NEXUS pipeline restoration work on hold

the end of last month, according to filings with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which has already approved the pipeline for use.

NEXUS will stabilize unrestored areas with FERC-approved, industry-standard practices for the winter and finish restoration in the spring, spokesman Adam Parker wrote in an email.

“Where appropriate, erosion control devices will remain in place, the right-of-way will be seeded with a winter grass and stabilized with straw mulch,” Parker wrote, adding that workers won’t put mulch or seed in areas with standing water.

Construction and restoration work on the pipeline is divided into four sections, and nearly one-third of the 54-mile section crossing Columbiana, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties still needs to be restored.

Several areas near Alliance, for example, had yet to be mulched or were swamped with water last week.

The other three work sections are between 84 and 94 percent restored, according to paperwork NEXUS filed last week with FERC.

“The landowners are not happy,” said attorney Mike Thompson, who is working with Central Land Consulting to represent the interests of landowners along the pipeline route.

A number of farmers are still owed money for damaged drain tiles and other property owners aren’t satisfied with the restoration work done by NEXUS contractors, Thompson said.

The 36-inch diameter pipeline runs about 255 miles from Hanover Township in Columbiana County to southern Michigan.

Detroit-based DTE Energy and Enbridge, a Canadian company, are partners in the $2.1 billion NEXUS pipeline.