Southern Trails Pipeline Explained

The Southern Trails Pipeline is a 16-inch-diameter steel natural gas pipeline which brings gas from the San Juan Basin to southern California, United States. It has a 487-mile eastern branch in New Mexico and a 210-mile western branch in California. Its FERC code is 182.^[1]

History

The pipeline was constructed in 2002 by Questar at a cost of $100 million.^[2]

Dominion Energy acquired Questar in 2016.

In 2017, the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority took over the eastern portion of the pipeline.^[3]

In May 2018, Dominion Energy received approval to abandon the pipeline, which was not profitable amid unfavorable market conditions and competition.^[4] The pipeline is projected to be abandoned by 2022.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Web site: FERC Gas Pipeline Code List . Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
2. News: Questar’s Southern Trails pipeline ready to bring natural gas to California state line . . June 26, 2002.
3. NTUA accepts transfer of Southern Trails Natural Gas Pipeline . . November 27, 2017.
4. News: Dominion unit cleared to abandon unprofitable Southern Trails gas pipeline . Rachel . Adams-Heard . . May 18, 2018.
5. Web site: Questar Southern Trails Pipeline Company; Notice of Extension of Time Request . . April 28, 2020.