HomeNewsDeLa Express Advances 690-Mile Permian-to-Louisiana Pipeline with FERC Pre-filing Progress

DeLa Express Advances 690-Mile Permian-to-Louisiana Pipeline with FERC Pre-filing Progress

7/16/2024

By Mary Holcomb, Digital Editor

(P&GJ) — DeLa Express has taken a significant step in advancing its 690-mile natural gas pipeline project from the Delaware Basin in Texas to Lake Charles, Louisiana. The company requested pre-filing status on April 2, and FERC approved their request for pre-filing on April 15.

Following this approval, DeLa Express submitted preliminary drafts of Resource Report 1 and a Summary of Alternatives on May 15. These reports provide detailed information about the project and the various alternatives considered during its planning phase.

This project aims to transport natural gas from production sites in the Delaware Basin, Texas, to markets in and around Lake Charles, Louisiana. The project involves the construction of an approximately 690-mile, 42-inch diameter natural gas transportation mainline pipeline.

Additionally, it includes the establishment of five lateral pipelines, eight compressor stations, multiple meter stations, and related facilities. The DeLa Express Project is expected to provide approximately 2 billion cubic feet per day of new liquids-rich natural gas transportation capacity.

According to DeLa Express, the primary goal of seeking FERC approval for the Pre-Filing Review Process is to engage relevant regulatory agencies, affected landowners, and stakeholders to identify and address potential environmental concerns early in the project's development phase.

In June, FERC Staff reviewed the company’s preliminary drafts and provided comments, highlighting three key areas under “General Project Information” that required responses within 20 days. In response, DeLa Express has promptly submitted answers to these comments, demonstrating their commitment to addressing regulatory feedback and advancing the project.

The company has indicated that responses to the remaining comments will be incorporated into the next draft of Resource Reports 1 and 10. These updated reports will feature a matrix identifying specific information locations, ensuring transparency and ease of reference for FERC Staff and other stakeholders.

Additionally, DeLa Express began environmental and cultural resource surveys last month. To date, they have completed 45% of the environmental surveys and 7% of the cultural resource surveys along the accessible route, representing 13% and 3% of the total route, respectively. An introductory letter was sent to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s office of National Marine Fisheries Service on July 11, 2024. Additionally, DeLa Express has participated in pre-filing bi-weekly calls with FERC staff on June 26 and July 10, 2024.

A reroute designed to avoid Big Thicket National Park has caused the project to enter the coastal zone in Texas. This new route will require a Coastal Management Program Consistency Statement under the Coastal Zone Management Act, administered by the Texas General Land Office. DeLa Express has obtained survey permissions for 36% of the proposed project right-of-way. The company continues to verify and update information via title searches and tax records, contacting landowners to secure the necessary survey permissions.

As DeLa Express continues to navigate the regulatory landscape, this filing underscores its dedication to meeting FERC requirements and moving the DeLa Express Project closer to realization, while adhering to environmental and cultural considerations.

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