Pipeline plans heat up in W.Va.
Pipeline plans heat up in W.Va.
By FRED PACE
HUNTINGTON – With growth of natural gas in West Virginia, there are a number of new pipeline projects proposed for the state, raising a range of debates about the benefits and the risks.
In recent years, the shale revolution has opened access to abundant gas supplies within the state and the region, which has created the need for more infrastructure, according to industry officials.
“Marcellus and Utica gas has been a game-changer for this region,” said Scott Castleman, communication manager for TransCanada, which now owns Columbia Pipeline Group.
“We have 31,000 miles of pipeline, with 15,000 miles on the East Coast that is at capacity,” he said. “We need to increase that capacity.”
The United States already has a massive system of pipelines built over the past 100 years, and they carry various types of oil and gas products.
“Nationwide, some 300,000 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines provide a vital link between producers and consumers,” Castleman said. “Many people are unaware of the presence of this large pipeline network that is operating safely and reliably underground.”
Full story continued HERE
