Marking the start of construction related to projects thatultimately will increase pipeline capacity into New England by morethan 20%, Portland Natural Gas Transmission System (PNGTS) andMaritimes & Northeast Pipeline began a crossing of thePiscataqua River between Newington, NH, and Eliot, ME. The crossingis the first stage in the construction of the PNGTS/Maritimes JointFacilities Project, which represents the southernmost portion ofeach pipeline.

Horizontal directional drilling will be used to cross the riverin an attempt to avoid strong currents and sensitive environments.When completed, the drill will place more than one-half mile of30-inch diameter pipeline about 50 feet below the riverbed.

Due to the complexity of this effort, PNGTS and Maritimes weregiven approval to begin the river crossing prior to beginningconstruction of adjacent mainline facilities, which is expected tooccur later this spring.

The PNGTS/Maritimes Joint Facilities Project includes about 100miles of 30-inch pipe and related facilities that will operatebetween Tennessee Gas Pipeline in Dracut, MA and upstream portionsof the Maritimes and PNGTS facilities in Westbrook, ME. The JointFacilities will transport more than 600 MMcf/d of gas to Northeastmarkets.

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