ENERGY.   It's the lifeblood of our economy.  It fuels development and makes our lives easier…more productive…more comfortable…more convenient.  It fuels our vehicles, allows buses to carry our children to school, farmers to harvest their crops, and pilots to carry us to all parts of the world.  Colonial Pipeline is America's Energy Lifeline.  Colonial's 5,500-mile network of underground pipeline safely and silently delivers refined liquid fuels to more than 120 million people in 13 states from Texas to New York City.  The demand for energy is sharply rising across the country.  At the same time, refineries along the Gulf Coast are increasing their capacities.  Because of these two factors, Colonial must meet the increased need for reliable delivery systems.

Throughout the Southeast, regional growth and development are straining existing fuel-delivery systems. Already this year, pipeline capacity has been insufficient to deliver the necessary supply of fuel to our farmers.  This pipeline capacity shortage has resulted in limiting the amount of fuel supplied to retail providers. Colonial's Project ExCEL is the best way to deliver the growing supply to meet America's rapidly increasing fuel needs. 

What is Project ExCEL?

Colonial is proposing to add an additional pipeline from Jackson, Louisiana, to Austell, Georgia, that would run alongside the two current main lines to the extent possible.  In addition, as Colonial expands pipeline capacity, additional tanks will be needed in Jackson, Louisiana, and Austell, Georgia. The proposed pipeline is needed as a result of demand to transport increased production from announced Gulf Coast refinery expansions. Colonial's Project ExCEL, a proposed 460-mile pipeline expansion, representing a more than $2 billion investment, would provide additional capacity for Colonial to continue providing a safe and reliable energy source for decades to come.

Currently, Colonial is moving forward to obtain permits from federal and state agencies.  The permitting process involves close scrutiny and review of the pipeline design and proposed route.  Comprehensive environmental analyses will be conducted as the route is finalized.  Interested community members will be able to participate in the evaluation process, and we will keep you informed of these opportunities. Colonial anticipates being able to begin construction in 2010. If all local, state and federal approvals are received, we expect the project to be completed by 2012.