By winter 2008, 662 miles of natural gas pipeline will deliver natural gas to new and existing residents of Missouri, Indiana, and Ohio.

Rockies Express Pipeline, LLC, is planning the construction of the Midwestern segment of a natural gas pipeline system spanning from Wyoming to Ohio, with the West portion proposed to begin in May 2007, the East portion scheduled to begin in May 2008. 

In coordination with the Missouri Department of Conservation, Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently identifying and assessing impacts the pipeline will have on fish, wildlife and wetland resources in the area.

The Rex East pipeline will run through Audrain, Ralls and Pike Counties in northeastern Missouri, before crossing the Salt and Mississippi Rivers to the east. Endangered species including the Indiana bat and native freshwater mussels inhabit the areas surrounding the planned Missouri portion of the pipeline.

The is reviewing information through species surveys and habitat assessments to make recommendations on construction methods and conservation measures pursuant to the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Endangered Species Act.

According to Heidi Kuska, fish and wildlife biologist for Missouri Ecological Services, “This will be an ongoing process as we continue to work with the pipeline consultants and coordinate with other states to develop measures that will minimize impacts to our fish and wildlife resources."