Silver Spur Project

Introduction

On September 24, 2026, FERC staff approved Northwest Pipeline LLC’s (Northwest) request to enter into FERC’s Pre-filing Environmental Review Process (Pre-filing Process) for the planned Silver Spur Project. 

Northwest will construct, own, and operate a new 88-mile, 24-inch-diameter pipeline extension in Elko County, Nevada, and Twin Falls County, Idaho, together with new and modified compression facilities in Twin Falls and Elmore Counties, Idaho, and leased firm transportation capacity on the Ruby Pipeline, L.L.C. system. The Project would provide up to 275,000 dekatherms per day of incremental firm transportation capacity from Northwest’s existing Opal Plant receipt point in Lincoln County, Wyoming to multiple and new delivery points on Northwest’s transmission system in Idaho.

 More information may be found in FERC Docket No PF26-15-000 in FERC's eLibrary. 

Please note that this project has not been approved or authorized and requires FERC approval through this process.

Silver Spur Project Route and Facilities 

The Project is a proposed extension of Northwest's existing interstate natural gas pipeline system, running from Opal, Wyoming, through Idaho and Nevada. 

According to the applicant, the Project will consist of: 

• Approximately 88 miles of new 24-inch-diameter pipeline
• Additions and modifications to compression facilities at Northwest's existing Buhl and Mountain Home Compressor Stations and a new Jackpot Compressor Station 
• Leased firm transportation capacity on the Ruby Pipeline, L.L.C. system, all of which will be owned, constructed, and/or operated by Northwest. 

Northwest plans to develop the Project facilities in Elko County, Nevada, and Twin Falls, Elmore, and Power Counties, Idaho. 

Pre-filing Environmental Review Process 

Pre-filing is a “pre-application” phase in the overall environmental review process for interstate natural gas or liquefied natural gas projects under FERC’s jurisdiction. The Pre-filing Process is designed to identify and address environmental aspects of the project before an official application is filed. The Pre-filing Process was established to encourage early involvement by stakeholders during the design and/or routing of an interstate natural gas project.

During the Pre-filing Process, members of the public will have multiple opportunities to get involved and express their views, concerns, and issues. Those opportunities include public comment periods, applicant-sponsored open houses, and scoping sessions hosted by FERC. These opportunities will be posted in FERC’s eLibrary in Docket No. PF26-15-000.

More Information and Staying Updated

You may learn more about the Project through FERC’s eLibrary. When searching for the Project, please enter Docket No. PF26-15-000 in the “Enter Docket Number” text box. FERC’s Office of Public Participation provides an educational video and demonstration on using eLibrary: WorkshOPP and Demonstration: FERC’s eLibrary. 

There is one docket associated with this Project:   

• The Pre-Filing Docket: Docket No. PF26-15-000

Stay Informed:

Follow OPP on its social media channels:  

• X  
• Facebook 
• LinkedIn 
• Instagram 
• Bluesky 

OPP regularly sends announcements about upcoming participation opportunities and meetings with interested stakeholders and organizations via its social media channels.  

You may also sign up for FERC’s eSubscription service. eSubscription notifies you via email about submittals and issuances on the project. Please visit www.ferc.gov/esubscription.

You are also encouraged to contact OPP staff to learn more about the Project and participation at FERC by email at [email protected] or phone at 202-502-6595. 

All media inquiries should be directed to [email protected].

Resources

Guides on Public Participation 

• Step-by-step guide on how to file a comment 
• Step-by-step guide on how to intervene 

Educational Videos 

• Learn to eFile, eComment, and eSubscribe 
• How to File an Intervention Using FERC’s Online System 
• Filing Comments Workshop and Demonstration
• Submitting Powerful Comments Workshop

Tips on Public Participation 

• How to Submit Effective Comments 
• Powerful Comments 
• Filing an Intervention

Informational Handouts 

• About FERC 
• About OPP 
• Natural Gas Pre-filing Open Houses: Public Participation and What to Expect
• Natural Gas Scoping Sessions: Public Participation and What to Expect

Background

• September 1, 2026: Northwest Pipeline LLC submits request to Initiate Pre–Filing Review Process for the Silver Spur Project under PF26-15.
• September 24, 2026: FERC accepts Northwest Pipeline LLC’s request to enter PF for the planned Silver Spur Project.
• October 2026: FERC attends company sponsored open houses in the potentially affected areas.

Office of Public Participation’s Outreach Corner

The Office of Public Participation (OPP) is authorized to support public participation in FERC proceedings pursuant to Section 319 of the Federal Power Act. OPP coordinates with and provides assistance to members of the public as to participation in, and understanding of, FERC proceedings. OPP provides outreach to community groups, community members, landowners and other interested parties potentially impacted by infrastructure projects. 

October 2026: OPP sent an email to various regional stakeholders and community members to announce the project and open house date.

How to Contact