Gas pipeline plan includes path in Lenawee County

On Monday, The Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (FERC) held a meeting at the Adrian High School Auditorium for its environmental impact study where it heard comments of concerns and support for the proposed natural gas pipeline, the ET Rover Pipeline, which is set to run through Lenawee County.Supporters for the pipeline included many labor union representatives while opponents were homeowners and those concerned with the environmental impacts of such a project. “Many who will profit don’t even live here, while this may negatively impact local residents’ property values, and be a possible threat to our water, land and air quality,” said Pam Taylor of Onsted. “The outlook is bright, and we’re glad to be part of the project,” Ray Kasmark of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers said. According to information provided at the meeting, the pipeline is said to be an approximate $4.3 billion investment while creating 10,000 temporary construction jobs across the project’s route, which runs through West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan to Canada. It’s estimated that 3,000-4,000 of those jobs would be in Michigan. Once construction is complete, it is expected that there will be 30-40 new, permanent jobs. The information continued, adding that an estimated $153 million in tax revenue would be paid to the involved states with Lenawee County receiving an estimated $2,135,423 in ad valorem tax revenue and the state $19.4 million.It’s estimated that more than $100 million will be paid directly to landowners for property easements during construction. The pipeline, which would run approximately 800 miles, 80 percent of which would run under agricultural land, would transport 3.25 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day through 36-inch to 42-inch diameter pipe. The 42-inch size pipe would be running through Lenawee County. According to Energy Transfer, the pipeline would meet or exceed all state and federal safety requirements and will be tested by water under higher-than-normal pressure. Installed would be automated valves to shut off the flow of gas in the case of an emergency. The meeting held Monday was one of 10 scheduled throughout Michigan and Ohio in counties that would be impacted by the pipeline for comments to be taken by FERC before they complete their environmental impact study. Comments can be made at FERC’s website at www.ferc.gov until December 18. Comments can also be mailed to Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First St. NE, Room 1A, Washington, D.C. 20426.