FERC Opens Comments on Columbia Gas Pipeline Upgrade Project
Published Date: 1/8/2026
Notice
Summary
Columbia Gas wants to upgrade its NKY Gate facilities in parts of Kentucky and Ohio, and the government is asking the public to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment. If you live nearby or care about nature, now’s the time to speak up before February 4, 2026. This project could change local gas operations and might involve some construction costs, so your input helps shape the final decision!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Landowners May Be Asked for Easements
If you own land near the proposed project in Mason, Nicholas, Bracken, Pendleton, or Campbell Counties, Kentucky, or Hamilton County, Ohio, Columbia Gas may contact you to negotiate an easement to construct, operate, and maintain new pipeline facilities. You are not required to agree, but if FERC approves the project the company could initiate condemnation (eminent domain) proceedings and any compensation would be determined by a judge under state law.
Construction Will Disturb and Permanently Use Land
Building and abandoning the proposed facilities would disturb about 565.68 acres of land and Columbia would permanently maintain about 125.67 acres for operation of the new facilities; the rest would be restored and allowed to revert to former uses. Some portions of new lines would parallel existing rights-of-way (57% of Line AM36 and 100% of Line EM-7).
Old Pipelines Abandoned; New Pipelines Built
Columbia proposes to abandon about 48.54 miles of existing pipeline and construct and operate two new mains and three connecting pipelines totaling about 30.16 miles, plus four new meter/regulator stations, six pig launcher/receiver facilities, and five mainline valves. The work includes specific new segments such as a 24.62-mile 36-inch Line AM36 and a 5.02-mile 30-inch Line EM-7.
FERC Will Study Specific Environmental Issues
FERC staff will evaluate how the project could affect geology and soils, water and wetlands, wildlife and vegetation, threatened species, cultural resources, socioeconomics, land use (including nearby residences and recreation), air quality, noise, and reliability and safety. Staff has already identified issues to study such as residential construction impacts, traffic, socioeconomics, public safety, and pipeline route alternatives.
Public Comment Window and How to Comment
You can submit written comments about the project's environmental effects by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 4, 2026. FERC accepts comments via the eComment feature, eFiling (docket CP26-19-000), or by mail to the Commission (instructions in the notice).
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