Since 2016, Barr has provided a contracted employee and support team to assist Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU), a WEC Energy Group subsidiary, with day-to-day environmental compliance activities for natural-gas-distribution projects in southern Michigan.
Our work includes independent coordination of environmental reviews using online databases and tools. These environmental reviews assess potential impacts to wetlands, streams, floodplains, and protected species within each project footprint. We also interpret environmental regulations, assess permit requirements and exemptions, and advise MGU on scope alternatives to mitigate risks to environmentally sensitive resources. In addition, Barr conducts site visits as needed to identify and delineate wetlands, conduct habitat surveys for protected species, and perform soil erosion inspections.
All of this work helps the utility determine the best overall path to environmental compliance. Our work continues in Michigan, where we have completed over 450 natural-gas-distribution projects including the installation of new residential service lines and mainline extensions.