FERC Issues Notice for Environmental Assessment of Spindletop Expansion Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a formal notice for the preparation of an environmental assessment (EA) for the Spindletop Expansion Project, a proposed natural gas storage facility in Jefferson County, Texas. The project, submitted by Golden Triangle Storage, LLC, aims to expand an existing facility, adding 30.75 billion cubic feet of working gas and 24.2 billion cubic feet of base gas capacity storage. FERC plans to issue the EA for a 30-day comment period, with a scheduled completion date of October 3, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Spindletop Expansion Project, proposed by Golden Triangle Storage, LLC, aims to expand an existing natural gas storage facility in Jefferson County, Texas.
  • The project will add 30.75 billion cubic feet of working gas and 24.2 billion cubic feet of base gas capacity storage.
  • FERC plans to issue an environmental assessment (EA) for the project, which will be available for public comment for 30 days.
  • The EA will address concerns raised by Tri-Con, Inc., a petroleum and lubricant distributor, regarding potential drainage and flooding issues.
  • The project encompasses development and operation of four new salt dome natural gas storage caverns, surface development of temporary and permanent well pad sites, and construction of new access roads.
  • FERC has scheduled the completion of the environmental review for October 3, 2025, with a 90-day federal authorization decision deadline starting from the date of issuance of the EA.

Statistics:

  • 30.75 billion cubic feet: Increase in working gas capacity storage.
  • 24.2 billion cubic feet: Increase in base gas capacity storage.
  • 4: Number of new salt dome natural gas storage caverns to be developed.
  • 10: Number of 5500-hp natural gas-driven compressor units to be housed in a new compressor building.
  • 90 days: Timeframe for federal agencies to make decisions on federal authorizations.
  • October 3, 2025: Scheduled completion date for the environmental review.
  • January 1, 2026: 90-day federal authorization decision deadline.

Sources:

  • "NOTICE OF SCHEDULE FOR THE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE SPINDLETOP EXPANSION PROJECT" (May 29, 2025)
  • "Notice of Application" (April 10, 2025)
  • "Notice of Scoping" (May 5, 2025)