[Federal Register: September 23, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 184)] [Notices] [Page 51534-51535] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr23se99-66] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP99-617-000] Gatherco, Inc.; Notice of Petition for Declaratory Order September 17, 1999. Take notice that on September 10, 1999, Gatherco, Inc. (Gatherco), 6273 Frank Avenue, North Canton, Ohio 44720, filed a petition pursuant to Section 207(a)(2) of the Commission's Regulations requesting that the Commission issue an order disclaiming jurisdiction under Section 1(b) of the Natural Gas Act for the subject facilities to be acquired from Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation (Columbia), known as the Gatherco II facilities, located in Ohio, all as more fully set forth in the application which is on file [[Page 51535]] with the Commission and open to public inspection. The application may be viewed on the web at www.ferc.fed.us/online/rims.htm. Call (202) 208-2222 for assistance. Concurrently with this filing, Columbia, in Docket No. CP99-616- 000, filed an application to abandon by sale certain facilities known as the Gatherco II facilities. The Gatherco II facilities consist of approximately 200 miles of pipeline ranging from 2-12 inches in diameter and from 0.0022 to 29.6809 miles in length, and ancillary facilities. Gatherco states that of the approximately 200 miles of lines of the subject petition, only 11.6708 miles, or less than 6% are greater than six inches in diameter. With the exception of four slightly longer lines, all of the lines are less than 7.5 miles in length. Gatherco asserts that the pressure of the lines is extremely low with no line having a pressure greater than 140 psig. Additionally, Gatherco states that there are no processing plants on the facilities or connected to the facilities. According to Gatherco, the subject certificated facilities are part of a web-type configuration of uncertificated gathering lines and facilities, many of which were sold to Gatherco by Columbia on October 31, 1997, in Docket NO. CP97-127- 000. Gatherco claims that the transfer of these additional facilities will simplify and enhance the existing interconnection between Gatherco and Columbia. Gatherco and Columbia have concluded that the Gatherco II facilities belong with the other 1,800 miles of gathering facilities in Ohio operated by Gatherco. Gatherco contends that the facilities are generally located upstream of processing facilities and gather gas from the production area for delivery to Columbia's transmission lines or to other points of delivery on the facilities.\1\ Gatherco contends that upon their transfer, the facilities will primarily perform a non- jurisdictional gathering function. Gatherco notes that it was established in 1997 to acquire and operate gathering facilities in Ohio. Further, Gatherco states that it is not a natural gas company, it does not own any jurisdictional facilities, nor is it affiliated with a jurisdictional pipeline. Gatherco claims that it will operate the facilities to gather natural gas produced by Columbia's existing customers. Gatherco contends that it has agreed to provide service to Columbia's existing customers on terms and conditions acceptable to both Gatherco and the customers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Certain of these facilities are also used to deliver gas to local distribution companies such as Columbia Gas of Ohio, Inc. (COH) at town border stations and directly to COH mainline tap consumers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Any questions regarding this petition should be directed to Tony Kovacevich, Gatherco, Inc., 6273 Frank Avenue, N.W., North Canton, Ohio 44720 at (330) 498-9553, or W. Jonathan Airey, Gregory D. Russell, or Joseph C. Blasko, Attorneys for Gatherco, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP, 52 East Gay Street, P.O. Box 1008, Columbus, Ohio 43216-1008 at (614) 464-6400. Any person desiring to be heard or to make a protest with reference to said application should, on or about October 8, 1999, file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426) a motion to intervene or a protest in accordance with the requirements of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.214 or 385.211) and the Regulations under the Natural Gas Act (18 CFR 157.10). All protests filed with the Commission will be considered by it in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make the protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party to a proceeding or to participate as a party in any hearing therein must file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules. Take further notice that, pursuant to the authority contained in and subject to the jurisdiction conferred upon the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by Sections 7 and 15 of the Natural Gas Act and Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, a hearing will be held without further notice before the Commission is filed within the time required herein, if the Commission on its own review of the matter finds that permission and approval for the proposed abandonment are required by the public convenience and necessity. If a motion for leave to intervene is timely filed, or if the Commission on its own motion believes that a formal hearing is required, further notice of such hearing will be duly given. Under the procedure herein provided for, unless otherwise advised, it will be unnecessary for Applicant to appear or be represented at the hearing. David P. Boergers, Secretary. [FR Doc. 99-24810 Filed 9-22-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-M