[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 77 (Monday, April 21, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21337-21339]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-8497]



[[Page 21337]]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. PF07-15-000]


Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC; Supplemental Notice of Intent To 
Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed East to West 
Hubline Expansion Project and Request for Comments on Environmental 
Issues Related to an Alternative Pipeline Route Under Consideration

April 14, 2008.
    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or 
Commission) is preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) that 
will discuss the environmental impacts that could result from the 
construction and operation of the East to West HubLine Expansion 
Project (E2W Project or Project). The E2W Project is proposed by 
Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC (Algonquin), which is an indirect 
wholly owned subsidiary of Spectra Energy Corp. The FERC is the lead 
federal agency in the preparation of the EIS, and is preparing the EIS 
to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA). The Commission will use the EIS in its decision-making process 
to determine whether or not to authorize the Project.
    Although no formal application has been filed with the FERC, we \1\ 
have initiated our NEPA review under the FERC's Pre-Filing Process. The 
purpose of the Pre-Filing Process is to encourage the early involvement 
of interested stakeholders and to identify and resolve issues before an 
application is filed with the FERC. The initial Notice of Intent (NOI) 
for this Project was issued by the FERC on October 16, 2007. Since that 
time, Algonquin has reduced the scope of the Project and has announced 
that it is considering adopting an alternative pipeline route in the 
Stoughton and Canton, Massachusetts area, the Cross Country Alternative 
4. With this NOI, we are specifically requesting comments on the Cross 
Country Alternative 4. Further details on how to submit comments are 
provided in the Public Participation section of this NOI. Please note 
that comments on this NOI are requested by May 14, 2008.
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    \1\ ``We,'' ``us,'' and ``our'' refer to the environmental staff 
of the FERC's Office of Energy Projects.
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    This NOI is being sent to landowners affected by the initially 
proposed Project (including those no longer affected due to the 
reduction in Project facilities); landowners affected by the Cross 
Country Alternative 4; federal, state, and local government agencies; 
elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Native 
American tribes; other interested parties; and local libraries and 
newspapers. We encourage government representatives to notify their 
constituents of this planned Project and encourage them to comment on 
their areas of concern.
    If you are a landowner receiving this notice, you may be contacted 
by an Algonquin representative about the acquisition of an easement to 
construct, operate, and maintain the proposed Project facilities. 
Algonquin would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement. 
However, if the Project is approved by the FERC, that approval conveys 
with it the right of eminent domain. Therefore, if easement 
negotiations fail to produce an agreement, the pipeline company could 
initiate condemnation proceedings in accordance with state law.
    A number of fact sheets prepared by the FERC, including ``An 
Interstate Natural Gas Facility On My Land? What Do I Need To Know?'' 
and ``Guide to Electronic Information at FERC,'' are available for 
viewing on the FERC Internet Web site (http://www.ferc.gov), using the 
``For Citizens'' link. These fact sheets address a number of typically 
asked questions including how to participate in the Commission's 
proceedings and how to access information on FERC-regulated projects in 
your area.

Involvement of Other Agencies

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency have agreed to participate as cooperating agencies in 
the preparation of the EIS to satisfy their respective NEPA 
responsibilities. The Project must also undergo an environmental review 
pursuant to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). The 
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs 
(MEEA) is the lead state agency with responsibility for ensuring 
compliance with the MEPA regulations for interstate natural gas 
pipeline projects. The FERC and the MEEA are conducting a coordinated 
NEPA/MEPA review of the E2W Project through use of a Special Review 
Procedure.

Summary of the Proposed Project

    Algonquin proposes to modify portions of its existing pipeline 
system in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New 
Jersey. In the initial NOI, the E2W Project included construction and 
operation of 46.1 miles of various diameter pipeline and associated 
ancillary pipeline facilities. In addition, Algonquin proposed to 
construct 2 new compressor stations in Massachusetts, install over-
pressure protection regulation at 4 sites in Massachusetts, and install 
minor modifications at 5 existing compressor stations and 29 existing 
meter stations along Algonquin's system in the 5 Project states.
    Since that time, Algonquin has reduced the scope of the E2W Project 
by removing approximately 12.2 miles of the proposed Q-1 System 
Replacement in Norfolk County, Massachusetts and the entire 3.6 miles 
of the proposed C-1 System Replacement in New Haven County, 
Connecticut. The Boxford Compressor Station in Essex County, 
Massachusetts; the corresponding alternative Danvers Compressor Station 
in Essex County, Massachusetts; and modifications to the Chaplin 
Compressor Station in Windham County, Connecticut have also been 
removed from the proposal.
    The revised Project scope currently proposed by Algonquin consists 
of 30.3 miles of various diameter pipeline, of which 13.0 miles would 
consist of new pipeline in Massachusetts and 17.3 miles would consist 
of the replacement of existing pipeline in Massachusetts and 
Connecticut, one new compressor station, modifications to existing 
compressor and meter stations, and other aboveground facilities as 
described in more detail below. These facilities and the possible 
environmental impacts from their construction and operation were 
described in detail in draft resource reports filed with the FERC on 
February 22, 2008.
     I-10 Extension--construction of approximately 13.0 miles 
of new 36-inch-diameter pipeline in Norfolk County, Massachusetts;
     Q-1 System Replacement--installation of approximately 6.3 
miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline that would replace a segment of an 
existing 24-inch-diameter pipeline in Norfolk County, Massachusetts;
     E-3 System Replacement--installation of approximately 11.0 
miles of 12-inch-diameter pipeline that would replace a segment of an 
existing 6- and 4-inch-diameter pipeline in New London County, 
Connecticut;
     Rehoboth Compressor Station--a new 10,310-horsepower 
compressor station in Bristol County, Massachusetts;
     Modifications to four existing compressor stations to 
accommodate bi-directional flow along Algonquin's system including:

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    [cir] Burrillville Compressor Station in Providence County, Rhode 
Island;
    [cir] Cromwell Compressor Station in Middlesex County, Connecticut;
    [cir] Southeast Compressor Station in Putnam County, New York; and
    [cir] Hanover Compressor Station in Morris County, New Jersey;
     Aboveground over-pressure protection regulation at two 
existing meter stations (Weymouth and Sharon Meter Stations) and at two 
new regulator stations (end of the I-10 Extension and end of the Q-1 
System) along the Algonquin system in Massachusetts;
     Installation of gas chromatographs at 29 existing meter 
stations in Massachusetts (9), Connecticut (11), Rhode Island (2), New 
York (5), and New Jersey (2);
     Installation of mainline valves along the proposed 
pipeline facilities in Massachusetts and Connecticut; and
     Installation of pig \2\ launcher and receiver facilities 
to connect with the existing Algonquin facilities in Massachusetts and 
Connecticut.
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    \2\ A pig is an internal tool that can be used to clean and dry 
a pipeline and/or to inspect it for damage or corrosion.
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    In addition, Algonquin has been evaluating several possible 
alternative pipeline routes in the Stoughton and Canton, Massachusetts 
area. Based on input received from landowners, public officials, and 
other interested parties, Algonquin is seriously considering the Cross 
Country Alternative 4 route as it finalizes the pipeline alignment that 
will be proposed to the FERC in its formal application. The Cross 
Country Alternative 4 would require 1.15 miles of pipeline replacement 
on Algonquin's Q-system and construction of a 2.4-mile-long pipeline 
that would create new right-of-way in the general area of Glen Echo 
Pond on the Canton/Stoughton border before intersecting the NSTAR Gas & 
Electric Corporation (NSTAR) powerline right-of-way, west of State 
Highway 24. Use of this alternative would eliminate 2.74 miles of the 
originally proposed I-10 Extension, of which 1.41 miles would parallel 
the NSTAR powerline in the vicinity of Pine Street in northeastern 
Stoughton and 1.33 miles would create new right-of-way across 
designated open space in the vicinity of the Canton/Stoughton border.
    A general overview of the currently proposed major Project 
facilities is shown in Appendix 1. A map depicting the Cross Country 
Alternative 4 under consideration and the corresponding segment of the 
previously proposed route is presented in Appendix 2.\3\
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    \3\ The appendices referenced in this notice are not being 
printed in the Federal Register. Copies are available on the 
Commission's Internet Web site (http://www.ferc.gov) at the 
``eLibrary'' link or from the Commission's Public Reference Room, 
888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, or call (202) 502-8371. 
For instructions on connecting to eLibrary refer to the Additional 
Information section of this notice. Copies of the appendices were 
sent to all those receiving this notice in the mail. Requests for 
detailed maps of the proposed facilities should be made directly to 
Algonquin by calling 1-800-788-4143.
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    Algonquin indicates that the proposed Project would provide 
increased natural gas supplies and enhanced system reliability to 
natural gas distributors throughout the New England region. Once 
completed, the Project would provide 746,500 dekatherms per day of 
additional natural gas transportation service on Algonquin's system. 
This additional capacity would enable Algonquin to accommodate 
increased receipts of natural gas from emerging natural gas supplies, 
including liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals located offshore at the 
east end of the Algonquin system, for redelivery to high growth markets 
in the Northeast Region.
    Algonquin anticipates that construction of the E2W Project would 
begin in April 2009, with a projected in-service date of November 2009.

Land Requirements for Construction

    Algonquin indicates that construction of its proposed pipeline and 
aboveground facilities would require about 491 acres of land, including 
land requirements for the construction right-of-way, temporary extra 
work areas, access roads, pipe storage and contractor yards, and 
aboveground facilities. Following construction, about 156 acres of land 
would be retained as permanent right-of-way for the pipeline and 
operation of the aboveground facility sites, of which 74 acres are 
currently part of Algonquin's existing easement. The remaining 335 
acres of land would be restored and allowed to revert to its former 
use.
    In general, the construction rights-of-way for the new and 
replacement pipelines would range from 75 to 85 feet wide with 
additional temporary workspace needed at certain feature crossings and 
to stockpile trench spoil and rock generated from trench excavation. 
For the majority of the route, the construction rights-of-way would 
overlap the existing, cleared permanent rights-of-way of Algonquin and 
NSTAR by various amounts. For example, the centerline of the proposed 
I-10 Extension pipeline would generally be situated 5 feet inside the 
existing NSTAR powerline right-of-way. The pipelines for the Q-1 and E-
3 Systems would be installed in the same trench as the pipelines they 
are replacing to the extent practicable. This same-trench replacement 
method of construction is referred to by Algonquin as the lift and 
relay method. After construction, a 30-to 50-foot-wide permanent right-
of-way would be retained.
    The proposed Rehoboth Compressor Station would require 
approximately 10 acres of land for permanent development of the 
compressor station and associated roads and piping. Algonquin is 
considering the acquisition of land parcels totaling approximately 97 
acres for the station.
    The modifications to the four existing compressor stations would 
occur within the fenceline of the existing developed compressor station 
sites. The over-pressure protection regulation at the two existing 
meter stations would be installed within previously disturbed areas at 
the meter station sites. The over-pressure regulator stations at the 
two new sites would require approximately 1 acre at each site. The 
installation of gas chromatographs at the 29 existing meter stations 
along the Algonquin system would occur within the fenceline of the 
existing developed meter station site. The mainline valves and pig 
launchers and receivers would be installed within the permanent right-
of-way and would not require additional land.

Public Participation

    You can make a difference by providing us with your specific 
comments or concerns about the potential changes to Algonquin's 
proposal. By becoming a commentor, your concerns will be addressed in 
our EIS and considered during the NEPA and MEPA reviews. Your comments 
should focus on the potential environmental effects, reasonable 
alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen the environmental impact. 
The more specific your comments, the more useful they will be.
    To expedite our receipt and consideration of your comments, the 
Commission strongly encourages electronic submission of any comments on 
this Project. See Title 18 Code of Federal Regulations 
385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Internet 
Web site at http://www.ferc.gov under the link to ``Documents and 
Filings'' and ``eFiling.'' eFiling is a file attachment process and 
requires that you prepare your submission in the same manner as you 
would if filing on paper, and save it to a file on your hard drive. New 
eFiling

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users must first create an account by clicking on ``Sign up'' or 
``eRegister.'' You will be asked to select the type of filing you are 
making. This filing is considered a ``Comment on Filing.'' In addition, 
there is a ``Quick Comment'' option available, which is an easy method 
for interested persons to submit text only comments on a project. The 
Quick-Comment User Guide can be viewed at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling/quick-comment-guide.pdf.
    Quick Comment does not require a FERC eRegistration account; 
however, you will be asked to provide a valid e-mail address. All 
comments submitted under either eFiling or the Quick Comment option are 
placed in the public record for the specified docket or project 
number(s). The docket no. for the E2W Project is PF07-15-000. Your 
comments must be submitted electronically by May 14, 2008.
    If you wish to mail comments, please mail your comments so that 
they will be received in Washington, DC on or before May 14, 2008 and 
carefully follow these instructions:
    Send an original and two copies of your letter to:
     Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission, 888 First St., NE., Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426;
     Label one copy of your comments for the attention of the 
Gas Branch 3, DG2E; and
     Reference Docket No. PF07-15-000 on the original and both 
copies.
    Once Algonquin formally files its application with the Commission, 
you may want to become an ``intervenor,'' which is an official party to 
the proceeding. Intervenors play a more formal role in the process and 
are able to file briefs, appear at hearings, and be heard by the courts 
if they choose to appeal the Commission's final ruling. An intervenor 
formally participates in a Commission proceeding by filing a request to 
intervene. Instructions for becoming an intervenor are included in the 
User's Guide under the ``e-filing'' link on the Commission's Web site. 
Please note that you may not request intervenor status at this time. 
You must wait until a formal application is filed with the Commission.

Environmental Mailing List

    Everyone who provides comments on this Supplemental NOI will be 
retained on the mailing list. If you do not want to send comments at 
this time but still want to stay informed and receive copies of the 
draft and final EISs, you must return the Mailing List Retention Form 
(Appendix 3). Also, indicate on the form your preference for receiving 
a paper version of the EIS in lieu of an electronic version of the EIS 
on CD-ROM.

    Note: If you are no longer potentially affected by the proposed 
Project due to the reduction in proposed facilities (e.g., removal 
of the Boxford/Danvers Compressor Station, 12.2 miles of the 
proposed Q-1 System Replacement, and 3.6 miles of the proposed C-1 
System Replacement) you will be taken off the mailing list if you do 
not send comments in response to this Supplemental NOI or return the 
Mailing List Retention Form (Appendix 3). This is an effort to 
reduce unnecessary correspondences for those parties that are no 
longer potentially affected by this Project.

    If you have previously submitted comments or returned a Mailing 
List Retention Form and are not subject to removal from our mailing 
list, as stated above, you are already on our mailing list and do not 
need to resubmit comments or a Mailing List Retention Form.

Additional Information

    Additional information about the Project is available from the 
Commission's Office of External Affairs at 1-866-208-FERC or on the 
FERC Internet Web site (http://www.ferc.gov) using the ``eLibrary'' 
link. Click on the eLibrary link, click on ``General Search,'' and 
enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the Docket 
Number field (i.e., PF07-15). Be sure you have selected an appropriate 
date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at 
[email protected] or toll free at 1-866-208-3676, or for TTY, 
contact (202) 502-8659. The eLibrary link on the FERC Internet Web site 
also provides access to the texts of formal documents issued by the 
Commission, such as Orders, notices, and rule makings.
    In addition, the FERC now offers a free service called 
eSubscription that allows you to keep track of all formal issuances and 
submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time you 
spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with 
notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to 
the documents. To register for this service, go to http://www.ferc.gov/esubscribenow.htm.
    Public meetings or site visits will be posted on the Commission's 
calendar located at http://www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx 
along with other related information.
    To request additional information on the proposed Project or to 
provide comments directly to the Project sponsor, you can contact 
Algonquin by calling toll free at 1-800-788-4143. Also, Algonquin has 
established an Internet Web site at http://www.easttowestexpansion.com. 
The Web site includes a description of the Project, an overview map of 
the pipeline route, links to related documents, and photographs of the 
Project area. Algonquin will update the Web site as the environmental 
review of its Project proceeds.

Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E8-8497 Filed 4-18-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P