[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