ANN ARBOR, Mich. – There’s been some concern raised for the health of dozens of trees in Ann Arbor.
It’s being said that a gas leak is what’s causing part of the city’s namesake to die off. The finger is being pointed at DTE, which is saying they’re not the ones to blame.
About 31 trees are in jeopardy of being lost and some with the city are claiming it’s thanks to a natural gas leak with DTE’s energy distribution system. According to a leak professional, who took a close look at over 300 miles of roadways in the city, methane is leaking from gas pipes and causing a lack of oxygen in the soil that these trees need to survive.
“They’re beautiful and it would be tragic to lose them,” said Ryan Waller.
“That harms our environment. It harms the people that are around it and I think it really important that we make sure that we clean it up and save the trees that clearly protect us from this really incredible weather but also our scorching heat,” said Matthew Sutherland.
The whole thing doesn’t sit well with Ann Arbor which aims to be climate friendly. Now, the city is asking for DTE to fix the problem, so no other issues happen down the line.
“I totally agree. I think if they’re the ones making the mess -- they need to be the ones cleaning it up,” Waller added.
DTE however, is saying its hands are clean. In response, they’ve sent Local 4 the following statement which reads in part:
“Ann Arbor residents enjoy a healthy tree canopy, and there is no evidence that DTE gas lines are impacting the health of the city’s trees. In fact, DTE is replacing older natural gas lines in the city and across the state so that we can continue to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to our customers. Our new gas lines will also deliver environmental benefits.”
DTE Energy
Now Ann Arbor City officials could comment on the matter with Wednesday being a national holiday.