Residents complain of noise as pipeline work continues
A map showing the extent of the ET Rover Pipeline through Washtenaw County.
Over the past few months, a number of residents adjacent to the Rover Pipeline as it goes under the River Raisin just east of Manchester, have noticed a constant drone or hum from drilling underneath the river and the road, that continues around the clock.
“It’s a half-mile long drill,” said Bill Blaine, a resident of Austin Road. “It was supposed to be done by the end of last year; they missed that time frame and then we were told it would finish up Feb. 15 … and then the end of February.
“The last I was able to talk to a land agent with ET Energy Transfer, a subsidiary of ROVER, who deals with all the land owners where the pipeline is crossing, he told me it would be Thursday of this week when they are done drilling and starting to pull the pipe back through the hole.”
Blaine added that since he’s been dealing with this situation, there have been several different land agents.
Meanwhile, the persistent noise has continued, often waking residents at 3 am, according to Nick Sheren, a resident of Logan Road east of M-52.
“It’s a constant deep rumble that shakes our house and bed. Last night, after another night of almost no sleep, my wife and I drove by the job site (Sunday) morning,” he said. “A security guard immediately got out of his car and approached us as we turned around in the approach off Hogan Road. I asked him what they were doing and he immediately got very aggressive and accused me of trying to complain to get money from the company.”
Sheren said he drove away rather than engage further with the security guard.
“He kept saying, I know what you want–you just want money,” Sheren said. “Actually, I just want to sleep.”
Blaine says his wife has spoken with Manchester Township Supervisor Gene DeRossett, to ask whether the township has a noise ordinance that could be enforced. “He told her his hands are tied,” Blaine said. “He told us that the permit actually came from Washtenaw County, so I tried to get hold of someone at the county level to see if anything could be done. I got spun in circles; no one knew anything. It was basically a dead end.”
Even if the actual drilling is completed on Thursday, as promised, Blaine says he is not sure whether the noise will stop at that point.
“A half-mile long piece of pipe, that’s 42″ in diameter, is going to take some force to make it move,” he said. “My guess is that they’re going to have to make some noise.”
Although Blaine says he is aware of other neighbors who have contacted township officials, Manchester Township office workers said, when asked, that they have not fielded any calls regarding the pipeline noise.
Sheren is also dubious. “One would think that disturbing the residents who pay taxes to live in this area deserve the right to a good night’s sleep,” he says. “I haven’t heard of anyone else complaining, but I find it hard to believe I am the only one hearing or feeling all of this.”
You must be logged in to post a comment Login