Mountain Valley Pipeline enters into service
The 303-mile Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) reached a major milestone this week as it began operations and entered into service.
The pipeline, which runs across West Virginia and Virginia, is designed to provide cost-effective access to natural gas for use by local distribution companies, industrial users, and power generation facilities in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions, where demand is growing.
The 42-inch diameter underground interstate natural gas transmission pipeline is designed to carry up to 2 Bcf of natural gas per day from the Marcellus and Utica shale production regions to these demand markets.
After getting all of the necessary regulatory approvals, including from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). MVP is now available for interruptible or short-term firm transportation service until long-term firm capacity obligations commence on July 1.
“This is an important and long-awaited day for our Nation and the millions of Americans who now have greater access to an abundant supply of domestic natural gas for use as an affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy resource,” Diana Charletta, president and CEO of Equitrans Midstream, said. “Natural gas is an essential fuel for modern life, and, as a critical infrastructure project, the Mountain Valley Pipeline will play an integral role in achieving a lower-carbon future while helping to ensure America’s energy and economic security for decades to come.”
The MVP is owned by a joint venture that includes the Mountain Valley Pipeline and Equitrans Midstream. Equitrans is also the operator of the pipeline.
“We are grateful for the ongoing professionalism and tremendous efforts of the federal and state agencies that worked tirelessly for many years to ensure MVP’s construction activities met or exceeded all applicable permitting requirements,” Thomas Karam, executive chairman, Equitrans Midstream, said. “In addition, we would not be commencing commercial operations were it not for the relentless advocacy and commitment of our federal and state elected officials. In particular, the resolve and commitment of Senator Manchin who championed and declared MVP as being critical to our energy security and national security, and the dedication of Senator Capito, Congressman Reschenthaler, and Congresswoman Miller who recognized the essential benefits of MVP, including reliable, affordable access to domestic energy.”
The MVP is now part of a network of more than 300,000 miles of interstate and intrastate natural gas transmission pipelines.
“Demand for natural gas in Southwest Virginia continues to grow, and the importance of MVP’s energy supply cannot be overstated,” Paul Nester, president and CEO of Roanoke Gas, said. “The MVP and its natural gas supply are essential to meeting the needs of residents and businesses across the Roanoke Valley, now and for many years to come. Further, MVP’s delivery points to Roanoke Gas in Franklin and Montgomery Counties are certain to provide direct, long-term economic benefits to our community and this region.”
The MVP was built under unprecedented regulatory oversight and followed stringent construction, safety, and environmental protocols, including the protection of threatened and endangered species, as well as cultural, historical, and environmental resources.
