Gas pipeline gets preliminary OK

LOGAN (AP) — The Cache County Council has approved a conditional use permit that clears the way for construction of a planned natural gas pipeline.

When built, the Ruby Pipeline will stretch 675.2 miles from Opal, Wyo., through Utah, Nevada and on to Oregon. In Cache County, the plans call for the 42-inch pipeline to run south of Avon and near the Scare Canyon area.

A final approval for the project from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has not yet been granted. Project developer El Paso Corp. says the FERC is expected to issue a decision in January.

If the project is approved, natural gas could begin flowing through the pipeline in March 2011.

Cache County's director of Development Services, Josh Runhaar, says the necessary local permits will be issued once the pipeline is approved.