NIPSCO will condition a new gas pipeline near Burns Harbor, Ind. Residents may notice natural gas odor, flare and a distinguishable audible noise.

Starting Monday, September 18, NIPSCO and contracted crews from NPL, will be performing routine pipeline conditioning on a new natural gas transmission pipeline west of 6451 U.S. Highway 12 in Portage, Indiana. The project work is scheduled to last for two weeks, weather permitting.

This process is a critical component of new natural gas pipeline commissioning, and the procedure is necessary to eliminate oxygen and water vapor that could be retained within a newly laid pipeline network.

Residents and businesses within a one-mile radius area may observe a distinguishable audible noise, a visible 30' flare stack, and may experience natural gas odors in the air as a result of this routine procedure. The conditioning work will be performed intermittently, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The area is safe. The temporary flare is a controlled burning of natural gas and is common in the natural gas industry during conditioning activities. NIPSCO employees and contractors will constantly be monitoring our pipeline and the temporary flare throughout the duration of this conditioning process. Customers are not expected to experience any interruptions to their existing natural gas service.

The pipeline conditioning process is performed to ensure the long-term integrity, reliability, and safety of the natural gas system in the area. NIPSCO thanks the community for their patience during this important project work.