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Chairpersons

FERC Urged to Investigate Restoration Concerns at Midship Pipeline Site

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

David Rosner, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, has been asked to investigate allegations of non-compliance and restoration issues at the Midship Pipeline site. The request, submitted by Central Land Consulting, LLC on behalf of landowner Larry Hughes, highlights the failure of FERC staff to address the concerns despite numerous filings and communications. The company claims that Midship has refused to remove buried construction debris and restore the properties as per the FERC plan, stating that OEP staff is not taking the issues seriously. The six-year-long saga has had a significant economic and financial impact on Larry Hughes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an Order to Show Cause against Midship Pipeline Company LLC on December 16, 2021, requiring the company to file a detailed plan for investigating buried rock and construction debris (Assessment Plan).
  • Landowners, including Larry Hughes, retain the ability to approve alternative arrangements for remediation, as per the Commission order.
  • Despite hundreds of filings, emails, phone calls, and communication with FERC staff, including letters to Henry Engelstein, a legal advisor, there has been no widespread action taken to address the issues.
  • Midship has refused to remove the buried construction debris and fully restore the properties as per the FERC plan, stating that OEP specifically directs them to do so.
  • The restoration issue has had a huge economic and financial impact on Larry Hughes, and CLC has exhausted all remedies to urge FERC's Office of Energy Projects to address all FERC-related matters.
  • CLC and Larry Hughes are requesting Chairman Rosner to review and investigate the evidence provided and direct OEP staff to take all necessary steps to hold Midship accountable for all restoration requirements.
  • The issues have been prolonged by Midship's reluctance to spend the necessary funds for corrective actions, instead opting to delay until forced by FERC.

Statistics:

  • 6 years: The duration of the restoration issue.
  • 100s: The number of filings, emails, phone calls, and communications with FERC staff, including letters to Henry Engelstein.
  • 1: The number of attachable photos of property owned by Larry Hughes showing compliance and restoration issues.
  • 1 document: The complete document submitted to FERC by Central Land Consulting, LLC.

Sources:

  • CP17-458, CP19-17 RE: Plea of Larry Hughes to Chairman Rosner to Investigate Restoration Concerns
  • FERC Docket Nos.
  • December 16, 2021: Order to Show Cause against Midship Pipeline Company LLC
  • Midship Pipeline Company LLC
  • Central Land Consulting, LLC
  • Larry Hughes
  • Henry Engelstein

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