The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is considering a sweeping permit request by Nexus Gas Transmission for a massive proposed natural gas pipeline that runs from the Marcellus shale region of western Pennsylvania and West Virginia to and through Monroe, Lenawee and Washtenaw counties in southeastern Michigan.
The 36-inch pipeline construction proposal would have 31 wetland crossings, 88 stream crossings, and two pond crossings along the 47 miles of pipeline to be constructed in Michigan. The DEQ public notice seeks input on these proposed impacts on waterways and water quality under three environmental laws: Inland Lakes and Streams; Wetlands Protection; and Water Resources Protection.
The DEQ application is related to a request by Nexus before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve the proposed pipeline over its entire length through Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan. Additional opportunities for public input on the FERC application will be coming up soon, however MDEQ must do a complete and thorough job of analyzing this application to assure compliance with the law and protection of the environment. Among considerations MDEQ points out it must consider are: “the effect of the proposed work on the public trust or interest, including navigation, fish, wildlife, and pollution.”