History of Guardian
Guardian Pipeline was originally built in 2002 to bring new natural gas supply to the Upper Midwest. It has a strong history of safely and reliably serving this growing region. Guardian’s strong operational reputation is complemented by its modern infrastructure and integrity management practices.
Guardian was expanded in 2008, extending the pipeline over 100 miles north to serve growing populations.
DT Midstream acquired Guardian on December 31st, 2024. We are proposing a third expansion phase of the Guardian Pipeline, the “G3 Expansion Project”.
G3 Expansion Project
The G3 Expansion Project will expand Guardian to meet the growing energy needs of the Upper Midwest, enhance reliability, and support the region’s transition toward cleaner, on-demand energy. The G3 Expansion Project includes approximately 68 miles of new pipeline loop, installed in parallel to the existing Guardian Pipeline right-of-way in Illinois. Pipeline loop enhances efficiency and capacity of existing pipelines by utilizing existing infrastructure which minimizes land disturbance and environmental impacts.
Also included are modifications to Guardian’s existing Joliet and Sycamore compressor stations, a new compressor station in Dodge County, Wisconsin, and a new interconnect with a local natural gas utility in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin.
The Project will add approximately 537,000 Dth/d of new, firm transportation capacity, targeted for a November 2028 in-service date, pending regulatory approvals. Following two binding Open Seasons in 2025, Guardian secured long-term commitments from five local utilities for 100% of the Project capacity.
Guardian engaged an independent market analysis of natural gas needs in the Upper Midwest, and it confirmed strong and growing demand for additional natural gas supplies to local natural gas distribution companies and electric generation.
Benefits & Facts
Economic Benefits
DT Midstream’s $890 million investment across Illinois and Wisconsin represents a substantial commitment to the on-going success and growth of the region. Expenditures on materials, construction, and related services will generate meaningful economic effects. These effects will stimulate indirect job growth and expand local business activity.
For example, wages earned by workers and contractors will flow back into communities through spending on lodging, food, services, and daily necessities-directly supporting local businesses. Additionally, the increase in state and local tax revenues will help strengthen public services that families across both states depend on.
Job Creation
Throughout the Project’s lifespan, from 2025-2028, an estimated 7,399 jobs will be created in Illinois, and 414 jobs will be created in Wisconsin. This covers direct jobs such as equipment operators, electricians, and welders, and indirect jobs created by demand for local goods and services.
Economic Impact
Our investment in the Project will contribute $1.58 billion to Illinois’ economy and $181.6 million to Wisconsin’s economy, including generating $562 million and $31 million in labor income, respectively, from 2025-2028.
Tax Revenue
The Project will produce approximately $167.8 million for Illinois and $8.7 million for Wisconsin across local, state, and federal levels, from 2025-2028.
Project Timeline
Public Information Session
June 2026
FERC Application Filing
July 2026
Requested Certificate Issuance
June 2027
Proposed Construction Start
September 2027
Target In-Service
November 2028
Meeting the Needs of Midwest Energy Customers
Natural gas is essential for heat and electricity throughout the region. The Project will help ensure a continued safe and reliable supply of natural gas to meet the growing demands in the Upper Midwest.
Anchored by the demand of 5 utilities in the Upper Midwest, the Project will add the needed capacity to serve the growing needs of these utilities.
Dependable Energy, Local Jobs, and Stronger Communities
The G3 Expansion Project is designed to strengthen and enhance the reliable supply of domestic natural gas—directly helping families and businesses across the growing Midwest.
The Project will generate significant new local tax revenue during construction and for decades of operation. Just like the taxes currently paid by Guardian Pipeline, these additional dollars will directly support schools, fire and police departments, roads, and other vital community services.
During construction, the project will create hundreds of good-paying jobs for skilled tradespeople, welders, truck drivers, equipment operators, and those who support their work. These workers and their families will shop at local stores, restaurants, and businesses, generating positive economic effects that sustain thousands more jobs throughout the region.
Committed to Community Engagement at Every Step
DT Midstream is committed to open and ongoing communication with the community. From the earliest planning stages, we have actively sought input about the Project from local leaders, elected officials, economic development groups, emergency responders, and community organizations.
Our team also has been meeting regularly with residents and landowners to discuss potential routes and address concerns.
As the project moves forward, we will continue these conversations across the region and share regular updates through multiple channels — including community meetings, mailings, and this Project website — so everyone has ample opportunity to stay informed and provide feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
DT Midstream is an owner, operator, and developer of natural gas pipelines, storage, and compression facilities. We transport clean natural gas for utilities, power plants, marketers, large industrial customers, and energy producers across the Southern, Northeastern, and Midwestern, United States, as well as Canada. We are an industry leader in safety, community engagement, volunteerism, and philanthropy.
DT Midstream owns and operates more than 3,800 miles of natural gas pipelines and 94 Bcf of natural gas storage assets throughout the United States.
The Project will meet significant growing market demand for natural gas, strengthen energy supply, improve energy grid reliability during extreme weather, and expand access to affordable energy in the upper Midwest.
The G3 Expansion Project includes approximately 68 miles of new pipeline loop, installed in-parallel to the existing Guardian Pipeline right-of-way in Illinois. Pipeline loop enhances efficiency and capacity of existing pipelines by utilizing existing infrastructure which minimizes land disturbance and environmental impacts.
The Project also includes compressor additions at our Joliet Station, and a compressor modification at Sycamore Station. A new compressor station and a new meter station will be constructed in Wisconsin.
The project’s total capital investment will be approximately $890 million and is projected to support 7,700 direct and indirect jobs over the course of the Project timeline, including 780 construction related jobs.
DT Midstream’s $890 million investment across Illinois and Wisconsin represents a substantial commitment to the on-going success and growth of the region. Expenditures on materials, construction, and related services will generate meaningful economic effects. These effects will stimulate indirect job growth and expand local business activity.
For example, wages earned by workers and contractors will flow back into communities through spending on lodging, food, services, and daily necessities-directly supporting local businesses. Additionally, the increase in state and local tax revenues will help strengthen public services that families across both states depend on.
Economic Impact
Our investment in the Project will contribute $1.58 billion to Illinois’ economy and $181.6 million to Wisconsin’s economy, including generating $562 million and $31 million in labor income, respectively, from 2025-2028.
Tax Revenue
The Project will produce approximately $167.8 million for Illinois and $8.7 million for Wisconsin across local, state, and federal levels, from 2025-2028.
DT Midstream and the G3 Expansion Project team are committed to open and ongoing communication with the community throughout the project. This includes actively seeking input from neighbors, local leaders, elected officials, economic development groups, emergency responders, and community organizations.
The Project team has maintained an open dialogue across the region, sharing regular updates through community meetings, mailings, and a project website. Communication provides stakeholders with the opportunity to stay informed and provide feedback.
- Three Public Information Sessions: June 2026
- FERC Application Filing: July 2026
- Requested Certificate Issuance Certificate: June 2027
- Proposed Construction Start: September 2027
- Target in-service: November 2028
The following federal agencies provide regulatory oversight of the project: U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), among others.
The Project team will actively engage in the FERC process to meet or exceed all requirements. The team will continue to work with state and local officials to ensure a smooth construction and commissioning process.
Like the existing Guardian pipeline, the G3 Expansion Project will be operated by local skilled, qualified operations personnel and will be continuously monitored 24/7 through a centralized Operations Control Center, using state-of-the-art SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, automated shut-off valves, and specialized leak-detection technology.
Ways to Reach Us
G3 Expansion Project
Toll Free: (833) 575-4049
Email: outreach@dtmidstream.com
Write to Us
DT Midstream
500 Woodward Ave., Suite 2900
Detroit, MI 48226
Media Relations
Phone: (313) 774-0690
Email: media@dtmidstream.com
Supply Chain
Jennifer Carver – Director, Corporate Services
Email: jennifer.carver@dtmidstream.com
Phone: (313) 774-3174