The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) granted an order to Wolverine Pipe Line Company that allows Wolverine to build and operate a pipeline that will safely deliver refined petroleu products from the Chicago area to consumers in Metropolitan Detroit.
Article continues below
The MPSC issued Wolverine a certificate of public convenience and necessity in accordance with Michigan Act 16 of 1929.
Subject to the receipt of other necessary permits and approvals, Wolverine plans to construct and operate approximately 35 miles of 16-inch diameter pipeline from its terminal in Washtenaw County’s Freedom Township to Romulus.
The route of the new pipeline will generally parallel an existing Wolverine line that is leased to other pipeline companies. At Romulus, the new pipeline will connect to an existing Wolverine line that continues to Woodhaven in Southwestern Metropolitan Detroit.
The MPSC order enables Wolverine to begin some preliminary work while the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) completes its review of Wolverine’s application.
All wetland, stream, and floodplain crossings for the project are regulated by the MDEQ under both federal and state laws. However, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) also has the opportunity to review the project.
In October 2015, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Wolverine requested declaratory order. This order approved Wolverine’s proposed priority service and rate structure for the project.
The Detroit Metro Access pipeline will provide benefits to the state of Michigan that include:
- Generating 250 to 300 construction jobs.
- Creating four to six new permanent jobs at Wolverine.
- Safely transporting up to 90,000 barrels per day of gasoline and diesel fuel products from the Chicago area to Woodhaven, Michigan. In comparison, transporting the same volume by truck would require 425 round trips per day.
- Providing an estimated $100,000 in local tax revenues and approximately $1.2 million in income taxes annually for the State of Michigan.
- Spending approximately $4 million locally for fuel, materials, lodging and food during the planning and construction of the pipeline. ■