Regulatory Process

We work closely with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other federal and state agencies when planning and building a pipeline. The process begins when we file an application, which includes a detailed project plan, with FERC to request approval.

Generally, the FERC process has two major steps:

Public Need Assessment

FERC reviews the business aspects of the proposed project and determines if the pipeline serves a public need.

Environmental Impact Review

FERC assesses the environmental aspects of the project, including the project’s impact on landowners, communities and sensitive environmental areas. At this point, FERC, other agencies or Spectra Energy may conduct public meetings so the community’s views and concerns can be heard.

FERC reviews all concerns before making a final ruling on any pipeline. FERC may approve the pipeline project, with or without modifications, or reject it. For most major projects, the FERC process takes a year or longer. Once FERC issues its final order, pipeline construction usually starts within a few weeks.

Contact FERC

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) welcomes your comments on the various environmental issues involved in approving a pipeline route.

For further information on becoming an intervenor in the FERC proceeding and/or to obtain FERC’s pamphlet titled “An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land? What Do I Need to Know?” (pdf, 2.58 MB) visit FERC, or phone:

FERC Office of External Affairs

866-208-3372 Toll-free
202-502-8004