ONEOK Partners, L.P. (NYSE: OKS) announced in March 2007 that Overland Pass Pipeline Company, LLC, a joint venture with Williams (NYSE: WMB), plans to build a $120 million natural gas liquids pipeline lateral connecting the growing Piceance Basin in northwestern Colorado with the previously announced Overland Pass Pipeline. The proposed Piceance Basin Lateral Extension will be a 150-mile pipeline that will transport natural gas liquids (NGL) from near Meeker, Colo., to the Overland Pass Pipeline near Wamsutter, Wyo.

Why the Pipeline Is Needed
Due to increasing demand for NGLs, existing NGL pipeline capacity is reaching its limit as more volumes of NGLs are produced.  Increasing NGL production in the Rocky Mountain region correlates with increasing natural gas development in the region.

What Are Natural Gas Liquids?
Natural gas liquids are used to produce ethane, butane and propane for home heating, indoor and outdoor cooking, motor fuels and other industrial and residential uses.

Protecting the Environment
Overland Pass Pipeline Company is committed to carefully selecting and surveying a route that protects and preserves environmental, archaeological and cultural resources. Our survey process involves consultations with state and federal agencies and the collection of data and studies of local wildlife, water and soil conditions.

Regulatory Review and Public Comment
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the lead agency overseeing the project.  The BLM will issue a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and hold a public comment period in June 2008.  During the comment period, state and federal agencies, landowners and other interested parties have an opportunity to formally submit comments in response to the draft EA.

Right of Way
Overland Pass works with landowners to negotiate easement agreements for the right of way where the pipeline will be built, operated and maintained.  The typical easement is 50-feet wide, with some larger workspace easements needed during construction.  Following construction, right of way will be fully restored to its previous condition.

Looking Ahead
If approved, construction of the pipeline is tentatively scheduled to begin in September 2008.  Following this schedule, the pipeline would enter service in the third quarter 2009.

Pipeline Specifications
The pipeline will be 14 inches in diameter, made of high-strength steel, and coated with a protective layer to ensure pipeline integrity.The pipe will generally be buried at least three feet below the ground surface, as required by the U.S. liquids pipeline regulation Title 49 CFR Part 195.

Commitment to Safety
Safety is Overland Pass’ highest priority.  The pipeline will be designed, built and operated to meet all federal and state safety standards.  Safety measures include monitoring 24 hours a day, seven days a week; safety control valves to isolate segments of the pipe; and routine inspections using sophisticated technology.