Groups oppose natural gas pipeline that would pass through midstate

(Reading) -- Community groups are mounting opposition to a 120-mile natural gas pipeline project that would take the fuel through part of the midstate.

The proposed Commonwealth Pipeline would carry natural gas from a deposit in the Marcellus Shale in Lycoming County.

It would travel through Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Schuylkill and Berks counties on its way to Chester County.

Missouri-based Commonwealth Pipeline hasn't released details on the project since December.

Municipal leaders and residents say they are frustrated and several have passed resolutions opposing the project, which requires a permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

In Union Township, Berks County, supervisors say they're trying to work with Commonwealth Pipeline to find a route that would not affect as many environmentally sensitive areas.

The company says it hopes to have the pipeline in service by 2015.

Find a guideline to pipelines in Pennsylvania at StateImpact Pennsylvania.