Gulf South Pipeline Co. LP, a subsidiary of Boardwalk Pipeline Partners LP, has launched a binding open season to solicit interest in expanding its East Texas-to-Mississippi 42-inch diameter pipeline. The expansion would provide for increased natural gas production from East Texas and the emerging Haynesville Shale of northwestern Louisiana.

If it obtains enough commitments in the open season, Gulf South would expand its existing system by 500,000 MMBtu/d with compression subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval. Gulf South said that based on commitments, it also may pursue “further expansions of its capacity beyond the initial expansion” of 500,000 MMBtu/d. The East Texas-to-Mississippi expansion project was placed in service early this year (see Daily GPI, Jan. 17).

“Northwest Louisiana continues to exceed expectations,” said Boardwalk’s Brian Cody, chief commercial officer. “Anticipated new production from the emerging Haynesville Shale play in Northwest Louisiana coupled with the increasing volume from Texas provide a significant long-term demand for additional pipeline takeaway capacity.”

The pipe expansion would offer access to Midwest and Northeast markets through interconnections with Texas Gas and other interstate pipelines in the Perryville Hub area, as well as access to the pipelines serving the Southeast markets through the Gulf South system and connection with the Southeast Supply Header, Gulf South noted. Gulf South’s Southeast Expansion pipeline went into service about three months ago (see Daily GPI, June 3).

Bids for capacity will be accepted until 3 p.m. CDT on Oct. 6. For more information contact Rick Whitworth at (713) 479-8644 or Steve Noe at (713) 479-8126, or visit www.gulfsouthpl.com.

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