NORTHEAST WIS. – TC Energy’s ANR Pipeline Company has begun the pre-filing process on the proposed Northwoods Project, an expansion of their current natural gas pipeline system to include an additional 92 miles of pipeline across five counties in Wisconsin and Michigan.

Based out of Houston, Texas, TC Energy — the parent company of ANR Pipeline Company — operates one of the largest interstate natural gas pipeline systems in the U.S., totaling 9,367 miles.

“With access to major producing basins in North America, the ANR system transports natural gas from Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana to cities and towns in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Ohio, with two major legs of the system converging near Chicago. ANR also provides access to TC Energy’s extensive natural gas storage operations in Michigan,” their website states.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, natural gas is a fossil fuel energy source that is primarily used for generating electricity and heat.

ANR seeks to expand their natural gas delivery network through the Northwoods Project.

The Northwoods Project

According to the pre-filing docket sent out by ANR, the Northwoods Projects aims to increase transportation capacity to “support the Midwest’s increasing demand for natural gas fired power generation driven by electrical load growth for homes and businesses in Wisconsin.”

This would include “92 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline loop, and appurtenant facilities in Iron County, Mich., and Florence, Marinette, Oconto and Shawano counties.”

Existing meter stations and associated equipment would be modified in Oconto and Marinette counties as well as eight other Wisconsin counties. New stations would be constructed in Calumet and Shawano counties.

Construction of the pipeline and facilities would disturb about 1,526 acres of land.

“Following construction, ANR would maintain about 633 acres for permanent operation of the project facilities; the remaining acreage would be restored and revert to former uses. About 99% of the planned pipeline route parallels existing pipeline infrastructure,” the docket states.

Environmental impacts

Although no formal application has been filed, staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will prepare an environmental document that will discuss “the environmental effects of the Northwoods Project involving construction and operation of facilities by ANR Pipeline Company.”

If a formal application is filed, the FERC will determine whether an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement is needed.

This report is being completed as a part of the pre-filing process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Agencies intent on cooperating with this project to satisfy NEPA responsibilities include the United States Forest Service and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection.

The document will include information pertaining to any possible impacts and effects on water resources, wetlands, vegetation, wildlife, cultural resources, air quality and more.

Information for landowners

While the preliminary list of locations may change “commission staff have already identified areas that deserve attention based on a preliminary review of the planned facilities and the environmental information provided by ANR,” the docket states.

Pipeline company representatives may contact landowners regarding the acquisition of an easement agreement — a legal deal to use someone’s private property for a specific purpose.

Landowners are not required to enter into such an agreement, but if the FERC approves the project then the Natural Gas Act gives the right of eminent domain to the pipeline company.

The National Agricultural Law Center explains that eminent domain is “the government’s power to take private property for a project that benefits the public” as long as “just compensation” — or the fair market value — is paid to the owner.

“If you and the company do not reach an easement agreement, the pipeline company could initiate condemnation proceedings in court. In such instances, compensation would be determined by a judge in accordance with state law,” the docket explains.

It continues, “[The FERC] does not subsequently grant, exercise or oversee the exercise of that eminent domain authority. The courts have exclusive authority to handle eminent domain cases; [the FERC] has no jurisdiction over these matters.”

For more information on these matters, visit https://ferc.gov/interstate-natural-gas-facility-my-land-what-do-i-need-know.

Public participation

At this stage in the pre-filing, the FERC is inviting members of the public to share comments, questions and concerns regarding the environmental impact of the Northwoods Project. A copy of the docket is available at https://www.ferc.gov/media/notice-docket-no-pf26-6-000.

Comments can be made electronically at www.ferc.gov using the eComment or eFiling features. Those new to eFiling must sign up for an account using the eRegister to “Comment on a Filing” for docket PF26-6-000.

Additionally, letters with comments should list the docket number and can be mailed via U.S. Postal Service to the following address: Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First St. NE, Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426.

For public inquiries and assistance with filings, contact the Office of Public Participation at (202) 502-6595 or OPP@ferc.gov. Comments must be submitted before 5 p.m. ET on July 29.