Project Overview

Enterprise Products Operating L.P. (Enterprise) is proposing to expand its Mid-America Pipeline Company LLC (MAPL) system.  The expansion project proposes to construct 12 pipeline segments (totaling approximately 202 miles) that “loop” or run next to its existing line between Hobbs, New Mexico and Wamsutter, Wyoming.  The pipeline transports natural gas liquids (NGLs) from Wyoming to New Mexico.

• The project will be known as the MAPL Western Expansion Project (WEP), and will increase the transportation capacity of the system from 225,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 275,000 bpd. 

• The proposed pipeline looping segments and station modifications will increase the NGLs transmission capacity of the system to meet the foreseeable production needs of the area served.

• The project includes the addition of 12 pipeline loop segments, six in Wyoming and six in New Mexico.

• Each of the existing 23 pump stations along the pipeline in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming is expected to be modified or upgraded.  No new pump stations are required.
   
• Installation of associated aboveground facilities including valves, pig launchers/receivers, markers, fencing and signs will also be part of the project. 
   

  Enterprise

  Enterprise is a midstream energy company that operates an extensive NGLs and natural gas pipeline system in North America.  Its pipeline network transports NGLs from natural gas producing regions in the Rocky Mountain and Gulf Coast regions to the Midwest, Southeast, Gulf Coast and international markets. 

  Natural Gas Liquid (NGLs)
  Permitting
  Construction
  Timeline
   

  Natural Gas Liquid (NGLs)

  In the Rocky Mountain region, MAPL serves as an outlet for Southwestern Wyoming and San Juan Basin NGLs production that cannot be consumed locally, by transporting the region’s NGLs to markets where is used to produce plastics, motor gasoline and other industrial and consumer products.  NGLs are a byproduct from natural gas production and petroleum refining and generally consist of a mixed stream known as a demethanized mix or Y-grade stream.  The extraction of NGLs from the natural gas stream is often necessary to prepare the natural gas to meet the gas transmission companies’ quality specifications, but can also provide the producer or gas processor an attractive economic alternative to leaving the hydrocarbons in a gaseous state.  These liquids are generally composed of ethanes, butanes, propanes and natural gasolines.  Propane is often utilized for household heating.  (Return to top)

  Permitting

  Before the expansion project can be constructed, Enterprise must obtain a variety of Federal, State, Tribal and local permits, easements and right-of-way grants.  The BLM has been designated the lead Federal agency for this project and will lead the Environmental Assessment and public participation for the project.  The draft Environmental Assessment when completed will be available for public review and comment.  (Return to top)

  Construction

  The new MAPL WEP pipeline loop segments will be constructed along or within an existing pipeline utility corridor, adjacent to the existing MAPL or nearest utility wherever possible.  No new major pipeline routes are proposed.  Some minor deviations from this proposed alignment would potentially be required to avoid sensitive cultural or environmental resources, or to avoid geotechnical, topographical or other constructability concerns. The MAPL WEP pipeline loop segments cross land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for tribal trust or tribal allotments, states and private entities.  (Return to top)

  Timeline

  The BLM is planning on conducting public scoping meetings in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and in Placitas and Roswell in New Mexico in late June of 2004. Public comment submitted in those meetings and in writing will be used to guide the drafting of the Environmental Assessment.  Construction is projected to begin the last quarter of 2005.  (Return to top)