Public hearings being held on Rochester-area pipeline proposal

Published October 18, 2016

On November 9, let state regulators know what you think of a plan to build a new natural gas pipeline to supply the Rochester area.

The state Public Utilities Commission will hold public hearings on the proposed new pipeline. The hearings are your chance to tell regulators what you think. Any member of the public may give verbal comments, written submissions, and/or ask questions of witnesses.

Version 2Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation (MERC) is proposing to add 13-14 miles of new natural gas pipeline and related facilities to the south and west of Rochester. To do this, MERC would need to acquire property easements from landowners within the proposed route.

If the Commission issues a route permit, MERC will be authorized to use eminent domain to acquire this land. Learn more about the process and your rights in negotiating easement agreements in this fact sheet from the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

The hearings are November 9, 1:00 and 6:00 pm at Centerstone Plaza Hotel in Rochester. Here is complete information about the hearings, including location details, a map of the proposed pipeline route, and additional details about the proposal.

The hearings aren’t your only chance to give your input. You can also give comments in writing.

  • Online: Visit the SpeakUp website and look for the discussion board on this docket, which is number 15-858.
  • Via mail: To Public Utilities Commission, 121 7th Place East, Suite 350, St. Paul, MN 55101. Include the docket number (15-858) in all communications.

Written comments are being accepted through November 21 at 4:30 pm.

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Author: Annie Levenson-Falk

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