Fast-Track Permitting: A Case Study of the Kern River 2003 Expansion Project

Abstract

The Kern River 2003 Expansion Project was the first major natural gas project recently approved and constructed under what has become the FERC Pre-Filing Process. The project involved looping approximately 720 miles of existing pipeline in Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and California, and construction of 3 new and modifications to 6 existing compressor stations. Given the energy demand situation in California, and commitments to shippers to be in-service in May 2003, it was necessary to expedite other permitting as well, compared to a traditional approach, while complying with existing regulations. Preparation of the FERC application began in February of 2001, a complete application was filed on August 1, 2001, the Certificate received in July 2002, and notices to proceed by spread were received beginning in August 2002 to allow construction to meet the in-service date. A number of key activities were moved into the pre-filing and pre-certificate phases, notably selection of a third-party EIS contractor and initiation of interagency scoping before the August 2001 filing, submittal of draft resource reports for FERC staff review in advance, an aggressive field survey program, and early issues resolution or mitigation plan completion. This approach allowed preparation of the post-certificate implementation plans to be underway before the final EIS and certificate were issued. Other permits and approvals followed parallel schedules. Clearly defining the project scope, consulting early and often with federal and state reviewers and other stakeholders, as well as developing supporting information and plans needed early in the filing process significantly expedited the 2003 Expansion Project.