By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com

Preparation work for the Rover Pipeline is expected to begin soon in Crawford County.

The Crawford County Commissioners met with Susan King, a spokesperson for Rover Pipeline LLC, Thursday afternoon to hear an update on the project.

The pipeline, which will pass through the northeast corner of the county, will feature two parallel 42-inch lines, a compressor station near Albaugh and Ross roads, and self-actuating and isolating main line valves. The pipeline will enter eastern Crawford County just south of Ohio 39, pass south of New Washington between Orr and Marsh roads, and will exit into Seneca County at Ohio 19 and Crawford-Seneca Line Road.

Rover Pipeline LLC has been working with county and township officials to determine which roads the project can use. When the project comes into the county, the crews will primarily use state highways, especially when the pipes will be installed.

Rover worked with county engineer Mark Baker to obtain a bond for any potential road damage that would occur while work is being done for the pipeline. Plans are also in place to fix issues as they occur.

The approved roads for the Rover Pipeline are as follows:

• State routes (primary use): Ohio 19, 100, 4, 98, 103, 602, 39, and 598
• County roads: Crawford-Seneca Line Road, New Washington Road, Chatfield Center Road, Connely Road, Johnston Road, Cook Road, Stevens Road, and Baker Road
• Township roads: Kennedy Road, Ross Road, Albaugh Road, Brillhart Road, Carey Road, Orr Road, Schwemly Road, Clady Road, Swabb Road, March Road, New Haven Road, and Dickson Road

Rover Pipeline received a notice to fell trees on parcels where the project has been granted the landowner’s permission. Though the trees cannot be moved yet, the project will cut down the trees with chainsaws. The targeted trees are already staked in order to avoid cutting unapproved areas.

A notice to proceed on the full project is expected within the next few days, King said. Once that is received, the downed trees can be moved.

Area residents can expect crews to possibly start work on the larger horizontal directional drills and the compressor station. Work on the pipeline itself is expected to begin later in the spring.

The temporary workforce on the project is expected to peak at 14,000 for this construction season.

More information about Rover Pipeline LLC can be found at http://www.energytransfer.com/ops_etrover.aspx and at http://www.roverpipelinefacts.com.

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