Project Description
Williams Northwest Pipeline (Northwest Pipeline) is proposing to build a 27.4-mile pipeline called the Colorado Hub Connection project. The proposed project responds to demand for additional pipeline capacity to connect the rapidly growing Piceance Basin to Northwest’s on-system and off-system markets. The proposed project would extend Northwest Pipeline’s mainline from south of Rangely, Colorado, to the White River/Meeker hubs. The project will benefit Northwest’s customers by providing increased access to Rockies natural gas supplies.
Under the proposed project, shippers subscribed for firm transportation capacity 1) from Stanfield, Oregon where Northwest Pipeline interconnects with Gas Transmission Northwest system or from the Opal Hub in Wyoming to delivery at the White River Hub; and/or 2) from the White River/Meeker Hub to delivery points near Ignacio, Colorado, where Northwest Pipeline interconnects with El Paso Natural Gas and Transwestern Pipeline.
The next step in the process of obtaining approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is to conduct and submit a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) pre-filing review process, which involves field surveys and consultations with the FERC, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, as well as all key state, county and local environmental, safety and security agencies. In addition, Northwest Pipeline will solicit input from area citizens, and civic and governmental organizations, to insure that the application reflects the needs and concerns of all interested parties.
Following submittal of the applications, an Environmental Assessment (EA) will be written for the project. The EA will be subject to further review and public comment with final FERC approval anticipated by early 2009. Commercial operations of the pipeline are expected to begin late fall, 2009.
Project Timeline
2008
- Pre-filing process
- File request for BLM grant
- FERC Certificate Application filed
- EA written and reviewed
2009
- FERC issues EA and Certificate
- BLM issues ROW grant
- Colorado Hub Connection pipeline construction begins
- Proposed in-service for the Colorado Hub Connection project
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