Houston-based Enterprise Products Partners LP (NYSE:EPD) has announced the start of a binding open season to seek shipper support for a proposed expansion of the portion of its Panola Pipeline Co. LLC natural gas liquids (NGL) system between Carthage, Texas and Mont Belvieu, Texas. The project is designed to support Haynesville and Cotton Valley oil and gas producers by providing enhanced access to the world’s largest NGL fractionation complex, located in Mont Belvieu. Originating near Carthage in Panola County, the NGL pipeline system extends 181 miles, serving multiple destination points at Mont Belvieu, including facilities owned and operated by Enterprise.

Depending on shipper response to the open season, the Panola expansion project would be designed to accommodate approximately 50,000 barrels per day (BPD) of incremental capacity. Achieving the additional capacity would involve installing additional pipe, pumps and related equipment. The additional capacity is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2016.