Nick Snow
Washington Correspondent
WASHINGTON, DC, Oct. 1 -- Staffs from the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, agencies of three government departments, and the Navajo Indian tribe have issued a final environmental impact statement (EIS) for Transwestern Pipeline Co. LLC's proposed Phoenix natural gas pipeline expansion project.
FERC said the agencies' staffs concluded the project would have minimal environmental impact because 86% of the proposed pipelines would be along existing right-of-way. They concluded the project would be consistent with or conform to all identified comprehensive plans.
About 260 miles of 42 and 36-in. pipeline would be built in Arizona, and 25 miles of 36-in. pipeline would be built in New Mexico under the proposal. FERC said Transwestern also would perform minor piping modifications at two existing compressor stations in New Mexico and Arizona and would acquire an undivided interest in an existing pipeline lateral in Arizona.
FERC will consider staff recommendations and the final EIS when they make a final decision on the project.
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