HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — The Wolverine Pipe Line Company is set to performing a controlled pressure test for a 93-mile-long gas pipeline that runs from Niles to Ferrysburg. The tests will happen throughout the day Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, according to Ottawa County Emergency Manager Lou Hunt.
The pipeline runs through Allegan County, into southwestern Ottawa County, continuing north to the Ferrysburg terminals. Property owners adjacent to the pipeline have already been alerted by company officials, according to Hunt.
The testing will involve Wolverine officials emptying the pipeline of gasoline, clearing out any residual gas from the line, according to Hunt. All the gas will be collected, Hunt said.
He said the next step of the test involves using a vegetable-based dye to create green water (similar to what’s used for the Chicago River on St. Patrick’s Day), and force it at higher-than-normal operating pressure through the line, to identify any leaks.
Evidence of leaks may look like water bubbling up from the ground, Hunt said, “or small geysers shooting water up and away from the pipe. The water associated with any leaks will be green in color, but is not considered any kind of a hazardous material that needs to be recovered.”
Hunt is asking anyone who spots a leak of this type to call 1 (800) 683-4573 to report them so corrections can be made. Wolverine has a pipeline map on the company website: wolverinepipeline.com/where-we-operate.
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