Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed East to West Hubline Expansion Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings, 60341-60345 [E7-20874]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 205 (Wednesday, October 24, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60341-60345]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-20874]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. PF07-15-000]


Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed East to West Hubline 
Expansion Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and 
Notice of Public Scoping Meetings

October 16, 2007.
    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or 
Commission) will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) that 
will identify and address 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 Commission will use 
the EIS in its decision-making process to determine whether or not to 
authorize the Project. This notice describes the proposed Project 
facilities and explains the scoping process that will be used to gather 
input from the public and interested agencies on the Project. Your 
input will help determine the issues that need to be evaluated in the 
EIS. Please note that the scoping period for the Project will close on 
November 21, 2007.
    Comments on the Project may be submitted in written form or 
verbally. In lieu of or in addition to sending written comments, you 
are invited to attend the public scoping meetings that have been 
scheduled in the Project area. These meetings are scheduled for 
November 5, 2007 in Randolph, Massachusetts; November 7, 2007 in North 
Andover, Massachusetts; and November 8, 2007 in Norwich, Connecticut. 
Further instructions on how to submit comments and additional details 
of the public scoping meetings are provided in the Public Participation 
section of this notice.
    The FERC will be the lead federal agency for the preparation of the 
EIS and will prepare the document to satisfy the requirements of the 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The document will be used by 
the FERC to consider the environmental impacts that could result if it 
authorizes Algonquin's Project by issuing a Certificate of Public 
Convenience and Necessity under section 7 of the Natural Gas Act. It is 
the FERC's goal that other federal agencies will participate in the 
environmental review process as cooperating agencies 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 MEPA 
regulations allow use of a Special Review Procedure that would 
establish a coordinated review of the Project by the FERC and the MEEA. 
Establishment of a coordinated review would enable the NEPA EIS (plus 
an addendum document) to serve as the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) 
required by MEPA. It is anticipated that the FERC and the MEEA will 
conduct a coordinated NEPA/MEPA review of the E2W Project to the 
maximum extent feasible.
    The Massachusetts Energy Facility Siting Board (MEFSB) is an 
independent board that licenses major energy facilities in 
Massachusetts and is charged with ensuring a reliable energy supply for 
the Commonwealth with a minimum impact on the environment at the lowest 
possible cost. The MEFSB has no authority over the siting of interstate 
natural gas facilities; however, it represents the citizens of 
Massachusetts before the FERC on cases involving the construction of 
applicable energy infrastructure in Massachusetts. The two 
Massachusetts public scoping meetings announced in this notice will be 
joint scoping meetings with participation by the MEFSB.
    The Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) is an independent board that 
licenses major energy facilities in Connecticut. The CSC regulates 
facility siting to balance the need for adequate and reliable public 
services at the lowest reasonable cost to consumers with the need to 
protect the environment and ecology of the state. Similar to the MEFSB, 
the CSC has no authority over the siting of interstate natural gas 
facilities; however, it may become a party before the FERC on cases 
involving the construction of applicable energy infrastructure in 
Connecticut. The CSC will participate in the FERC's Connecticut scoping 
meeting and will announce independent hearings at a later date.

[[Page 60342]]

    With this notice, we \1\ are asking these and other federal, state, 
and local agencies with jurisdiction and/or special expertise with 
respect to environmental issues and leaders of tribal nations to 
cooperate formally with us in the preparation of the EIS. These 
agencies may choose to participate once they have evaluated Algonquin's 
proposal relative to their responsibilities. Agencies that would like 
to request cooperating status should follow the instructions for filing 
comments described in the Public Participation section of this notice.
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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 notice is being sent to affected landowners, including 
landowners potentially affected by some of the alternatives under 
consideration; 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 fact sheet prepared by the FERC entitled ``An Interstate Natural 
Gas Facility on My Land? What Do I Need To Know?'' is available for 
viewing on the FERC Internet Web site (https://www.ferc.gov). This fact 
sheet addresses a number of typically asked questions, including the 
use of eminent domain and how to participate in the FERC's proceedings.

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. The E2W Project consists of the construction and operation of 
46.1 miles of various diameter pipeline and associated ancillary 
pipeline facilities. Of this total, 13.0 miles consist of new pipeline 
in Massachusetts and 33.1 miles consist of the replacement of existing 
pipeline in Massachusetts and Connecticut. A significant portion of the 
46.1 miles of the proposed pipeline facilities would be either within 
the existing Algonquin right-of-way or adjacent to an existing 
powerline right-of-way. No new right-of-way corridors would be created 
based on the alignment as currently proposed with the exception of 
several minor alignment deviations to facilitate construction.
    In addition, Algonquin proposes 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 as described below. A 
general overview of the major Project facilities is shown in Appendix 
1.\2\
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    \2\ The appendices referenced in this notice are not being 
printed in the Federal Register. Copies of all appendices are 
available on the Commission's Internet Web site (https://
www.ferc.gov) at the ``eLibrary'' link or from the Commission's 
Public Reference Room at (202) 502-8371. For instructions on 
connecting to eLibrary, refer to the Availability of 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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    Specifically, the facilities proposed by Algonquin include the 
following:
     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 18.5 
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;
     C-1 System Replacement--installation of approximately 3.6 
miles of 24-inch-diameter pipeline that would replace a segment of an 
existing 10-inch-diameter pipeline in New Haven County, Connecticut;
     Two new compressor stations including:
    [cir] Boxford Compressor Station--a 10,300-horsepower (hp) 
compressor station in Essex County, Massachusetts; and
    [cir] Rehoboth Compressor Station--a 15,000-hp compressor station 
in Bristol County, Massachusetts;
     Modifications to five existing compressor stations to 
accommodate bi-directional flow along Algonquin's system including:
     [cir] Burrillville Compressor Station in Providence County, Rhode 
Island;
     [cir] Chaplin Compressor Station in Windham County, Connecticut;
     [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 \3\ launcher and receiver facilities 
to connect with the existing Algonquin facilities in Massachusetts and 
Connecticut.
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    \3\ 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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    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 be capable of transporting up to 1.145 
million dekatherms per day of natural gas from increased gas supplies, 
including liquefied natural gas-source gas, entering the eastern 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 482 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 253 acres of land 
would be retained as permanent right-of-way for the pipeline and 
operation of the aboveground

[[Page 60343]]

facility sites. The remaining 229 acres of land would be restored and 
allowed to revert to its former use.
    The centerline of the proposed I-10 Extension pipeline would 
generally be situated 5 feet inside the existing NSTAR Gas & Electric 
Corporation (NSTAR) powerline right-of-way. The pipelines for the Q-1, 
E-3, and C-1 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 take-up and relay method. 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. After construction, a 30-to 50-
foot-wide permanent right-of-way would be retained.
    The proposed Boxford Compressor Station would require approximately 
8.2 acres of land for permanent development of the compressor station 
and associated roads and piping. However, Algonquin is considering the 
acquisition of land parcels totaling approximately 157 acres for the 
station. An alternative site to the Boxford Compressor Station, 
referred to as the Danvers Compressor Station Site Alternative, is also 
under consideration. The alternative site is approximately 50 acres in 
size and is located northwest and adjacent to the Danvers Landfill. The 
proposed Rehoboth Compressor Station would require approximately 8.8 
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 Rehoboth 
Compressor Station.
    The modifications to the five 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.

The EIS Process

    NEPA requires the FERC to take into account the environmental 
impacts that could result from an action whenever it considers the 
issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. The EIS 
we are preparing is intended to give the FERC and cooperating agencies 
the necessary information to consider potential environmental impacts 
during each agency's respective review.
    Although no formal application has been filed with the FERC, we 
have already initiated our NEPA review under the FERC's Pre-Filing 
Process, which was established in Docket No. RM05-31-000 and Order No. 
665. 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 MEEA, MEFSB, 
and CSC have agreed to begin their reviews in conjunction with the Pre-
Filing Process to the extent feasible. A diagram summarizing the 
environmental review process for the Project is attached to this notice 
as Appendix 2.
    The FERC staff has already started to meet with Algonquin, 
jurisdictional agencies, and other interested stakeholders to discuss 
the Project and identify issues and concerns. As part of our Pre-Filing 
Process review, representatives from the FERC participated in public 
open houses sponsored by Algonquin in the Project area between 
September 25 and October 11, 2007 to explain the environmental review 
process to interested stakeholders and take comments about the Project. 
During November 2007, we plan to continue the Pre-Filing Process review 
by conducting interagency and public scoping meetings in the Project 
area to solicit comments and concerns about the Project.
    By this notice, we are formally announcing our preparation of the 
EIS and requesting additional agency and public comments to help us 
focus the analysis in the EIS on the potentially significant 
environmental issues related to the proposed action. If you provide 
comments at a scoping meeting, you do not need to resubmit the same 
comments in response to this notice.
    Our independent analysis of the issues will be included in a draft 
EIS. The draft EIS will be mailed to federal, state, and local 
government agencies; elected officials; environmental and public 
interest groups; Native American tribes; affected and potentially 
affected landowners; other interested parties; local libraries and 
newspapers; and the FERC's official service list for this proceeding. A 
45-day comment period will be allotted for review of the draft EIS. We 
will consider all timely comments on the draft EIS and revise the 
document, as necessary, before issuing a final EIS. The comment period 
on the draft EIS will be coordinated to the extent possible with other 
jurisdictional agencies.

Currently Identified Environmental Issues

    The EIS will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of the 
construction and operation of the proposed Project. We have already 
identified a number of issues and alternatives that we think deserve 
attention based on a preliminary review of the proposed facilities, the 
environmental information provided by Algonquin, and the scoping 
comments received to date. This preliminary list of issues and 
alternatives may be changed based on your comments and our additional 
analysis.
     Geology and Soils:
     [cir] Assessment of potential geological hazards.
     [cir] Erosion and sedimentation control.
     [cir] Assessment of invasive weed control plans.
     [cir] Right-of-way restoration.
     Water Resources:
     [cir] Impact on groundwater supplies.
     [cir] Evaluation of temporary and permanent impacts on wetlands, 
restoration of wetlands, and development of appropriate wetland 
mitigation options.
     [cir] Effect of pipeline crossings on perennial and intermittent 
waterbodies, including Norwichtown Brook, Bobbin Mill Brook, Main 
Brook, Honeypot Brook, and an unnamed tributary to the Quinnipiac 
River.
     [cir] Assessment of methods to cross major waterbodies, including 
the Weymouth Fore, Charles, and Neponset Rivers in Massachusetts and 
the Shetucket River in Connecticut.
     [cir] Assessment of contingency plans for frac-outs associated 
with horizontal directional drills.
     [cir] Assessment of alternative waterbody crossing methods.
     Fish, Wildlife, and Vegetation:
     [cir] Effect on coldwater and sensitive fisheries and essential 
fish habitat.
     [cir] Impacts on vernal pools.
     [cir] Effect on wildlife resources and their habitat.
     [cir] Effect on migratory birds.
     [cir] Assessment of construction time window restrictions.

[[Page 60344]]

     [cir] Effect on riparian vegetation.
     [cir] Assessment of measures to successfully revegetate the right-
of-way.
     Special Status Species:
     [cir] Potential effect on federally listed species.
     [cir] Potential effect on state-listed sensitive species, 
including the Eastern box turtle, bridle shiner, oak hairstreak, mocha 
emerald, and blue-spotted salamander.
     Cultural Resources:
     [cir] Effect on historic and prehistoric sites.
     [cir] Native American and tribal concerns.
     Land Use, Recreation and Special Interest Areas, and 
Visual Resources:
     [cir] Impacts on residential areas.
     [cir] Blasting in proximity to residences.
     [cir] Impacts on the Cranberry Brook Watershed Area of Critical 
Environmental Concern (ACEC).
     [cir] Visual impacts.
     Socioeconomics:
     [cir] Effects on transportation and traffic.
     [cir] Effects of construction workforce demands on public services 
and temporary housing.
     Air Quality and Noise:
     [cir] Effects on the local air quality and noise environment from 
construction and operation of the proposed facilities.
     Reliability and Safety:
     [cir] Assessment of hazards associated with natural gas pipelines.
     Alternatives:
     [cir] Assessment of existing systems, alternative system 
configurations, and alternative routes to reduce or avoid environmental 
impacts.
     [cir] Evaluation of alternatives to avoid the Cranberry Brook 
Watershed ACEC.
     [cir] Assessment of alternative compressor station locations, 
including the Danvers Compressor Station Site Alternative to the 
Boxford Compressor Station.
     Cumulative Impact:
     [cir] Assessment of the effect of the proposed Project when 
combined with other past, present, or future actions in the same 
region.

Public Participation

    You can make a difference by providing us with your specific 
comments or concerns about Algonquin's proposal. By becoming a 
commentor, your concerns will be addressed in the FERC's EIS and 
considered during the MEPA review. 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 https://www.ferc.gov under the 
``eFiling'' link and the link to the User's Guide. Before you can 
submit comments you will need to create a free account by clicking on 
``Sign-up'' under ``New User.'' You will be asked to select the type of 
submission you are making. This type of submission is considered a 
``Comment on Filing.'' Your comments must be submitted electronically 
by November 21, 2007.
    If you wish to mail comments, please mail your comments so that 
they will be received in Washington, DC and Boston, Massachusetts on or 
before November 21, 2007 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;
     Reference Docket No. PF07-15-000 on the original and both 
copies; and
     Send an additional copy of your letter to:

Selma H. Urman, Esq., Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board, One 
South Station, Boston, MA 02110; or
Christine Lepage, Connecticut Siting Council, Ten Franklin Square, New 
Britain, CT 06051.

    Your letters to the MEFSB or CSC should also reference Docket No. 
PF07-15-000.
    Three public scoping meetings have been scheduled in the Project 
area to provide another opportunity to offer comments on the proposed 
Project. The two public scoping meetings in Massachusetts will be joint 
scoping meetings with participation by the MEFSB pursuant to its 
responsibilities outlined in 980 Code of Massachusetts Regulations 
section 7.07(9)(a).\4\ Interested groups and individuals are encouraged 
to attend the meetings and to present comments on the environmental 
issues they believe should be addressed in the EIS. A transcript of the 
meetings will be generated so that your comments will be accurately 
recorded. All meetings will begin at 7 p.m. (EST) and end at 10 p.m., 
at the following locations:
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    \4\ A separate scoping meeting for the MEPA process will be 
scheduled by the MEEA at a later date.

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               Date                               Location
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Monday, November 5, 2007..........  Holiday Inn Boston-Randolph, 1374
                                     North Main Street, Randolph, MA
                                     02368, (781) 961-1000.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007.......  Knights of Columbus Hall, 505 Sutton
                                     Street, North Andover, MA 01845,
                                     (978) 688-6812.
Thursday, November 8, 2007........  Norwich City Hall, Room 335, 100
                                     Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360.
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    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 responds to this notice or provides comments 
throughout the EIS process will be retained on the mailing list. If you 
do not want to send

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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). If you do not send comments or return the 
Mailing List Retention Form asking to remain on the mailing list, you 
will be taken off the mailing list.

Availability of 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 (https://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 
FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov 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 rulemakings.
    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 https://www.ferc.gov/
esubscribenow.htm.
    Public meetings or site visits will be posted on the Commission's 
calendar located at https://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 https://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. E7-20874 Filed 10-23-07; 8:45 am]
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