Impacts negligible if Enbridge ships more crude on Line 67, DOS finds | Oil & Gas Journal

Environmental and other impacts would be negligible if Enbridge Energy LP is allowed to ship more crude oil across the US-Canadian border in a pipeline that has the capacity to handle the additional volumes already, the US Department of State said in a draft supplemental environmental impact statement on Feb. 10.

The draft SEIS makes no recommendations concerning the Enbridge Energy Inc. subsidiary’s 2012 application to use the full 800,000 b/d capacity of the pipeline formerly known as the Alberta Clipper to move 800,000 b/d of crude across a 3-mile stretch that now carries about 450,000 b/d of heavy crude across the border.

“The 700-page draft SEIS concludes that there are no significant adverse environmental impacts associated with this project, given that no new construction is needed and Enbridge is already capable of transporting 800,000 b/d of crude oil into the US,” an Enbridge spokesman said on Feb. 13. Comments on the draft EIS will be accepted through Mar. 27, DOS indicated.

Contact Nick Snow at nicks@pennwell.com.

More in Pipelines & Transportation

DOE authorizes LNG exports from Eagle Jacksonville project

The US Department of Energy issued an order on Oct. 4 that approves exports of domestically produced LNG from the proposed Eagle Jacksonville project along the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Fla.

Enterprise to build fourth Midland-to-ECHO oil pipeline

Enterprise Products Partners LP’s wholly owned affiliate M2E4 LLC has reached long-term agreements that support a further expansion of the Midland to Enterprise Crude Houston (ECHO) oil pipeline system.

First unit at Elba Island liquefaction project starts up

The first of 10 liquefaction units at the $2-billion Elba Liquefaction Facility at Elba Island near Savannah, Ga., is in service, said Elba Liquefaction Co. LLC (ELC).

Holly Energy, Plains form Cushing joint venture

Holly Energy Partners and Plains All American Pipeline have formed a joint venture, Cushing Connect Pipeline & Terminal. The JV will develop and construct a 160,000-b/d common-carrier crude oil pipeline connecting Cushing oil hub to a Tulsa refinery.

Wintershall Norge selling transport stakes

Wintershall Norge has agreed to sell small interests in Norwegian natural gas transportation facilities, saying it is focusing on upstream work.

Total closes deal to operate Mozambique LNG

Total has closed on the deal to acquire Anadarko’s 26.5% operated interest in the Mozambique LNG project for $3.9 billion. Closing comes after Total reached a binding agreement with Oxy on May 3 to acquire Anadarko’s assets in Africa.

NextEra to buy Central Penn gas line stake

NextEra Energy Partners has agreed to acquire Meade Pipeline Co., part owner of a natural gas pipeline in Pennsylvania, for $1.37 billion, including $90 million future capital contributions related to an expansion opportunity through 2022.

FERC staff prepares Magnolia LNG project amendment draft SEIS

The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s staff has prepared a draft supplemental environmental impact statement for Magnolia LNG LLC’s request to increase LNG production capacity at its previously authorized project in Calcasieu Parish, La.

Excelerate moves forward with Bay of Batangas FLNG project

Excelerate Energy LP, The Woodlands, Tex. will seek necessary permits and raise financing to develop a floating LNG import terminal in the Bay of Batangas after having received the notice to proceed from the Philippine Department of Energy Sept. 20.

Santos lets contract for Barossa pipeline

The ConocoPhillips-operated joint venture in the Timor Sea off the Northern Territory has let a contract for the construction of an export pipeline in Barossa natural gas field development to Swiss company Allseas Group SA.

Russian LNG transshipment complexes eyed

Novatek, Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd., and Japan Bank for International Cooperation have signed a cooperation agreement confirming the companies’ interest in building LNG transshipment complexes in Russia’s Kamchatka and Murmansk regions.

PHMSA issues final rules aimed at improving pipeline safety

The US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued three final rules on Sept. 24 that aimed to make more than 50,000 miles of natural gas and hazardous liquids pipelines safer, US Sec. of Transportation Elaine Chao said.

Gulf Coast Express pipeline starts gas flow

The Gulf Coast Express (GCX) pipeline project has started full commercial operation on Sept. 25, says Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI), the natural gas system’s builder and operator.

Medallion launches open season for crude oil pipeline expansion

Medallion Pipeline Co. LLC has launched a binding open season for long-term, firm shipper commitments for an expansion of its crude oil pipeline system in the Midland basin.