DTE opens Three Mile Road Station in Michigan as part of $3.5 billion infrastructure effort

As of this week, DTE Energy officially opened the Three Mile Road Station in Walker, Mich., establishing a new hub for a multi-billion dollar plan to install new pipe and upgrade meters throughout the western and northern reaches of the state.

“The opening of this facility is part of our multi-year, statewide Gas Renewal Program in which we’re investing $3.5 billion to replace cast-iron and steel pipe with safer, more reliable and environmentally friendly materials,” Matt Paul, president and COO at DTE Gas, said. “The Three Mile Station will help us work more efficiently and collaboratively throughout greater Michigan as we move forward in completing this important work.”

With 34 field crew members, 21 office staff and more than 100 contract workers operating out of the 19,000 square foot facility, Three Mile Road will be a key component both for the Grand Rapids area and beyond. In the Grand Rapids area alone, DTE Energy intends to invest $110 million for the creation of 92 miles of new pipe, as well as the upgrade of 9,000 meters.

The pipes on which these employees will work will be used for transporting renewable natural gas created by capturing methane from landfills, dairy farms and wastewater treatment plant byproducts, among others. When Paul spoke of safer pipes to come, he meant flexible plastic materials used to help reduce methane emissions. In fact, the company estimates its Gas Renewable Program will reduce methane emissions by the equivalent of removing 100,000 cars from the road.

Even with the addition of Three Mile Road, though, DTE’s primary service center for gas operations in the area will remain centered on its existing Wealthy Station.