Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Issues Environmental Assessment for Gulf Coast Storage Expansion Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued an environmental assessment (EA) for the proposed Gulf Coast Storage Expansion Project, which aims to enhance the storage capacity of Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC's North Lansing Storage Field in Harrison County, Texas. The project involves constructing and operating new natural gas pipeline facilities, including a 5.9-mile 30-inch-diameter pipeline loop, a new pigging tool launcher, and a new compressor unit rated at 12,000 horsepower at existing Compressor Station 388. The EA assesses the potential environmental effects of the project in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and concludes that approval of the proposed project would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Gulf Coast Storage Expansion Project aims to increase the certificated peak day withdrawal level from 1,240 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/day) to 1,420 MMcf/day.
  • The project would enable Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC to convert 10 billion cubic feet of cushion gas to working gas inventory at its North Lansing Storage Field.
  • The EA assesses the potential environmental effects of the project, including impacts on air and water quality, noise levels, and wildlife habitats.
  • The FERC staff concludes that approval of the proposed project would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.
  • The project involves constructing and operating new natural gas pipeline facilities, including a 5.9-mile 30-inch-diameter pipeline loop, a new pigging tool launcher, and a new compressor unit rated at 12,000 horsepower at existing Compressor Station 388.
  • The EA is available in electronic format and can be viewed and downloaded from the FERC's website.
  • Any person wishing to comment on the EA is encouraged to do so by September 15, 2025.

Statistics:

  • The proposed project would increase the certificated peak day withdrawal level by 180 MMcf/day.
  • The project would convert 10 billion cubic feet of cushion gas to working gas inventory.
  • The new compressor unit would be rated at 12,000 horsepower.
  • The 5.9-mile 30-inch-diameter pipeline loop would be constructed to increase the storage capacity of the North Lansing Storage Field.
  • The proposed project would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, according to the FERC staff's EA.

Sources:

  • [1] The Federal Register, "Notice of Availability" dated August 14, 2025.
  • [2] FERC Online, "Environmental Assessment for the Gulf Coast Storage Expansion Project" dated August 14, 2025.
  • [3] FERC Online, "How to Intervene in a FERC Proceeding" dated August 14, 2025.