Natural gas pipeline project will run through Drumore; ministry for teen girls seeks to expand

When: Drumore Township Board of Supervisors meeting, June 5.

What happened: A natural gas pipeline expansion project will include some activity in the township, Mike Atchie of Williams Companies told the board.

Background: The project, known as the Northeast Supply Enhancement, also includes the construction of a new compressor station in New Jersey and adding capacity at one in Chester County, as well as new pipelines in northern New Jersey and two New York City boroughs. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the project in 2019, but Atchie said Williams paused the project due to a delay in permissions from a neighboring state. The company recently asked the federal government to reinstate the permit, and it hopes to get state approvals soon, Atchie said.

Details: A 10-mile, 42-inch-in-diameter pipeline known as the Quarryville loop will pass through southern Lancaster County, running adjacent to the existing Transco pipeline. About 4.5 miles will be in Drumore Township, Atchie said, with some of the affected landowners already having pipeline through their property.

More: Atchie said he hoped construction will begin during the third quarter of this year and will last about six months. Regarding right of way, Atchie said it requires about 25 additional feet for the loop. Atchie also said the company will build temporary roads to access the right of way. The company is proposing four temporary roads in the township, one connecting to a private road, two at River Road west of Susquehannock Drive and one at Silver Spring Road, according to a map provided by Williams.

Ministry: Robin White, an attorney with Gibbel Kraybill and Hess LLP, told supervisors that she will be seeking a zoning variance on behalf of Meadows of Hope, a ministry for teen girls that wants to expand services at its township location.

Background: The ministry provides therapy and education for up to eight girls, who stay on the property. The girls care for horses on the property as part of the program.

Request: The ministry’s board intends to present zoning officials with plans to build three cottages on the property, which would allow the ministry to provide services for up to 24 girls. Since the property is zoned agricultural, White said that they will be requesting a use variance.

Discussion: Supervisor Gerald Sensenig and Vice Chair Brad Byers said they thought the topography would be challenging for the septic system and access routes since there are wetlands on the property. White said the ministry is working with Strausser Surveying & Engineering to address those issues.

What’s next: Due to the Fourth of July holiday, the next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 1 at 1675 Furniss Road.