Central Arkansas Pipeline Enhancement
Project Overview
CenterPoint Energy Gas Transmission Company, LLC (CEGT) is proposing the Central Arkansas Pipeline Enhancement Project to provide for the continued safe, reliable and efficient transportation of natural gas to the central Arkansas cities and towns of Conway, Mayflower, Maumelle, North Little Rock and Little Rock.
CEGT identified an opportunity to enhance its pipeline system in Central Arkansas and initiated a collaborative effort with the local gas distribution company, its affiliate, CenterPoint Energy Arkansas Gas (CERC). CEGT and CERC currently own and operate multiple, existing pipelines in this region, but the region has experienced substantial residential and commercial development since the original pipeline facilities were constructed.
The pipeline enhancement project provides CEGT and CERC with the opportunity to install new facilities to better serve its current customers, while also laying the groundwork for additional capacity to meet future growth, as needed. As part of the Project, CEGT will also retire from service some exiting pipeline assets, while also realigning ownership of some other existing pipeline infrastructure to CERC. Such realignment and repurposing of existing pipeline infrastructure will provide for cost savings and more efficient delivery of natural gas in the Project area, all of which should benefit end use customers.
General project description
As part of the Central Arkansas Pipeline Enhancement Project, CEGT is proposing the installation of approximately 28 miles of 12-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline and ancillary facilities in Pulaski and Faulkner Counties, Arkansas. The proposed pipeline, to be named Line BT-39, will be constructed primarily on new alignment, and will provide replacement transmission service for a portion of two existing CEGT natural gas pipelines (Lines B and BT-14).
CEGT will also construct metering and appurtenances at seven new or modified locations along the Line BT-39 pipeline route and tie-in points to the existing Line BT-14 pipeline, to provide natural gas deliveries to its distribution affiliate. Natural gas delivery to two of the planned meter stations from Line BT-39 will necessitate construction of two, 4-inch-diameter lateral pipelines, Lines BT-40 and BT-41, which will be approximately 230 and 1,400 feet in length, respectively. As currently proposed, ownership of an approximately 12.4 mile-long segment of the existing Line BT-14 pipeline through the City of Conway would be transferred to CEGT’s distribution affiliate, and an approximately 21-mile-long segment of the existing Line B pipeline, extending from Conway to North Little Rock, would be retired from service.
Other minor ancillary facilities and small diameter pipelines within the City of Conway (i.e., Lines BM-1 and BT-19, and a portion of Line BM-21) would also be abandoned in association with the proposed Project.