Columbia Gas Seeks FERC Approval for Two Appalachian Basin Pipeline Projects

On Friday, May 10, 2013, Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC (Columbia Gas) submitted applications to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the issuance of certificates of public convenience and necessity for a pair of natural gas pipeline projects in the Appalachian basin.  The first project, the Smithfield III Expansion, would include the construction of a new compressor station in Washington County, Pennsylvania, as well as the installation of additional compressor units, new station piping, control systems, and other facilities at existing compressor stations and other sites in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.  The second project, the Line 1570, would involve replacing and expanding certain existing pipeline facilities in Greene County and Washington County, Pennsylvania, as well as replacing and expanding certain facilities at an existing compressor station in Greene County, Pennsylvania.  According to Columbia Gas, these two projects will allow the company to expand its gas service to customers in markets in the southwest.