FR 2025-04702

The document from the Federal Register provides formal notice regarding applications submitted by Northwest Pipeline LLC, along with Portland General Electric Company (PGE), B-R Pipeline, LLC, and KB Pipeline Company to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The key purpose of these applications is for Northwest Pipeline LLC to acquire, own, and manage an existing pipeline, which requires authorization under the Natural Gas Act. Additionally, there is a proposal to expand the pipeline's capabilities by installing a compressor station, while PGE and co-applicants intend to abandon their interest in the pipeline upon selling it to Northwest Pipeline LLC.

General Summary

The document is an official notice indicating that Northwest Pipeline LLC applied to FERC to acquire and enhance the Kelso-Beaver Pipeline, currently owned by Portland General Electric Company and others. This acquisition aims to improve pipeline capacity and reliability through a $60 million project which includes the construction of a new compressor station. The pipeline, once enhanced, will facilitate increased natural gas flow. Meanwhile, the current owners are seeking permission to relinquish their respective operational certificates related to the pipeline. The public is invited to participate in the review process by submitting comments, protests, or motions to intervene by April 3, 2025.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several significant issues arise from this notice. First, while the document notes the projected cost of over $60 million for the pipeline improvements, it does not provide a detailed breakdown of these costs. This lack of transparency could hinder public understanding of financial efficiency and justification for the expenses involved.

Second, the document makes multiple references to federal regulations using complex legal language, such as citations to parts of the Code of Federal Regulations. This technical vocabulary may be difficult for the general public to understand without additional context or explanation.

Furthermore, the outlined process for public participation is intricate. The notice delineates various steps and requirements for filing comments, protests, or intervening in the process. Making these procedures more straightforward or summarizing them clearly could enhance public participation.

There are also privacy concerns due to the inclusion of specific contact information for representatives of involved organizations. This level of detail raises questions about the necessity and privacy implications of sharing such personal information publicly.

Finally, while detailed instructions are provided, the complexity of different filing methods and deadlines could pose compliance issues for those wishing to participate. Visual aids or a more simplified summary could alleviate potential confusion.

Public Impact

Broadly, the document will likely impact communities and stakeholders where the pipeline is located or could be expanded. The pipeline's enhancements aim to increase capacity and reliability, potentially improving energy efficiency and supply in the region. This could benefit local economies and residents through more stable energy availability.

Stakeholder Impact

For specific stakeholders, including landowners near the pipeline and local municipal bodies, the project could present both positive and negative impacts. Positively, increased energy capacity could spur economic development and investment in infrastructure. However, stakeholders may also face concerns about environmental impacts, property rights, and changes to local landscapes due to construction and expansion projects.

Energy companies involved, such as Northwest Pipeline LLC and PGE, stand to benefit commercially from the sale and enhanced operational capabilities of the pipeline. However, they also bear the responsibility of managing public relations, regulatory compliance, and the technical challenges post-acquisition and project implementation.

In summary, while this document signifies a routine yet significant administrative process, its implications for regulatory practices, community participation, and stakeholder interests are considerable, warranting careful understanding and involvement from all affected parties.

The Federal Register document outlines an application by Northwest Pipeline LLC to acquire and enhance the existing Kelso-Beaver Pipeline. A significant financial point in this notice is the estimated $60,800,979 cost for the proposed KB Reliability Project. This estimate covers both the acquisition of the current infrastructure and further developmental enhancements, such as a new compressor station and adjustments to make the pipeline bi-directional.

One of the primary concerns regarding this financial allocation is the lack of a detailed breakdown of costs within the notice. The document notes the total estimated expense but does not delineate how those funds will be allocated across the project's various components. Without this breakdown, interested parties may find it challenging to assess whether the spending is both efficient and justified. By providing a more granular financial analysis, stakeholders could better understand and evaluate the project's financial management and projected outcomes.

The financial aspect is further complicated by the technical nature of the document, which frequently references specific sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (e.g., 18 CFR 157.9). These references may not be easily digestible for the general public, including individuals or entities who might be concerned with the financial implications of such a significant project. Simplifying or explaining these citations in context would aid transparency and help the public better understand how the estimated cost was reached and justified.

The document also enumerates several steps for public participation, detailing processes for filing comments, protests, or motions to intervene. While well-intentioned to allow public participation in the review process, these procedures could be perceived as complex, thereby potentially hindering effective engagement, especially in terms of understanding financial considerations. Streamlining this process or providing summaries that focus on financial implications could lead to more accessible public participation, particularly from those interested in the project’s expenditure and economic impact.

In summary, while the document provides a key estimate of $60,800,979 for the proposed project, enhancing the transparency and accessibility of financial information could improve public understanding and oversight. A detailed cost breakdown alongside simplified procedural explanations might allow for more informed and effective public involvement in evaluating the financial aspects of the KB Reliability Project.