American Midstream Partners LP (AMP) has filed a request with the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to abandon use of its 1920s vintage Midla “Mainline” pipeline.
The company said the move is to ensure the safety of people and property along the pipeline’s route, as modern tools can’t be used to find or predict leaks.
The pipeline has leaked for decades and leakage rates are increasing. Pipeline burial depths have diminished because of cultivation and erosion, six of eight Mississippi River crossings have been destroyed by floods, and right-of-way has been encroached by development, the company said.
“While we are aware of no imminent danger, we cannot be sure the Midla pipeline is safe to operate,” stated Steve Bergstrom, AMP executive chairman, president, and chief executive officer. He added that a replacement pipeline or alternate form of service needs to be installed and commissioned.
AMP has requested FERC to hold a public technical conference in the next 2-3 weeks to recommence negotiations that were broken off by the company’s biggest Mainline customer.
The company said that “an expeditiously processed FERC decision will allow for what appears to be the most viable, trucked compressed natural gas service, to be arranged before the 2014-15 heating season.”
