Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P., and MarkWest Utica EMG, L.L.C., a joint venture between MarkWest Energy Partners, L.P. (MarkWest) and The Energy and Minerals Group (EMG) announced the launch of a binding open season to solicit commitments for a proposed Y-grade pipeline project to transport natural gas liquids (NGLs) produced from the Utica and Marcellus shales to Mont Belvieu, Texas.

The pipeline will involve converting over 1,000 miles of KMP's 24- and 26-inch Tennessee Gas Pipeline system, currently in natural gas service, from Mercer, Pa., to Natchitoches, La., and building approximately 200 miles of new pipeline of similar diameter from Natchitoches to a proposed Kinder Morgan/MarkWest Utica EMG joint venture fractionation facility with a third party that has existing facilities at Mont Belvieu. Subject to shipper commitments, timely regulatory approvals and necessary capital improvements, the pipeline is targeted to be in service during the second quarter of 2016. The pipeline will have an initial design capacity of 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) and would be expandable to 400,000 bpd with the addition of pump stations.

Tags: Kinder Morgan Energy Partners