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Independent regulatory commissions

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Approves Abandonment of Offshore Gas Gathering Facilities

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved the abandonment of offshore gas gathering facilities owned by Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line, LLC (Transco). The proposed abandonment would eliminate costs and risks associated with retaining the facilities, which have not been used for firm transportation in the past year. Transco plans to abandon its ownership interest in the High Island Area Block 179 (HI-179) Platform, as well as appurtenant facilities and meter station in Offshore Texas. The commission has concluded that the proposed action qualifies as a categorical exclusion under section 380.4(a)(33) due to the facilities being entirely within federal waters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed abandonment would allow Transco to eliminate costs and risks associated with retaining the facilities, which have not been used for firm transportation in the past year.
  • The facilities have not provided firm transportation in the previous 12 months, and interruptible transportation services ceased on August 18, 2020.
  • The abandonment would not impact Transco's daily design capacity or operating conditions, nor would it have any adverse impact on existing customers.
  • The lack of lease activity in the surrounding area suggests that the facilities will not be re-used.
  • Transco has submitted applications to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) for permits to abandon the bifurcated segment of PSN 5381 and PSN 4590/PSN 4613 on March 28, 2024.
  • BSEE granted Transco's requests on August 15, 2025.
  • The right-of-way grants cross a Shipping Fairway, requiring approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which was received on February 2, 2022, August 22, 2023, and July 6, 2023 (amendment).
  • The environmental impact assessment concluded that the proposed action does not affect the environment.

Statistics:

  • The proposed abandonment would cost $4.7 million.
  • The facilities have not been used for firm transportation in the past 12 months.
  • Interruptible transportation services ceased on August 18, 2020.
  • The abandonment would not impact Transco's daily design capacity or operating conditions.
  • The lack of lease activity in the surrounding area suggests that the facilities will not be re-used.

Sources:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Office of Energy Projects, Division of Gas-Environment & Engineering. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORT. Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line, LLC (Transco) (CP25-546-000). Date: 10/15/2025.

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