Equitrans' (ETRN) MVP Project to Face Delays Due to VDEQ Rules

Equitrans Midstream Corporation’s ETRN Mountain Valley Pipeline (“MVP”) project in Appalachian Basin found itself in yet another legal tangle.

Most analysts opine that the recent water-crossing rules proposed by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”) could delay the initiation of the natural gas pipeline from late 2021 to 2022. But despite the latest setback, MVP assured to complete the pipeline installation on schedule with estimated costs of $5.8-$6 billion. The construction began in the first quarter of 2018.

The pipeline system has a diameter of up to 42 inches and is expected to have a transmission capacity of 2 billion cubic feet (Bcf) per day to markets in several regions of the United States. Notably, the environmental regulators stated that natural gas pipelines, with a diameter greater than 36 inches, fail to meet the requirements of Nationwide Permit 12, which, so far, granted MVP the ability to install pipes through waterways. In other words, MVP will have to apply for permits to install pipes, stream by stream.

The proposed pipeline system is owned and operated by Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC, a joint venture of 5 energy companies, namely Equitrans, NextEra Energy NEE, Consolidated Edison Inc. ED, RGC Resources Inc. RGCO and AltaGas Ltd, with Equitrans holding a substantial stake. MVP stretches approximately 303 miles from Northwestern West Virginia to Southern Virginia as an interstate pipeline regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”).

Earlier, MVP received authorization from FERC to recommence construction work of another 17 miles near the Jefferson National Forest. This was because the commission stated that Mountain Valley produced satisfactory evidence to demonstrate that the resumption of a 17-mile segment construction of the pipeline on private lands would not affect the forest.

MVP often found itself in the crosshairs of states and environmental groups on multiple occasions asthe pipeline construction is alleged to violate environmental laws. The environmental groups, represented by the Appalachian Mountain Advocates, argued that the pipeline system poses threat to inhabitants and endangered species from contaminated waterways linked to the pipeline system and, therefore, was suspended several times.

At present, Virginia DEQ needs pipelines with a larger diameter to seek individual stream-crossing permits rather than using the Nationwide Permit program, which covers all stream crossings with one permit. This is expected to push forward the in-service date into 2022.

Notably, FERC claimed that the best approach to restrict environmental degradation is to complete the long-delayed project and the court’s decision does not necessarily mean it will outweigh the pipeline construction. It has extended the project’s time-limit for another two years. Importantly, Equitrans’ Mountain Valley aims to complete the interstate pipeline by the end of 2021.

Company Profile & Price Performance

Headquartered in Canonsburg, PA, Equitrans is a midstream energy service provider.  It delivers natural gas as well as maintains storage and gathering systems.

The company’s shares have underperformed the industry in the past six months. Its stock has declined 16.2% against the industry’s 12.7% growth.

 

 

Zacks Rank

Equitrans currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Biggest Tech Breakthrough in a Generation

Be among the early investors in the new type of device that experts say could impact society as much as the discovery of electricity. Current technology will soon be outdated and replaced by these new devices. In the process, it’s expected to create 22 million jobs and generate $12.3 trillion in activity.

A select few stocks could skyrocket the most as rollout accelerates for this new tech. Early investors could see gains similar to buying Microsoft in the 1990s. Zacks’ just-released special report reveals 8 stocks to watch. The report is only available for a limited time.

See 8 breakthrough stocks now>>

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
Consolidated Edison Inc (ED) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
RGC Resources Inc. (RGCO) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Equitrans Midstream Corporation (ETRN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.