Adelphia Gateway expansion gets environmental OK

The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) gave a positive environmental assessment for NJR Pipeline's 242mn cf/d (6.8mn m³/d) Adelphia Gateway natural gas pipeline project.

FERC staff concluded that the project would not significantly affect the environment as long as NJR undertakes appropriate mitigating measures.

The project includes acquiring an existing 84-mile (135km) 18-inch mainline and a 4.5-mile 20-inch lateral gas pipeline from Interstate Energy Company. NJR, a subsidiary of New Jersey Resources, would convert a portion of these facilities from dual oil and gas transportation to solely natural gas transportation, and construct new facilities including two new compressor stations and two pipeline laterals. The project is located in Pennsylvania and Delaware. NJR expects the expansion to begin service by the end of the year.

Receiving an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement is the final step for pipeline projects before FERC makes a final decision whether to approve the project.

FERC prepares either an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement for pipeline projects, depending on each project's scope. An environmental impact statement has more steps and includes meetings to hear public comments, as well as a final draft including FERC's response to comments.

Comments to FERC on its assessment of the project are due on 3 February.