Drains, tiles addressed in pipeline proposal for Lenawee County, other areas in state

By MELISSA BURNOR
Residents living in southeastern Lenawee County rely on a system of both public and private drains and tiles to keep the flatlands drained of surface water. It’s been more than 150 years since the first drains were cut through the Cottonwood and Black Swamps to make the area inhabitable as well one of the most fertile farm areas n the country. Because of that vast and intricate drainage system county officials are working with the proposed pipeline officials to protect the vital underground network.

Lenawee County officials are working on an agreement that could be put into place with Rover Pipeline that would protect county drains. A potential agreement with the NEXUS Pipeline could become a work in progress before long too.

Lenawee County Drain Commissioner Stephen May said he received formal contact from NEXUS Pipeline. May said the packet included a letter of intent and a request to share information.

Currently the Lenawee County Drain Commission along with the Washtenaw and LIvingston drain commission are working on an agreement that would protect county drains. The agreement would spell out how the pipeline would have to be constructed around the drains it crossed.

Right now there are 34 identified county drain crossings that the Rover Pipeline could make over drains. May said he anticipates that number to be higher for the NEXUS project should it be constructed.

For the complete story on drains, tile and how they relate to the pipeline story, please see the April 15, 2015, edition of The Advance.