November 11, 2021
ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO – With just a little more than a month left before a possible shutdown of the Spire STL Pipeline, St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann has authorized the County Counselor’s Office to file a motion to intervene with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on behalf of the residents and businesses of the county. The motion states that St. Charles County Government has important information and perspectives to bring to the process and asks that the agency hear them in consideration of the public’s interest.
The County Executive this week also sent a letter to FERC, officially filing comments with the agency urging officials to immediately extend the 90-day temporary certificate to allow Spire to continue use of the pipeline past Dec. 13.
“While I am aware that on September 14, 2021, FERC acted sua sponte to issue a 90-day Temporary Certificate for the Spire STL Pipeline in order to ‘ensure continuity of service for a limited period while the Commission considers appropriate next steps,’ “ the letter states, “the 90-day Temporary Certificate expires on December 13, 2021, absent further action by FERC. That looming deadline leaves our community with an unanswered question that is causing great concern amongst our citizens, employers, and emergency response personnel.”
The County Executive contacted Spire officials last month and instructed them to brief him on the details of the possible shutdown. Spire has been working with the Executive Office and emergency management personnel throughout the county to plan for the potential shutdown.