Equitrans LP has asked FERC for the green light to sell the bulk of its 87-mile Three Rivers Pipeline in Pennsylvania to its distribution company affiliate, Equitable Gas Co.

The Pittsburgh, PA-based energy company plans to retain a 15.5-mile section of the pipeline, which it said was a “vital interconnection” with National Fuel Gas Supply Corp. But it seeks to sell the easternmost portion of the pipeline, which comprises 58 miles, to Equitable. In addition, it proposes to abandon in place 13.3 miles of the pipeline, also known as Line H-156, and abandon two compressor stations — the Pennview Compressor Station and Sleepy Hollow Compressor Station — for potential redeployment in other areas of its system.

The Three Rivers Pipeline’s importance to Equitrans’ overall transmission system “has declined, and due to its age the pipeline will require significant expenditures and upgrades in the near future in order to maintain its compliance with…U.S. Department of Transportation regulations applicable to transmission facilities,” Equitrans told FERC in its request for abandonment authority.

“Equitrans has undertaken a comprehensive review of the operations of its Line H-156 and has determined that the operational utility of the Three Rivers Pipeline to the Equitrans network is now confined to a limited segment of that pipe,” the National Fuel interconnection. It has found that about 72 miles of the pipeline is either unutilized or otherwise serves primarily a distribution function.

The proposed abandonment will ultimately reduce Equitrans’ costs to its shippers, since it will allow the company to eliminate current operating and maintenance expenses of approximately $175,000 a year, and eliminate the potential need for estimated future capital expenditures of approximately $4.22 million for repair or replacement of these facilities, Equitrans said.

Equitable Gas said it plans to operate the acquired pipeline as part of its existing local distribution network. It would become part of the company’s Hinshaw pipeline, exempt from FERC jurisdiction.

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