By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, Aug. 27 -- Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP plans a $16.3 million expansion project at its Houston-area liquids terminals.
The project will expand tank storage capacity at Kinder Morgan Liquids Terminals LLC's Pasadena, Tex., and Galena Park, Tex., facilities by 830,000 bbl from their current 16 million bbl of storage capacity. It will also enhance docking facilities and modify pipe to accommodate loading and unloading capabilities.
The Pasadena-Galena Park complex is close to other pipelines, including Colonial, Explorer, TEPPCO, Seaway, Longhorn, Eagle, Equilon, and Reliant systems, officials said.
Kinder Morgan Liquids Terminals Pres. Jeff Armstrong said the expansion is intended to meet customers' growth.
"We have seen an annual throughput increase of 11% over the past year, and we expect to handle 350 million bbl during 2001. With customer growth and refinery expansion expected to continue, this program will allow us to enhance our service capabilities and prevent logistical bottlenecks in the Houston hub," he said.
KMP acquired the terminals in March, following its purchase of US product pipelines and liquids terminals from GATX Corp. (OGJ Online, Dec. 1, 2000).