Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company has filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to request authorization to construct the Worcester resiliency upgrade project in Bishopville.

The project will consist of a new liquefied natural gas storage facility with five low-profile horizontal storage tanks set adjacent to an existing industrial area. “This facility will serve natural gas demand needs like many other facilities operating in the United States,” said Senior Project Manager Nicholas J. Bishop in a letter to stakeholders.

The project also requires additional pipeline looping and upgrades to existing meter and regulatory stations that will enable Eastern Shore Natural Gas to provide critical natural gas service to customers during the peak winter heating season.

Specifically, this includes the installation of approximately 1.1 miles of 10-inch-diameter pipeline looping in Sussex County and Wicomico County, upgrades to an existing pressure control station in Sussex County, and upgrades to three existing meter and regulating (M&R) stations in Sussex County, Worcester County, and Somerset County. 

Somerset County planning office director Jesse Drewer said Tuesday the improvements to the gas company's site in Eden should have no impact on the surrounding community.

An open house to learn more about the project is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 26 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department, 10709 Bishopville Road. Company representatives will be present to provide details and answer questions.

Eastern Shore Natural Gas is the interstate natural gas transmission pipeline subsidiary of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. To see the application with FERC it is Docket No. CP23-536-000 and online at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/09/21/2023-20456/eastern-shore-natural-gas-company-notice-of-application-and-establishing-intervention-deadline.

This project is estimated to cost nearly $80 million and the five tanks combined will store some 475,000 gallons of liquefied natural gas.

For more information contact Mr. Bishop at 1-844-366-3764 or email worcesterresiliencyupgrade@esng.com.