Aug. 13, 2008 -- This week, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) issued a state water quality certification for the Rockies Express Pipeline, which will protect and ensure the quality of Indiana waterways and wetlands during construction activities.
"Energy is on the minds of most Americans, and the Rockies Express Pipeline is an important national energy project," said Thomas Easterly, IDEM commissioner. "It's important to provide as much assistance as possible to energy projects while still protecting the integrity of Indiana's environment."
The certification is issued by IDEM under section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act. Under the certification, Rockies Express Pipeline is permitted to cross roughly 574 waterways and wetlands. Permanent effects from construction activities are relatively small for a project of this scope. In an effort to offset the limited impacts of the project, the company will create new wetlands.
"IDEM has reviewed the application carefully, and we are certain that the Rockies Express Pipeline is taking all the necessary precautions to reduce its impact to Hoosier ecosystems," Commissioner Easterly said.
The eastern segment of the underground pipeline will transport natural gas 638 miles from Audrain County, Missouri to Monroe County, Ohio. The Indiana section of the project, which follows existing utility corridors as much as possible to limit impact, has a targeted completion date of December 2008.
IDEM implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment.
Also see:
-- IDEM's Commissioner Easterly, young Hoosiers explore water quality at Indiana State Fair
-- IDEM helps educate officials on flood prevention
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