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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20140957 Ver 1_Project Update (Jan 2016)_20160101Project ����������� " _~ � �=��==�=� =��=�===�=~ 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.