Sunday, July 27, 2014

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Docs/Atlantic Sunrise Expansion of the TRANSCO: Pre-filing, PF 14-8


ELibrary File List

*This ELibrary File List contains all of the FERC filings for the WPX ATlantic Sunrise Project. The March 31 Pre-Filing is the first of these.



Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC
2800 Post Oak Boulevard (77056) P.O. Box 1396 Houston, Texas 77251-1396 713-215-2000

March 31, 2014

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20426

Attention: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary
Reference: Request for Pre-Filing Review Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC
Atlantic Sunrise Project Docket No. PF14-


Ladies and Gentlemen:

Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (“Transco”) respectfully requests that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) Staff initiate a pre-filing review of Transco’s proposed Atlantic Sunrise Project (sometimes referred to herein as the “Project”). The Project is an expansion of Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system that will enable Transco to provide incremental firm transportation capacity for growing supplies of natural gas from northern Pennsylvania to markets along the Transco pipeline system stretching from Transco’s Zone 6 in the northeastern U.S. to Zone 5 and terminating in Zone 4. The proposed Project is targeted to be placed in service by July 1, 2017.

As a result of significant interest expressed by shippers, the Project will be designed to provide 1,700,000 dekatherms per day (“dt/day”) of incremental firm transportation capacity along two project paths:

850,000 dt/day of firm transportation capacity from various points along Transco’s Leidy Line in north central Pennsylvania to Station 85 in Choctaw County, Alabama; and

Photo Wendy Lynne Lee

850,000 dt/day of firm transportation capacity from a proposed interconnection in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania (the “Zick Interconnection”) to as far south as 
Transco’s existing point of interconnection between Transco’s mainline and Dominion Transmission’s Pipeline located in Fairfax County, Virginia.

In accordance with Section 157.21(d) of the Commission’s regulations, Transco submits the following:

1. A description of the schedule desired for the project including the expected application filing date and the desired date for Commission approval.

Transco requests approval to commence the pre-filing process by April 14, 2014. During the pre-filing process, Transco will conduct field surveys for cultural resources, wetlands, and endangered species to identify and address relevant issues, and will meet with regulatory agencies and seek landowner input. Transco will coordinate with Commission Staff in order to develop complete Resource Reports and expects to use a third-party contractor to prepare a draft environmental document.
Transco expects to submit a complete draft of Resource Report 1, a list of alternatives, and a list of affected landowners in May 2014. Transco anticipates filing its NGA Section 7(c) certificate application in March 2015. The application will request that the Commission approve the Project by May 2016 with a target in-service date of July 1, 2017.

Photo Wendy Lynne Lee

To summarize, the proposed Project timeline is as follows:
Transco is seeking to use the Commission-approved pre-filing process in order to develop its certificate application and obtain timely processing of the certificate application. In that regard, Transco will provide to Commission Staff the information set forth in Section 157.21(f) of the Commission’s regulations. Transco anticipates resolving issues raised during the scoping process and submitting a complete application.

2. For LNG terminal facilities, a description of the zoning and availability of the proposed site and marine facility location.

There are no LNG terminal facilities related to or proposed as part of the Project.
April 2014
Pre-filing process begins
May - June 2014
Open Houses
March 2015
Submit 7(c) Application
May 2016
Requested Date for FERC Order
June 2016
Anticipated Construction Start
July 1, 2017
Target In-Service


3. For natural gas facilities other than LNG terminal facilities and related jurisdictional natural gas facilities, an explanation of why the prospective applicant is requesting to use the pre-filing process under this section.

The Commission Staff’s early review of the environmental document and its involvement in Transco’s public participation plan will allow Transco, interested stakeholders, and the Commission Staff to discuss and address routing, siting, and other environmental issues before developing and filing the certificate application for the Project. In particular, Transco believes that the pre-filing process will be beneficial in the following ways:

Facilitating issue identification, study needs, and issue resolution; Conducting site visits, examining alternatives, meeting with agencies and stakeholders, and participating in the public information meetings (open houses);  

PhotoWendy Lynne Lee

Issuing a scoping notice and conducting scoping for the Project; and Assisting in the review and comment on the Resource Reports comprising Transco’s draft Environmental Reports prior to filing, to ensure that the Commission’s filing requirements are satisfied and that all of the information needed to complete the environmental document is included.

4. A detailed description of the project, including location maps and plot plans to scale showing all major plant components, that will serve as the initial discussion point for stakeholder review.

Transco conducted an initial Open Season for the Project that commenced in August 2013. As a result of the Open Season, Transco executed binding precedent agreements with nine shippers for 1,700,000dt/day. Eight shippers committed to 850,000 dt/day of firm transportation capacity from various points along Transco’s Leidy Line to Station 85. Due to the significant interest expressed by these shippers, Transco has designed, in addition to certain incremental mainline facilities, a greenfield pipeline, referred to as the “Central Penn Line,” in order to provide the firm transportation service under the Project.

One shipper committed to 850,000 dt/day of firm transportation capacity from a new interconnection in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania (“the Zick Interconnection”) to the proposed terminus of the Central Penn Line at Transco’s mainline in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (“the River Road Interconnection”) and to the existing point of interconnection between Transco’s mainline and Dominion Transmission’s Pipeline located in Fairfax County, Virginia (the “Pleasant Valley Interconnection”). This additional commitment will require Transco to extend the Central Penn Line northward from the Leidy Line to the Zick Interconnection.
Photo Wendy Lynne Lee


In February 2014, Transco announced a binding, supplemental open season for up to 150,000 dt/day of firm transportation capacity under the Project. This additional capacity would begin at the Zick Interconnection and extend through the Central Penn Line tovarious delivery points along Transco’s mainline from the River Road Interconnection in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to as far south as the Pleasant Valley Interconnection in Fairfax County, Virginia. No shippers expressed interest in the supplemental open season.

The Project facilities currently under review include the following (all mileages are approximate):

A 56.4-mile, 30-inch greenfield pipeline from the proposed Zick Interconnect in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania to MP L113.75 on Transco’s Leidy Line in Columbia County, Pennsylvania (“Central Penn Line North”);

A 122.2-mile, 42-inch greenfield pipeline from MP L113.75 on Transco’s Leidy Line in Columbia County, Pennsylvania to Transco’s mainline in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (“Central Penn Line South”);

 5.5 miles of 36-inch diameter pipeline and 9.0 miles of 42-inch diameter pipeline in two loops on Transco’s Leidy Line in Clinton and Lycoming counties Pennsylvania;

Replacement of 2.5 miles of 30-inch diameter pipeline (1.2 miles on Mainline “A” and 1.3 miles on Mainline “B”) in Prince William County, Virginia;

A 30,000 horsepower greenfield compressor station on the Central Penn Line North, in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania (“Compressor Station 605”); 

A 40,000 horsepower greenfield compressor station on the Central Penn Line South, in Columbia County, Pennsylvania (“Compressor Station 610”); 

Photo Wendy Lynne Lee

The addition of 57,000 (ISO) horsepower at three of Transco’s existing
compressor stations: 

16,000 (ISO) horsepower at Compressor Station 520 in
Lycoming County, Pennsylvania; 

16,000 (ISO) horsepower at Compressor Station 517 in
Columbia County, Pennsylvania; and o 25,000 (ISO) horsepower at Compressor Station 190 in
Howard County, Maryland. 

Replacement and re-wheeling of various compressors at these facilities, andrelated compressor station modifications; 

Miscellaneous modifications at various compressor stations along the Projectpaths to enable compression for bi-directional flow; 

Supplemental odorization, odor detection, and odor masking / deodorization equipment at various compressor stations, meter stations, and valve sites inNorth Carolina and South Carolina; 

New receipt points and interconnections in Pennsylvania; New regulator stations at various locations along the Project paths; and Appurtenant underground and aboveground facilities.

The general location of the proposed facilities is illustrated on the attached map.

5. A list of the relevant federal and state agencies in the project area with permitting requirements. For LNG terminal facilities, the list shall identify the agency designated by the governor of the state in which the project will be located to consult with the Commission regarding state and local safety considerations. The filing shall include a statement indicating:

(i) That those agencies are aware of the prospective applicant's intention to use the pre-filing process (including contact names and telephone numbers);
Photo Wendy Lynne Lee


(ii) Whether the agencies have agreed to participate in the process; (iii) How the applicant has accounted for agency schedules for issuance of federal
authorizations; and (iv) When the applicant proposes to file with these agencies for their respectivepermits or other authorizations.

Transco has contacted federal and state agencies regarding the Project to introduce the Commission’s pre-filing process and asked the agencies to participate in the process. Please refer to the attached Initial Regulatory Contacts table, which identifies the agencies that have been contacted regarding the pre-filing process and the results of those consultations. Transco has incorporated into its overall project schedule the agency- specific schedules for issuance of required federal and state authorizations. Transco expects to file applications for all necessary federal permits concurrent with the filing of the Section 7(c) certificate application.

6. A list and description of the interest of other persons and organizations who have been contacted about the project (including contact names and telephone numbers).

Transco has begun meeting with various stakeholders, including landowners and local, state, and federal authorities, to identify and address their concerns. In January 2014, Transco began contacting interested stakeholders, including state legislative, county, and municipal government officials. In the coming months, Transco will contact all U.S. congressional representatives whose districts will be affected by the project. A list of stakeholders who have been contacted about the project is attached.

7. A description of what work has already been done, e.g., contacting stakeholders, agency consultations, project engineering, route planning, environmental and engineering contractor engagement, environmental surveys/studies, and open houses. This description shall also include the identification of the environmental and engineering firms and sub-contractors under contract to develop the project.

Transco initiated development of the Project in 2013. Hydraulic modeling simulations were completed to identify the Project facilities, and existing mapping resources and aerial photography depicting current land use were used for preliminary pipeline routing. In March2014, after notifying landowners, Transco’s engineering personnel began conducting ground surveys to identify various constraints, including residentialneighborhoods, businesses, other pipelines, high tension power lines, and significant environmental features, to further refine the Project route.
Civil surveys, biological surveys, and cultural resource surveys are expected to commence in May/June 2014 as soon as weather conditions allow. The drawings identifying the route and construction workspace are scheduled for completion prior to filing the Section 7(c) certificate application.

Photo Wendy Lynne Lee

Transco will select a preferred route for the Project that takes into consideration impacts on the community and the environment. In order to reduce potential impacts, approximately 36 percent of the initial Project corridor has been co-located within or adjacent to Transco’s existing pipeline right-of-way or other existing utility rights-of- way.

Transco has already contacted numerous federal and state agencies to initiate consultation regarding potential impacts to resources. As noted on the attached Initial Regulatory Contacts table, Transco is attempting to schedule meetings with all of these federal and state agencies.
Transco has contracted with various consulting engineering and environmental firms to complete the surveys, studies, and drawings needed to support the filing of the permits and clearances required for the Project. These include:

Pipeline Engineering – Mustang Engineering, L.P. Wetland Surveys and Resource Report Preparation – TRC Environmental Corp. Cultural Resource Surveys – URS Corporation.

Transco is in the process of selecting contractors for compressor station, meter station, and valve site engineering.

8. For LNG terminal projects, proposals for at least three prospective third-party contractors from which Commission staff may make a selection to assist in the preparation of the requisite NEPA document.
There are no LNG terminal facilities related to or proposed as part of the Project.

9. For natural gas facilities other than LNG terminal facilities and related jurisdictional natural gas facilities, proposals for at least three prospective third- party contractors from which Commission staff may make a selection to assist in the preparation of the requisite NEPA document, or a proposal for the submission of an applicant-prepared draft Environmental Assessment as determined during the initial consultation described in paragraph (c) of this section.

Transco prepared a Request for Proposal (“RFP”) for a third party contractor to prepare environmental documents. The draft RFP was reviewed by FERC Staff and issued tofour prospective contractors. Transco is submitting to Staff under separate cover copies of three proposals and its comments on the proposals.

PhotoWendy Lynne Lee

10. Acknowledgement that a complete Environmental Report and complete application are required at the time of filing.

Transco acknowledges that a complete Environmental Report and a complete application under Section 7(c) of the NGA will be required at the time of filing. Transco anticipates submitting the report and application to the Commission by March 2015.

11. A description of a Public Participation Plan which identifies specific tools and actions to facilitate stakeholder communications and public information, including a project website and a single point of contact. This plan shall also describe how the applicant intends to respond to requests for information from federal and state permitting agencies, including, if applicable, the governor's designated agency for consultation regarding state and local safety considerations with respect to LNG facilities.

Transco’s commitment to stakeholder communications and effective public outreach on the Project is set forth in the Atlantic Sunrise Project – Stakeholder Outreach Plan, a copy of which is attached. Transco will respond to requests for information from participating federal and state agencies in a timely manner. Transco plans to host ten open houses in May and June 2014 at locations near the proposed facilities.
For stakeholder communications, Transco has established a toll-free information telephone line at (866) 455-9103 as well as an e-mail address at AtlanticSunrise@Williams.com. Transco’s land agents will serve as points of contacts with landowners; they will also assist, as necessary, in public outreach efforts with local constituents affected by the Project.

Photo Wendy Lynne Lee

In addition, Transco has established a public website for the Project at http://www.williams.com/atlanticsunrise. Items on the website include:

Project overview 
Project location maps 
Route selection process 
Answers to frequently-asked questions 
Regulatory overview, with links to the Commission website Construction procedures 
Pipeline safety 
 News 
Contact information
This website will be maintained throughout the Project.

In order to further inform interested parties, Transco will periodically distribute Project Update newsletters to interested stakeholders.

12. Certification that a Letter of Intent and a Preliminary WSA have been submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard or, for modifications to an existing or approved LNG terminal, that the U.S. Coast Guard did not require such information.

There are no LNG terminal facilities related to or proposed as part of the Project.

Accordingly, Transco hereby requests that the Commission Staff initiate a pre-filing review of the Atlantic Sunrise Project.

Respectfully submitted, TRANSCONTINENTAL GAS PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC

PhotoWendy Lynne Lee

By: William H. Hammons Regulatory Analyst, Lead Rates and Regulatory 713-215-2130 713-215-3483 (fax)
Enclosures

cc: Lauren O’Donnell, Director, Division of Gas – Environment and Engineering Jennifer Kerrigan, Geologist, Division of Gas – Environment and Engineering
WARREN MCKEAN
TIOGA
BRADFORD SUSQUEHANNA 12 SULLIVAN
FOREST VENANGO ELK

Atlantic Sunrise
External Communications Plan

March 31, 2014

Public Outreach Overview

Public outreach is the first step on the critical path for project management and execution and requires collaboration with every discipline needed to plan, design, build, operate and maintain pipeline facilities.

Both the company and FERC believe that early involvement from stakeholders can help develop better overall project solutions. Stakeholders include any formal or informal group, organization, agency, elected official, community leader, and landowner or identified individual who has a direct interest and/or involvement in the regulatory process and outcome of the project. An effective public outreach program can help neutralize opposition before, during and after the construction of a pipeline project.

To that end, the FERC pre‐filing process and our project management strategies are directed toward engaging stakeholders early in the pipeline expansion project process. The company’s guiding principal is that stakeholders should hear about our projects from the company first and they should hear from us often.

Photo Wendy Lynne Lee

Public outreach strategy includes: 
Early contact 
Frequent communication 
Listening and learning
Being flexible when possible

Public outreach is much more than mere notification. It is an opportunity to educate and provide information regarding the project and to develop active support wherever possible. A strong and credible outreach program requires building integrity and trust with members of the public who live and work in the project area as well as maintaining an effective coordinated communication effort between all disciplines needed to successfully execute the project.

This strategic plan is organized using the major regulatory milestones of a Natural Gas 7c Certificate Application process including prior to pre‐filing, during pre‐filing, the 7c certificate application process, the issuance of the draft EIS, the final EIS, construction and post construction.

Operating objective

Our primary objective is to build credibility and trust by positioning as:

A developer of critical infrastructure necessary to connect Marcellus supply with market demand along Transco’s entire system and customers along the eastern seaboard.

A communicative company that is responsive to public concerns. Committed to working with landowners, as well as local, state and federal agencies, to designand construct the project in a manner that minimizes environmental and landowner impacts. 
Additionally, we must:
Photo Wendy Lynne Lee

Effectively articulate the importance of the project to the region, and communicate the vital role the new pipeline system will play by transporting much needed natural gas supply to markets along the Transco pipeline system.

Conduct market analysis on the need for infrastructure to help alleviate spot price spikes and provide reliability of natural gas to customers along the eastern seaboard.

Communicate how the local economies will benefit from economic activity associated with all phases of the project especially construction; and will likely bring a modest 
increase in the number of permanent jobs in the project area.

Work with communities and stakeholders to educate them about our company, the proposed project and the regulatory process.

Educate communities where existing facilities are located to help them understand that co‐ locations minimize impact to landowners and communities.

Attempt to achieve win‐win solutions to issues and concerns.
Before the FERC Pre‐filing Process

As with any greenfield pipeline project, the project is best served by having outreach activities begin prior to any other activity in the project area. Local and county officials, business and community leaders and emergency responders need to receive a ‘heads up’ about the initial activities that will be undertaken before we formally initiate our regulatory process including land and survey activities that will impact local landowners and other constituents.

Target audiences

A complete listing of impacted communities and key stakeholders are available on the Atlantic Sunrise Project Stakeholder List.

Local Public Officials, Town/Township Administrators, Emergency Responders, Law Enforcement, Planning Commissions, etc.

Photo Wendy Lynne Lee

Lancaster County, PA
Drumore Township Martic Township Conestoga Township Manor Township West Hempfield Township
East Donegal Township Mount Joy Township

Lebanon County, PA
South Londonderry Township South Annville Township North Annville Township Annville Township
East Hanover Township Union Township

Schuylkill County, PA
Pine Grove Township Tremont Township Frailey Township Hegins Township Eldred Township Barry Township Butler Township
East Cameron Township Mount Carmel Township Cleveland Township

Northumberland County, PA
East Cameron Township Coal Township Ralpho Township

Columbia County, PA
Cleveland Township Franklin Township Montour Township Hemlock Township
Mount Pleasant Township Orange Township Greenwood Township Jackson Township Sugarloaf Township

Luzerne County, PA
Fairmount Township Ross Township Lake Township Lehman Township Dallas Township

Wyoming County, PA
Monroe Township Northmoreland Township Eaton Township Falls Township Overfield Township Clinton Township Nicholson Township Tunkhannock Township Overfield Township

Susquehanna County, PA
Lenox Township

Clinton County, PA
Gallagher Township

Lycoming County, PA
Jordan Township Franklin Township
Penn Township Mifflin Township

Prince William County, PA
Gainesville Township Brentsville Township

Howard County, MD
West Friendship District

Orange County, VA
District 3

Appomattox County, VA
Falling River District

Rockingham County, NC
New Bethel Township

Davidson County, NC
Reedy Creek Township

Iredell County, NC
Davidson Township

Cleveland County, NC
Cleveland Township

Spartanburg County, NC
Fairmont Mills

Madison County, GA
Danielsville


State & Federal Officials
Pennsylvania
U.S. Senators U.S. Representatives State Senators State Representatives
Virginia
U.S. Senators U.S. Representatives State Senators State Representatives
Media
Susquehanna County, PA
Susquehanna County Independent Montrose, PA www.independentweekender.com (570) 278‐NEWS
Susquehanna County Transcript Susquehanna, PA www.susquehannatranscript.com (570) 853‐3134
Scranton (PA) Times Scranton, PA www.scrantontimes.com (570) 348‐9135
Wyoming County, PA
Wyoming County Press Examiner Tunkhannock, PA http://wcexaminer.com/ 570‐836‐2123
Page 6 of 11
Luzerne County, PA
Times Leader Wilkes‐Barre, PA http://timesleader.com 570‐970‐7311
Citizen's Voice Wilkes‐Barre, PA http://citizensvoice.com 570‐821‐2072
Standard Speaker Hazleton, PA http://standardspeaker.com 570‐455‐3636
Clinton County, PA
Lockhaven Express Lockhaven, PA www.lockhaven.com 570‐748‐6791
Columbia County, PA
Press Enterprise Bloomsburg, PA www.pressenterpriseonline.com 570‐387‐1234
Northumberland County, PA
The Daily Item Sunbury, PA www.dailyitem.com 570‐286‐5671
Schuylkill County, PA
Republican Herald Pottsville, PA
Page 7 of 11
http://republicanherald.com 570‐622‐3456
Lebanon County, PA
Lebanon Daily News Lebanon, PA http://www.ldnews.com 717‐272‐5611
Lancaster County, PA
The Southern Lancaster Chronicle Quarryville, PA www.heraldandchronicle.com 410‐658‐5740
Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era Lancaster, PA http://lancasteronline.com 717‐291‐8622
Prince William County, VA
Prince William Times Leesburg, VA www.northernvatimes.com 703‐777‐1111
Photo Wendy Lynne Lee


Federal / State Officials

Purpose and need for the project— the need to connect Marcellus supply with market demand along Transco’s entire system and customers along the eastern seaboard.

Need for infrastructure to help alleviate spot gas prices and provide reliability of natural gas to customers along the eastern seaboard.

Seek early input from citizens and local governmental entities to identify and address local issues.

Educate elected officials about the FERC process and public input opportunities.

Communications Timeline

January 2014
Began to identify stakeholder
Develop stakeholder list

February 2014
Begin requesting survey permission from landowners

February 2014
Notify PA state officials

Jan ‐ April 2014
Begin notifying local stakeholders about project and upcoming field activities

Township administrators, county commissioners, emergency responders, etc.

Request FERC pre‐filing
April 2014
Website available


April 2014
Notifications to stakeholders and landowners of FERC pre‐filing process
Landowner newsletter
May & June 2014
Newspaper ads and invitations to open houses
Open houses (10)

May 2015
FERC filing
Notification of 7c filing to stakeholders and landowners
Landowner newsletter

June 2016
Proposed start of construction

July 2017
Proposed in‐service

Photo Wendy Lynne Lee
Personalize the company. In order to carry out community outreach activities in the pre‐siting stage, Williams needs to work with potentially impacted communities and local officials to communicate with them on a personal level.

Build relationships. Develop a list of key stakeholder contacts. An essential key to managing the flow of information to relevant parties is to first define which individuals, groups or opinion leaders are important in the siting process. Conduct early meetings with key stakeholders so that they are not confronted with “surprises.” Listen to the stakeholders’ thoughts, questions or concerns and proactively work with them to reach win‐win solutions.

Educate stakeholders. Educate stakeholders about the “big picture.” It’s critical that stakeholders understand (1) the FERC process and (2) how our expansion can help them maintain – or enhance – their quality of life. Also, identify direct economic benefits that will accrue to the local community as a result of the project.

Maintain openness. Williams should go out of its way to demonstrate it has nothing to hide. By making stakeholders aware of new developments and providing them with timely information, they will begin to perceive Williams as an important information source. The absence of information from the company opens the door to speculation and misinformation.

Build third‐party endorsement. Third‐party support is vital to building credibility. Earning endorsements from third parties lends credibility to the pipeline company and its key messages. In addition, the effectiveness of project key messages is greatly increased when delivered by a third‐ party. This support gives a pipeline project the support it needs to survive the battle of public opinion.

Training the Project Team
Everyone who “touches the right of way” or speaks on behalf of the company and/or project will be properly trained how to conduct public meetings, deal with difficult people, target messages to specific audiences and other training as necessary. Project team members will be expected to adhere to INGAA’s Commitment to Landowners.

If stakeholder concerns are not identified and addressed early in the project, then those concerns will likely lead to public and political opposition.

Photo WEndy Lynne Lee

Expectations must be managed properly. Pre‐mature communication will frustrate stakeholders who expect more solidified answers to siting questions.

Credibility will be permanently damaged if commitments are made, but not followed through. Communication vehicles
The most effective way to communicate and build relationships is face‐to‐face meetings. Additionally, we should rely on other proven communication vehicles including:

Website www.williams.com/atlanticsunrise Social Media Toll‐free hotline (866‐455‐9103) (844‐785‐0455) E‐mail address: AtlanticSunrise@Williams.com


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