Wisconsin DNR Posts Incidental Take Notice for Threatened Fish Amid Pipeline Project

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced its proposal to issue an Incidental Take Permit for the redfin shiner, a state-threatened fish species, in response to pipeline replacement activities by TC Energy’s ANR Pipeline Company. This permit allows for the unintentional harm or loss of some individual redfin shiners, provided that it does not endanger the species' overall population. The permit is related to the Wisconsin Reliability Project (WRP), which aims to upgrade and expand critical infrastructure to meet the region's energy needs while reducing emissions.

ANR Pipeline Co. plans to replace 13.7 miles of existing pipeline with 15.7 miles of new pipeline in Washington County, specifically along the Segment PL-2 portion. The construction requires in-water activities at Cedar Creek, where the redfin shiner has been identified. To minimize harm, a dam and pump system will be used to isolate and dewater the workspace, with in-water activities expected to last no more than 72 hours. Temporary impacts to 0.06 acres of Cedar Creek are anticipated, but no permanent environmental damage is expected.

Despite the possible incidental loss of some fish, the DNR has determined that the project is unlikely to significantly affect the redfin shiner's overall survival or recovery in the state. This conclusion is supported by conservation measures that will be implemented to minimize potential harm to the species. The public has until October 16th, 2024, to submit comments on the project.

Get our free mobile app

The Redfin Shiner and Its Importance

The redfin shiner (Lythrurus umbratilis) is a small freshwater fish that inhabits calm, low-gradient streams, often over gravel or sand substrates. It plays a vital role in the ecosystem, serving as both a consumer of small invertebrates and algae and a food source for larger predators like sunfish and game fish.

Although the species is generally stable across much of its range, localized threats, such as habitat disruption, pose challenges.

In Wisconsin, the redfin shiner is considered threatened, primarily due to habitat degradation. The DNR’s decision to issue an Incidental Take Permit for this project acknowledges the species' sensitivity but reflects confidence that the pipeline work, paired with mitigation efforts, will not jeopardize the fish’s long-term survival.

About the Wisconsin Reliability Project

The WRP, led by TC Energy’s ANR Pipeline Company, is a key infrastructure initiative designed to expand natural gas capacity and improve energy reliability in the Midwest. The project will replace 51 miles of aging pipeline, including the Segment PL-2 portion in Washington County. This upgrade will allow for the delivery of an additional 144,000 dekatherms of natural gas per day, supporting local energy providers as they retire coal-fired plants and shift toward renewable energy sources.

In addition to improving energy reliability, the WRP is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 30,000 metric tons annually—the equivalent of taking over 6,500 cars off the road each year. Economic benefits from the project are also significant, with estimates suggesting the creation of over 4,300 jobs, $319.9 million in labor income, and $67.9 million in local and state tax revenue.

By combining environmental stewardship with infrastructure improvements, the Wisconsin Reliability Project exemplifies how energy demands and conservation can work hand in hand. While the redfin shiner may face temporary impacts, the long-term benefits of the project, both in terms of energy efficiency and emissions reduction, are substantial.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' proposal to issue an Incidental Take Permit for the redfin shiner reflects a balanced approach to advancing critical infrastructure while protecting a state-threatened species. The Wisconsin Reliability Project, spearheaded by TC Energy's ANR Pipeline Company, aims to improve energy reliability and reduce emissions, offering significant economic and environmental benefits. Although temporary impacts to the redfin shiner are expected during pipeline replacement activities, the implementation of conservation measures and the project's long-term goals highlight a responsible effort to meet energy needs without compromising the species' overall survival. That being said, public input on the proposal is welcomed until October 16th, 2024.