National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation; Notice of Application

Take notice that on February 11, 2000, National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation (National Fuel), 10 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, New York 14203, filed an application in Docket No. CP00-88-000 pursuant to Section 7(b) of the Natural Gas Act and Part 157 of the Commission's Regulations, for authority to abandon certain minor underground natural gas storage facilities, all as more fully set forth in application on file with the Commission and open to public inspection. This filing may be viewed on the web at http://www.ferc.fed.us/online/rims.htm (call 202-208-2222 for assistance).

National Fuel proposes to abandon facilities in Collins Storage Field located in Erie County, New York. Specifically, National Fuel proposes to abandon Well 245-I and to abandon the associated well line R-W245, because the line will no longer serve a purpose once the well is plugged and abandoned. National Fuel states that the well is no longer useful due to poor deliverability and it needs to be reconditioned or plugged due to deterioration of the well casing. National Fuel emphasizes that there will be no abandonment or decrease in service to any of its customers as a result of the proposed abandonment. National Fuel states that the estimated cost of the abandonment is $55,000.

Any questions regarding this application should be directed to David W. Reitz, Assistant General Counsel for National Fuel, 10 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, New York 14203 at (716) 857-7949.

Any person obtaining to be heard or to make a protest with reference to said application should on or before March 14, 2000, file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20426, a motion to intervene or protest in accordance with the requirements of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.214 or 385.211) and the Regulations under the Natural Gas Act (18 CFR 157.10). All protests filed with the Commission will be considered by it in determining the appropriate action to be taken but will not serve to make the protestant a party to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party to a proceeding or to participate as a party in any hearing therein must file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules.

A person obtaining intervenor status will be placed on the service list maintained by the Secretary of the Commission and will receive copies of all documents filed by the applicant and by every one of the intervenors. An intervenor can file for rehearing of any Commission order and can petition for court review of any such order. However, an intervenor must submit copies of comments or any other filings it makes with the Commission to every other intervenor in the proceeding, as well as an original and 14 copies with the Commission.

A person does not have to intervene, however, in order to have environmental comments considered. A person, instead, may submit two copies of comments to the Secretary of the Commission. Commenters will be placed on the Commission's environmental mailing list, will receive copies of environmental documents and will be able to participate in meetings associated with the Commission's environmental review process. Commenters will not be required to serve copies of filed documents on all other parties. However, commenters will not receive copies of all documents filed by other parties or issued by the Commission and will not have the right to seek rehearing or appeal the Commission's final order to a federal court.

The Commission will consider all comments and concerns equally, whether filed by commenters or those requesting intervenor status.

Take further notice that, pursuant to the authority contained in and subject to the jurisdiction conferred upon the Commission by Sections 7 and 15 of the Natural Gas Act and the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, a hearing will be held without further notice before the Commission or its designee on this application if no motion to intervene is filed within the time required herein, if the Commission on its own review of the matter finds that permission and approval for the proposed abandonment are required by the public convenience and necessity. If a motion for leave to intervene is timely filed, or if the Commission on its own motion believes that a formal hearing is required, further notice of such hearing will be duly given.

Under the procedures herein provide for, unless otherwise advised, it will be unnecessary for National Fuel to appear or to be represented at the hearing.