Kalama Lateral Pipeline Project
Veresen U.S. Power Inc. and Energy Northwest are proposing to develop the Kalama Energy Center, a natural gas power plant at the Port of Kalama that would enhance and complement Washington’s energy resources, while reducing congestion on the power grid and providing permanent local jobs.
Veresen and Energy Northwest have approached Williams about installing a pipeline that would deliver natural gas from Williams’ mainline to the Kalama Energy Center. The proposed pipeline, known as the Kalama Lateral Pipeline project, would involve installing approximately 3 miles of 16-inch diameter steel pipe.
The proposed project is subject to all necessary federal, state and local permits. Landowners and other stakeholders will have a number of opportunities to provide comment on the proposed project.
If both projects are approved, the proposed pipeline would be built in the summer of 2014. Both projects would be in service by the summer of 2015.
FERC Update
On Nov. 21, 2012, Williams Northwest Pipeline submitted an application to the FERC requesting a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing construction and operation of the Kalama Lateral Pipeline. The application is filed under the FERC docket number CP13-18.
Please click below to view a copy of the public notice regarding the filing of the application.
Environmental Information Requests
On Jan. 11, 2013, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an Environmental Information Request for information related to Northwest Pipeline’s (Northwest) proposed Kalama Lateral Pipeline project (Docket Number CP13-18). Northwest’s responses to the request were due on or before Jan. 28, 2013. In order to more fully prepare its responses, Northwest has respectfully asked the FERC for an extension of time until March 1, 2013.
Please click below to view a copy of the Environmental Information Request issued by the FERC on Jan. 11, 2013.
Environmental Information Request from FERC for Kalama Pipeline Project
On March 8, 2013, Northwest Pipeline requested from the FERC additional time, beyond the requested extension of March 1, 2013, to complete the Environmental Information Request (issued on January 11, 2013) for the Kalama Lateral Pipeline Project in Docket No. CP13-18. To view the request from Northwest, please click below.
Extension of Time to Respond to Environmental Information Requests
Project Schedule
- Landowner outreach, consultation and community meetings: Ongoing
- Surveys for the pipeline begin: (with landowner approval): Dec. 2011
- Initiate pre-filing review process for the pipeline with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): Fall 2011
- FERC docket number issued (PF12-2) on 11/23/11
- Application for the pipeline filed with the FERC on Nov. 21, 2012. The docket number is CP13-18.
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Land acquisition for the pipeline begins: 2013
- Pending FERC approval, construction on the pipeline begins: Summer 2014
- Pipeline project completed and placed into service: Late fall 2014
- Restoration of landowner parcels: 2014/2015
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Both projects completed and placed into service: Summer 2015
Newsletters:
2011
Fourth quarter 2011
FERC Scoping Meeting
On Tuesday, July 10, 2012, at the Red Lion Hotel in Kelso, Wash., Williams Northwest Pipeline (Northwest) participated in a scoping meeting hosted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The meeting was part of the FERC’s responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act to invite stakeholders to comment on the potential environmental impacts of the Kalama project.
At the FERC’s invitation, Northwest provided a brief overview of the project; then the meeting continued with memebers of the public addressing the FERC and offering comments and asking questions about the project. In accordance with the regulatory process, Northwest will respond to the comments received during the scoping comment period.
Williams Selects Preferred Route for the Proposed Kalama Pipeline Project
After reviewing a number of proposed routes and listening to the concerns of landowners, Williams has determined a preferred route for the Kalama Pipeline project, which involves the installation of approximately three miles of natural gas pipeline.
Williams has selected the Timber-Rock route, which was first proposed at an open house on January 11, 2012. The route was selected because it has fewer impacts to landowners and confers some construction advantages.
Approximately 24 parcels and some businesses will be affected by the Timber-Rock route. Williams is in the process of conducting surveys on this route, and a letter has been mailed to affected landowners informing them of this preferred route. In addition, Williams’ land representatives will meet with landowners affected by the Timber-Rock route.
Two presentations were given at the Kalama open house on Wednesday, January 11, 2012:
