FERC overturns NY regulators so pipeline construction can commence

The Valley Lateral project comprises a 7.8 mile pipeline that will provide approximately 0.127 billion ft³/d of natural gas to the Valley Energy Centre power plant, from an existing pipeline.

FERC reasoned that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation surrendered its right to review the pipeline as it did not act within a year of receiving the original application in November 2015.

“This is a positive step forward for what is an important project for New York consumers,” Michelle Hook, Millennium Spokeswoman stated.

Hook added: “That said, we still want to co-operate fully with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on all issues related to water and will hold to our agreement to accommodate their requests on water crossings and wetlands.”

Millennium Pipeline Co. is set to begin construction in November.

Similarly, FERC has also been asked by National Fuel to overturn the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s denial of a water certificate for the Northern Access pipeline project.

National Fuel Spokeswoman, Karen Merkel, stated that FERC’s Millennium pipeline decision “is certainly a positive step for the natural gas industry, however, our argument with regards to the Northern Access project is substantially different.”