FERC granted a favorable preliminary determination on non-environmental grounds to the Georgia Strait Crossing project Wednesday. The 47.5-mile, 16-inch and 20-inch diameter pipeline would deliver 95,700 Dth/d of gas to Vancouver Island from connections with Northwest Pipeline and Westcoast Energy near Sumas, WA.

The gas would be delivered to GSX Canada, which would build a new 37.5-mile line on Vancouver Island and a connection with Centra Gas British Columbia near Shawnigan Lake. Service has been delayed a year until Oct. 1, 2004.

The $94.8 million project would include one 10,203-hp compressor, 32 miles of onshore pipeline and 14 miles of offshore line for the Strait of Georgia crossing. Powerex Corp. has executed a binding 30-year agreement for the entire capacity. The pipeline will serve new generation and traditional gas demand growth on the Island. The pipeline is indirectly owned by The Williams Companies and BC Hyrdro. BC Hydro is sponsor of the Canadian leg.

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