Growth Projects: Ohio Storage Expansion Project
Understanding natural gas storage
PROJECT OVERVIEW
As the national debate goes on about our nation's reliance on foreign energy sources and the escalating costs of energy, Columbia Gas Transmission is working to increase its capacity to transport and store clean-burning, domestic natural gas. Columbia Transmission's proposed Ohio Storage Expansion Project will increase the company's capacity to store and transport clean-burning, domestically produced natural gas to serve growing demand for natural gas storage services across the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast states. Adding to existing natural gas pipeline and storage infrastructure can help manage price fluctuations of natural gas and ensure continued reliability and supply.
To serve the growing need for energy with clean-burning, domestic sources, Columbia Gas Transmission has filed for authorization from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to enhance and expand two existing natural gas storage fields and related facilities in Ohio: the Crawford Storage Field in Hocking and Fairfield counties, and Weaver Storage Field in Ashland and Holmes counties. Columbia Transmission filed for a 'certificate of public convenience and necessity' on June 24, 2008. The FERC has assigned Docket number CP08-431-000 to the proposal.
A Naturally Safe Energy Storage Solution
At the Crawford field, Columbia proposes to drill 16 new storage wells, purchase seven existing production wells, construct about 15 miles of pipeline connecting the new wells, perform enhancement work on five existing wells and make minor modifications at Crawford Compressor Station.
In the Weaver Storage Field area, Columbia Gas Transmission proposes to construct about 5.5 miles of pipeline just south and east of Loudonville, install measurement and regulation facilities on existing pipelines, add a valve setting on an existing pipeline and perform reconditioning work on several existing storage wells.
Public Involvement and Timing
Public awareness and input is important to every project we construct. During the 'Pre-Filing' stage of the project, Columbia mailed letters to impacted landowners, held open houses, established this web site and printed materials, and set up a toll-free information line to reach out to communities and agencies.
Now that the formal application has been filed, the FERC has assigned a Docket Number (CP08-431-000) and seeks comment from any interested citizens. See information below about the FERC review process.
Of course, citizens may still contact Columbia Transmission directly.
Columbia Transmission hosted open houses in Logan on January 23 and Loudonville on January 24 to share information. Several of the information sheets available are attached below. If you would like to receive a printed copy of the literature handed out at the open house, please send a note to OhioStorage@nisource.com or call our toll-free number, 1-866-356-4824.
Understanding Surveys (pdf)
Understanding natural gas storage
Crawford, Weaver and other Columbia Gas Transmission storage fields are a key reason that homes across Ohio and the Eastern United States stay warm in the winter.
The fields hold large volumes of natural gas in deep underground rock formations that originally held native supplies of natural gas. That native gas supply served consumers in Columbus and elsewhere in Ohio for many years. When most of these original gas reserves were depleted, Columbia Gas Transmission converted the original production reservoirs – the underground rock that originally held native natural gas -- into storage reservoirs.
The Weaver Storage Field first produced natural gas in 1911. It was converted to a storage reservoir in the 1930s. Crawford Storage field has been operating since 1977. Today, natural gas is pumped into the storage fields during warm months, when demand for natural gas is relatively low. That gas is withdrawn during the winter, when demand for natural gas is higher as consumers keep their homes and businesses warm.
Lydia Dorko
Project Manager
1-866-356-4824
Kelly Merritt
Manager, Public Affairs
1-304-357-2283
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
How is this project reviewed?
Columbia Gas Transmission has been working with numerous local, state, and federal agencies in preparing for the project. On June 24, Columbia Transmission filed a formal application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
The FERC will seek public comment and look at all aspects of the project, such as the need for the facility and its environmental impact before certifying the project and allowing construction to begin.
Interested persons can learn more about the FERC review process by visiting the FERC web site. Remember that Columbia's Ohio Storage Expansion Project has been assigned docket number CP08-431-000.
http://www.ferc.gov/for-citizens/for-citizens.asp
Readers can also learn more through the following FERC document:
FERC Brochure: An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on my Land? What do I Need to Know?
I am a landowner along the pipeline. How will I be notified if I am impacted?
Affected landowners along the right of way should receive information from both Columbia and the FERC. If you have not received any information and believe you may be impacted, please contact the project office at 1-866-356-4824.
Are natural gas pipelines safe?
Designing, building and operating safe, reliable and environmentally sound natural gas facilities is our sole mission, and it's one we take seriously.
Our facilities are designed and built to strict industry and regulatory standards. Once in operation, they receive ongoing inspections and maintenance, and are kept under continuous electronic monitoring, 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. Read more in the public awareness brochure we mail regularly to residents and emergency responders in our operating territory (note, the attachment is a printers proof of a brochure - therefore, part of it appears upside down).
Please be our partner in safe, reliable energy delivery
Can I get natural gas service to my home?
Columbia Gas Transmission operates the pipelines that deliver gas to local gas distribution companies. The distribution companies in turn deliver gas to homes and businesses.
If you desire natural gas service to your home, contact the local gas distribution company in your area. If local gas delivery is not available, check your phone directory for bottled gas, propane or other energy providers.
For more information about the Ohio Storage Expansion project, call 1-866-356-4824.
