PEG Compressor Station
In March 2022, the Patriots Energy Group (PEG) will begin construction of a compressor station at the current site of the PEG transmission pipeline in Blacksburg. The infrastructure project will help maintain reliable and efficient natural gas energy for PEG Member utilities – Chester County Natural Gas Authority (CCNGA), Lancaster County Natural Gas Authority (LCNGA), and York County Natural Gas Authority (YCNGA). This project is critical to meeting the growing demand in the tri-country region.
Why we need compressor stations for natural gas transmission
Natural gas moves through underground pipelines with the help of a compression system that keeps the gas flowing at a specific pressure and velocity. The compressor systems enable gas to travel long distances from the pipeline interconnects, wellheads or processing plants to markets across the U.S.
Why compression is needed now
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Growth in the York-Lancaster-Chester County Region is driving an increased demand for natural gas
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Additional infrastructure is needed to ensure reliable natural gas service
Growth in the Upstate of SC
The tri-county area of York, Lancaster and Chester is one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. With close proximity to Charlotte and conveniently located on the I-77 corridor, both York and Lancaster Counties have seen an average population growth of 24-25% since 2010 with a combined population in the region just over 400,000 residents. Award winning schools, job growth, recreational opportunities and a low cost of living continues to attract new families along with new and expanding companies like Schaeffler Group, Domtar and more recently the Carolina Panthers. With the surge in development and growth natural gas consumption has reached record levels and the Member Authorities are challenged to meet and sustain the demand.
WHAT IS A COMPRESSOR STATION?
When natural gas flows through a pipeline, friction causes the gas flow to slow. Compressors, located at intervals along a pipeline, (re)pressurize the gas to keep it moving through the pipeline at sufficient volumes and pressures for reliable service at delivery points.
Station Location
The station will be located adjacent to PEG’s connection with the Williams-Transco high-pressure pipeline, south of the Town of Blacksburg on Highway 5, on land already owned and maintained by PEG.
The major operating equipment at the compressor station will be enclosed in security fencing and monitored to allow for safe, controlled access only by authorized personnel.
- Compressor Buildings
- Auxiliary Building
- Office Building
- Auxiliary Generator
- Air Compressors
- Pipeline Launcher and Receiver
- Small Tank Farm
- Gas Heaters
- Gas Coolers
- Blowdown and Exhaust Silencers
- Metering Equipment
- Filter/Separators
Compressor Station Structures and Equipment
Safety & Concerns
Safety of our systems, employees and customers is our top priority.
Natural gas compressor stations must be engineered, constructed, operated and maintained in accordance with Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) safety standards which are intended to protect the public and prevent natural gas pipeline facility accidents. PHMSA inspections are conducted during the design, construction and operation of pipelines and compressor stations. With the help of compressor stations, 99.99% of natural gas is transmitted safely.
Natural gas transmission compressor stations do not pose a risk to storm water and drinking water. They generally are not a source of spills as pipelines that connect with the station transport natural gas, not oil or natural gas liquids.
To ensure construction activities do not create unwelcome water quality impacts, detailed site-specific plans with erosion and sedimentation and post-construction stormwater management controls are designed and approved by applicable agencies as part of the permitting process. Compressor stations are also required under state and/or local regulations to have spill-prevention procedures in place to help prevent, control and mitigate the effects of any potential spill at the station, such as lubricants or coolants.
Because compressors use natural gas that is already processed, there are no emissions related to hydraulic fracturing, oil and gas wells or processing at the compressor site.
Compressors are engines that create exhaust. Like any natural gas appliance, compressor stations combust natural gas as a fuel, which creates carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and trace amounts of unburned methane. Such emissions are carefully monitored and kept to a minimum.
Compressor stations along a pipeline’s route are housed inside a specially constructed building to reduce residual sound, and follow the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) regulations for noise transmission. Regulations require a compressor station’s average noise level not exceed 55 decibels at the nearest noise sensitive area (NSA – e.g., residences, schools, hospitals, etc.).
Sound studies completed at the site, taking into account existing sound levels with noise control measures successfully implemented, showed that the station operating at a full-rated load would be lower than the limit of 55 decibels, exceeding the regulations established by FERC to minimize noise.
To put this sound level in context, a noise level of 55 dB(A) is consistent with the noise generated by a dishwasher, refrigerator or normal indoor conversation.
