BLM approves oil and gas pipeline right-of-way assignment in Kern and San Bernardino counties
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NEEDLES, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management today approved the assignment of an existing Mineral Leasing Act right-of-way grant held for a natural gas pipeline by El Paso Natural Gas Company (EPNG) to Cadiz Real Estate, LLC (Cadiz) as part of a change of ownership. The assignment involves a 71-mile portion of an existing 30-inch diameter, buried gas pipeline extending 217 miles between Cadiz Valley in San Bernardino County and Wheeler Ridge, near Bakersfield, in Kern County.
“The BLM carefully reviewed public comments and used that input to shape the decision,” said BLM Needles Field Manager Mike Ahrens. “The BLM added terms and conditions to make clear this decision is limited to the assignment of EPNG’s existing rights and may not be used for transporting anything other than natural gas.”
Approval of the assignment follows a 15-day public comment period and formalizes the change in ownership, authorizing ongoing pipeline maintenance and the transport of natural gas consistent with the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 without conveying any additional rights.
The segment of the existing oil and gas pipeline has not been used for more than 10 years. Although Cadiz previously expressed an interest in converting the pipeline to convey water, this assignment would not give Cadiz any future right or guarantee to utilize the right-of-way for such a purpose. Any future proposal to convert the pipeline for other uses would need to be considered under the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental laws and would include opportunities for public comment and community outreach.
The map and other planning documents are available on the BLM National NEPA Register. For additional information about this project, contact BLM Realty Specialist Russell Hansen at jhansen@blm.gov.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.