Natural Gas Laterals Expansion Project
Natural gas has become the energy of choice for homes and businesses in northeastern Wisconsin. But that popularity has also driven the demand for gas. And, as the population and economy of our area has grown, so too has the strain on the resources of utility companies throughout Wisconsin — including Wisconsin Public Service. That's why we will be connecting four natural gas service laterals to the newly expanding Guardian II natural gas transmission pipeline, and link those lines to facilities serving our gas customers.
Project featured at Company Shareholders Meeting
The WPS "Pipeline to Progress" Project was one of the featured booths at the Integrys Energy Group, Inc. shareholders meeting. Ron Mosnik (Director of Gas Supply) for Wisconsin Public Service, discusses the project with board member Pastora San Juan Cafferty, Professor emerita at the University of Chicago.
April 2009 - Project Nearly Complete With Natural Gas Flowing
Chief Operating Officer Larry Borgard (left) and Director of the Guardian II Project Bob Magnuson re-enact the turn on process at the new West De Pere Regulator Station as the project team watches. The project is nearing completion as natural gas is being introduced to the new system following extensive testing.
December 1, 2008 - Construction Complete
The natural gas lateral expansion project, consisting of constructing 58 miles of laterals and 15 stations, is now complete. System testing is now underway as the Guardian Transmission Pipeline Project heads towards completion. Company officials expect the new laterals to be fully functional in the first quarter of 2009. View the photos of the appreciation breakfast in December 2008.
July 1, 2008 - Construction Progress
The Natural Gas Expansion Project is now fully into the construction phase. View the photo gallery to follow the construction progress.
April 1, 2008 - Now Entering the Construction Phase
View the photos of the construction, installation and restoration of a natural gas expansion project. The natural gas pipeline lateral construction phase of the project will begin in April 2008, last through the summer and be completed next fall before the heating season begins. We have hired three reputable construction companies that will follow safe and environmentally sound construction practices.
Some prep work is necessary to prepare the pipeline route for construction. Some site clearing has already taken place as well as site work for new and expanding regulator stations.
General Construction Schedule
There is a construction schedule that has been established. However, the schedule may change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather.
- March 2008 - Green Bay Southwest Lateral - from the Park 'n Ride near Festival Foods in West De Pere along Lawrence Drive to Scheuring Road on the east side of Highway 41.
- April 2008 - Kohler section (2.5 miles) of the Sheboygan to Fond du Lac lateral.
- April 2008 - Underground boring and construction begins from west Sheboygan to Fond du Lac lateral (33 miles) to be completed in October.
- May 2008 - Construction on Denmark lateral (14 miles) to begin.
Pipeline to Progress
To learn more about how a gas pipeline is installed, view our Pipeline Installation overview.
*Use the arrows on the bottom right side of the Pipeline
Installation overview to navigate through the pipeline process.
Additional Construction Work
Construction work will be taking place on 15 natural gas stations. This includes work on four new regulator stations at West Sheboygan, Plymouth, Chilton and West De Pere. These are areas along the pipeline where special equipment is installed to maintain the appropriate pressure along the route.
Five new meter stations will also be constructed on the main transmission line coming north out of Milwaukee. Our equipment is constructed on the Guardian Station property at locations where our laterals connect to the main transmission pipeline.
January 2, 2008 - "Gas Pipeline to Get Started"
Guardian Transmission Pipeline Project receives federal regulatory approval. View the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper account.
December 28, 2007 - Transmission Project Accepted
ONEOK Partners, the parent company of the Guardian Transmission Pipeline Project, accepted the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) Certificate and all conditions to construct the Guardian II Pipeline from west of Milwaukee to Green Bay. The project completion date is November 2008.
December 17, 2007 - FERC Approves Natural Gas Transmission Project
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authorized, with conditions, the proposed expansion of the Guardian Pipeline system.
June 15, 2007 - Written order approval completed by PSCW
May 31, 2007 - Project given verbal approval by PSCW
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) has given verbal approval to the Wisconsin Public Service and WE Energies gas lateral project. The Commission cited that this project is clearly needed, as this is one of the last areas in the country to be served by one sole-source supplier of natural gas. View the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper accounts of the approval.
On October 27, 2006, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation filed the project application with state regulators and written approval was received on June 15, 2007. The large application, along with all documents associated with the project, are available on-line at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin's (PSCW) Documents List page. The specific project application is in three volumes on the 10/27/06 date at PSC Reference 63672, 63673 and 63674.