Cal-Nev Gasoline Pipeline to Add Capacity

By Jennifer Robison, Las Vegas Review-Journal

Nov. 19–Kinder Morgan Energy Partners representatives said Friday that they will boost the capacity of the pipeline they use to supply gasoline to Clark County.

Speaking before a meeting of the Blue Ribbon Commission to Improve the Reliability of Southern Nevada Fuel Supply, an official of Houston-based Kinder Morgan said the company has completed a design to re-engineer its 14-inch Cal-Nev pipeline, which runs from Colton, Calif., to Las Vegas. The pipeline supplies all of Southern Nevada’s auto gasoline. A second 8-inch pipeline delivers jet fuel to McCarran International Airport.

The 14-inch pipeline’s gasoline capacity will increase by 3,200 barrels a day. The line brings about 105,000 barrels of gasoline to Las Vegas daily. The added capacity is scheduled to come online in August.

Kinder Morgan executives are also analyzing the feasibility of laying a 20-inch pipeline next to the existing lines to boost Southern Nevada’s supply of gasoline. The company estimates the addition could cost as much as $400 million; permitting for the project could take up to three years, and construction would take one year.

The Blue Ribbon Commission is discussing proposals to ease the Las Vegas Valley’s reliance on the Cal-Nev pipeline, because shortages resulting from loss of the valley’s sole gasoline supply source could lead to local fuel shortages and price spikes.

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