Williams seeks permit to put Cove Point LNG feeder pipeline into service

US pipeline operator Williams said that the Atlantic Sunrise pipeline project has achieved mechanical completion and requested a FERC permit to be placed in service. 

The pipeline’s 1.7 Bcf/d of capacity is ready to be placed in service pending final approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Backed by long-term shipper commitments, the nearly $3 billion expansion of the existing Transco natural gas pipeline will connect Marcellus gas supplies with markets in the Mid-Atlantic, including the Cove Point LNG facility, and the Southeastern U.S.

Greenfield construction on the Pennsylvania portion of the project began in September 2017. The project has featured the installation of approximately 200 miles of large diameter pipeline, two greenfield compressor stations and compressor station modifications in five states. The segment of the project known as the Central Penn Line will be jointly owned by Transco and a third party.

FERC initially authorized the project in February 2017, concluding that environmental impacts associated with the project would be reduced to “less than significant levels” with the implementation of mitigation measures proposed by the company and FERC.

Transco delivers natural gas to customers through its more than 10,000-mile pipeline network with a mainline extending 1,800 miles from South Texas to New York City.