It appears the Guardian Pipeline project received what it wantedfor the holidays after all, even though it came a week or two late.The pipeline cleared one of the larger regulatory hurdles, as theFederal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) staff issued a FinalEnvironmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the project, deeming theconstruction and operation of the 149-mile natural gas pipelinefrom Joliet, IL, to Ixonia, WI, an acceptable environmental action.

The approval came as a shock to some after 2,500 names on apetition were submitted by Wisconsin’s Neighbors Standing United(NSU) in protest of the project. The citizen group said theproposed mainline and 8.5-mile lateral in Wisconsin would damagetheir properties. In response, FERC Chairman James Hoecker said inOctober that comments that identified issues not addressed in thedraft EIS, would be addressed in the final EIS.

Regardless, the FERC staff concluded, “that approval of theproposed project, with appropriate mitigating measures asrecommended, would have limited adverse environmental impact.”

Since the pipeline filed its application with FERC in November1999, the final EIS is the third significant regulatory approvalGuardian has received. In June of last year, the project receivedfrom FERC a Preliminary Determination that it would be in thepublic interest, and shortly thereafter the FERC staff issued aDraft EIS. Guardian’s backers, CMS Energy, WICOR and Viking Gas,believe that with the favorable final EIS, the project is now ripefor FERC to issue a certificate of public convenience andnecessity, which the companies hope will be handed down within thenext month or so.

“We are pleased with the staff’s strong confirmation thatGuardian Pipeline will have ‘limited environmental impact’ and willbe environmentally acceptable,” said George C. Hass, Guardianproject manager. “From Guardian’s very inception, we have stressedthe importance of environmental stewardship and our commitment tolandowners and communities. This finding acknowledges thatcommitment.”

The project, which includes the construction of a 22,225 HPJoliet Compressor Station, seven new meter stations, and eightmainline valves is expected to be in service during November 2002.

Currently, Guardian has firm agreements with Wisconsin Gas andothers to transport 662 MMcf/d of natural gas, which equates to 88%of its designed capacity, when the pipeline enters service.

Alex Steis

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