By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, Apr. 19 -- AltaGas Services Inc., Calgary, plans an $8 million (Can.) expansion of its natural gas processing capacity by 20 MMcfd with expansions at its Esther and Bantry sour gas plants, both in Alberta.
AltaGas has proposed to increase processing capacity in its Central Border operating area to 114 MMcfd by expanding its Esther plant by 11 MMcfd. AltaGas constructed the 14 MMcfd Esther plant in February, and it operates at full capacity.
AltaGas has applied to regulatory authorities for the expansion. Subject to approval, the expanded plant would be in service by the end of the second quarter. The Central Border area straddles the Alberta and Saskatchewan border.
In addition, AltaGas is applying to regulatory authorities to increase processing capacity in its Bantry area to 27 MMcfd with a 9 MMcfd expansion of its Bantry sour gas plant and the construction of a 32-km gathering pipeline.
Subject to regulatory approval, the Bantry expansion is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter.
AltaGas assets include natural gas gathering and processing facilities in Alberta and Saskatchewan, interests in two Alberta ethane and natural gas liquids extraction plants, and ownership of AltaGas Utilities Inc., a natural gas distribution company serving more than 90 Alberta communities.