Columbia Pipeline announces new investments

Columbia Pipeline Group (CPG), a unit of NiSource Inc., has announced a total of US$ 1.75 billion in new investment in infrastructure that will enable it to transport up to 1.5 billion ft³/d of natural gas from Marcellus and Utica production areas to markets served by its Columbia Gas Transmission (Columbia Transmission) and Columbia Gulf Transmission (Columbia Gulf) pipeline systems.

The new investments include two significant projects, one of which involved construction by Columbia Transmission of a new natural gas pipeline in Ohio and West Virginia that will enhance its existing infrastructure and support natural gas supply development in western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia and eastern Ohio.

"We have been a part of Ohio and West Virginia for more than 100 years and have an unparalleled footprint in the Marcellus and Utica production areas," said Glen Kettering, CPG's Chief Executive Officer. "These newly announced investments reaffirm our commitment to this important region and will increase the capacity and flexibility of the Columbia Transmission and Columbia Gulf systems to further enhance transportation options for producers in Appalachia. In addition, this investment will further support our commitment to economic growth and development by creating new project-related jobs and generating ongoing tax revenue for local communities."

The proposed Ohio and West Virginia pipeline, known as Columbia Transmission's Leach XPress project, is supported by long-term firm service agreements with Range Resources - Appalachia, LLC, Noble Energy, Inc., Kaiser Marketing Appalachian, LLC and American Energy Utica - LLC. The project, which involves construction of approximately 160 miles of pipeline, compression and related facilities on Columbia Transmission's system, will provide access to multiple Marcellus and Utica receipt points and establish a substantial new header system serving the heart of the Appalachian supply basin.

Delivering Appalachia supplies to growing markets

As production volumes continue to grow in the Marcellus and emerging Utica shale plays, Columbia Transmission has been working closely with natural gas producers to provide new transportation options to move gas out of the capacity-constrained supply basin and into the interstate market. The Leach XPress project will increase the capacity of Columbia Transmission's system by 1.5 billion ft³/d and move regional gas supplies to various markets, including its interconnect with Columbia Gulf in Leach, Kentucky. By connecting production areas to Columbia Transmission's mainline system, the project will allow producers access to high demand energy markets and support delivery of affordable, domestic energy for consumers.

A second project included in the overall investment announced today, which is supported by long-term firm service agreements with the same four shippers, will provide additional capability for shippers to efficiently transport Appalachian production to markets via Columbia Gulf, which spans a corridor stretching from the US Gulf Coast to Appalachia. Columbia Gulf's Rayne XPress project primarily involves the addition of compression to Columbia Gulf's existing pipeline facilities to provide transportation of over 1 billion ft ³/d for the project shippers. The project is supported by long-term firm shipping contracts.

Focus on safety and the environment

In addition to generating substantial local economic benefits, CPG's projects are designed, constructed and operated with a core focus on safety and respect for landowners and local natural resources. CPG's efforts to meet and exceed safety and environmental standards have earned the company awards and recognition from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the American Gas Association. CPG also shares in NiSource's worldwide status as one of the world's most ethical companies as determined and designated by the Ethisphere Institute.

Working closely with residents and the community

CPG has already begun extensive outreach to landowners and communities in areas where the projects will take place. Prior to construction, the projects will undergo comprehensive and transparent environmental reviews overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Throughout the review period, CPG's project teams will continue to work closely with landowners, local officials and communities to provide up-to-date information and ensure community involvement in the process.CPG anticipates initiating construction of both projects in fall 2016, with a targeted in-service date during the second half of 2017.

Adapted from press release by Hannah Priestley-Eaton

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/13082014/columbia-pipeline-announces-new-investments/