Fast Facts

Project Overview

The Ohio Valley Connector Expansion Project (OVCX) is designed to add firm transportation capacity to allow natural gas to move from the central Appalachian Basin into the interstate pipeline grid. Equitrans’ existing natural gas pipeline system is uniquely positioned in the central Appalachian region to accommodate increased gas production, as its pipelines overlay areas of production in northern West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania. The Project is designed to enhance producers’ market diversity by increasing their capacity into Ohio to provide timely, cost-effective access to expanding mid-continent and Gulf Coast markets. The proposed Project will transport natural gas from Equitrans’ Mainline and Sunrise Transmission Systems and other gathering receipt points to interconnections with interstate pipelines operated by Rockies Express Pipeline (REX) and Rover Pipeline LLC (Rover). 

The pipeline assets related to the Project will be operated by Equitrans, L.P. (Equitrans) – a wholly owned subsidiary of Equitrans Midstream Corporation, based in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Equitrans has significant experience in designing, building, and operating natural gas pipelines in the Appalachian region, including extensive natural gas gathering, storage, and transmission operations that service western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.

Equitrans Midstream Corporation (ETRN) has a premier asset footprint in the Appalachian Basin and is one of the largest natural gas gatherers in the United States. Through its strategically located assets in the Marcellus and Utica regions, ETRN has an operational focus on gas transmission and storage systems, gas gathering systems, and water services that support natural gas development and production across the Basin. With a rich 135-year history in the energy industry, ETRN was launched as a standalone company in 2018 with the vision to be the premier midstream services provider in North America. ETRN is helping to meet America’s growing need for clean-burning energy, while also providing a rewarding workplace and enriching the communities where its employees live and work.

ETRN’s transmission and storage system includes approximately 950 miles of FERC-regulated interstate pipelines that have interconnect points to seven interstate pipelines and multiple local distribution companies. As of year-end 2021, Equitrans Midstream’s transmission and storage system was supported by 43 compressor units, with total throughput capacity of approximately 4.4 Bcf per day and compression of approximately 136,000 horsepower; and 18 associated natural gas storage reservoirs, which had a peak withdrawal capacity of approximately 850 MMcf per day and a working gas capacity of approximately 43 Bcf. In 2021, Equitrans’ transmission operations transmitted a daily average of 2.971 Bcf.

 

Public participation and comment is important to us:

Communications and Regulatory Information

As the lead federal agency, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will oversee the federal permitting process for the Ohio Valley Connector Expansion (OVCX) Project and will also coordinate with other federal, state, and local agencies during the environmental review process to identify potential environmental concerns.

Health, Safety, and Environment:

  • U.S. Department of Transportation statistics confirm that natural gas transmission pipelines are the safest form of energy transportation
  • Construction and operation of transmission lines follow strict federal and state guidelines that minimize environmental impacts
  • At Equitrans, safety is a core value
  • Equitrans has a steadfast commitment to the protection of the environment and is committed to conducting  its business operations in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner at all times

Regulatory Documents and Approvals:

The FERC regulatory process was initiated in January 2022 – and pending regulatory approvals – construction of the Project is anticipated to begin in March 2023, with completion of all Project components expected in June 2024. Most documents related to the Project are available as public information at any time. To review the FERC filing documents or any subsequent documents, please visit the FERC’s online eLibrary at: http://elibrary.ferc.gov and use the Project’s docket number to search.

  • Since filing the formal application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, the Project was assigned a new Docket Number of CP22-44.

Timely and Transparent Communications:

The “FERC Citizen’s Guide” will help guide you through important information related to proposed federal pipeline projects, such as:

  • What rights you have as a landowner
  • How the location of a pipeline or other facilities is decided
  • What safety and environmental issues might be involved in a FERC project
  • The FERC Citizen’s Guide and other useful information concerning natural gas pipelines is available online at: http://www.ferc.gov/

Equitrans, along with federal and state regulatory agencies, will also have opportunities for landowners and other interested parties to ask questions and provide comments through:

  • Community Open Houses to present the project to landowners and stakeholders affected by the project
  • Comment Solicitation from landowners, community leaders, and citizens through public meetings, 855-918-8880, and OVCX.info
  • Update Meetings with elected officials and legislators at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure their constituents are well-informed
  • Public participation and comment:

Equitrans recognizes the importance of fair and respectful treatment of landowners impacted by the projects it constructs and operates, which meet the vital energy needs of its communities and customers, and will work to adhere to the Commitments to Landowners