Williams’ Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line (Transco) has placed the first phase of its Sentinel expansion into service, increasing firm capacity into the northeastern U.S. by 40,000 Dth/d. Sentinel has been years in the making.

The Sentinel expansion is being constructed in two phases. Phase 2 will provide an additional 102,000 Dth/d and is expected to be placed into service by November 2009. The entire project is designed to increase Transco’s firm capacity by 142,000 Dth/d.

Phase 1 included the addition of approximately four miles of 42-inch diameter pipe in Northampton and Monroe counties, PA, in addition to compressor station upgrades at Transco Station 195 in Delta, PA. Phase 2 will include the addition or replacement of 14 miles of pipeline at various locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

In August FERC approved Sentinel (see Daily GPI, Aug. 19). When Williams first mentioned the project in February 2002 (see Daily GPI, Nov. 1, 2005; Feb. 19, 2002), the company said it was eyeing the addition of 200,000-300,000 Dth/d. Two years ago Williams said it had executed precedent agreements with seven shippers to transport an additional 142,000 Dth/d to the Northeast. The company predicted that Sentinel would be operational by November 2008 (see Daily GPI, Dec. 18, 2006). Sentinel received a favorable environmental assessment from FERC in April (see Daily GPI, April 22).

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