A 5-0 vote to oppose the construction of a natural gas pipeline through New Franklin will be sent to county, state and federal officials in hopes of rerouting the pipeline’s path.

Akron Beacon Journal reports that the city in southern Summit County, Ohio, will have to use additional tax revenue on training and equipment for potential leaks and spills if the pipeline path remains unchanged. However, the Nexus Pipeline is an interstate pipeline, so it’s approval depends upon the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, so the council’s vote won’t make a difference.

If the pipeline’s path doesn’t change, it will threaten New Franklin, the Portage Lakes, water wells, property values and public safety. If it was rerouted to a less populated area, there would be less impacts.

The pipeline is expected to begin transmission in 2017. It is routed to begin in Carroll County to Detroit and onto southern Ontario, Canada.

Via: Akron Beacon Journal > New Franklin opposes natural gas pipeline, wants alternate route