PennEastPipeline Co. LLC asked FERC for 33 route modifications for thecompany's approximately 1.1 million-Dth/d natural gas pipeline project toconnect customers in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey to Marcellus Shaleresources.

PennEast filed the changes from the previously plannedroute on Sept. 23. The changes included increased collocation and reducedimpacts to wetlands and endangered species, according to a press release.

"The route changes filed today reflect the constructivefeedback received from landowners, agencies and other stakeholders anddemonstrate PennEast's commitment to incorporating their input where safely andlogically feasible," Peter Terranova, chair of the PennEast board ofmanagers, said in the statement.

The FERC filing itself was marked "privileged,"which limits public access to documents that contain sensitive information onfinancial, commercial or other issues.

There are 26 route modifications proposed for Luzerne,Carbon and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania. These include collocation ofsome PennEast facilities with a pipeline operated by 's and a meter station for UGI Corp.'sUGI Utilities Inc.They also include a trenchless crossing of the Appalachian Trail, modificationsat the Blue Mountain Ski Resort, and a detour around an active quarry.

The roughly $1 billion project would include about 120 milesof primarily 36-inch diameter pipeline and a compressor station. The facilitieswould move gas from production areas in northeastern Pennsylvania to theTransco system in Mercer County, N.J.

FERC issueda draft environmental report on the project on July 22. Commission staffdecided the project would not result in significant environmental impacts aslong as it includes mitigation measures.

PennEast is a joint venture of six companies: , 's NJRPipeline Co., Public ServiceEnterprise Group Inc.'s PSEGPower LLC, SouthJersey Industries Inc.'s SJI Midstream, and UGICorp.'s UGI Energy Services.(CP15-558)