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We are investing hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade our natural gas infrastructure to benefit the over 1.8 million homes and businesses we serve throughout Lower Michigan.
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About 20 crews with different responsibilities will coordinate to remove the old line and install new pipe.
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Safety is our top priority, and daily briefings are key to a successful project.
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We restored 93 acres of the first phase construction area using a special seed mix containing native grasses and wildflowers to attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators losing habitat across the country.
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During the first phase of construction, we discovered turtle eggs in the right-of-way, removed them for safe hatching and released them back into their native habitat.
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Crews locate underground pipes and wires, remove trees, rocks and debris, and strip the top soil. Fences are installed to help control erosion along wetlands, streams and drain crossings.
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The old pipeline is removed, cut into sections and removed according to environmental best practices.
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Pipe is transported to the right-of-way, where it’s laid out, bent to follow the terrain and welded together. Technicians inspect the welds, the pipe is coated to prevent corrosion and re-inspected.
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Crews dig the ditch. The pipe is lifted and lowered into the ground and tied in to city gates or other junctions.
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When the pipeline has to cross roads and highways, we bore safely underneath and pull the pipe through according to industry best practices.
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The pipe is buried and a crew ensures the land is graded and flat.
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We leave it better than we found it by cleaning up the construction area and planting new grass seed. In some wild areas and wetlands, we may use a special mix to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.