New gas pipeline to be built to coincide with low-level bridge

Niagara Gas Transmission Limited is seeking approval from the National Energy Board to build a new pipeline crossing the north channel of the St. Lawrence River.

PHOTO CREDIT - Robert Lefebvre/www.icelevel.com

Cornwall - Feb. 6, 2011 - Plans are in the works to build a new underground gas pipeline between Cornwall and Cornwall Island to coincide with the new low-level bridge project.

Niagara Gas Transmission Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Enbridge Inc., is seeking approval from the National Energy Board to build a new pipeline crossing the north channel of the St. Lawrence River.

The existing pipeline is mounted to the north span of the Seaway International Bridge, so it will eventually need to be replaced given the plans to build a new low-level crossing between Cornwall and Cornwall Island. The first phase of the bridge project will begin in May, and the entire project - including demolition of the existing bridge - is expected to be completed by 2016.

In a recent public notice, Niagara Gas announced that it intends to replace the existing 12-inch pipeline with a 12-inch pipeline beneath the riverbed.

According to the notice, roughly 800 linear metres of pipe will be installed using "horizontal directional drilling" methods. The pipe would enter the ground on the Cornwall side of the river and exit the ground on Cornwall Island.

FRANZ Environmental Inc. has been retained to prepare an Environmental Assessment of the proposed pipeline route, and officials from Niagara Gas and FRANZ will be holding a pair of public information sessions regarding the project next week. At the sessions, officials will be on hand to explain the project, construction procedures and environmental protection and mitigation measures, among other things.

The first session will be held on Feb. 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ramada Inn and Conference Centre in Cornwall. The session will be held the following night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Tri-District Elders Centre on Cornwall Island.