HomeMy WebLinkAbout20140957 Ver 1_Project Update (Jan 2016)_20160101Project �����������
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Pel.,ii'ne January 2016
From the Project Director,
Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC (Adantic)has begun the
process cdnegotiating easements for the Atlantic Coast
Pipeline (ACP). We have contracted with Doyle Land
Services to meet with landowners. Doyle is on experiencmd,
dedicated land service provider. Additional information is
available onthe back page ofthis newsletter.
The ACP project team has been working hard to complete
anumber offield surveys and gather additional information
related tothe project. The team has submitted several
supplemental filings tothe Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC)that contain updates onpermits,
=,"`"..="==^..uro.o.m
Field survey work commmm
threatened and endangered
species. |naddition, a
number ofroute variations
have been filed and adopted
inresponse tnstakeholder
concerns and toavoid
environmental impacts.
Information from these and
other sources will beused
by FERC to complete the
environmental review ofthe
project. The public information contained inthese filings hs
available onthe FERC Filings and Information page ofthe
ACPwabaitoatvvwvxdom.com/ACPipe|inoandintheFERC
eLibnaryatwww.haro.gox The FERC eLibnary is searchable
bythe ACP docket number CP15-554.
|naddition tothe Certificate Application filed onSeptember
18.2O15.and the subsequent supplemental filings
mentioned above, the ACP will require more than 2.5OO
other permits orauthorizations. The project team has
applied for about 2.1OOofthose atthe federal and state
levels. Anadditional 4OOstate and local applications will be
completed in 2016. A more detailed explanation of these
regulatory requirements is available on page two.
Thank you for your continued interest inthe Atlantic Coast
Carole A. McCoy, Authorized Representative
Dominion Transmission, Inc.
Sigin up for ACPe~News
Contact Vehicles
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
~ U.S. Mail: 888 First Street, 0E
Washington, D��2U426
(Befe*enoeDonheb¥: CP15'554)
- Electronic submittals:
nnmntosp:
(Subject line: Oonkob¥ CP15-554)
During the Pre -Filing Phase, the docket number
ACP Project Team
^ VVebaKe:vvvvw.dmm.cmm/ACP1pe|ine
^ Facebonk: Atlantic Coast Pipeline
^ Landowner toll-free number: 8Q8-8SS-8716
, General inquiry toll-free number: 844-21S4Q1Q
�� �� ��� Certificate,:
����^
Beyondthe ����� �����������:
ACP's Environmental Permit Requirements
OnSeptember 18.2015.Atlantic submitted anapplication
toFERC for what iacalled oCertificate ofPublic
Convenience and Necessity. This iethe official Certificate
needed tobuild and operate the ACP. Altogether, the
application contained more than 3O.O0Opages oftext,
figures, maps and various exhibits.
|naddition tothe requested approval from FERC, the ACP
will require numerous environmental approvals from federal,
state and local agencies. The environmental applications
already submitted total more than 20.00Opages and
include Air, Water and Coastal Zone applications. Atlantic
will coordinate with other federal, state and local agencies ho
evaluate and address environmental resource impacts
including |and, air, water, species, and cultural -historical
resources.
Applications for air emission permits have been submitted
to the West Virginia Department of Environmental
Protection, the Virginia Department nfEnvironmental
Quality, and the North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality for the three ACP compressor
stations as required by the Clean Air Act.
Atlantic applied for approximately 21O0temporary wetland
and waterbodycrossing approvals from the U.S.Army
Corps ofEngineers. Temporary wetland and stream/river
crossings will befully restored following construction.
The Clean Water Act applications were submitted toU.S.
Army Corps ofEngineers District Offices inHuntinAbzn.
W. Va.; Norfolk, Vo.; and VVi|mington. N.C., as well as the
appropriate state environmental agencies with regulatory
authority over the project.
Atlantic has also applied for Endangered Species Act and
Migratory Bird Treaty Act Consultations from the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service. Right-of-VVoyGrants have been
requested from the U.S.Forest Service for the Monongahela
National Forest and the George Washington National
Forest, and from the National Park Service for crossings
ofthe Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail.
Atlantic has also filed for oCoastal Zone Consistency
Determination with the Virginia Department of
Environmental Quality. As required by Virginia's Coastal
Zone Management Program, Atlantic has requested a
determination that the project isconsistent with the state's
onvironmente|, natural nasource, and historic nasounx*
protections inthe coastal zone.
Additional state and local permits will berequired and
will bmrequested inthe coming months. These include:
construction stonnwabarpermits; erosion and sediment
control approvals; permits/approvals for water withdrawals
and discharges for hydrostatic testing; and local flood
plain management permits.
Dominion and other project partners are working with federal, state and local agencies to ensure ACP
These permits,
determinations and
consultations are designed
toprotect human health and
the environment. Atlantic's
team ofsubject matter
experts will provide input and
review from conception tn
operation toensure the
ACP meets all applicable
regulatory requirements
throughout the process, VVo
remain committed tobuilding
a pipeline that satisfies the
purpose and need ofthe
project while minimizing
potential impacts.
s
Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC (4Uandc)has applied tothe Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FEBC)for authorization to build
and operate anew, underground 5S4'mi|einterstate natural gas
transmission pipeline. FERC is reviewing the Application and will
determine the public need for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP).
6 Things You Should Know
Safety iaour Top Priority: The safety ofour employees,
contractors and fellow community members iaour number
one priority. Long before the pipeline goes into een/iou it will
bedesigned and built with redundant, overlapping safety
features, including 1/2to 9{-inoh thick steel pipe and epoxy
coating to protect against corrosion. Before going into
service, weX-ray each weld and pressure test the entire line
tnmake sure it's totally secure.
Once in oervice, we monitor the pipeline 24/7, every single
day ofthe year from our gas control center. VVamonitor the
pressure, flow and temperature ofthe gas atall times sowm
can detect even the slightest variations and take necessary
action to maintain the integrity of the pipeline. The system
uses remote-controlled shut-off valves to stop the flow of
gas ifsudden nrunexpected variations are detected. VVe
also perform routine air and foot patrols, aswell uohigh-tech
interior inspections toidentify any issues and make
necessary repairs.
Maintaining arelentless focus onsafety through every stage
ofthe project iaalways our top priority, and it's the way we
ensure that natural gas pipelines continue tobethe safest
way to transport energy in the United States.
ACP will meet the urgent energy needs ofthe region:
The ACP iaessential hnmeeting the critical energy needs of
electric and natural gas customers in Virginia and North
Carolina. More than 90 percent of the gas transported
through ACP iealready subscribed bypublic utilities that
serve millions of customers in Virginia and North Carolina.
Demand for natural gas is growing across the region —to
produce cleaner electricity and support economic
deve|opment—buttheroienotwnoughinhnstnuoturetu
deliver the supplies needed tomeet this demand.
|nHampton Roads, for example, natural gas service is
already being curtailed during high -demand periods, and
there isnot currently enough interstate pipeline capacity in
the region toserve any substantial new economic
development. Communities ineastern North Carolina face
the same constraints, which limits their ability ho support
economic orresidential growth.
January 2016
Project Details
Length: Approximately 504miles
Pipe: West Virginia: 42 -inch diameter
Virginia:
42 -inch diameter
North Carolina:
36 -inch diameter
Lateral Extensions
Chesapeake:
20 -inch diameter
Brunswick:
16 -inch diameter
GnmennviUe:
16 -inch diameter
Capacity: 1.5million dakothenna
(equivalent to 1.5 billion cubic feet/day)
Three Compressor Station Locations:
1.Lewis County, West Virginia
2. Buckingham County, Virginia
3.Northampton County, North Carolina
Route: Atlantic submitted apreferred route to
FERC aopart ofthe Application filing. The final
route has not been determined. FERC will review
all aspects ofthe project prior tomaking nfinal
determination onthe ACP.
Only the ACP can provide the additional supply of
natural gas urgently needed inVirginia and North
Carolina tosupport economic development, meet
the needs ofogrowing population and generate
cleaner electricity,
3.Local communities will realize direct economic
benefits: The ACP will provide substantial and
lasting economic benefits for communities across
West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. Pipeline
construction will support 17.O00jobs, $27billion in
economic activity and $4.2million inannual local
(ax revenue. Once the pipeline is in aemice, it will
also contribute unestimated $25million inannual
property taxes tolocal governments along the
entire length of the pipeline. That is e major
financial contribution that can beinvested in
schools, roads, police and fire departments and
other resources that improve the quality oflife for
everyone inthese communities.
to Know
Page 2
4. Economic devellopment will expand in areas served by the
ACP: Affordable electricity and access to natural gas are two of
the most critical ingredients for economic development. By
delivering cheaper supplies of natural gas to the region, the
ACP will lower energy costs for consumers and businesses in
Virginia and North Carolina by an estimated $377 million each
year. It will also provide the natural gas that is urgently needed
in Hampton Roads, Virginia and eastern North Carolina to
support economic development and residential growth. These
regions are already recruiting new business opportunities only
made possible by ACP. By lowering energy costs and
expanding access to natural gas across the region, ACP will
build the foundations for lasting economic growth and job
creation in the region.
ACP will help improve the environment: The ACP will play
instrumental role in reducing carbon emissions in Virginia and
North Carolina, which will allow both states to meet the
requirements of the federal Clean Power Plan. In fact, the AC
alone could contribute as much as 25 to 50 percent of the
carbon reductions necessary to meet interim goals in 2022.
Natural gas generates half the carbon emissions of coal, and
an even smaller fraction of other emissions, which is why
Dominion and Duke Energy are replacing many older coal-fired
power plants with a new generation of low -emissions natural
gas plants. ACP will provide the fuel needed to power these
plants and contribute to cleaner air in communities across the
power needed so Dominion and other project partners can
continue investing in renewable energy. For example,
Dominion plans to install 400 megawatts of solar in Virginia by
2020. But solar energy requires reliable back-up power so the
lights stay on even when the sun isn't shining. Backing up
renewables is just one more way ACP will help to improve the
6. Community input and engagement has helped shape the
ACP: From the beginning, Atlantic's goal has been to meet the
critical energy needs of Virginia and North Carolina while
minimizing impacts on communities, the environment, and
cultural and historic resources.
Atlantic reviewed more than 3,000 miles of potential routes and
considered input from many landowners and other
stakeholders before determining the proposed route. Hundreds
of alterations have been made based on public input, field
surveys, and other data — all in an effort to continuously
improve the project and minimize impacts.
Project Contact Vehicles
The following options are available for finding and
Contact FERC
w
U.S. Mail
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, NE
VVashington, D.C.2O428
Reference Dooket#:CP15-554
�
Electronic submittal
Subject line: Docket #: CP 15-554
� eUbraryat www.fem.gm/
Click on"Documents &Fi|inAs^and search by
DookeL#:CP15-554
Contact the ACP Project Team
o ACP website
w ACP onFmoebook
Atlantic Coast Pipeline
m Landowner toll-free number
888-895-8716
• General inquiry toll-free number
844-215-1819
� ACP Email
About Dominion
�'
Dominion Transmission, :;Oftminilon
Inc. (OT|), the interstate
gas transmission subsidiary ofDominion, would
construct and operate the ACP onbehalf ofthe project
partners. DTI inaprovider ofgas transportation and
storage services and operates nearly 8.0O0miles of
interstate pipeline in six states.
AbOUt Atlantic
Atlantic isacompany formed by
four major U.S.energy companies ������N������
~ ~�~~~~�~ ~~~ ^~
Dominion (NYSE: D). Duke
Energy (NYSE: DUK). Piedmont
Natural Gas (NYSE: PNY) and A8L Resources (NYSE:
GAS) --to build and own the ACP. Utility subsidiaries
and affiliates of all four companies plus PSMC Energy
have signed on as customers of the pipeline.
Winter has arrived and as is usually the case, icy conditions ~ Step down, not out from curbs
can beexpected periodically over the next several months. ~ Avoid walking with your arms full and instead use
Safety isour No. 1priority and wmencourage our them for BALANCE
employees, contractors and fellow community members ~|fyou look like apenguin, you are doing itright!
totake extra precautions h)avoid slips and falls during this
time. |fyou are unable toavoid anicy walkway, walking
like openguin could help you avoid aninjury.
~ Walk flat footed and keep your center mfgravity �
onyour front foot ~
^ Wear footwear that provides traction
Frequ����������������� �.������ ���������°������
ently �������� �����em��==
Why anesomme kemms oin the AQ[11 docket fHed as
^'�lrhfHeged'"?
When filing information, some material iedesignated es
Privileged toprotect confidential information, ortocomply
with FERC and other agency specifications. For example,
aPrivileged document may contain trade secrets and
proprietary commercial and financial infornnation, sensitive
tribal information, ornames and addresses oflandowners.
Some Privileged items may befiled smCritical Energy
Infrastructure Information (CB|), which is specific
wnginaering, vulnerability, or detailed design information
about proposed or existing critical infrastructure that ne|utaa
details about the production, generation, transmission,
ordistribution ofenergy and could beuseful toaperson
planning anattack nncritical infrastructure. Specific
information like detailed natural gas flow diagrams, or
diagrams mfvalve and piping details utcompressor stations
are considered CE||.
Often times, state and federal agencies are responsible
for protecting the data onresources orwildlife, aoACP
works closely with them to decide what should be filed
as Privileged,
Applicants are required h)file information inaccordance
with the FERC regulations and guidance.
What w Unformma�bmn: Recjuests and
how do fliey dffferfmmmm Sup�pUenmeinta� �Hings?
FERC issues anEnvironmental Information Request ho
solicit additional information from aproject Applicant. The
Request can beinreference hzaspecific topic oreseries of
topics, and ispart ofthe normal review process conducted
by FERC. FERC has issued several Environmental
Information Requests related tothe ACP. The Requests are
evidence nfthe thorough environmental review that the ACP
isreceiving and the number ofrequests iaconsistent with
oproject ofthis scope and scale. Once anEnvironmental
Information Request ieissued, Atlantic develops and files a
Response osquickly aspossible. Some Responses have
been filed while work continues onothers.
|naddition toResponses toEnvironmental Information
Requests, Atlantic also may file Supplemental information
with FERC. These Filings are not indirect response tou
request from FERC; they provide additional information that
was not readily available atthe time ofthe initial Application
filing. Examples include results ofenvironmental orcultural
studies, route modifications based onland surveys, and
other updated or newly -acquired information that FERC will
need tocomplete the environmental review nfACP.
FERC'a Environmental Information Requests. Atlantic's
completed Responses, and all Supplemental Filings are
available Vnthe ACP Docket CP15-554inthe FERC
eLibneryatvvvvw.ferc.gov. Shortly after filing, this information
is also loaded tothe FERC
Filings and Information
page onthe ACP website at
vvwvv.dom.00mA\CPipe|inm.
Aoadditional Requests,
Responses, and Supplemental Filings are available, they
will beadded tothe Docket and the website.
Keep
your T~�^il Feathers safe
Walk
like a Penguin
Winter has arrived and as is usually the case, icy conditions ~ Step down, not out from curbs
can beexpected periodically over the next several months. ~ Avoid walking with your arms full and instead use
Safety isour No. 1priority and wmencourage our them for BALANCE
employees, contractors and fellow community members ~|fyou look like apenguin, you are doing itright!
totake extra precautions h)avoid slips and falls during this
time. |fyou are unable toavoid anicy walkway, walking
like openguin could help you avoid aninjury.
~ Walk flat footed and keep your center mfgravity �
onyour front foot ~
^ Wear footwear that provides traction
Frequ����������������� �.������ ���������°������
ently �������� �����em��==
Why anesomme kemms oin the AQ[11 docket fHed as
^'�lrhfHeged'"?
When filing information, some material iedesignated es
Privileged toprotect confidential information, ortocomply
with FERC and other agency specifications. For example,
aPrivileged document may contain trade secrets and
proprietary commercial and financial infornnation, sensitive
tribal information, ornames and addresses oflandowners.
Some Privileged items may befiled smCritical Energy
Infrastructure Information (CB|), which is specific
wnginaering, vulnerability, or detailed design information
about proposed or existing critical infrastructure that ne|utaa
details about the production, generation, transmission,
ordistribution ofenergy and could beuseful toaperson
planning anattack nncritical infrastructure. Specific
information like detailed natural gas flow diagrams, or
diagrams mfvalve and piping details utcompressor stations
are considered CE||.
Often times, state and federal agencies are responsible
for protecting the data onresources orwildlife, aoACP
works closely with them to decide what should be filed
as Privileged,
Applicants are required h)file information inaccordance
with the FERC regulations and guidance.
What w Unformma�bmn: Recjuests and
how do fliey dffferfmmmm Sup�pUenmeinta� �Hings?
FERC issues anEnvironmental Information Request ho
solicit additional information from aproject Applicant. The
Request can beinreference hzaspecific topic oreseries of
topics, and ispart ofthe normal review process conducted
by FERC. FERC has issued several Environmental
Information Requests related tothe ACP. The Requests are
evidence nfthe thorough environmental review that the ACP
isreceiving and the number ofrequests iaconsistent with
oproject ofthis scope and scale. Once anEnvironmental
Information Request ieissued, Atlantic develops and files a
Response osquickly aspossible. Some Responses have
been filed while work continues onothers.
|naddition toResponses toEnvironmental Information
Requests, Atlantic also may file Supplemental information
with FERC. These Filings are not indirect response tou
request from FERC; they provide additional information that
was not readily available atthe time ofthe initial Application
filing. Examples include results ofenvironmental orcultural
studies, route modifications based onland surveys, and
other updated or newly -acquired information that FERC will
need tocomplete the environmental review nfACP.
FERC'a Environmental Information Requests. Atlantic's
completed Responses, and all Supplemental Filings are
available Vnthe ACP Docket CP15-554inthe FERC
eLibneryatvvvvw.ferc.gov. Shortly after filing, this information
is also loaded tothe FERC
Filings and Information
page onthe ACP website at
vvwvv.dom.00mA\CPipe|inm.
Aoadditional Requests,
Responses, and Supplemental Filings are available, they
will beadded tothe Docket and the website.
Ato���. c Coast . pe~
�e
JerHM;fP_r Bur%Jefte
North Carolina Department of Environment
And NatUra/ResoUreceS
Division Of\VatPr'Qma{ltV
Ser�ce C�r
I
K,aie`igh' NC 2 7i69
"110««^Rill! oil, "«1o�����"°�"V"�M�"K�UX�o"�K8K8/11,
Next Steps
AJCP P^ectTeam: EaserNent Negotiations
Underway
Experience has shown that the best way tonegotiate
easement agreements iethrough fame-ho-facomeetings
with the landowner. Atlantic has developed aneasement
agreement that seeks the rights necessary for the pipeline
inclear and simple language. Special provisions can bo
added bzaddress particular issues orconcerns.
Atlantic has studied land values throughout the pipeline
route and will offer fair market value. Atlantic's land agents
are well -versed inthe agreement and can offer their
understanding ofthe various terms and conditions ofthe
agreement, but cannot offer legal advice. Landowners are
welcome hoobtain legal counsel, and are encouraged to
do so attheir discretion.
Atlantic will typically require only aneasement agreement
that allows the construction, operation and maintenance of
the pipeline, but atcertain locations itmay need aseparate
agreement for above -ground facilities such asuvalve nr
extra work space during construction.
Atlantic has contracted with Doyle Land Services hz
meet directly with landowners and discuss the easement
agreement. Doyle agents have received security clearances
and will carry identification. |fyou have any questions
throughout the process, please contact your land agent,
call the landowner toll-free number 888-8Q5-8716oremail
the project team atACpipe|ino@dom.oum.
FERC.- Environmental Impact Statement
FERC isinthe process ofpreparing aDraft Environmental
Impact Statement (DEIS).
About Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC. Atlantic isocompany formed byfour major u��energy companies - Dominion (NYSE:o),Duke
Energy (NYSE: DUK), Piedmont Natural Gas (NYSE: PNY), and AGL Resources (NYSE: GAS) - to build and own the ACP. Through access to
multiple supply basins, ACP would be capable of delivering 1 .5 million dekatherms (equivalent to 1 .5 billion cubic feetper day) nrnatural gas. The
abundant supply of natural gas that would flow safely and reliably through this pipeline is needed by utilities within the project area to generate
electricity, heat homes and businesses, and meet ogrowing domestic demand for energy.
F1 �aanrted
nm�C|aom
US. Poo�aQe
�a
'- °�=��
��O�' �������i��i����
PAM
Ricfimnnd.V:
Perm0mn 729
Dominion Transmission, Inc.
7O1East Cary Street
Richmond, VA23219
Ato���. c Coast . pe~
�e
JerHM;fP_r Bur%Jefte
North Carolina Department of Environment
And NatUra/ResoUreceS
Division Of\VatPr'Qma{ltV
Ser�ce C�r
I
K,aie`igh' NC 2 7i69
"110««^Rill! oil, "«1o�����"°�"V"�M�"K�UX�o"�K8K8/11,
Next Steps
AJCP P^ectTeam: EaserNent Negotiations
Underway
Experience has shown that the best way tonegotiate
easement agreements iethrough fame-ho-facomeetings
with the landowner. Atlantic has developed aneasement
agreement that seeks the rights necessary for the pipeline
inclear and simple language. Special provisions can bo
added bzaddress particular issues orconcerns.
Atlantic has studied land values throughout the pipeline
route and will offer fair market value. Atlantic's land agents
are well -versed inthe agreement and can offer their
understanding ofthe various terms and conditions ofthe
agreement, but cannot offer legal advice. Landowners are
welcome hoobtain legal counsel, and are encouraged to
do so attheir discretion.
Atlantic will typically require only aneasement agreement
that allows the construction, operation and maintenance of
the pipeline, but atcertain locations itmay need aseparate
agreement for above -ground facilities such asuvalve nr
extra work space during construction.
Atlantic has contracted with Doyle Land Services hz
meet directly with landowners and discuss the easement
agreement. Doyle agents have received security clearances
and will carry identification. |fyou have any questions
throughout the process, please contact your land agent,
call the landowner toll-free number 888-8Q5-8716oremail
the project team atACpipe|ino@dom.oum.
FERC.- Environmental Impact Statement
FERC isinthe process ofpreparing aDraft Environmental
Impact Statement (DEIS).
About Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC. Atlantic isocompany formed byfour major u��energy companies - Dominion (NYSE:o),Duke
Energy (NYSE: DUK), Piedmont Natural Gas (NYSE: PNY), and AGL Resources (NYSE: GAS) - to build and own the ACP. Through access to
multiple supply basins, ACP would be capable of delivering 1 .5 million dekatherms (equivalent to 1 .5 billion cubic feetper day) nrnatural gas. The
abundant supply of natural gas that would flow safely and reliably through this pipeline is needed by utilities within the project area to generate
electricity, heat homes and businesses, and meet ogrowing domestic demand for energy.