FERC issued a favorable environmental assessment (EA) for Columbia Gas Transmission LLC’s East Side Expansion Project, which would add 312,000 Dth/d of firm capacity to serve mid-Atlantic markets.

The project would entail installation of about 19 miles of 20- and 26-inch diameter pipeline loop as well as modifications/upgrades at several above-ground facilities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland.

“We conclude that approval of the East Side Expansion Project would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment based on the environmental analysis presented herein, Columbia’s application and supplements, and implementation of Columbia’s proposed and our recommended mitigation measures,” staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said in the EA [CP14-17].

According to Columbia, the project is expected to be in service during fall 2015. Columbia parent NiSource Inc. said in fall 2012 that it would proceed with the project to carry Marcellus Shale gas to the East Coast and mid-Atlantic region (see Shale Daily, Oct. 29, 2012).