A change in the 30 mile gas pipeline installation project in Anderson and Franklin Counties would mean that the old pipe would be left in the ground instead of removed. We reported last week that Southern Star had applied to amend it’s local installation project and leave the old pipe in the ground. According to the Company, the move is to avoid more environmental damage and avoid possible damage to the new pipeline it just installed.
Southern Star has not said how it would affect them financially or the savings the change would create for them. According to the Anderson County Review, a spokesperson for Southern Star, says abandoning old lines in place is a common practice in the industry. He says many contractors would still remain until all work is complete.
If the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approves the change, work still would need to be done, including areas of old pipe cut into sections, capped and filled with grout in places like water crossings and highways. The 2021 projects are estimated to cost over $31 million dollars.
