The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted authorization to Dominion Energy Cove Point LNG LP to begin service on its Eastern Market Access natural gas pipeline expansion project in Loudoun and Fairfax counties, Va., and Charles County, Md.
The Aug. 30 in-service authorization covered all project facilities except a second delivery tap on a line in Charles County. FERC found the Dominion Energy Inc. subsidiary had stabilized all areas disturbed by construction properly and was doing well in its restoration efforts. FERC noted that Dominion Energy Cove Point plans to complete restoration of the Charles Station area in the fall. The commission expected the company to continue to update the restoration status in monthly construction reports.
On Aug. 14, Dominion Energy Cove Point requested that FERC grant an in-service request by Aug. 30 in order to provide Washington Gas Light Co. with firm transportation service by that date.
On May 6, Dominion Energy Cove Point asked FERC for an amendment to its certificate that would eliminate a compressor station in Charles County and scale back gas transportation capacity on the project facilities from 294,000 Dth/d to 150,000 Dth/d. The developer told FERC in its request for an amendment that Mattawoman Energy LLC would no longer be a customer, leaving Washington Gas as the sole project customer subscribed to all gas transportation capacity.
FERC approved the Eastern Market Access project in January 2018. The project expanded the Dominion Energy Cove Point system, an 88-mile pipeline in Maryland, and it included delivery taps and modifications to two Virginia compressor stations. (FERC dockets CP17-15 and CP17-15-02)
