By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, Apr. 24 -- Georgia Strait Crossing Pipeline LP, a limited partnership formed by Williams of Tulsa applied with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Tuesday to build a gas pipeline from Sumas, Wash., to Vancouver Island.
The $159 million Georgia Strait Crossing (GSX) project is a joint proposal by BC Hydro and Williams to provide gas transportation from the market hub near Sumas on the US-Canada border to Vancouver. The Williams application focuses on the US mainland and marine segments of the proposed international project.
A similar application, focusing on the Canadian portion of the project, was filed with the National Energy Board Tuesday by Georgia Strait Crossing Pipeline Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of BC Hydro Ltd.
The US mainland portion of the GSX pipeline includes 32 miles of 20-in. pipe from Sumas to compression facilities located at Cherry Point, Wash., and 1 mile of 16-in. pipe from Cherry Point to the strait.
The proposed route, which largely parallels existing gas pipeline facilities, passes near the communities of Sumas, Lynden, Ferndale, and Birch Bay, Wash.
From the US shore, a 16-in. line will extend 41 miles in waters of up to 1,050 ft to a landfall near Hatch Point on Vancouver Island. The pipeline will then travel 10 miles inland to connect with the existing gas grid.
Subject to regulatory approval, the construction is due to begin in late 2002 and be completed in late 2003.