The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has opened a public scoping period for the Yuma Pipeline Project, a planned 138-mi natural gas pipeline that LED Enterprises, LLC wants to build across Maricopa and Yuma counties in Arizona.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has opened a public scoping period for the Yuma Pipeline Project, a planned 138-mi natural gas pipeline that LED Enterprises, LLC wants to build across Maricopa and Yuma counties in Arizona.
FERC staff will prepare an environmental document on the project’s construction and operation, which the Commission will use to decide whether the pipeline is in the public convenience and necessity. The project is in FERC’s pre-filing process under Docket No. PF25-8-000; LED Enterprises has not yet submitted a formal application.
Project scope
LED Enterprises plans to build 138 miles of 30-inch-diameter pipeline, two meter stations and 10 mainline valves. The line would carry about 800 MMcf/d of natural gas to meet new power generation, industrial, residential and other demand in northwestern Mexico, along with power generation demand in the Yuma area and across Arizona. The company says the project would expand access to U.S. gas for customers in northwest Mexico and around Yuma.
Construction would disturb about 2,557 acres, and LED Enterprises would keep about 827 acres for permanent operations, with the rest restored. Most of the planned route parallels existing utility or road rights-of-way.
Environmental review
FERC staff’s preliminary review has flagged agricultural impacts, land use conversion and socioeconomics as issues needing attention. The environmental document will also address geology and soils, water resources and wetlands, wildlife, threatened and endangered species, cultural resources, air quality and noise, and reliability and safety.
The U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground has said it intends to participate as a cooperating agency. FERC is also using the notice to begin consultation under section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
If LED Enterprises files a formal application, FERC staff will then decide whether to prepare an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement.
