[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 161 (Monday, August 22, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-20486]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: August 22, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
[Docket No. CP94-714-000]
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corp.; Notice of Application
August 16, 1994.
Take notice that on August 15, 1994, Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line
Corporation (Transco), P.O. Box 1396, Houston, Texas 77251-1396, filed
in Docket No. CP94-714-000 an application pursuant to Sections 7(c) and
7(b) of the Natural Gas Act for (1) a certificate of public convenience
and necessity authorizing certain river crossings, and (2) an order
permitting and approving the abandonment of existing facilities at the
same location, all as more fully set forth in the application which is
on file with the Commission and open to public inspection.
Transco states that it has three pipelines which cross the Amite
River in Louisiana: (1) 30-inch diameter Main Line A, (2) 36-inch
diameter Main Line B and (3) 36-inch Maine Line C. Transco states that
all gas produced onshore and offshore Texas and Louisiana which flows
through Transco's system to Transco's markets in the deep south,
atlantic seaboard and eastern markets flows through the Amite River
crossing (with the exception of the gas attached to Transco's mainline
by way of the Southeast Louisiana Gathering System, which interconnects
with Transco's mainline at Compressor Station No. 65, located
approximately 11 miles north of the Amite River).
Transco states that because of river scouring, bank washing and
channel meander/realignment, Main Line A is exposed. It is indicated
that Line A has been taken out of service because Transco is concerned
that a significant flood event could occur and rupture the line. It is
also indicated that Main Lines B and C are not yet exposed, but Transco
is concerned that they would become exposed because the river is
realigning in a southward direction.
Transco states that it cannot perform these replacements pursuant
to Section 2.55(b) of the Commission's Regulations because of the
Commission's recent clarification of Section 2.55(b) in the order
issued on May 12, 1994, in Arkla Energy Resources Company, Docket No.
CP91-2069-000 (67 FERC 61,173), involving the issue of replacements
outside of existing right-of-way. Transco states that it is imperative
that it complete the new crossings in time to provide service during
the upcoming winter heating season.
Transco states that it proposes to install approximately 2,700 feet
of new 36-inch diameter Main Line B by horizontal directional drilling
under the Amite River, at the location of its existing pipeline
crossing of the Amite River. Transco indicates that directionally
drilled pipeline are more secure than the older pipelines which were
installed by way of trenching the river bed. It is stated that
approximately 225 feet of 36-inch diameter pipe would be conventionally
installed from the entrance of the bore on the east side of the river
and tied in to existing Main Lines A and B by means of a new manifold.
It is also indicated that approximately 225 feet of 36-inch diameter
pipe would be conventionally installed from the exit of the bore on the
west bank of the river and tied into existing Main Lines A and B by
means of a new manifold.
Transco states that it also proposes to install approximately 2,700
feet of new 36-inch diameter Main Line C by horizontal directional
drilling under the Amite River. It is indicated that approximately 225
feet of 36-inch diameter pipe will be conventionally installed from the
entrance of the bore on the east side of the river and tied into
existing Main Line Lines A, B, and C by means of the manifold mentioned
above. It is also stated that approximately 225 feet of 36-inch
diameter pipe would be conventionally installed from the exit of the
bore on the west side of the river and tied into Main Lines A, B, and C
by means of the manifold mentioned above.
Transco states that proposed replacements would restore the long-
term integrity of Transco's transmission system at the Amite River
crossings. It is stated that system capacity across the Amite River
after installation of the two new river crossings would be 2,361,000
Mcf per day compared with a current capacity of 2,369,000 Mcf per day.
Transco states that the three existing pipelines would be retired and
removed. Transco estimates the cost of installing both new lines at
approximately $6,000,000, to be financed initially through short-term
loans and funds on hand, with permanent financing to be undertaken at a
later date. Transco estimates the cost of the removal work at $280,000.
Transco states that issuance of a certificate and construction
clearance by September 15, 1994, is justified for three reasons: (1)
The need for security of gas service during the upcoming winter heating
season, (2) historically, during the months of August and September, it
is expected that the Amite River floodplain would be dryer than at any
time of the year, and thus provide the most favorable conditions for
the contractor's equipment, and (3) the de minimis impact on the
environment of the crossing project.
Any person desiring to be heard or to make any protest with
reference to said application should on or before August 31, 1994, file
with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20426, a
motion to intervene or a protest in accordance with the requirements of
the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.214 or
385.211) and the Regulations under the Natural Gas Act (18 CFR 157.10).
All protests filed with the Commission will be considered by it in
determining the appropriate action to be taken but will not serve to
make the protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to
become a party to a proceeding or to participate as a party in any
hearing therein must file a motion to intervene in accordance with the
Commission's Rules.
Take further notice that, pursuant to the authority contained in
and subject to the jurisdiction conferred upon the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission by Sections 7 and 15 of the Natural Gas Act and
the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, a hearing will be
held without further notice before the Commission or its designee on
this application if no motion to intervene is filed within the time
required herein, if the Commission on its own review of the matter
finds that a grant of the certificate and permission for abandonment
are required by the public convenience and necessity. If a motion for
leave to intervene is timely filed, or if the Commission on its own
motion believes that a formal hearing is required, further notice of
such hearing will be duly given.
Under the procedure herein provided for, unless otherwise advised,
it will be unnecessary for Transco to appear or be represented at the
hearing.
Lois D. Cashell,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 94-20486 Filed 8-19-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-M
