Marquette Connector Overview February, 2017 SEMCO Energy Gas Com - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Marquette Connector Overview

February, 2017

SEMCO Energy Gas Com pany

• Natural gas utility

serving approximately 300,000 customers throughout Michigan

• 150 miles of

transmission line

• 6,000 miles of

distribution main

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The Challenge

• SEMCO’s western Upper Peninsula service area, which

includes the U.P.’s largest city, is exclusively served by one pipeline.

• Pipeline is operated by Northern Natural Gas (NNG)
• Located at the very end of a 2,000+ mile pipeline stretching all the way

from Texas

• Built in the 1960s
• A single failure could result in a long-lasting and

potentially dangerous outage for 34,800 customers.

• Additionally, the pipeline is at capacity and cannot meet

the present energy demand of the region, let alone accommodate future growth.

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The Solution: Marquette Connector

• 42-mile pipeline linking the existing NNG pipeline with

the Great Lakes Gas Transmission system also running through the U.P.

• Provides much needed additional source of natural gas to reliably

meet the area’s energy demands

• Expands the area’s tax base
• Provides the increased capacity the region needs to grow
• Total Cost: Approximately $135-$140 Million

Marquette Connector Pipeline

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TransCanada’s Great Lakes Pipelines Northern Natural Gas Northern Natural Gas SEMCO Proposed Pipeline Great Lakes Pipelines SEMCO Dist. Mains

Greatly enhances the reliability and security of the natural gas delivery system in the U.P.

• Expands the tax base
• More money for Marquette County to invest in roads, schools,

public safety and other local needs

• Accommodates future growth and economic

development

• Energy stability = economic stability
• An attractive selling point for business leaders and area

investors

• Provides the added capacity the region needs to grow

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MCP Benefits

• SEMCO filed for regulatory approval (Act 9) on

December 15, 2016

• Determination on whether the pipeline is prudent and necessary
• Landowners along the route will be notified
• 9 to 12 month process for approval
• Cost recovery will be through SEMCO’s distribution rates
• Additional $ 3.99 per month for residential customers
• With the increase, SEMCO’s rate for natural gas would still be less than
• ther providers

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Regulatory Hurdles

• Feasibility report completed in 2014.
• Environmental Impact Report for selected route is

completed.

• Currently completing centerline survey for the

pipeline alignment.

• Currently completing wetland delineation for

permitting.

• Pipeline will cross about 220 parcels with about 122

landowners.

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Current Status

Marquette Connector will have very little impact on the environment

• Some brush and trees will be cleared to

accommodate construction

• Clearing will be coordinated around nesting of bats
• No permanently filled wetlands
• Directional boring will be used to minimize the impact on waterways

and wetlands

• Environmental inspections will take place throughout

construction to ensure good environmental work practice and compliance with all permitting.

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General Environm ental

20” Pipeline

• 86% of pipeline follows existing electrical or

pipeline corridors

• Land use is rural forest, low density residential,

mostly flat

• 22 major and 55 minor stream crossings
• 28% of line is in wetland area

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Environm ental Details

10” Pipeline

• 68% of the pipeline follows existing electrical,

pipeline and road ROW

• Land use is rural forest, low density residential,

mostly flat

• 5 major and 10 minor stream crossings
• 13% of line is in wetland area

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Environm ental Details

Proposed Marquette Connector Route

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Existing Corridors

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Questions

www.marquetteconnectorfacts.com