The Village of Golf Manor has applied to the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) for official “intervener” status so we can speak at the OPSB’s public hearing with reference to the Duke Energy Pipeline Project. The public must submit their comments about the new Duke pipeline in advance of the hearing, which could be scheduled in May or June.

File positive or negative comments or questions by sending emails to <contactopsb@puco.ohio.gov>. Be sure to mention “OPSB case reference # 16-0253-GA-BTX.” Relate your comments to OPSB’s approval criteria which are about need first and safety second. Submit each topic in a separate email.

Here’s a sample letter:

I [live, work} at [address] which is located in the the Village of Golf Manor. The proposed alternate pipeline route is to be situated within Golf Manor. The proposed alternate route passes through and is adjacent to the remaining commercial corridor within Golf Manor, which is the foundation for the economic survival of the Village. Additionally, as a compact community of less than one square mile, the project’s location is too closely aligned with the only recreational facilities within the Village and sits at the perimeter of the residential area.

Running a massive natural gas line through a busy neighborhood is dangerous, and disregards best practice in other cities where utility companies route new pipelines through lightly populated areas.

Duke has not justified the need for the new pipeline. When the current natural gas demand is flat, I question why this expanded pipeline is needed, particularly in a densely populated area> Duke Energy should be pursuing safer and renewable sources of energy which are growing in demand and declining in cost. Duke has not announced its master plan to show us where the gas is coming from or going to beyond Cincinnati, since the new pipeline obviously will transport far more gas than the region needs. Duke has not demonstrated how removal of trees and vegetation will or will not impact our climate, and also will or will not cost citizens in lost property values.

We need natural gas but we need it transmitted safely. Duke’s proposal does not make sense economically or safety-wise.

[your name and address]