US NATGAS: FERC Releases EA for Texas Access Project

FERC has released an environmental assessment (EA) for the Texas Access Project (TAP), proposed by Kinder Morgan Louisiana Pipeline LLC, involving a 3.05-mile, 48-inch pipeline extension and related facilities in Jefferson County, Texas and Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes, Louisiana, according to the Federal Register * TAP would connect the Katy Hub to KMLP through the forthcoming Trident Interstate Pipeline, thus bringing Permian molecules to the Sabine Pass LNG terminal. * The EA conclusion that the project would not significantly affect the human environment is a positive regulatory signal for KMLP, clearing a key hurdle toward a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and keeping the project on track to add feedgas connectivity to the region. * Key project features include new connections to the Trident Intrastate Pipeline and the Texas Header manifold system, modifications to metering facilities, and a new interconnection with Louisiana LNG Gas Management LLC. * FERC is now seeking public comments before making a final decision on whether to grant the certificate.