The Blue Bridge project will incorporate construction of up to 275km of 30- and 36-in diameter pipeline, and the installation of additional compression horsepower at Northwest’s existing Plymouth, Washougal, and Chehalis compressor stations. The project would provide gas transportation capacity of up to 500,000 dekatherms/d, and the majority of the pipeline’s route would follow Northwest’s existing pipeline corridor, which creates efficiencies while minimizing the effect on landowners and the environment.
The project will provide Pacific NW markets with further access to Rocky Mountain gas supplies at Stanfield, the western terminus of Williams’ and TransCanada’s proposed Sunstone Pipeline from Opal, Wyoming. Canadian supplies also would be available to Blue Bridge shippers through Northwest Pipeline’s existing interconnection with Gas Transmission Northwest.
“As the demand for natural gas continues to grow in the Pacific Northwest, Blue Bridge will provide shippers with a number of attractive options for accessing gas supplies from both the Rocky Mountains and Canada,” said Phil Wright, president of Williams’ gas pipeline business. The final design and cost of the project will be determined once binding commitments are received. Subject to regulatory approvals, service on Blue Bridge would be available in November 2011.