Permit Issued for Gas Pipeline Construction on University Campus

Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania’s application for a building permit for the installation of a gas pipeline was approved by the State College Borough Council, according to a press release issued by the State College Borough Council.

The application was submitted Aug. 8 and meets all zoning regulations for the University Planned Zoning District. A permit was required and issued for the proposed route that will be placed within an area located near the intersection of Park Avenue and Shortlidge Road on Penn State property.

The pipeline is needed to convert Penn State’s power plant from coal to natural gas.

Originally, Columbia Gas wanted to build the gas pipeline under several borough streets, including Bellaire Avenue, University Drive, Prospect Avenue and Burrowes Street. Some in the State College community fought against the pipeline being placed under their homes. Council members passed a resolution in April instructing State College Borough Manager Thomas Fountaine not to approve the permit.

Penn State asked Columbia Gas to consider alternate routes which would keep the pipeline on campus. Columbia Gas eventually sued the council for now giving them the permit.

Council President Don Hahn said in the release the council is pleased with Penn State’s commitment to develop an alternate route.

“The university has listened to the community in developing an alternative alignment. The alternative alignment reflects a major additional cost to the university, and the Borough appreciates the willingness of Penn State to respond to the community,” Hahn said in the release.