Portion of Natural-Gas Pipeline could run through Milan Township
■ The proposed pipeline would connect the Texas Eastern Transmission system to DTE Energy gas lines near Detroit.
BY ALEX ALUSHEFF
alex@monroenews.com
Part of a 250- mile long pipeline could stretch through the northwest corner of Milan Township as part of the Nexus Gas Transmission Project.
The natural- gas pipeline will span from eastern Ohio through southeastern Michigan, connecting the Texas Eastern Transmission system to DTE Energy gas lines near Detroit. DTE and Spectra Energy are the project’s lead developers.
NGT will be hosting open houses in the area for landowners who live within 600 feet from the proposed route to gauge where the pipeline should be located.
The nearest open house for Milan Township residents is at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Lincoln High School cafeteria, 7425 Willis Rd., Ypsilanti.
Open houses will educate attendees on the purpose of the pipeline as well as address any concerns they may have, said Arthur Diestel, NGT spokesman.
“ What’s exciting is that the pipeline will be a backbone to Ohio and Michigan for growth in manufacturing,” Mr. Diestel said. “ The opportunities are limitless.”
Once the pipeline is laid, industrial parks will have the opportunity to hook up the gas line for “a clean and cheap supply,” he said.
The gas line will be underground and travel along most existing utility routes. The proposed route runs along the Norfolk Southern Railroad line that cuts through the northwest corner of the township.
NGT is conducting the open houses as part of research before it files an official application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission at the end of the year, Mr. Diestel said.
Construction could begin in 2017 and be operating by the end of that year. Once complete, the NGT pipeline would be able to supply the Chicago Hub and Dawn Hub in Canada.
NGT also will be conducting environmental studies and cultural studies, the latter of which will test to see if there are historical landmarks that the proposed pipeline would run through.
“ We want to get out in the community and listen to what they have to say,” Mr. Diestel said.
For more information on the Nexus Gas Transmission Project, visit www.nexusgastransmission. com or call (844) 539-3655.
