Steckman Ridge LP Friday submitted an application to FERC to construct and operate approximately 12 Bcf of gas storage capacity to serve markets in the Northeast.

In an open season held earlier this year, Steckman Ridge received bids for services totaling nearly five times the proposed working capacity of the project (see Daily GPI, June 29), to be located in Bedford County, PA, project backers said.

“We are seeking FERC [Federal Energy Regulatory Commission] approval for this vital project because we recognize the need for natural gas storage and understand its importance in balancing supply and demand in the Northeast,” said Steckman Ridge Vice President Mark Fiedorek. “Steckman Ridge’s strategic location, interconnections and range of services respond to the market’s call for flexible storage options that bring more natural gas reliability and security to the region.”

Steckman Ridge plans to convert a natural gas field into a storage facility with the addition of storage wells, a compressor station and a storage field pipeline network. The project is expected to be in service by April 2009.

The Steckman reservoir is better than most, Fiedorek previously told NGI (see Daily GPI, March 7). It can be cycled two to three times and will have withdrawal capability of 300,000 MMDth/d and injection capability of 150,000 MMDth/d. Pipeline interconnects will be Spectra Energy Corp.’s Texas Eastern Transmission and the Dominion Gas Transmission system. Both pipes have large facilities at the storage site, Fiedorek said. Some expansions may take place downstream to complement the storage development.

Steckman Ridge is a joint venture, equally owned by subsidiaries of Spectra and New Jersey Resources.

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