El Paso receives approval to begin building Ruby gas line
Christopher E. Smith
OGJ Pipeline Editor
HOUSTON, Aug. 2 -- El Paso Corp. announced Aug. 2 that the Ruby Pipeline Project has received approval from the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to begin construction. Ruby will extend 680 miles, using 42-in. OD line pipe and four compressor stations to transport natural gas from an existing supply hub at Opal, Wyo., to interconnections near Malin, Ore. Initial design capacity is 1.5 bcfd.
In April Ruby received FERC approval of its application of public convenience and necessity for the project (OGJ Online, Apr. 7, 2010). The most recent approval recognizes that all required permits and approvals have been granted, including those pertaining to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and that El Paso may now being line construction. Ruby received its US Bureau of Land Management right-of-way grant July 13.
El Paso began construction of the pipeline July 31, and anticipates having it in service March 2011
El Paso has entered into agreements with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), whereby GIP will invest up to $700 million in the Ruby project. Upon satisfaction of various closing conditions, GIP will then acquire a 50% equity interest in the project.
Contact Christopher E. Smith at [email protected].