[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 182 (Friday, September 19, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49213-49214]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-24928]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Docket No. CP97-754-000]
Samedan Oil Corporation Complainant, vs. Venice Gathering System,
L.L.C. Respondent; Notice of an Emergency Request for Order Prohibiting
Unlawful Abandonment and Motion for Shortened Response Time
September 15, 1997.
Take notice that on September 12, 1997, Samedan Oil Corporation
(Samedan), Post Office Box 909, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401, filed with the
Commission in Docket No. CP97-754-000 an emergency request for an order
prohibiting unlawful abandonment of natural gas transportation service
and a motion for shortened response time, pursuant to Rule 213 of the
Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, against Venice Gathering
System, L.L.C. (VGS), alleging violations of the Natural Gas Act,
Commission rules, regulations, orders, and actions interfering with
interstate commerce. Samedan's emergency request is being construed as
a complaint under Section 385.206 of the Commission's Regulations.
Samedan requests that the Commission issue an emergency order prior
to October 1, 1997, directing VGS to continue its transportation of up
to 75,000 Dekatherm equivalents of natural gas for Samedan from South
Timbalier Block 163, offshore Louisiana, on VGS' pipeline system on and
after October 1, 1997, and until VGS receives authorization to abandon
such service under Section 7(b) of the Natural Gas Act. Samedan states
that unless the Commission provides the requested relief prior to
October 1, 1997, VGS' affiliate, Chevron U.S.A. (Chevron) would be
allowed to increase its capacity on VGS' pipeline by 75,000 Dth at
Samedan's expense.
[[Page 49214]]
Samedan alleges that VGS' unlawful abandonment originated when VGS
terminated Samedan's existing gathering agreement for 75,000 Dth of
transportation service per day effective October 1, 1997. The
Commission determined on April 1, 1997, that the Venice system is a
jurisdictional pipeline in its order in Venice Gathering System, 79
FERC para.61,037 (1997). Samedan also alleges that VGS has taken the
position that it does not have an obligation under the Natural Gas Act
to continue serving Samedan after October 1, 1997. Samedan states that
VGS claims that as of October 1, 1997, all of Samedan's capacity on the
lateral over which it ships its gas will be reallocated to other
shippers, principally VGS' affiliate, Chevron, under an open-season
held June 16-20, 1997, for the stated purpose of soliciting shipper
interest in building new, incremental capacity on the lateral.
Samedan further alleges that VGS has never applied for or obtained
authorization to abandon service to Samedan, and despite Samedan's
express and continued demands, VGS has refused to acknowledge a
continuing obligation under the Natural Gas Act to transport Samedan'
gas on or October 1, 1997. Samedan, therefore, alleges that VGS'
actions constitute an unlawful abandonment in violation of section 7(b)
of the Natural Gas Act.
Any person desiring to be heard or to make a protest with reference
to Samedan's complaint should file with the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, a motion to
intervene or protest in accordance with the Commission's Rules of
Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 or 385.214). All such motions
should be filed on or before September 22, 1997. VGS is directed to
file its answer to this complaint no later than the close of business
September 19, 1997. Any person desiring to become a party must file a
motion to intervene. Copies of this filing are on file with the
Commission and are available for public inspection.
Lois D. Cashell,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-24928 Filed 9-18-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-M
