Contact:
Neil Palmer, Neil Palmer & Associates
(262) 821-5088
(414) 640-9351 (mobile)
Cole Buergi, Leonard & Finco Public Relations
(920) 965-7750
(920) 660-6093 (mobile)
Beth Jensen, Guardian Pipeline LLC
(402) 492-3400
(402)871-6037
In February 2006, Guardian Pipeline, L.L.C. (Guardian) announced plans to build a new pipeline to transport natural gas to meet the growing needs of local natural gas distribution utilities serving eastern Wisconsin. The proposed Guardian Pipeline Expansion and Extension Project (G-II) was proposed as consisting of approximately 106 miles of new pipeline connecting the Green Bay area with the existing Guardian Pipeline at Ixonia in Jefferson County.
• In April 2006, Guardian mailed information about the project to landowners and local officials along the initial proposed route and hosted a series of Open House meetings.
• In June 2006, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources hosted a series of scoping meetings to receive input from interested parties to assist in the preparation of an environmental impact statement, and Guardian again hosted Open House meetings.
• Guardian land agents have been contacting landowners to discuss the project and seek permission to conduct civil, environmental and cultural resource surveys, so the pipeline can be routed to avoid or minimize impact on identified sensitive areas. More than 80% of all route landowners have signed survey permission agreements.
• Based on meetings with landowners, resource agencies and local officials Guardian has received more than 60 requests to adjust the route. Most of the route variation requests received have been evaluated and analyzed and Guardian will continue to review requests as they are proposed. More than half of the variation requests have resulted in changes to the original route. Some of these variations are short and some cover considerable distance.
• Due to route variations made at the request of landowners and others the route is now approximately 110 miles in length.
• Centerline surveys and cultural resource surveys have been completed on more than 90 miles of the route. These field surveys are a valuable step in gaining landowner input into the final route.
• Guardian has responded to local and state concern for the integrity of roads by committing to bore underneath all paved roads.
• Guardian has announced that pipeline construction labor will be provided by union contractors.
• Guardian and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection continue to work on an Agricultural Mitigation Plan to address concerns related to pipeline construction on agricultural land.
• Special construction techniques, called “best management practices” will be included in the Plan to address specific issues such as drain tile repair, soil compaction, rock removal, erosion control, and topsoil preservation.
• Guardian is on track to file an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in October 2006.
