El Paso Natural Gas Co. LLC asked permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to expand its natural gas pipeline facilities in the northern Delaware Basin, adding up to 320,000 Dth/d of firm gas transportation capacity.

El Paso said it proposed the project, called the Northern Delaware Basin expansion, to satisfy demand for takeaway transportation capacity to help handle growing gas production in the greater Permian Basin, which includes the Delaware sub-basin.

The Kinder Morgan Inc. subsidiary requested authorization under its blanket construction certificate to build a 14-mile, 24-inch-diameter loop line of its existing 20-inch-diameter Line No. 3162 in Winkler County, Texas. The loop line would originate from El Paso's Keystone compressor station, running south to the Wink compressor station, and mostly parallel to Line No. 3162. The expansion would also include minor modifications at compressor stations and other facilities in Winkler, Crane and Upton counties in Texas, according to the Dec. 19 request to FERC.

El Paso expects to spend about $33 million on the project. The modifications would not have any impact on existing primary firm shippers, as their flow paths and service will still be available after the project begins service. The project is underpinned by firm contracts with shippers. (FERC docket CP19-28)