Gill Ranch Gas Storage Project Environmental Permitting, CA

Client: Northwest Natural Gas

Location: California

Summary: Cardno ENTRIX prepared siting analyses, environmental studies, and a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for Northwest Natural Gas's Gill Ranch Gas Storage Project, located in Fresno and Madera counties. The project entailed conversion of existing depleted gas production wells to gas storage, new compressor facilities, and up to 27 miles of 30-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline between Gill Ranch Storage Field and Pacific Gas and Electric's gas transmission line. Key issues include siting and construction of the pipeline across waterways, wetlands, and agricultural areas.

Following completion of the siting analyses, Cardno ENTRIX coordinated state and federal permitting actions, including preparation of a PEA for submittal to the California Public Utilities Commission, federal endangered species consultation through the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for Sections 404 and 401 Compliance, California Department of Fish and Game Streambed Alteration Agreement, and permitting through the California State Lands Commission.