The Springerville Lateral is a proposed underground natural gas pipeline to connect Energy Transfer’s existing Transwestern Pipeline to two regional power generating stations in Apache County, Arizona. The connection will facilitate the delivery of natural gas to the Coronado and Springerville power generation facilities to replace coal as a power source.

This project will enable these facilities to transition from using coal to natural gas, helping meet growing energy demand with a more affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy source. The project represents an important step toward a more sustainable and resilient energy future by supporting around-the-clock electricity while significantly reducing emissions.

Coronado Generating Station – owned by Salt River Project

Springerville Generating Station – Units 1 and 2 owned by Tucson Electric Power; Unit 4 owned by Salt River Project

Route

Transwestern’s Springerville Lateral will originate in McKinley County, New Mexico, and extend west approximately 125 miles into Apache County, Arizona, to serve regional generating stations. The 30-inch underground pipeline will be supported by one compressor station located in Cibola County, New Mexico.

The pipeline will initially provide 625 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) of natural gas capacity to facilitate the conversion from coal to natural gas:

  • 210 MMcf/d to the Coronado Generating Station
  • 415 MMcf/d to the Springerville Generating Station
Route

Pipeline Safety

Our top priority is to provide the safe and reliable transportation of natural gas.

 


Field Surveys

Field surveys are conducted to ensure the safest route with the least environmental and cultural impact. Surveys include civil, cultural, subsurface, environmental and geotechnical.


Construction

Construction will include visual and Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) of every weld that joins sections of pipe together.


Quality Assurance

The pipeline will be tested with water at a minimum of 1.25 times the Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP) before going into service.


Safety Measures

All safety valves along the mainline will be remotely controlled and monitored for pressure 24 hours a day/7 days a week.


Aerial Surveying

Aerial surveys of the pipeline right-of-way will be conducted a minimum of once per quarter, as set forth by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

Project Benefits



Emissions Reduction

Conversion from coal-fired to natural gas will reduce carbon emission rates by approx. 40% at each facility.


Economic Impact

The project will generate significant property tax revenue to help fund schools, public safety, infrastructure, and other essential local services for years to come. Estimated project property tax total for first year in service: $2.9 million.


Community Development

Project construction will boost demand for local businesses, including lodging, restaurants, fuel providers, equipment suppliers, construction services, and other vendors throughout the project area.


Reliability

The project will expand access to natural gas to support growing communities, business development, and future energy needs across Arizona and New Mexico.

Timeline

The Springerville Lateral project is expected to begin construction in January 2029, with an anticipated in-service date of November 2029.

Pre-Construction Design

Completed

Open Season

Completed

Land Acquisitions

Next-Steps

FERC Pre-Filing

Next-Steps

Open Houses

Next-Steps

FERC Scoping Meetings

Next-Steps

Survey

Next-Steps

Detailed Design

Next-Steps

Land Acquisitions

Next-Steps

FERC Filing

Next-Steps

Permitting

Next-Steps

Draft EIS Issued

Next-Steps

Final EIS Issued

Next-Steps

Regulatory Approval

Next-Steps

Under Construction

Next-Steps

In-Service

Next-Steps

Regulatory Approval

We will file for the applicable regulatory review and permits for the project with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service as part of the 7(c) process, along with numerous county and state entities, including the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Tribal Historic Preservation Office

Regulatory Approval