clearing, protection of rare wildlife and wetlands, and impacts to homeowners and farmers along the route.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio EPA and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection helped prepare the report.
FERC has mailed copies of the report to the commissioners and clerks of court for Stark, Tuscarawas and Carroll counties, as well as officials in Massillon, Brewster, Beach City, Dover, Uhrichsville and Orrville.
The Stark County District Library and the Carroll County District Library are also on the mailing list.
Reach Shane at 330-580-8338 or shane.hoover@cantonrep.com