WASHINGTON - The government has given permission to developers of the sometimes controversial Nexus natural gas pipeline to begin sending natural gas liquids through along the 257 mile-long journey from Southern Columbiana County to Michigan, and ultimately Ontario, Canada.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Wednesday informed developers that it's okay to start sending natural gas liquids along a 257-mile-long pipeline from Columbiana County to Michigan.

The FERC's Director of Division of Gas said in a letter that the pipeline builders have complied with orders to stabilize and restore areas disturbed by construction.

Some communities and property owners along the pipeline route opposed the project, saying it would be detrimental to the environment.

Supporters of the pipeline argued that the project will help make up for the lack of a quick, convenient way to transport energy products that have been restricting oil and gas production.

The pipeline connects the existing Kensington Processing Plant in Columbiana County to the Texas Eastern mainline extension Booster Station, as well as the Tennessee Gas Pipeline mainline.

In Columbiana County, the pipeline travels through Hanover, West and Knox Townships.