Applications, hearings, determinations, etc.: Columbia Gas Transmission Corp.,

[Federal Register: June 8, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 109)]

[Notices]

[Page 31205-31206]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr08jn98-42]

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP98-569-000]

Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation; Notice of Application

June 2, 1998.

Take notice that on May 22, 1998, Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation (Columbia), 12801 Fair Lakes Parkway, Fairfax, Virginia 22030-0146, filedin Docket No. CP98-569-000, an application pursuant to Section 7(b) of the Natural Gas Act and Part 157 of the Commission's Regulations for an order permitting and approving the abandonment by sale to Norse Pipeline, LLC, (Norse) of certain certificated natural gas facilities, designated as the Project Penny facilities, located in the states of New York and Pennsylvania, as more fully set forth in the application, which is on file with the Commission and open for public inspection.

Specifically, Columbia proposes to abandon by sale the Project Penny System which includes approximately 336 miles of 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12-inch diameter pipeline, seven compressor stations, and other appurtenant facilities. Also, Columbia will sell to Norse approximately 4.53 miles of non-jurisdictional gathering lines and appurtenances. Columbia states that the Project Penny facilities will be sold for a negotiated amount of $21,800,000.

Columbia states that as a result of Order Nos. 436 and 636, it has experienced a shift from primarily a merchant function to that of transporter. As a result, Columbia says it is taking steps to redefine its pipeline system. Columbia further states that the Project Penny facilities are not an integral part of its transmission system and that the long-term needs of its customers are best served through a divestiture of the non-core facilities.

Columbia relates that it does not propose the abandonment of service to customers other than the firm and interruptible customers currently served directly from the Project Penny facilities. Columbia relates that Norse has agreed to assume Columbia's service obligation to both.

Concurrently with this application, Norse fileda Petition for Declaratory Order Disclaiming Jurisdiction Over Gathering Facilities in Docket No. CP98-568-000. Columbia states that Norse owns no facilities under the jurisdiction of the Commission, but does own, through a Norse affiliate, discrete gathering facilities located in Chautauqua County, New York.

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Columbia asserts Norse is not an affiliate of Columbia.

Any person desiring to be heard or to make any protest with reference to said application should on or before June 23, 1998, file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20426, a motion to intervene or a protest in accordance with the requirements of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214) and the regulations under the Natural Gas Act (18 CFR 157.10). All protests filedwith the Commission will be considered by it in determining the appropriate action to be taken but will not serve to make the protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party in any proceeding herein must file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's rules.

Take further notice that, pursuant to the authority contained in and subject to the jurisdiction conferred upon the Commission by Sections 7 and 15 of the Natural Gas Act and the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, a hearing will be held without further notice before the Commission or its designee on this application, if no motion to intervene is filedwithin the time required herein, if the Commission on its own review of the matter finds that permission and approval for the proposed abandonment are required by the public convenience and necessity. If a motion for leave to intervene is timely filed, or if the Commission on its own motion believes that formal hearing is required, further notice of such hearing will be duly given.

Under the procedure herein provided for, unless otherwise advised, it will be unnecessary for Columbia to appear or to be represented at the hearing. David P. Boergers, Acting Secretary.

[FR Doc. 98-15091Filed6-5-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6717-01-M