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Dominion Announces Completion of Cove Point Expansion Project
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Dominion Announces Completion of Cove Point Expansion Project
LUSBY - 5/19/2009
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The project increases the Cove Point Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal’s daily output capacity from 1 billion cubic feet per day to 1.8 Bcf per day. Storage capacity at the terminal has increased to about 14.5 Bcf. One Bcf of natural gas is enough energy for about 3.4 million homes each day. Dominion Cove Point formerly had 7.8 Bcf of LNG tank storage. Construction in 2008 included:
These pipeline projects are key to delivering new gas supplies to where they are needed in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The Maryland project brings more winter supplies to the Mid-Atlantic region, and the Pennsylvania projects allow supplies to be stored in the summer and moved to the Northeast for use during the winter.
The expansion project added two storage tanks, bringing the total number at the site to seven. In addition, the expansion project added two electric generator units to the existing three units. New facilities at the Cove Point LNG Terminal were placed in service in January. Dominion completed construction and received Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval to start service in December. Now that the Cove Point Expansion construction is complete, Dominion remains dedicated to working with communities on their needs and interests. “We appreciate the cooperation we received from each landowner affected by our projects,” said Russ Johnson, Dominion’s manager-Land, Lease & Right-of-Way. “As we continue our relationship with the landowners, we want them to know that we make every effort to safely operate our system.” For example, markers alert the public to the presence of a pipeline, identify pipeline rights-of-way and provide an emergency phone number. Safety and compliance have always been a high priority for Dominion, so the company embraces the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s goals of improving pipeline safety and raising the public confidence in the natural gas industry. Dominion Transmission’s extensive integrity management program has been in place since December 2004. For additional information about Dominion Transmission’s Integrity Management Program, log on to www.dom.com and key word search IMP, or call (304) 627-3200. Dominion inspects pipelines from the inside using “smart pigging” to measure and analyze conditions along the pipeline’s inner and outer walls. The “pig” device travels through the pipelines and electronically reads and records the slightest change in pipe wall thickness. These changes can pinpoint potential problems before they become problems. Throughout the pipeline system, the pressure of the gas in the pipes is monitored to make sure it remains
well within the limits established by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Sophisticated computer and telecommunications equipment can detect fluctuations and control flows. Dominion’s gas control centers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and know immediately if the pressure within a pipeline falls. In the event of such a pressure drop in one area, the control center acts to stop the gas flow to the problem area by selectively isolating sections of the pipeline. Inspections can then determine the cause of the problem and guide repairs. In areas where a natural gas pipeline will come into contact with corrosive content or a corrosive environment, the pipe is specially treated to withstand corrosion, and additional protective systems are installed to protect the pipe. Professional personnel who have been extensively trained in pipeline emergency procedures are stationed at strategic points along pipelines to speed response to problems or unusual events.
If you witness any problem with a Dominion pipeline at any time, call Dominion’s 24-hour emergency number 1-(888) 264-8240. For more information on the project, visit the Dominion Cove Point Web site.
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