On Dec. 10, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will host an environmental review open house at the Holiday Inn, 5353 Gateway Center, Flint regarding the ET Rover pipeline project.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide the public an opportunity to learn more about the commission’s environmental review process and to verbally comment on the ET Rover project. At 5 p.m. representatives of ET Rover will be present to answer questions. The meeting will start at 6 p.m.
The proposed ET Rover plan is to install an 800-mile natural gas pipeline from the Marcellus and Utica shale areas in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio, north through Michigan and ending in Canada. The pipeline, which ranges in size from 36 to 42 inches in diameter and would transport up to 3.25 million cubic feet of natural gas, was originally slated to follow the Enbridge Line 6B oil pipeline closely through both Groveland and Brandon townships, but plans were announced in August to shift the route north. The route change came after much controversy in Brandon and Groveland, where residents protested, and both township boards passed resolutions opposing the pipeline and the proposed route, citing safety and environmental concerns. In September Hadley and Atlas township boards also unanimously passed resolutions opposing the proposed Rover pipeline.
‘It’s important for everyone that’s involved to be heard by the FERC,? said Shirley Kautman-Jones, Atlas Township supervisor. ‘Part of the process for the (ET Rover) application is hosting these meetings’comments will be received through Dec.18 (by FERC).?
According to FERC, ET Rover would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement for the land use. However, if the commission approves the project, that approval conveys with it the right of eminent domain. Therefore, if easement negotiations fail to produce an agreement, a condemnation proceeding could be initiated where compensation would be determined in accordance with state law, according to a statement by FERC.
‘Residents in the impacted communities really need to pay attention,? Jones added. ‘It’s a chance to express your concerns and this is the format that comments are received by FERC. Landowners can do a lot of things, but this is where it counts. At any point in the Rover pipeline process it could shift on your property.?
This preliminary list of issues may change based on comments received and the ongoing environmental analysis, reported FERC.
The current issues recorded by FERC include: purpose and need for the project; impacts of clearing forested areas and other vegetation; impacts on water resources including sensitive springs, groundwater and wetlands; impacts on land use including agricultural lands and associated drainage systems; the use of eminent domain to obtain project easements; impacts on property values and recreational resources; impacts from construction noise; pipeline integrity and public safety; alternatives and cumulative impacts.
‘Keep in mind it’s not final until the application is final,? added Jones. ‘Even if your property is not involved with the pipeline now it could be in the future.?
A transcript of each meeting will be added to the commission’s administrative record to ensure that comments are accurately recorded.