ferc approves transco pipeline project in alabama · transco pipeline in alabama, beginning in may...

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Aſter an extensive review, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved a proposal to significantly expand the capacity of the Transco pipeline in Alabama, beginning in May 2017. We are providing this newsletter to parties who may be affected or have an interest in the pipeline proposal. e Hillabee expansion project will involve the construction of approximately 43 miles of pipe segments (called loops) parallel to the existing Transco pipeline in Alabama, in addition to adding compression and modifying some existing pipeline facilities. Constructed in three separate phases over a four-year period, the project is designed to supply gas to the proposed Sabal Trail pipeline. e project will ultimately involve the construction of six pipe loops located in parts of Choctaw, Autauga, Chilton, Coosa and Tallapoosa counties (see map on page 3 of this newsletter). e pipeline loops vary in length and are proposed to parallel the existing Transco pipeline, either completely within or adjacent to the existing utility corridor. In addition, as part of the proposal Williams plans to construct and operate a pipeline compressor facility in Choctaw County. Phase I pipeline construction is tentatively scheduled to begin as early as June 2016, while compressor station construction is targeted to begin in April 2016. Since November 2013 the company has been involved in the FERC pre-filing process, soliciting input from citizens, governmental entities and numerous other interested parties to identify and address issues with potential facility locations. e proposal approved by FERC reflects some adjustments to the original pipeline alignment introduced more than two years ago—most a direct result of stakeholder input. “is FERC approval is a milestone and the culmination of a tremendous collaborative effort. We are very grateful for all of those who participated in this process. We also sincerely appreciate the cooperation we have received from property owners, permitting agencies and other interested parties whose assistance has helped bring us where we are today,” said A.J. Patel, Williams project manager. “As we enter the construction phase of this project, we are committed to working with affected communities and property owners to ensure these new facilities are constructed in a prompt, safe and environmentally sensitive manner,” added Patel. Prior to receiving federal approval, the FERC issued an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in December 2015. e EIS is a comprehensive assessment of the environmental effects of the pipeline project. e EIS concluded that the construction and operation of the proposed facilities, with the adoption of recommended mitigation measures, would not significantly affect the environment. If your property is affected by construction, you can expect to be contacted by a Transco land representative prior to construction to share more details about the construction process. Transco land representatives are available before, during and aſter construction to answer any questions you may have. e Transco pipeline is a 10,200-mile pipeline system which transports natural gas to markets throughout the northeastern and southeastern United States. It transports about 10 percent of the nation’s natural gas. FERC Approves Transco Pipeline Project in Alabama Winter 2016 www.williams.com/rocksprings Hillabee Expansion Project © 2016 The Williams Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 0216/04702 Hillabee Expansion Project 1600 Executive Drive South, Suite 200 Duluth, GA 30096 Project Schedule November 2013 Pre-filing process began November 2014 Submitted 7(c) application to FERC June 2016 Proposed construction start on Phase I facilities May 2017 Phase I in-service August 2019 Proposed construction start on Phase II facilities May 2020 Phase II in-service August 2020 Proposed construction start on Phase III facilities May 2021 Phase III in-service

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Page 1: FERC Approves Transco Pipeline Project in Alabama · Transco pipeline in Alabama, beginning in May 2017. We are providing this newsletter to parties who may be affected or have an

After an extensive review, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved a proposal to significantly expand the capacity of the

Transco pipeline in Alabama, beginning in May 2017.

We are providing this newsletter to parties who may be affected or have an interest in the pipeline proposal.

The Hillabee expansion project will involve the construction of approximately 43 miles of pipe segments (called loops) parallel to the existing Transco pipeline in Alabama, in addition to adding compression and modifying some existing pipeline facilities. Constructed in three separate phases over a four-year period, the project is designed to supply gas to the proposed Sabal Trail pipeline.

The project will ultimately involve the construction of six pipe loops located in parts of Choctaw, Autauga, Chilton, Coosa and Tallapoosa counties (see map on page 3 of this newsletter). The pipeline loops vary in length and are proposed to parallel the existing Transco pipeline, either completely within or adjacent to the existing utility corridor.

In addition, as part of the proposal Williams plans to construct and operate a pipeline compressor facility in Choctaw County. Phase I pipeline construction is tentatively scheduled to begin as early as June 2016, while compressor station construction is targeted to begin in April 2016.

Since November 2013 the company has been involved in the FERC pre-filing process, soliciting input from citizens, governmental entities and numerous other

interested parties to identify and address issues with potential facility locations. The proposal approved by FERC reflects some adjustments to the original pipeline alignment introduced more than two years ago —most a direct result of stakeholder input.

“This FERC approval is a milestone and the culmination of a tremendous collaborative effort. We are very grateful for all of those who participated in this process. We also sincerely appreciate the cooperation we have received from property owners, permitting agencies and other interested parties whose assistance has helped bring us where we are today,” said A.J. Patel, Williams project manager.

“As we enter the construction phase of this project, we are committed to working with affected communities and property owners to ensure these new facilities are constructed in a prompt, safe and environmentally sensitive manner,” added Patel.

Prior to receiving federal approval, the FERC issued an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in December 2015. The EIS is a comprehensive assessment of the environmental effects of the pipeline project. The EIS concluded that the construction and operation of the proposed facilities, with the adoption of recommended mitigation measures, would not significantly affect the environment.

If your property is affected by construction, you can expect to be contacted by a Transco land representative prior to construction to share more details about the construction process. Transco land representatives are available before, during and after construction to answer any questions you may have.

The Transco pipeline is a 10,200-mile pipeline system which transports natural gas to markets throughout the northeastern and southeastern United States. It transports about 10 percent of the nation’s natural gas.

FERC Approves Transco Pipeline Project in Alabama

Winter 2016

www.williams.com/rocksprings

Hillabee Expansion Project

©2016 The Williams Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 0216/04702

Hillabee Expansion Project 1600 Executive Drive South, Suite 200 Duluth, GA 30096

Project Schedule

November 2013 Pre-filing process began

November 2014 Submitted 7(c) application to FERC

June 2016 Proposed construction start on Phase I facilities

May 2017 Phase I in-service

August 2019 Proposed construction start on Phase II facilities

May 2020 Phase II in-service

August 2020 Proposed construction start on Phase III facilities

May 2021 Phase III in-service

Page 2: FERC Approves Transco Pipeline Project in Alabama · Transco pipeline in Alabama, beginning in May 2017. We are providing this newsletter to parties who may be affected or have an

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Hillabee ProjectHow long will pipe loop construction last?

Phase I pipeline construction would occur between June and December 2016, although the majority of work in any one area would typically be completed in six to eight weeks. Tree clearing could begin as early as July 2016. Williams would finish and place Phase I of the project into service in May 2017.

What are your typical construction work hours?

Standard construction operating hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, but may vary to be in compliance with local ordinances This daily schedule allows optimal use of daylight hours and offers safer construction conditions during peak construction season.

How will you construct around septic systems?

Williams’ land agents will handle septic system issues as they arise on a case-by-case basis and in a timely manner, as this is a very important issue for landowners. If the pipeline’s new proposed right-of-way impacts an existing septic system, then the company will take responsibility for having it repaired, or replaced/relocated off the right of way, with the landowner’s permission (assuming that there is room).

What will the company do to protect water wells?

Williams’ land agents will solicit input from each affected landowner about the number and location of water wells that are present on their property. Prior to construction, Williams will seek landowner permission to test all wells within 150 feet of the construction footprint before and after construction. Any problems with tested water wells after construction begins will be promptly resolved by the company.

Is construction vibration something that is monitored?

Williams offers vibration monitoring for home structures for interested landowners. This would consist of both pre-construction and post-construction structural analysis of foundations and structures by a professional structural engineering firm.

Will topsoil be segregated from subsoil?

Topsoil will be segregated (removed and stored in a pile or on the right of way along the edge of the construction right of way) in residential areas at the beginning of construction and then the topsoil will be replaced after the pipe is installed. The subsoil, which receives the bulk of the construction traffic, will be tested and decompacted as necessary by the contractor with a disc/harrow or chisel plow. In Williams’ experience, soils within the right of way (footprint) don’t typically exhibit percolation problems.

What happens if I have livestock on property where new pipeline is planned?

In general, livestock concerns are addressed with each individual landowner. Some things that the company will do to work with landowners are erecting temporary fencing, providing access points for livestock and/or farm equipment and vehicles to move across the construction area and/or compensating the landowner for additional feed, hay or off-site boarding of livestock during construction. After construction, all permanent fencing will be replaced with the same materials and in the same location as prior to construction. Other accommodations may be made based on specific situations and landowner input.

Are there any local benefits?

Once the pipeline becomes fully operational, the preliminary anticipated ad valorum tax benefit is anticipated to be approximately:

■ Autauga County – $500,000

■ Chilton County – $200,000

■ Choctaw County – $1,500,000

■ Coosa County – $1,100,000

■ Dallas County – $700,000

■ Tallapoosa County – $400,000

Proposed Major Facility Modifications (Alabama) - Phase I (2017 ISD)County Towns Scope

Choctaw Butler New 32,000-hp compressor facility

Dallas Marion Junction Existing compressor facility modifications

Autauga/Chilton Prattville/Billingsley 4.6 miles of 48-inch pipe

Coosa Rockford 5.3 miles of 42-inch pipe

Coosa Rockford 2.6 miles of 42-inch pipe

Coosa Rockford Existing compressor facility modifications

Tallapoosa Alexander City 7.6 miles of 42-inch pipe

Proposed Pipeline Loop Locations

t

")

Autaugaville

Billingsley

Millbrook

Prattville

Centreville

NorthBibb

WestBlocton

Calera

Clanton

Jemison

Maplesville

Thorsby

Selma

Selmont-WestSelmont

Coosada

Deatsville

Elmore

Helena

Alabaster

Chelsea

Columbiana

HarpersvilleHoover

Montevallo

Pelham

Vincent

Wilsonville

WiltonTalladegaSprings

LakeView

UV14

UV191

UV14

UV25

UV119

UV58

UV119

UV119

UV25

UV155

UV14

UV14

UV145

UV14 UV6

UV61

UV22

UV22

UV6

UV76

UV22

£¤80

£¤80

£¤82

£¤31

£¤82

£¤31

£¤31

£¤31

£¤80

£¤80

£¤11

£¤280

§̈¦20

§̈¦20

§̈¦65

§̈¦65

S H E L B Y C O U N T Y

C O O S A C O U N T Y

C H I L T O N C O U N T Y

D A L L A S C O U N T YA U T A U G A C O U N T Y

B I B B C O U N T Y

S T A . 1 0 0

Alabama

Copyright:© 2013 Esri

FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLYSUBJECT TO REVISION

2 0 2 4 61Miles

") EXISTING TRANSCO COMPRESSOR STATIONS

PROPOSED SABAL TRAIL PIPELINE

EXISTING TRANSCO PIPELINES

TRANSCO FACILITIES EXPANSION

IN-SERVICE DATE

2017

2020

2021

TRANSCONTINENTAL GAS PIPELINE COMPANY, LLCCOUNTY ROUTE MAP

HILLABEE EXPANSION PROJECT CHILTON COUNTY, ALABAMA

¦

3.9 mi 42" - 2020

7.4 mi 42" - 20214.6 mi 48" - 2017

t

")

")

Butler

Gilbertown

Lisman

Needham

Pennington

Silas

Toxey

Coffeeville

Myrtlewood

Millry

Meridian

UV19

UV19

UV10

UV17

UV28

UV69

£¤43

£¤84

S U M T E R C O U N T Y

C L A R K E C O U N T Y

M A R E N G O C O U N T Y

C H O C T A W C O U N T Y

L A U D E R D A L E C O U N T Y

W A S H I N G T O N C O U N T Y

S T A . 9 0

S T A . 8 5

Mississippi

Alabama

Copyright:© 2013 Esri

FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLYSUBJECT TO REVISION

2 0 2 41Miles

") EXISTING TRANSCO COMPRESSOR STATIONS

PROPOSED SABAL TRAIL PIPELINE

EXISTING TRANSCO PIPELINES

TRANSCO FACILITIES EXPANSION

IN-SERVICE DATE

2017

2020

2021

TRANSCONTINENTAL GAS PIPELINE COMPANY, LLCCOUNTY ROUTE MAP

HILLABEE EXPANSION PROJECT CHOCTAW COUNTY, ALABAMA

¦

5.3 mi 42" - 2021

6.6 mi 42" - 2020

t

")

Goodwater

Rockford

Deatsville

Eclectic

Millbrook Wetumpka

Childersburg

Columbiana

Harpersville

Wilsonville

BonAir

GanttsQuarry

MignonOak

Grove

Sylacauga

TalladegaSprings

AlexanderCity

UV22

UV25

UV76

UV9

UV61

UV21

UV21UV76

UV77

UV14

UV145

UV22

£¤231

£¤31

£¤231

£¤231

£¤280

£¤280

£¤280

£¤280

§̈¦65

§̈¦65

T A L L A D E G A C O U N T Y

S H E L B Y C O U N T Y

E L M O R E C O U N T Y

C O O S A C O U N T Y

C H I L T O N C O U N T Y

C L AY C O U N T Y

A U T A U G A C O U N T Y

S T A . 1 0 5

Alabama

Copyright:© 2013 Esri

FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLYSUBJECT TO REVISION

2 0 2 41Miles

") EXISTING TRANSCO COMPRESSOR STATIONS

PROPOSED SABAL TRAIL PIPELINE

EXISTING TRANSCO PIPELINES

TRANSCO FACILITIES EXPANSION

IN-SERVICE DATE

2017

2020

2021

TRANSCONTINENTAL GAS PIPELINE COMPANY, LLCCOUNTY ROUTE MAP

HILLABEE EXPANSION PROJECT COOSA COUNTY, ALABAMA

¦

2.5 mi 42" - 2017

5.2 mi 42" - 2017

t

")

")

Butler

Gilbertown

Lisman

Needham

Pennington

Silas

Toxey

Coffeeville

Myrtlewood

Millry

Meridian

UV19

UV19

UV10

UV17

UV28

UV69

£¤43

£¤84

S U M T E R C O U N T Y

C L A R K E C O U N T Y

M A R E N G O C O U N T Y

C H O C T A W C O U N T Y

L A U D E R D A L E C O U N T Y

W A S H I N G T O N C O U N T Y

S T A . 9 0

S T A . 8 5

Mississippi

Alabama

Copyright:© 2013 Esri

FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLYSUBJECT TO REVISION

2 0 2 41Miles

") EXISTING TRANSCO COMPRESSOR STATIONS

PROPOSED SABAL TRAIL PIPELINE

EXISTING TRANSCO PIPELINES

TRANSCO FACILITIES EXPANSION

IN-SERVICE DATE

2017

2020

2021

TRANSCONTINENTAL GAS PIPELINE COMPANY, LLCCOUNTY ROUTE MAP

HILLABEE EXPANSION PROJECT CHOCTAW COUNTY, ALABAMA

¦

5.3 mi 42" - 2021

6.6 mi 42" - 2020

CHOCTAW COUNTY

COOSA COUNTY

AUTAUGA/CHILTON COUNTIES

t

")

")

Butler

Gilbertown

Lisman

Needham

Pennington

Silas

Toxey

Coffeeville

Myrtlewood

Millry

Meridian

UV19

UV19

UV10

UV17

UV28

UV69

£¤43

£¤84

S U M T E R C O U N T Y

C L A R K E C O U N T Y

M A R E N G O C O U N T Y

C H O C T A W C O U N T Y

L A U D E R D A L E C O U N T Y

W A S H I N G T O N C O U N T Y

S T A . 9 0

S T A . 8 5

Mississippi

Alabama

Copyright:© 2013 Esri

FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLYSUBJECT TO REVISION

2 0 2 41Miles

") EXISTING TRANSCO COMPRESSOR STATIONS

PROPOSED SABAL TRAIL PIPELINE

EXISTING TRANSCO PIPELINES

TRANSCO FACILITIES EXPANSION

IN-SERVICE DATE

2017

2020

2021

TRANSCONTINENTAL GAS PIPELINE COMPANY, LLCCOUNTY ROUTE MAP

HILLABEE EXPANSION PROJECT CHOCTAW COUNTY, ALABAMA

¦

5.3 mi 42" - 2021

6.6 mi 42" - 2020

For More Information

Project website: www.williams.com/hillabee

Toll-free information line: 866-455-9103

E-mail: [email protected]

Land Department: Hillabee Expansion Project Office 1600 Executive Drive South, Suite 200 Duluth, GA 30096