Dominion plans natural gas pipeline replacement this spring

Dominion Energy Transmission Inc. is planning to replace 4.1 miles of natural gas pipeline in Salem, Hempfield and Penn townships starting this spring, the company said.

Dominion recently received a State Water Quality Certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, meaning the project is consistent with state law, state water quality standards and the federal Clean Water Act.

The JP-40 pipeline replacement project proposes to replace three sections of Dominion’s 20-inch diameter pipeline, along with storage well sideline connections, spokeswoman Samantha Norris said.

The purpose of the project is to replace outdated sections of the pipeline, Norris said. Construction between Route 22 near Slickville and Gas Company Lane near Jeannette is expected to start in early spring and finish in the fall.

DEP published notice of the proposed SWQC in July but received no public comments.

“Dominion has received all necessary approvals from DEP to begin construction, and we are finalizing a few remaining local permits,” Norris said.

The DEP certification notes that Dominion intends to dispose of wastewater generated by hydrostatic testing at a wastewater treatment facility. If that changes, Dominion must obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.

The DEP certification also covers such issues as erosion and sediment control, water obstruction and encroachment, waterway and wetland impacts, water quality monitoring and inspections.

The certification notes that Dominion must mitigate any impacts to Beaver Run, Brush Creek and unnamed tributaries.

The project is regulated by DEP and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Inspections for erosion control are handled by the Westmoreland Conservation District.

“They’re not allowed to disrupt a stream or wetland. They have to restore it to its original condition,” said Jim Pillsbury, WCD hydraulic engineer. “They have to have a plan for how to protect streams and wetlands. … They have to follow certain standards.”

Headquartered in Richmond, Va., Dominion Energy has pipelines, compressor stations and underground storage facilities in Western Pennsylvania.