NEXUS gas pipeline nets approval

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has given the go-ahead for construction of the controversial $2 billion, 257-mile NEXUS Gas Transmission pipeline project that will go through northwest Ohio.

The $2 billion project is designed to carry 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day from the Utica and Marcellus shale fields in Appalachia across northern Ohio and into Michigan and Ontario, Canada was given certificates of approval Friday.

In this file photo, Andrew Kear, an associate professor with Bowling Green State University, center, calls on Nexus Gas Transmission (NEXUS) to reroute their proposed new pipeline at Farnsworth Metropark near Whitehouse.

Detroit-based DTE Energy and Spectra Energy, which merged this year with Enbridge, a Canadian company, are partners in the construction of the transmission pipeline.

The project is opposed by groups throughout the state, including in Wood and Lucas counties.

Toledo Attorney Terry Lodge represents several northwest Ohio landowners and groups opposed to the NEXUS project, including United Communities for Protecting our Water and Elevating Power and Common Sense Energy Coalition of Fulton County,

"It is bad news. It is utterly expected. But the fight is not over," he said.

Of concern to Bowling Green and the Waterville area is how the 36-inch pipeline's construction could impact the area during construction and when natural gas is pumped through.

Opponents have expressed concerns about how close the pipeline will be to Bowling Green's water treatment plant in Middleton Township, its water intake in the Maumee River, a quarry, and the Bowling Green Fault.

Also of concern locally is the proposal to build compressor station in Waterville Township along Moosman Drive, south of Neapolis Waterville Road.

Bowling Green Mayor Richard Edwards said he plans to meet with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to address concerns with plans that put pipeline's construction within 700 feet of the city's water treatment facility.

"We want to build a strong case that in the event if something were to go wrong, we want to make sure they are adhering to the strictest standards. I am going to keep registering our concerns and building our case," he said.

DTE Energy estimated last month it would take seven to 10 months to build the pipeline once FERC approved the project.

In a news release Friday, NEXUS said it would give an updated 2018 in-service date after reviewing its construction plans and FERC’s decision.

“We are very pleased to reach this significant milestone and move one step closer to construction of the pipeline, which will diversify the region’s energy sources and generate significant economic benefits for local communities,” the news release said.

NEXUS must meet several conditions before it can start building the pipeline, including FERC approval of its construction plan.

One of FERC’s concerns is how NEXUS will drill a path for the pipeline beneath obstacles like rivers, lakes and highways.