Sendoff Pipeline
The interconnect pipeline is approximately 35miles in length, and extends from Perry to Princeton, where it will meet the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline system. The route was chosen after reviews of USGS topographical maps, aerial imagery, National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, mapping of habitat of selected species of special concern, and various publicly available GIS databases such as conservation lands and utility rights-of-way.
In addition, various state and federal state agencies were consulted to identify their concerns related to pipeline routing. Ground and aerial reconnaissance of pipeline route alternatives were conducted by environmental and engineering representatives. As a result of the ground and aerial reconnaissance, the pipeline route alternatives were modified to optimize the route location relative to land use patterns, wetlands, existing roadway and utility corridors, waterbody crossing options, topography, extensive areas of bedrock, as well as other pertinent factors.
Common Sendoff Pipeline Questions
(A list of additional questions received regarding the pipeline and the project can be found on our common questions page.)
What is natural gas?
Natural gas is a hydrocarbon trapped in rock structures under the earth’s surface. In its natural state, it is
composed mainly of methane. In addition to being safe, it is the cleanest of the fossil fuels.
How common are natural gas pipelines?
Very common. The first use of natural gas in the United States was around 1821. Today there are over 30,000 miles of natural gas pipeline that transports clean-burning fuel to homes and businesses through out the United States.
Are natural gas pipelines safe?
Yes, according to the National Transportation Safety Board, pipelines are the safest and most efficient means of energy transportation.
How long is the proposed pipeline and from where to where will it run?
The pipeline will be approximately 35 miles long and will run from the Quoddy Bay LNG Import facility on Split Rock, across to the storage facility in Perry, through Pembroke, Charlotte, Cooper, Alexander, and into Princeton where it will connect with the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline.
What is the diameter of the pipeline?
We plan to construct a 36-inch diameter pipeline.
How will the towns be affected by the presence of this pipeline?
The pipeline itself requires virtually no services from the town and therefore is not a financial burden.
However, Quoddy Bay LNG will be responsible for any taxes on the pipeline itself.
What will Quoddy Bay LNG do to address safety, security and environmental concerns as they pertain to the landowner?
Quoddy Bay will endeavor to make a minimal impact on your standard of living and property. We can
install fences at the points where the pipeline enters and exits your property, if necessary. We will discuss reseeding and re-sodding options. If blasting of ledge or bedrock is necessary, Quoddy Bay will be perform
pre- and post-blast water well and home inspections. Mitigation measures will be pursued in environmentally
sensitive areas.
How wide is the Right-of-Way (ROW) and easement?
The anticipated permanent Right-of-Way (ROW) will be 50 feet in width (25 feet either side of the
constructed pipeline). There will also be an additional 50 feet of temporary ROW during construction
with additional temporary work space ROW at all road, railroad, and stream/water body crossings.
What kind of property rights will be required for the pipeline route?
The pipeline will require adequate right of way for construction and installation. The
landowner will retain ownership; however, Quoddy Bay LNG will have the right to gain access for pipeline maintenance and to assure that no construction occurs over the pipeline and its easement.
If the projected route of the natural gas pipeline proposed by Quoddy Bay LNG cuts across a landowner’s property,
Quoddy Bay’s ROW agent will make arrangements to meet with that landowner in order to negotiate a temporary and a permanent ROW to that section of the property.
Does Quoddy Bay need permission from the landowner to survey?
Yes, we will not access your land without your permission.
Will there be restrictions of use or access on the ROW and easement?
There are basically only two restrictions. (1) No permanent structures can be erected or placed upon the right of way and easement. (2) No large wood growth is permitted on the right of way and easement.
Fencing across the right of way is allowed, as long as gates are installed for Quoddy Bay LNG access.
The right of way and easement may be crossed under certain conditions by roads, streets, and utility lines.
Have environmental concerns regarding the project been taken into account?
Quoddy Bay LNG is committed to take all the necessary steps to minimize environmental impact on your property. All work associated with this project will be done in accordance with Federal, State and Local codes. An environmental assessment of this project will be completed as part of the permitting process.
How deep will the pipeline be buried under roads/streams/wetlands, etc.?
Normally natural gas pipelines are buried so that we have five feet of cover in streambeds and under road surfaces.
What do you do with the timber that will be cut during construction?
Negotiations with individual landowners will determine how the timber will be handled.
If there was an LNG spill, would it pollute the surrounding water?
LNG evaporates quickly and disperses, leaving no residue. There is no environmental cleanup needed for LNG water spills.
What will the structure of the payment be for the ROW?
Quoddy Bay will make a one-time payment to the landowner for the ROW and easement, and a one-time damage payment for loss of crops, tree loss, etc. Quoddy Bay has a responsibility to make a fair and just
offer to the landowner. A local certified appraiser will be used to help determine the land values.
What can I expect if the ROW agent needs to talk to me?
Our agent will make an appointment to meet with you. He or she will keep a record of all discussions and negotiations, including time, place, who is present at the meeting, and what was discussed. The agent will describe the project and advise you of the needs of Quoddy Bay LNG. Our agent will be prepared with all documentation including a map of the route and how it affects your property. He will be prepared to
negotiate terms that will best suit both you, the landowner, and Quoddy Bay LNG.
What happens if Quoddy Bay LNG and the landowner cannot reach a mutually acceptable
agreement?
Quoddy Bay has every interest in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement with every landowner. In the rare case that this is not possible, Quoddy Bay would have no choice but to exert its rights under the laws of the State of Maine accorded to utilities. This however, is a last resort.
Is the pipeline tested before going into service?
Yes, testing is the moment of truth in pipeline construction. The most commonly used method, hydrostatic testing, consists of filling the pipeline with water, pressuring it to a designated test pressure, and maintaining that pressure for a specified period of time (8 hours). Also, Quoddy Bay LNG has committed to 100 percent X-ray testing of all field construction welds. X-ray testing provides an accurate means of examining a weld for possible defects.
