Northwest Pipeline LLC has filed an application with FERC requesting authorization to acquire, own, and operate the existing 18-mile (29 km) Kelso-Beaver Pipeline (KB Pipeline). In addition, Northwest also requests authorization to expand the KB Pipeline, immediately upon acquisition, by installing a new 5500 hp (4103 kW) compressor station in Cowlitz County, Washington, and making the KB Pipeline bi-directional. Known as the KB Reliability Project, it will create 52,400 Dth/d of firm incremental westbound capacity and 131,000 Dth/d of firm incremental eastbound capacity.
The Kelso-Beaver Reliability Project will include the installation of the new KB Compressor Station in Cowlitz County, Washington, which consists of one 5500 hp electric motor drive reciprocating compressor unit and modification of the existing Northwest’s KB Meter Station and existing aboveground facilities within Northwest’s existing mainline right-of-way in Cowlitz County, Washington.
The Kelso-Beaver Reliability Project will add compression to the KB Pipeline for the first time. This compression will not only improve transportation service on the KB Pipeline but will also provide pressure support for Northwest’s System during periods of heavy demand, further enhancing the reliability of Northwest’s System.
The Kelso-Beaver Reliability Project will provide the firm lateral transportation services necessary for shippers to fully access and utilize the state approved North Mist Project. The North Mist Project will bring 4,750,000 Dth of incremental storage capacity, 52,400 Dth/d of incremental injection capacity, and 131,000 Dth/d of incremental withdrawal capacity to the market. Without the Kelso-Beaver Reliability Project, these storage capacities could not be fully utilized in interstate commerce and the North Mist Project would not proceed.
Northwest’s system is bi-directional and receives most of its natural gas at its northern and southern ends. Its largest demand center is in the northern one-third of its system (Washington and Oregon). The Kelso-Beaver Reliability Project and the North Mist Project lie in the center of this region. Accordingly, the Kelso-Beaver Reliability Project and North Mist Project will provide a well-situated additional source of natural gas supply to enhance the reliability of Northwest’s system during periods of peak demand or constraint in the northern or southern parts of its system.
