18-D Midcontinent Express Pipeline

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MIDCONTINENT EXPRESS PIPELINE The Midcontinent Express Pipeline (MEP) is a proposed SOO-mile natural gas pipeline system that will extend from Oklahoma to Alabama. . MEP will help meet future energy needs by adding to the nation's energy infrastructure and limiting future hurricane-related natural gas service interruptions in the marketplace. . The project is a joint venture between Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. and Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. Both companies have many years of experience designing, building, owning and safely operating natural gas pipelines and facilities. . The pipeline will have an initial capacity of 1.4 to 1.5 billion cubic feet per day- enough natural gas to power more than 20,000 homes for a year. . MEP will start near Bennington in southeast Oklahoma, travel across northeast Texas, northern Louisiana and Mississippi, and end near Butler, Alabama. MEP will be designed, built and operated in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. . MEP is committed to meeting or exceeding all safety guidelines during construction and operation, including: o Using high-quality steel and non-destructively testing all welds o Testing the pipeline before operation using water at high pressure o Installing automated mainline valves designed to close in an emergency o Overseeing operations 24-7, 365 days a year o Inspecting the line regularly both electronically and visually o Protecting the line against corrosion o Working closely with local emergency responders to plan for and practice response techniques in the unlikely event of an incident o Educating our neighbors along the pipeline about its operation through a comprehensive public awareness program. . MEP is committed to building and operating the pipeline to minimize environmental impact by following strict federal, state and local guidelines. . The project will parallel existing pipeline and transmission line corridors where possible to minimize disruption to the land and to landowners. . Once construction is complete, the pipeline will be buried underground and the land above it restored to its original contour. . Pipelines are by far the safest means of transporting natural gas according to the u.s. Department of Transportation. . Clean-burning natural gas is non-toxic, primarily comprised of methane. Lighter than air, it dissipates quickly into the atmosphere. MEP will provide economic benefits to the communities along its route. . MEP will pay property taxes to local communities for the pipeline and related facilities. . The project will bring jobs during permitting, construction and operation. . Once construction begins, local businesses, including restaurants, hotels/motels and retail stores, will see increased business. . Providing a reliable energy source can spur local economic development.