The supply division of National Fuel Gas Co. has a big project in the works for the local region.

Carly Manino, spokesperson for National Fuel, explained that National Fuel Gas Supply Corp. has filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for its FM100 project.

“This modernization project will enhance the long-term safety of those living and working around our pipelines,” she said. It will ensure safe, secure pipelines; reinforce the supply system by updating aging infrastructure, enhance system reliability, upgrade facilities, install new technology and have fewer emissions.

The project includes McKean, Potter, Elk and Cameron counties, along with Clearfield and Clinton counties.

Manino said, “This is a significant investment in Pennsylvania by National Fuel. It invests more than $250 million, creates 400-500 jobs during construction, supports local businesses during construction and operation and will have ongoing work with area companies.”

She explained the project will “modernize existing infrastructure in order to transport natural gas to existing customers of National Fuel” and will add transportation capacity as well.

Included in the project is the replacement of 29.1 miles of 12-inch diameter pipeline in McKean and Potter counties with 20-inch line, and replacement of 0.4 miles of 12-inch diameter pipeline in McKean County with 20-inch pipeline.

Approximately 1.4 miles of new 24-inch diameter pipeline loop will be installed in Potter County, as will an over-pressurization station at Carpenter Hollow in Hebron Township.

The Costello Compressor Station in Potter County will be abandoned, and replaced by the Marvindale Compressor Station in Sergeant Township, McKean County. Its 4,055 horsepower will be upgraded with an additional 11,110 horsepower, Manino explained.

“Because of the new capacity, we’re adding horsepower,” she said.

The Marvindale Interconnect will be installed to control flows and measure gas volumes.

Manino explained the new facilities will “transport additional transportation capacity to the Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corporation (Transco) via lease.

“Transco will utilize the leased capacity as part of its Leidy South Project and serve downstream delivery points on its system,” she explained. “Together these additional facilities will create enhanced access to Marcellus and Utica shale supplies, which are currently constrained by limited pipeline takeaway capacity.”

Manino reiterated that this is a project of the supply division, and added, “gas from this project will not be delivered to local customers.”

The project also calls for the abandonment in place approximately 44.9 miles of 12-inch steel natural gas pipeline (Line FM100) in Huston and Lawrence townships in Clearfield County, Benezette Township in Elk County, the Borough of Driftwood, and Gibson and Lumber townships in Cameron County, and Wharton and Portage townships in Potter County.

Should the project proceed as proposed, National Fuel anticipates beginning construction in the fall of 2020 or the spring of 2021. The target in-service date for the project is winter 2021.