BLM now accepting public input on pipeline proposal

MEEKER — The Bureau of Land Management will begin seeking public “scoping” comments on a proposal to build a 153-mile pipeline from southwest of Meeker to Wamsutter, Wyo.

The agency says that the comments will help the BLM identify issues related to the proposed pipeline as it works to complete a draft environmental assessment on the project, which will also be released for public review and comment.

The Overland Pass Pipeline Company has proposed a 14-inch pipeline to transport natural gas liquids from the proposed Willow Springs Plant 20 miles southwest of Meeker to the existing Echo Springs Pump Station, which is 10 miles east of Wamsutter, according to the BLM. The right-of-way would cross Rio Blanco and Moffat counties in Colorado, and Carbon and Sweetwater counties in Wyoming.

According to the BLM, natural gas liquids (NGLs) are hydrocarbon liquids associated with the production and processing of natural gas. The liquids and inert gases must be removed from natural gas to make it salable and transportable.

Once removed from the natural gas, the NGLs are transported for processing through separate pipelines, the BLM said.

All but 15 to 20 miles of the proposed pipeline parallels existing pipeline rights-of-way, according to the BLM. About 84 miles of the 153-mile pipeline cross federal or state land, with the remainder crossing private land, the agency has said.

A project map, additional information on the proposal and information about providing comments are available at http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/land_use_planning/EA/overland_pipeline.html or by calling the White River Field Office, (970) 878-3800. For additional information, contact Mark Mackiewicz, (435) 636-3616.

BLM will accept scoping comments through March 14, 2008. The Environmental Assessment is expected to be released for a 30-day public comment period in June.