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Texas Eastern Seeks Approval for Appalachia to Market III Project

An overview of the advanced natural gas transportation infrastructure in Pennsylvania.

News Summary

Texas Eastern Transmission LP has submitted an application to FERC for the Appalachia to Market III Project, aimed at improving natural gas transportation from the Appalachian supply basin. The project involves utilizing and upgrading existing pipelines, increasing capacity to meet growing energy demands in Pennsylvania and Delaware, with an estimated cost of over $42 million. Approval from FERC is pending as the company aims to enhance the reliability of natural gas services in the region.

Pennsylvania – Texas Eastern Transmission LP has submitted an application to the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) seeking authorization for its Appalachia to Market III Project. This initiative aims to enhance the transportation of natural gas from the Appalachian supply basin, providing new service to meet the growing demands of local distribution companies.

The proposed project plans to utilize approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) of an idled 24-inch (61-cm) diameter pipeline located in Adams and York counties, Pennsylvania. Additionally, Texas Eastern intends to relay another 2 miles of 36-inch (91-cm) diameter Line 1 Pipeline, which will be located adjacent to and south of the existing Line 2 pipeline. The modifications also include the abandonment and removal of an existing receiver at the Bakers Watering Trough Valve Site, situated at the western terminus of the current Line 1 Pipeline.

In connection with the project, a new 36-inch diameter receiver, valve, and 30-inch (76-cm) diameter crossover will be constructed at the eastern end of the Line 1 Pipeline. Furthermore, essential modifications at the Bedford Compressor Station in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, will take place. This includes an upgrade of the existing electric motor driven (EMD) compressor unit 13E, increasing its capacity from 26,000 horsepower (hp) (17,904 kilowatts [kW]) to 35,500 hp (26,483 kW). An emergency shut-down gas conditioning skid will be installed at this facility, along with changes made to the impellers on existing EMD compressor units 11E and 12E.

The Appalachia to Market III Project is designed to provide an additional firm natural gas transportation service of up to 32,000 dekatherms per day from the Appalachian supply basin in southwestern Pennsylvania. This added capacity will meet the demands of two existing local distribution company customers in both Pennsylvania and Delaware, which reflects the growing need for reliable energy sources in these states.

Texas Eastern estimates the total cost of the Appalachia to Market III Project will be approximately US$42,211,930. This figure underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its infrastructure to accommodate increased natural gas traffic, enhancing the reliability of energy supply in the region. The project aligns with broader trends in the energy sector, where there is a significant push for improved gas transportation infrastructure to support growing demand.

The Appalachia to Market III Project represents a critical step in augmenting natural gas services as energy requirements continue to rise across various states. With the enhancements outlined in the application, Texas Eastern Transmission LP aims to substantially increase the capacity for transporting natural gas while contributing to the economic vitality of the areas it serves.

The project now awaits approval from FERC, which will assess the environmental and regulatory impacts of the proposal before granting authorization. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for similar projects in the future, as energy companies seek to enhance their service offerings amid a rapidly evolving market landscape.