Downeast Pipeline, LLC has proposed building a natural gas pipeline to serve growth markets in the New England and Northeast regions with new natural gas supplies received at the proposed Downeast LNG terminal in Robbinston, Maine.

The 30-inch-diameter high-pressure natural gas pipeline system would carry regasified LNG from Robbinston to the existing Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline (M&NP) at the Baileyville Compressor Station in Baileyville, Maine.

According to Downeast Pipeline, the 30-mile pipeline would be developed with a maximum allowable operating pressure of 1,5380 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). In terms of deliverability, the pipeline would have peaking capacity of up to 500 mmscf/d. The maximum allowable operating pressure of the Downeast Pipeline would be 1,580 pounds per square inch gauge (psig); deliverability would be 500 mmscf/d, with peaking capacity of 625 mmscf/d (net of fuel). Downeast Pipeline held a non-binding open season from Nov. 3 to Dec. 2, 2008, for capacity on the new pipeline.

The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in May 2009 issued to Downeast LNG a favorable Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), along with the draft Waterway Suitability Report (WSR) and Letter of Recommendation from the U.S. Coast Guard. Downeast expects to receive the Final EIS (FEIS) from FERC in First Quarter 2011. It anticipates receiving its Section 3A and Section 7C orders shortly thereafter. After it receives the FEIS, Downeast LNG plans to apply for state permits.

Construction could begin by the end of 2011 or the beginning of 2012. The project could be completed in 2014.