$500M pipeline headed to Cote Blanche

Henry Gas Storage of Houston is proposing a $500 million project in St. Mary Parish that will create 1,600 construction jobs and 20 permanent jobs.

The company, a subsidiary of Ranger Gas Storage LLC of Houston, wants to build an underground natural gas storage facility on Cote Blanche Island, according to Michael McCall, a spokesman with Henry Gas. The project will include 12 miles of new natural gas pipeline to connect with natural gas pipelines in the area.

The St. Mary Parish Council learned of the proposed project at last Wednesday’s council meeting when Parish Clerk Kim Pusateri presented a brief letter from McCall. McCall was not present, but indicated the company will hold an open house in the near future to share information about the project. Also, he said the company will launch a Web site detailing the work.

“Henry Gas Storage is currently in the early stages of the project’s development, assessing market conditions, reviewing permit requirements and talking to all interested parties,” she said.

The company expects to complete permitting for the facility by the third quarter of 2009. Pending approval, construction of the gas storage facility will begin in 2009 and will be finished in 2012.

Operations at the site will also begin in 2012, officials said.

Pusateri said the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will have the primary responsibility for overseeing the permitting and construction of the project.

She said that although Henry Gas has not filed a formal application with them, the federal government has begun an environmental study of the company’s plans. Parts of this process will include an opportunity for public comment.

In other business, the parish council agreed to address at its Nov. 4 meeting a new policy on appointments to its various 44 parishwide boards.

Although most of the appointments are unpaid jobs, Parish Councilman Glen Hidalgo said many people are being tapped to serve on boards without applying. The policy will not apply to those currently serving.

Council Chairman Steve Bierhorst said, “I didn’t realize we were appointing persons without them filling out an application for the position.”

“That’s why we need to be in contact with our boards more often,” Amelia Councilman Chuck Walters said.

“A person should know when it is time to quit. A lot of these boards are really friendship gatherings,” Franklin Councilman Albert Foulcard added.

“I agree, but I would also like to add that some board members feel they are running their own business,” Four Corners Councilman Craig Matthews said.

“That’s because we sit up here and keep our mouths shut,” Foulcard replied.

“Well I don’t,” Matthews retorted.