In Alexandria, La., work is nearing completion on a $1.6 billion pipeline from the Haynesville Shale natural gas fields. The line is an extension of the 1,000-mi. (1,609 km) Acadian Gas pipeline system in south Louisiana. Acadian Gas LLC, which is developing the project, is jointly owned by Enterprise Products Partners L.P. and Duncan Energy Partners L.P.

According to Rick Rainey, public relations director of Enterprise Products, construction began on the project in February 2011, and currently is scheduled for a completion in September 2011. Much of the advance preparation, such as permitting, acquiring right-of-way and signing customers to long-term agreements anchoring the project began in the fall of 2009.

“The Acadian Haynesville Extension project is unique in that it is designed to help producers avoid potential bottlenecks at the Perryville Hub but still access the same systems by providing a more southerly route that reaches over 150 end-use markets along the Mississippi River corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans,” Rainey said.

“The Haynesville Extension will also allow shippers to reach nine interstate pipeline systems and feature access to a rapid-cycle salt dome storage cavern and the ability to make physical deliveries into the Henry Hub, allowing producers to benefit from more favorable pricing points.”

The pipeline is 270 mi (434 km) in length, and is comprised of 20-, 24-, 36-, and 42-in. (50-, 61-, 91-, and 106-cm) diameters. There is 144 mi. (231 km) of 42-in. (106 cm) pipeline, 112 mi. (180 km) of 36-in. (91 cm) pipeline, and 14 mi. (22.5 km) of 20- and 24-in. (50- and 61-cm ) pipeline.

More than 11,000 cu. yds. (8,410 cu m) of concrete have been poured at the two primary compressor stations. Directional drills that were performed underneath roads and water crossings to minimize above-ground disruption were up to one mile (1.6 km) in length.

There are three general pipeline contractors, Willbros, Michaels and Sunland. OPD is the general contractor for the two large compressor stations (Mansfield and Cheneyville). Willbros is the general contractor for the Red River compressor station and Strike and Sunland are the general contractors for the meter stations.

“A greater variety of equipment has been required to meet the challenges presented by varied terrain and operating conditions,” Rainey said. “For instance, right-of-way clearing in swampy areas required backhoes to be specially modified to ’float’ on ground barely able to withstand 1.5 pounds per square inch.”

To meet the aggressive time frame for acquiring the necessary right-of-way, the company executed more than 900 agreements with landowners in less than 18 months.

“It was necessary to commission a large amount of equipment for the compressors and meter stations in a very short amount of time,” Rainey noted. “Coordinating the delivery of materials, along with managing construction and the other many logistical issues in a timely fashion has been possible only through the hard work, dedication, and professionalism of Enterprise employees and its contractors.” CEG

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