Northern Lights 2023 natural gas pipeline expansion gets positive FERC draft EIS

Northern Natural Gas Co. has received a draft environmental impact statement from the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding its 51-MMcfd Northern Lights 2023 Expansion Project, stating that the project would not cause significant adverse environmental impacts, so long as recommended mitigation measures are taken.

Northern Lights 2023 would provide incremental winter firm service of 44 MMcfd to Northern’s residential, commercial, and industrial customers and 7 MMcfd of additional firm service to a particular shipper for electric generation.

The expansion includes the following:

• Ventura North E-line Extension (Ventura Extension) – 2.8 miles of 36-in. OD pipeline extension of the Ventura North E-Line in Freeborn County, Minn.
• Elk River 3rd Branch Line Loop (Elk River Loop) – 1.1 miles of 30-in. OD pipeline loop in Washington County, Minn.
• Willmar D Branch Line Extension (Willmar Extension) – 1.1 miles of 24-in. OD pipeline extension in Scott County, Minn.
• Princeton Tie-Over Loop Extension (Princeton Extension) – 2.5 miles of 8-in. OD pipeline loop extension in Sherburne County, Minn.
• Paynesville 2nd Branch Line Loop (Paynesville Loop) – 2.0 miles of 4-in. OD pipeline loop in Stearns County, Minn.
• Tomah Branch Line Loop Extension (Tomah Extension) – 0.3 miles of 8-in. OD pipeline extension in Monroe County, Wisc.
• A new pig launcher, four new valve settings, replacement of valves and piping four sites, and installation of two rupture-mitigation valves, associated piping, and buildings.
• Abandonment and removal of two valve settings and associated piping.

Northern expects the expansion to enter service in November 2023, pending final regulatory approvals.