Construction underway on Pennsylvania section of Atlantic Sunrise pipeline project

Williams Partners L.P. announced this week that construction began in Pennsylvania on the greenfield portion of the Atlantic Sunrise project, which expands the existing Transco natural gas pipeline.

The project will connect Marcellus gas supplies with Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern U.S. markets.

“We are pleased to break ground on the greenfield component of this important project which will leverage existing energy infrastructure to deliver economic growth and help millions of Americans gain access to affordable Pennsylvania-produced clean-burning natural gas,” Alan Armstrong, Williams’ president and CEO, said. “We have worked diligently with stakeholders during this multi-year process to develop this project in a manner which not only meets but often exceeds already high industry standards as reflected by the approval of state and federal permitting agencies following their lengthy and thorough review of this project.”

The project includes two new natural gas compressor facilities in Wyoming and Columbia counties. Work on the pipeline portion of the project is expected to begin next week. Construction is expected to last approximately 10 months.

“As we begin construction of the greenfield facilities, we are committed to installing this infrastructure in a safe, environmentally responsible manner and in full compliance with rigorous state and federal environmental permits and standards,” Micheal Dunn, Williams’ executive vice president and COO, said. “Our construction personnel are experienced, highly-qualified professionals who have undergone extensive training to ensure that this important project is installed safely and responsibly.”

The approximately $3 billion project is intended to expand natural gas deliveries by 1.7 billion cubic feet per day. It is scheduled to enter full service in mid-2018.