The proposed Energy Transfer Rover pipeline would transport fracked natural gas from Ohio and Western Pennsylvania through Ohio and Michigan to the Midwest and Canada. Last year, Rover applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a license to build this pipeline. Sierra Club is opposing the issuance of this license and will be submitting comments, and encourages concerned members and supporters to do likewise.
This license would allow Rover to use eminent domain to acquire easements on any land they choose in the path of the pipeline. The 42-inch Rover pipeline will require a construction area 150 feet wide through woods, farmlands and wetlands as well as residential areas. Rover basically says they are building this pipeline, not because of market demand, but because fracking companies in Ohio and Pennsylvania are seeking markets for their over-production.
FERC has just issued their draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Michigan Chapter’s review of the draft EIS indicates that FERC did not fully take into consideration the negative impacts on landowners and the environment. Additionally, FERC is ignoring their basic policy of balancing public benefits against potential adverse consequences and avoiding overbuilding.
The public comment meeting with FERC staff to receive verbal comments on the draft EIS will be held on March 23 at the Chelsea High School, 740 N. Freer Rd, Chelsea. Sign-in starts at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting itself starts at 6:00 p.m. There is a time limit of three minutes to present comments. Comments on Rover can also be filed electronically.
Source: Sierra Club