The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a revised schedule for the environmental review of the Jordan Cove liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal and Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. The final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will now be issued on Sept. 30, 2015 rather than the previous date of June 12, 2015.
According to Veresen, the Calgary, Alberta, British Columbia-based company that owns the projects, the delay in issuing the final EIS is primarily due to the FERC’s evaluation of an alternative pipeline route, known as the Blue Ridge route, which consists of approximately 14 miles of the 232-mile natural gas pipeline route.
Don Althoff, president and CEO of Veresen, said the company supports the alternative route, which was proposed by community members in Southwest Oregon.
Given the change in the FERC schedule for issuing the final EIS, Veresen is currently reviewing any potential impacts on the project schedule.
The terminal and supporting power plant will cost roughly $6 billion, and will be built in Coos Bay, Oregon, under a project labor agreement (PLA) with the Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council (OSBCTC) and the Northwest National Construction Alliance, which consists of the Carpenters Union and Operating Engineers Local 701.
Construction is anticipated to span 42 months, with an average workforce of 900, and a peak workforce of approximately 2,100. The average construction wage will be $85,000 per year, including benefits.
The general contractors are Black & Veatch Corporation, Inc. and Kiewit Power Constructors.
The Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline is an additional $1.5 billion project. Construction will employ 1,400 at peak, with an average of 800 workers. A general contractor has not been selected, but John Mohlis, executive secretary of OSBCTC, is “99.9 percent” certain it will be built under a PLA.
The terminal will be owned and operated by Veresen. The pipeline will be owned 50-50 by Veresen and Tulsa, Okla.-based Williams Partners Operating.
