The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gave final authorization on Wednesday to begin construction of the Nexus gas pipeline through northern Ohio. Communities along the way have tried to stop or re-route the pipeline and lawsuits are still pending.
The 36-inch underground pipe would carry natural gas from wells in eastern Ohio into Michigan and Ontario. Citizens and communities have argued it will harm development, or the environment or it is an illegal taking of property by the partnership of Detroit-based DTE and the Canadian company Enbridge.
City of Green in Summit County has gone to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals to challenge an Ohio EPA approval of the pipeline.
“It’s taking on the this water quality which is a significant issue because it is going through some sensitive wetlands in our community, and protected areas,” says city spokesman Valerie Wolford. “And we feel that we have a really strong case and believe we can succeed. So that’s been our focus.”
Wolford adds that some of the eight-mile route through Green runs through land that is ripe for development.
“And that will hamper any further development in that area. It’s also going through parklands and close to park land. And with that we’re concerned about safety for those who work and play in our community.”
Green proposed three alternate routes but were turned down.
A statement from Nexus says it made 239 changes to the pipeline route for engineering changes but also at landowner request or to avoid sensitive areas.
“The NEXUS Gas Transmission project has undergone a rigorous environmental review and has been publicly evaluated for more than three years.”
Construction of the 255 mile line is expected to begin this fall and be ready for transmission next fall.