Federal regulators approved a natural gas pipeline expansion in Virginia and North Carolina over the objections of critics who have argued the project is unnecessary.
In a 61-page order, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission last week granted the request by Williams Cos. to build and operate the Southeast Supply Enhancement project (SSEP). The commission cited contracts for the project’s entire capacity.
The project, put forward by Williams’ Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line unit, would add 55 miles of new pipeline in two segments called loops. One of those segments, known as the Eden Loop, follows the same path as Mountain Valley’s amended Southgate pipeline project. Williams’ project also includes the installation of new compressor units.
FERC said that “Transco has demonstrated a need for the project, and, further, that the project will not have adverse impacts on existing shippers or other pipelines and their existing customers, and that the project will have minimal economic impacts on landowners and surrounding communities.”
