Pipeline and Meter Station Replacement

Tight coordination of the procurement process prevented potential schedule delays and cost increases due to a scarcity of available parts.

Increasing demand for gas in areas served by an obsolete pipeline prompted Consumers Energy to engage SSOE’s engineering and procurement services to upgrade and replace the line. The project included developing multiple iterations of the routing plan to avoid  recreational areas. SSOE assisted in obtaining permits from the township and various other agencies. The approved route added two miles to the line, making the 24-inch pipe 11 miles in length. SSOE also designed a temporary bypass to maintain gas service while the 2.5-year project was completed.

The project also involved significant changes to the existing metering stations. One station was demolished and replaced, while the other was upgraded and remodeled. A separation wall was installed to provide safety in the event of a gas leak. SSOE developed renderings of the stations and designed landscaping to create a residential character to these buildings, allowing them to blend into their surroundings.

Procurement proved to be challenging due to the extent of supplies and materials that had to be pre-purchased and the difficulty of obtaining the needed parts. SSOE responded to the challenge with careful tracking and tight coordination of the procurement process.