FERC has released a schedule for its environmental review of the Risberg Line project, which would deliver up to 55,000 Dth/d of firm natural gas transportation service to Dominion Energy Ohio and other prospective customers.

In a notice Tuesday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said it expects to issue an environmental assessment (EA) for the project June 29, with a 90-day federal authorization decision deadline of Sept. 27 [CP18-6].

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission are cooperating agencies in the preparation of the EA, FERC said.

Newly formed RH energytrans LLC filed at FERC in October for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct the 60-mile Risberg Line, which would deliver gas from northwest Pennsylvania to northeast Ohio.

The pipeline would take gas from an interconnect with Tennessee Gas Pipeline in Crawford County, PA, to help meet peak day supply deficits and new industrial demand in Ashtabula County, OH.

Dominion Energy Ohio entered into a binding precedent agreement as the foundation shipper for 40,000 Dth/d. North Atlantic Iron Corp., which plans to build a pig iron plant in Ashtabula on Lake Erie, has expressed interest in contracting for 15,000 Dth/d of firm transportation.

RH energytrans wants to convert 31.6 miles of eight-inch and 12-inch gas pipeline in Crawford and Erie counties. From Erie County, the company said about 28 miles of 12-inch pipe would be constructed to traverse the state line and terminate at a new delivery point that interconnects with Dominion’s distribution system in North Kingsville, OH.

The company has requested that FERC authorize the project by June to place the pipeline into service later next year.

RH energytrans is owned by Opatho Gas Trans LLC. Opatho stakeholders also own EmKey Energy LLC, Viking Energy Broker LLC and Nucomer Energy LLC.