Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc., a leading U.S. interstate natural gas transmission operator, is moving forward with its Viola Natural Gas Pipeline Expansion, a major infrastructure project aimed at strengthening the Midwest energy network. Valued at approximately $117.8 million, the expansion addresses growing regional natural gas demand and supports industrial, utility, and residential users.

The Viola Pipeline Expansion includes a 19.33‑mile natural gas transmission line connecting Southern Star’s existing system to new delivery points. The project also involves the construction of a new compressor station to maintain pipeline pressure and ensure reliable delivery, along with a meter station to serve regional distribution needs. This expansion will enhance the capacity, reliability, and operational efficiency of Southern Star’s network across Kansas and neighboring states.

The proposed Wellington Compressor Station will house three compressor units generating a combined 12,375 horsepower, along with the supporting infrastructure and a new mainline valve. A new meter station will connect the pipeline directly to the planned 710-MW Viola combined-cycle power plant, which Evergy Kansas Central is currently developing.

Construction will temporarily disturb approximately 266 acres of land, with about 164 acres remaining in use for long-term operations after restoration and reclamation work.

Regulatory Milestone

On March 9, 2026, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) published the environmental scoping notice for the Viola Project. This notice starts the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review, a key process to assess environmental impacts before construction begins.

The scoping process requests public comments on environmental and land-use considerations. It also evaluates potential impacts to ecosystems, waterways, and communities. FERC coordinates with federal, state, and local authorities during this review. Southern Star notes that this milestone moves the project from planning into permitting, bringing construction closer.

The Viola Natural Gas Pipeline Expansion is being developed by Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc., which submitted the FERC filing. The pipeline will connect to the adjacent 710‑MW Viola combined-cycle plant, jointly developed by Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Missouri West. The power plant’s engineering and construction team includes Kiewit Power Constructors as the EPC contractor, Burns & McDonnell as owner’s engineer, and Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc. handling Power Island equipment procurement and integration. These roles highlight the broader infrastructure collaboration supporting this regional energy build-out.

Timeline

The project is expected to progress as follows: FERC scoping initiated in March 2026. NEPA review completion expected by mid-2026. Construction anticipated to begin in late 2026 or early 2027 following approvals, and full project completion targeted for 2028.

Project Significance

The Viola Pipeline Expansion is one of Southern Star’s largest investments in southern Kansas in recent years. By increasing pipeline capacity and improving system reliability, the project supports regional economic growth and strengthens energy security for both industrial and residential customers. With a total investment exceeding $117 million, the project emphasizes Southern Star’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong natural gas transmission system across the Midwest.

The Viola Pipeline Expansion is one of several major natural gas projects recently entering FERC’s environmental review. FERC examines each project’s potential impacts on land, communities, and ecosystems. At the same time, FERC opened review for Texas Eastern’s Line 31 Pipeline Expansion in Mississippi. These reviews show ongoing federal oversight of key pipeline developments across the United States.

Viola Pipeline Expansion Project Factsheet

Developer: Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc.

Location: Sumner County, Kansas, USA

Project Cost: $117.8 million

Type: Natural gas transmission pipeline expansion

Pipeline Length: 19.33 miles

Facilities: New compressor station and meter station

Purpose: Increase capacity, improve reliability, support regional energy demand

Major Development: FERC Environmental Scoping Notice published March 9, 2026

Regulatory Review: NEPA environmental scoping for potential impacts has begun

Expected Construction: Late 2026 / Early 2027 (after NEPA approval)

Target Completion: 2028

Project Team & Stakeholders

Pipeline Owner: Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc.

Offtaker: Evergy Kansas Central / Evergy Missouri West (710-MW Viola combined-cycle power plant)

Associated Power Plant Contractors: Kiewit Power Constructors (EPC), Burns & McDonnell (Owner’s Engineer), Mitsubishi Power Americas (Power Island Equipment)

Regulatory Authority: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) – overseeing pipeline permitting and NEPA environmental review