Rockies Express Pipeline LLC Submits Decatur Lateral Project for FERC Approval

Strategic Insights -

The Rockies Express Pipeline LLC has filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to construct, own, operate, and maintain the Decatur Lateral Project, a 15.9-mile-long, 20-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline in Macon County, Illinois. The project involves the construction of a lateral pipeline, an ADM spur, and associated metering and appurtenant facilities. FERC issued an Environmental Information Request on June 16, 2025, requesting additional information to aid in the analysis of the certificate application.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Decatur Lateral Project involves the construction of a 15.9-mile-long, 20-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline in Macon County, Illinois.
  • The project includes an approximately 0.8-mile-long, 20-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline and associated metering and appurtenant facilities.
  • The project crosses predominantly agricultural land that will be returned to agricultural production when construction is completed.
  • Rockies Express Pipeline LLC initiated consultation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service in November 2024.
  • The consultation resulted in recommendations for seed mixes that included Bromus inermis and Festuca arundinacea, which are considered invasive.
  • The revegetation plan will include a greater amount of native plant species and pollinator-friendly plant species as suggested by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Statistics:

  • The Decatur Lateral Project involves a 15.9-mile-long pipeline.
  • The pipeline diameter is 20 inches.
  • The project crosses approximately 0.8 miles of agricultural land.
  • The revegetation plan will include a mix of native plant species and pollinator-friendly plant species.

Sources:

  • FERC Docket No. CP25-94-000: Rockies Express Pipeline LLC Decatur Lateral Project
  • US Environmental Protection Agency: Comments on the Decatur Lateral Project (May 14, 2025)
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service: NRCS Decatur Service Center