US-based Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline has filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), seeking permission to build, own and operate a natural gas transmission pipeline at an estimated cost of about $1.7bn in southern Oregon.
The Pacific Connector pipeline is co-owned by Veresen and Williams.
The proposed pipeline will cover 232 miles across Klamath, Jackson, Douglas and Coos counties in Oregon and connect at the North Spit of the International Port of Coos Bay.
Pacific Connector’s new gas pipeline will be a 36in wide steel pipeline and will include a compressor station near Klamath Falls and several receiving and delivering meter stations.
The gas pipeline will have a capacity to transmit about 1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day to the Jordan Cove Energy Project in Coos Bay, Oregon, apart from serving other potential markets along the route.
At Coos Bay, Jordan Cove, the natural gas pipeline will be cooled to form liquefied natural gas for export to growing Asia Pacific energy markets.
FERC is one of the agencies that will review the proposed plan, route, and application to determine if the project complies with all environmental, safety and security requirements and conditions of federal, state and local agencies, including compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline project manager Robert Peacock said the application is a step towards the project.
"We look forward to continuing our collaboration with state and federal officials to bring this project to fruition," Peacock added.
FERC approval is expected in mid 2014, while construction would begin in 2015 and service is scheduled for 2018.