Published: January 16, 2009 11:33 pm      

Work done on pipeline

SOMERSET — The long-awaited Quemahoning Pipeline, expected to create jobs and boost development all along its 22-mile length, is complete and ready to deliver drinking water.

All that remains is final approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection. And when that arrives, officials said Friday, the water will begin to flow.

“We are nearing the end of a long road,” county Commissioner Jim Marker said. “And we are embarking on another road into the future of Somerset County.”

The project, which county officials have pursued since 2001, stretches from Quemahoning Reservoir to the Laurel Highlands Business Park site outside Somerset.

Five municipalities have signed on as water customers: Boswell Borough, Conemaugh Township, Lincoln Township, Somerset Borough and Somerset Township.

Marker said the project also has allowed for installation of numerous fire hydrants, which could benefit nearby residents.

“It changes their fire-protection level,” he said. “So everybody should check with their insurance company.”

Marker said local testing of the pipeline is complete.

“We have charged the line and repaired any leaks,” he said.

“We have disinfected it and taken samples along the line.”

Those samples will be tested by a lab. Officials then will submit a report to DEP, which has up to 30 days for review.

“We’re hoping we can speed that up, but we’ll see,” Marker said.

The pipeline was built by Somerset County General Authority at a cost of more than $24 million.