A massive project in Southwest Michigan to replace about 14 miles of pipeline has also given Consumers Energy workers the chance to cut down on water use.
The machine – a mud reclaimer or recycler – filters and cleans drilling fluid coming back from a drill bore. The equipment has saved the Consumers Energy about 3.1 million gallons of water.
“We do our best to be environmental stewards – it’s always our goal to leave it better than we found it,” said Rick Snyder, manager of the Enhanced Infrastructure Replacement Program.
The machine also includes a mud tank with compartments for both incoming dirty and cleaned fluid and a desilter. After the fluid goes through the desilter and is deposited in the clean tank, it can then be pumped to the mud pump to be pumped back down the hole.
Learn more about the Saginaw Trail Pipeline project at ConsumersEnergy.com/saginawpipeline. Learn more about our sustainability initiatives at ConsumersEnergy.com/sustainability.
