BLM seeks public comment on gas pipeline right-of-way reassignment in Kern and San Bernardino counties
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NEEDLES, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 15-day public comment period for a proposed project to categorically exclude under the National Environmental Policy Act the reassignment of an existing right-of-way grant held by El Paso Natural Gas Company to the current owner, Cadiz Real Estate, LLC. The proposal is for an approximately 71-mile portion of an existing 30-inch diameter, 217-mile buried gas pipeline that extends between Cadiz Valley in San Bernardino County and Wheeler Ridge, near Bakersfield, in Kern County. The 15-day public scoping period will close August 2.
The segment of the existing gas pipeline under consideration for reassignment has not been used for several years. The reassignment would formalize the change in ownership and authorize ongoing pipeline maintenance for potential future use without conveying any additional rights. Though Cadiz Real Estate, LLC previously expressed interest in converting the pipeline to convey water, this reassignment only considers transferring existing rights. Any future proposals to convert the pipeline for other uses will be considered under NEPA and include opportunities for public comment and community outreach.
“We look forward to a robust and transparent review process,” said BLM Needles Field Manager Mike Ahrens. “The input we receive from the public will help shape the direction in which we move forward.”
The proposed categorical exclusion, map, and other planning documents are available on the BLM NEPA Register, formerly known as ePlanning, and comments can be emailed to BLM_CA_Web_NE@blm.gov. Based on public comment and additional internal scoping, the BLM may determine whether a more in-depth environmental review, through either an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement, is appropriate.
For additional information about this project, contact BLM Realty Specialist Russell Hansen at jhansen@blm.gov.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.