Public Participation Opportunities for Northern Natural Gas Company's Proposed Abandonment Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a notice announcing the filing of a prior notice request by Northern Natural Gas Company (Northern) to abandon in place certain facilities in St. Louis County, Minnesota, as part of its Erie Mining Abandonment Project. The proposed abandonment will eliminate unnecessary operation and maintenance costs, according to Northern. The public is invited to participate in the review process, with options to file a protest, motion to intervene, or submit comments.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FERC has issued a notice announcing Northern's prior notice request to abandon in place approximately 5.8 miles of its 10-inch-diameter Erie Mining branch line, 1.5 miles of its 8-inch-diameter Mesabi Nugget branch line, and the Mesabi Nugget town border station.
  • The proposed abandonment is expected to eliminate unnecessary operation and maintenance costs.
  • The public has until September 8, 2025, to file protests, motions to intervene, or comments on the proposed abandonment.
  • To file a protest, one must comply with the requirements specified in 18 CFR 157.205(e) and submit the protest by September 8, 2025.
  • To intervene in the proceeding, one must submit a motion to intervene to the Commission in accordance with Rule 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure and the regulations under the Natural Gas Act (NGA).
  • Comments on the project may be submitted on or before September 8, 2025.
  • The FERC encourages electronic filing of submissions and has eFiling staff available to assist with questions or concerns.
  • The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission proceedings and can provide assistance with filing protests, motions to intervene, and comments.

Statistics:

  • The proposed abandonment affecting approximately 5.8 miles of the 10-inch-diameter Erie Mining branch line, 1.5 miles of the 8-inch-diameter Mesabi Nugget branch line, and the Mesabi Nugget town border station.
  • The deadline for filing protests, motions to intervene, and comments is September 8, 2025.
  • The FERC provides assistance with filing protests, motions to intervene, and comments through its Office of Public Participation (OPP) at (202) 502-6595 or OPP@ferc.gov.
  • The Commission's eFiling feature can be accessed on the FERC website (www.ferc.gov) under the link to Documents and Filings.
  • The filing of a protest alone will not serve to make the filer a party to the proceeding.

Sources:

  • Notice of Northern Natural Gas Company's prior notice request, FERC Docket No. CP25-516-000.
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, "How to File Protests, Interventions, and Comments," available at https://www.ferc.gov/resources/guides/how-to/intervene.asp.
  • 18 CFR 157.205.
  • 18 CFR 385.102(d).
  • 18 CFR 157.205(e).
  • 18 CFR 385.214.
  • 18 CFR 157.10.
  • Northern Natural Gas Company's Regulatory Specialist, Bret Fritch, at (402) 398-7140 or bret.fritch@nngco.com.