[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 98 (Monday, May 20, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25215-25216]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-12554]



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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Docket No. CP96-500-000]


Northwest Pipeline Corporation; Notice of Application for 
Authorization To Abandon and Replace Facilities

May 14, 1996.
    Take notice that, on May 6, 1996, Northwest Pipeline Corporation 
(Northwest), 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, filed an 
abbreviated application in Docket No. CP96-500-000: (1) for 
authorization, pursuant to section 7(b) of the Natural Gas Act, to 
abandon and remove approximately 200 feet of existing 22-inch pipeline 
on Northwest's Ignacio to Sumas mainline at a railroad crossing near 
Soda Springs, in Caribou County, Idaho; and (2) for authorization, 
pursuant to section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act and part 157 of the 
Commission's regulations, to replace that 200-foot segment with new 22-
inch replacement pipeline and appurtenances, all as more fully set 
forth in the application, which is on file with the Commission and open 
to public inspection.
    Northwest states that the cathodic protection system for the 
existing 22-inch pipeline segment has been compromised, leading to the 
potential for future pipeline damage. Northwest asserts that the 
proposed replacement is required by the present and future public 
convenience and necessity

[[Page 25216]]

because the replacement is needed to maintain the integrity of its 
mainline transmission system and reduce the risk of pipeline failure 
and service interruptions to its shippers.
    Northwest states that the replacement will occur entirely within 
Northwest's existing permanent right-of-way, at milepost 539.1 on 
Northwest's mainline in Caribou County, ID, and that the estimated cost 
of the proposed project is approximately $870,000--$770,000 to 
construct the replacement pipeline segment and $100,000 to remove the 
existing pipeline segment.
    Northwest states that: (1) the 22-inch pipeline to be replaced was 
originally constructed by Northwest's predecessor, Pacific Northwest 
Pipeline, pursuant to a certificate authorization in Docket No. G-1429 
(13 FPC 221); (2) several areas of new temporary construction workspace 
and a new access road (which may not have been included in the scope of 
the original construction certificate authorization) will be required 
to accommodate the construction techniques Northwest needs to employ to 
remove the existing pipeline from the casing and to install the new 
replacement pipeline, either in the existing casing or in a new bored, 
uncased railroad crossing in the existing permanent right-of-way; and 
(3) Northwest is seeking the subject abandonment and certificate 
approvals because the contemplated use of temporary construction 
workspace areas and a new access road do not meet the guidelines for a 
facilities replacement project under 18 CFR 2.55(b), as clarified in 
the Commission's March 15, 1995 letter to Tennessee Gas Pipeline 
Company in Docket No. CP95-198-000.
    Northwest also states that, to avoid service disruptions to its 
customers receiving service at the Soda Springs Meter Station during 
construction, Northwest will install a temporary 2-inch (above-ground) 
pipeline, extending approximately 4,120 feet from upstream of the 
closed block valve to that delivery point.
    Any person desiring to be heard, or to make any protest with 
reference to said application should, on or before June 4, 1996, file 
with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20426, a 
motion to intervene or 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 the 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, or if the Commission on its own review of the matter 
finds that a grant of the certificate is required by the public 
convenience and necessity. If a motion for leave to intervene is timely 
filed, or 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 Northwest to appear or be represented at the 
hearing.
Lois D. Cashell,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 96-12554 Filed 5-17-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-M