Atlantic Coast Pipeline seeks approval to construct $5bn natural gas pipeline in US

Atlantic Coast Pipeline has sought US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approval to build a $5bn, 564-mile interstate natural gas transmission pipeline.

The proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) will be built and owned by energy companies Dominion, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas and AGL Resources and has been designed to meet the need for cleaner electricity generation.

ACP would transport natural gas supplies from Harrison County, West Virginia, south-east through Virginia with an extension to Chesapeake, Virginia, and south through central North Carolina to Robeson County.

Construction of the pipeline is expected to begin in the second half of next year and is due to be in-service in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Dominion Energy president Diane Leopold said: "The Atlantic Coast Pipeline is essential to meeting the clean energy needs of Virginia and North Carolina, and has significant benefits for West Virginia as well.

"The ACP will enhance overall energy reliability in the region, bringing natural gas that will heat homes and power businesses, support thousands of jobs, and promote lower energy prices and economic development."

Prior to approving the application, the FERC and various participating agencies will examine a broad number of issues, including public safety, air quality, water resources, geology, and soils.

Other issues to be taken into consideration include wildlife and vegetation, threatened and endangered species, land and visual resources, cultural and historic resources, noise, cumulative impacts and reasonable alternatives.

Atlantic has considered more than 3,000 miles of potential routes and made hundreds of route adjustments and has participated in more than 60 public meetings.

Once in place, the ACP is expected to save an estimated $377m annually in lower energy costs to consumers and businesses in Virginia and North Carolina, according to a study by ICF International.

Dominion owns 45% of the pipeline and other partners include Duke Energy with 40%; Piedmont with 10% and AGL Resources with 5%.

With a capacity of 1.5 billion cubic feet per day, the ACP would have a 42in diameter in West Virginia and Virginia, 36in diameter in North Carolina, and 20in diameter in the extension to Hampton Roads.

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Image: The Atlantic Coast Pipeline has been designed to meet the need for cleaner electricity generation. Photo: courtesy of puttsk/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.