SAMANTHA CART
Extending Our Network
West Virginia ’ s Natural Gas Pipelines
Editor ’ s Note : The list of pipeline projects used for this article was provided by the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia , Inc . These pipeline projects are either under construction or awaiting approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission . However , this is not a comprehensive list of all proposed pipeline projects in West Virginia .
A variety of pipeline projects are underway in West Virginia , a testament to a growing optimism in the revitalization of the natural gas industry . The Mountain State ’ s stifled success has been attributed to possessing a vast supply of natural gas with nowhere to send it , and new pipelines and updates to existing infrastructure are a necessity to facilitating the fast-growing industry ’ s future success . With the addition of these proposed and pending pipelines and the possibility for more , the potential exists to mend a powerhouse industry , bolster job creation and make a significant impact on West Virginia ’ s economy .
Aerial view of the Ceredo compressor station in West Virginia , which will see significant upgrades as part of LXP . Photo by U . S . Natural Gas Communications .
Leach Xpress Project
Announced in 2014 by Columbia Gas Transmission , the Leach Xpress Project ( LXP ) received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ( FERC ) in January 2017 and is expected to be in service by November 1 , 2017 . The pipeline will enable the safe transport of approximately 1.5 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas from Appalachia to clients served by the Columbia Gas and Columbia Gulf pipeline systems .
The project includes more than 160 miles of new , 36-inch-diameter pipeline and the construction of three compressor stations in Majorsville , WV ; Summerfield , Ohio ; and Oak Hill , Ohio . The LXP pipeline will originate at the Pennsylvania-West
STATUS :
Under Construction
Virginia border , travel through Marshall County , WV , and southeastern Ohio and end in Wayne County , WV . The total cost for the LXP is $ 1.8 billion , which includes its sister project , the Rayne Xpress Project . Based on an assessment by Cleveland-based consulting firm Kleinhenz & Associates , the LXP will have a significant economic impact for Ohio and West Virginia .
“ The LXP project is expected to create or support nearly 5,600 jobs through construction and generate close to $ 2.3 billion in economic benefits ,” says Scott Castleman , manager for U . S . Natural Gas Communications . “ This project will directly boost West Virginia ’ s energy industry , as well as the state ’ s economy as a whole , and equally as important , these projects provide the opportunity for us to modernize much of our critical pipeline infrastructure to ensure safe , reliable transportation of natural gas while at the same time reducing our overall methane emission footprint .”
Along with a boost in job creation and money spent , the LXP is also expected to generate $ 10.7 million in West Virginia tax revenue .
“ While production has slowed some due to low natural gas prices , the need for added pipeline capacity in the region is great ,” says Castleman . “ Each of our proposed energy infrastructure projects is underpinned by long-term contracts with customers .”
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