Ruby Pipeline project could start in May

Construction of the Ruby Pipeline is one step closer and could begin this spring, according to a report in the Standard-Examiner of Ogden, Utah. That step forward came with the FERC’s issuance of a positive final environmental impact statement in January. A spokesman with Ruby Pipeline LLC was quoted to say that if FERC approves the project after the 30-day comment period, construction would begin in May or June. A final decision from FERC is expected in February.

As proposed, the $3-billion project calls for the construction of 675 miles of 42-in. natural gas transmission pipeline, beginning at the Opal hub in Wyoming and terminating at interconnects near Malin, Oregon. According to the report, the project will need about $1.5 billion in debt financing, and the company is reportedly in the process of securing this additional funding. An estimated 3,000 people are expected to work on the pipeline project at its peak. The company says that the project is still on schedule to be completed in March 2011.