The American Petroleum Institute (API) Monday published a new guidance document outlining current best-industry practices for the proper drilling and cementing of wells that are being hydraulically fractured. The document, “Hydraulic Fracturing Operations — Well Construction and Integrity Guideline,” is designed to ensure that shallow ground water aquifers and the environment are protected throughout the drilling, completion and production phases of a well’s life, according to API. “The guidance document helps supplement and support existing state regulations to ensure that development of our nation’s abundant natural gas resources is safe and effective,” said API Upstream Director Doug Morris. A free .pdf of the guidance document is available at www.api.org/Publications/epstandards/. A hard copy may be purchased for $40 from www.api.org/publications or by calling IHS at (800) 854-7179.

Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. announced Monday that the third and final phase of its 08/09 Expansion Project, a 10,300-hp compressor unit, was placed in service on Nov. 1 as scheduled. The project, which included a 1.6-mile segment of 36-inch diameter pipe and two additional compressors that were installed earlier, will carry an additional 200 MMcf/d from Iroquois’ interconnection with the Algonquin Gas Transmission System in Brookfield, CT to National Grid‘s local distribution system at South Commack, Long Island. The Iroquois system transports more than 1.5 Bcf/d of natural gas, primarily from Western Canada, into the Northeast.

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