Common Questions
We've received many questions from locals as well as folks from away regarding all aspects of the project. Below are answers to many of those questions. Should you have a question that is not listed here, please contact the Quoddy Bay LNG office in Perry. Please note that many of your questions and concerns are covered in the extensive professional studies that make up our resource reports. You may access those reports through the FERC’s website (see below).
What is LNG?
Why use LNG?
Where does LNG come from?
What are the safety concerns with regards to the project and LNG in general?
Why is there a need for an LNG terminal in this region
What are the major components of the Quoddy Bay LNG Facility?
What is the difference between “initial operations” (first phase) and “fully operational”?
Why build this facility so far away from the market?
Why is there a need for two facilities within a short distance of each other?
Is the 2.0 Bcf/d capacity for the operation an engineering capacity or a pipeline restriction? In other words, why 2.0 Bcf/d and not 3 or 4?
Will the Quoddy Bay Facility result in added costs to the local area?
Who is behind the company, where did you come from and why?
What agency is responsible for the permitting of LNG Terminals?
Why the redundant FERC processes (pre-filing and final filing)?
Where can the public access the results of studies and resource reports?
How many ships can be expected?
What disruptions to boat and automobile traffic can we expect?
Can LNG tankers transit through Canadian waters?
How will the tugs, escorts and tankers affect the fishing boats?
Where will undocked vessels be anchored?
How will the tankers navigate through the fog?
What is the impact on local fishermen?
How will fishermen be compensated for loss of access to fishing grounds and loss of gear?
How many temporary and permanent jobs will be created with the project?
Will employees need special licensing?
Will Quoddy Bay LNG train its workforce?
How many of the jobs will be in the $70K range?
Will you do background checks?
Will you require drug tests?
What is being done to protect the Right Whale?
Will operations be shut down if the environmental standards are not kept up?
Will the Import Facility & Storage Tank Facility be well lit?
What kind of property rights will be required for the pipeline route?
How will all the various issues associated with the pipeline be handled with each landowner?
Where does Quoddy Bay LNG get its authority to construct the 36-inch natural gas pipeline?
How deep will the pipeline be buried?
Will there be a change in the appearance of my property?
How will the pipeline affect my property taxes?
How will the company acquire the right of way?
What happens to the pipeline and the ROW agreements if Quoddy Bay should cease operations permanently?
If a landowner grants permission to someone, such as a snowmobiler or ATV rider, to use the ROW, who is liable if that person is injured along the ROW, the landowner or Quoddy Bay? What if an injury occurs when no permission has been granted to access the ROW?
Will existing ATV and Snowmobile trails maintained by the various local clubs become inaccessible?
How will Quoddy Bay deal with soil erosion along the ROW?
What about crop loss during construction of the pipeline?
How do I tend my livestock during construction?
Will blasting be required during construction?
Will the pipeline planners consider environmental impacts when planning the route?
Will there be a long-term impact on wetlands due to the pipeline?
Will pesticides or herbicides be used along the pipeline route?
Will people be able to drive over the pipeline?
LNG at a Glance:
What is LNG?
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled to roughly -260˚F, converting the gas to a liquid form. LNG occupies 1/600th the volume of natural gas. Thus, significantly larger quantities of natural gas can be transported and stored when it is converted to LNG. LNG, like natural gas, is odorless, colorless, non-corrosive, and non-toxic. Furthermore, LNG is not flammable. One could even safely extinguish a cigarette in LNG and would be at no risk. When LNG is warmed it becomes natural gas again with the same flammable properties as the natural gas burned to heat homes all across the U.S.
When cold LNG mixes with warmer air, the water in the air condenses to become a visible vapor cloud. As it warms, the natural gas becomes lighter than air and rises. The LNG vapor is only flammable if the range of natural gas in the air within 5 to 15 percent. Less than 5 percent natural gas in air is not enough natural gas in the air to burn. More than 15 percent natural gas in air, there is too much gas in the air and not enough oxygen for it to burn. The LNG vapor does not explode unless it is confined under pressure. Neither the Quoddy Bay facility nor the associated LNG vessels will not store LNG under pressure.
Why use LNG?
Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel. It releases fewer pollutants than either oil or coal which means it is better for the overall environment. Additionally, the demand for natural gas in the U.S. is outstripping the domestic natural gas supplies. Therefore, the U.S. will require the importation of LNG to satisfy both current and future demand.
Where does LNG come from?
A majority of the world's LNG supply comes from countries with large natural gas reserves. These countries include Algeria, Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Libya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Russia, and Trinidad and Tobago. Quoddy Bay has yet to determine the specific supplier of its LNG, but it is currently holding preliminary discussions with various entities.
What are the safety concerns with regards to the project and LNG in general?
(Please visit the Safety information page on our website at www.QuoddyLNG.com/Safety.html)
Why is there a need for an LNG terminal in this region?
Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel. The Project has as a core goal to supply New England with a reliable source of natural gas to fuel electric generating plants, factories, and domestic gas use. The Project size is intended to meet the immediate needs of the region stemming from the following problems:
• Insufficient Supply;
• High and Volatile Prices;
• Lack of Fuel Diversity; and,
• Replacement of More Polluting Fossil Fuels.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) Annual Energy Outlook 2004 (EIA 2004) the consumption of natural gas in New England is expected to grow from 882 trillion British thermal units (BTUs) in 2004 to 1,161 trillion BTUs in 2024, which equates to an average increase of 1.38 percent per year. Over the course of the next 20 years, natural gas consumption is expected to increase 31.6 percent in New England. Furthermore, the demand for natural gas may be greater than the EIA predictions if the replacement of existing oil- and coal-fired power generation with natural gas-fired power generation is significantly greater than EIA predictions due to a greater availability of LNG.
The Quoddy Bay LNG Project will not only increase the supply, mitigate current high prices, and stabilize the price of natural gas in the region. The Project will start allowing greater conversion, in all sectors, from dirtier fuels to natural gas both economically feasible and politically attractive. This conversion will have very substantial impacts on the demand for natural gas. In other words, the increased, lower-cost supply of natural gas increases the amount of demand for natural gas. Thus, the question of need stems not from the current consumption of natural gas, but instead from the current usage of dirtier fuels for which the clean-burning natural gas can be substituted.
The Quoddy Bay Facility and FERC:
What are the major components of the Quoddy Bay LNG Facility?
The Quoddy Bay LNG Project includes an LNG terminal facility (LNG Terminal) that is comprised of four main components:
• The LNG Import and Regasification Facility (Import Facility), which includes a pier, two vessel berths, and a regasification process platform;
• The Split Rock Support Facility (Support Facility), which includes a control building, office, and warehouse;
• The LNG transfer pipelines and vapor return line (LNG Transfer System); and,
• The Onshore Storage and Regasification Facility (Storage Facility), which includes three storage tanks, electric generation equipment, and a regasification facility.
The LNG Terminal will be located at the Pleasant Point Reservation of the Passamaquoddy Tribe and in the Town of Perry.
The Project includes a 35.8-mile-long natural gas sendout pipeline to transport natural gas from the LNG Terminal to the interstate natural gas pipeline in the Town of Princeton. Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline (M&NE) is the potential owner and operator of the interstate natural gas pipeline. The Sendout Pipeline originates at the Import Facility in Western Passage of Passamaquoddy Bay and extends northwest through the Reservation and the Towns of Perry, Pembroke, Charlotte, Cooper, Alexander, and Princeton before reaching the interstate natural gas pipeline interconnect. An aboveground facility will be located at the interconnect location and will provide custody transfer metering, pressure regulation, gas preheat equipment, and other ancillary equipment.
The Project will be designed to receive, store, and vaporize LNG and will have a maximum sendout capacity of 2.0 billion cubic feet daily (Bcf/d) of natural gas and the ability to vaporize LNG at either the Import Facility or the Storage Facility. In 2009, the Project will have the ability to deliver up to 2.0 Bcf/d from the regasification process platform on the Import Facility, and in 2010, the ability to deliver up to 2.0 Bcf/d from the regasification facility at the Storage Facility.
Please see the Project Overview section for more details.
What is the difference between “initial operations” (first phase) and “fully operational”?
Quoddy Bay’s Import and Regasification Facility has two methods of regasification. LNG can be offloaded from a carrier and regasified at the pier itself, or it can be sent through cryogenic pipelines to the storage facility and regasified as it is removed from the tanks and sent out to the Sendout Pipeline. The construction process for the Project will take a total of 36 months. However, most aspects of construction will be completed in 24 months. The construction of the three 160, 000 cubic meter storage tanks are the only elements of the Project that account for the extra 12 months of construction. Therefore, Quoddy Bay will utilize the regasification capabilities at the pier in the first year of operation in order to supply gas by the time a shortage is expected in 2011. Once the storage tanks are completed, Quoddy Bay will unload LNG into the cryogenic pipelines and send it to the Storage Facility for regasification since this method is faster.
Why build this facility so far away from the market?
First, Quoddy Bay is actually much closer to market than other proposed facilities, such as the proposed projects in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia which also have New England as their primary market. Also, the facility is significantly closer to market than the Gulf Coast, where New England relies on much of its current natural gas supply, which causes high and volatile prices in the region.
LNG facilities have very specific parameters with regards to the site location. The location for Quoddy Bay’s Import Facility was chosen because it is a desirable, deep-water and protected port. The existing Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline is relatively close by as well. Additionally, there is land available nearby an existing shipping port, but the shipping lanes are not congested as are shipping lanes in more populated areas such as Boston.
Why is there a need for two facilities within a short distance of each other?
The two proposals in the Passamaquoddy Bay are in no way associated with each other. Each company has the right to present its own proposal to the community, state and federal government and to apply for an entry into the pre-filing process. Both proposals will have to follow the same permitting process. There is a possibility that one or more of the proposals in the region will not get FERC approval. If both are permitted, that doesn’t necessarily mean both will be built. Various market factors will come into play as each company works toward its goal. If both companies worked on the assumption that some other project would be built in its stead, no project would be developed.
Is the 2.0 Bcf/d capacity for the operation an engineering capacity or a pipeline restriction? In other words, why 2.0 Bcf/d and not 3 or 4?
We have chosen 2 Bcf/d because it is an adequate throughput to supply New England with its existing and short-term foreseeable supply needs. Less than 2 Bcf/d would not be enough to reliably supply the region with enough natural gas for both current and short-term future needs, and more would be too much and the market would become oversaturated with natural gas capacity. Given that we have chosen this throughput, we will design the pipelines to only have 2 Bcf/d capacity, and we will only be permitted in the FERC process for 2 Bcf/d. Thus, once permitted and built, we could not exceed 2 Bcf/d even if we wanted to.
Will the Quoddy Bay Facility result in added costs to the local area?
Any increases in costs to local governments relating to the safety and security of the Quoddy Bay LNG Import and regasification facility will be funded by Quoddy Bay. Quoddy Bay considers this a development cost and will stand by its commitment to cover these costs.
Who is behind the company, where did you come from and why?
Quoddy Bay LNG is an independent energy company based in Oklahoma and is owned by individuals both in Maine and in Oklahoma. The Company was established in order to develop an LNG import terminal in Maine in response to inquiries from representatives of the Passamaquoddy Tribe about the potential of locating an LNG import terminal at the Pleasant Point Indian Reservation. Quoddy Bay initiated development of the Project in June 2004 is the sole developer of the Quoddy Bay LNG Import and Regasification Facility.
Quoddy Bay is majority owned by Dr. Donald Mitchell Smith, the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Smith Cogeneration Management Inc. Smith Cogeneration Inc., Smith Cogeneration Management Inc., and its affiliated companies have a proven record of development, financing, and construction of energy projects. Brian W. Smith, Donald’s son, is the Project Manager of Quoddy Bay LNG, overseeing all development aspects of the LNG facility.
What agency is responsible for the permitting of LNG Terminals?
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is responsible for the permitting of LNG facilities on a national level. They have final say on whether a facility can be built. However, other local, state, and regional agencies will also issue permits based upon individual applications. The studies that the applicant must submit to FERC in order to acquire the appropriate federal permits are called “resource reports”, and they provide all necessary information about the project. Quoddy Bay has filed drafts of these resource reports, and will file final resource reports when a full application is submitted to FERC.
Why the redundant FERC processes (pre-filing and final filing)?
Quoddy Bay submitted its Draft Resource Reports during the pre-filing period. Draft Resource Reports are precursors to Quoddy Bay’s final application and formal Resource Reports. The FERC pre-filing process gives Quoddy Bay LNG a chance to preview the actual filing process and communicate with the various agencies involved, to ensure all of the steps can be completed correctly and thoroughly. Moreover, since this phase precedes the filing of an application, it is designed to identify issues associated with the proposed project at the earliest opportunity. This period is also used to develop an application that will allow for a thorough and deliberate review by the FERC and other relevant federal and state agencies. The pre-filing process allows for a transparent process that encourages public comment as well as input from state agencies and other organizations before the final application is submitted.
Where can the public access the results of studies and resource reports?
The Draft Resource Reports are available on the FERC website (www.ferc.gov). Click on “eLibrary ” at the top right of the page. Click on “General Search” and then enter Docket No. PF06-11 in the appropriate box. Some resource reports are maintained confidential by the FERC due to a “Critical Energy Infrastructure Information” classification that applies to some detailed engineering. Other information is classified as “Non-Internet Public” due to the difficultly of providing some of the diagrams and documents in a format that is accessible on the internet. This information can be obtained by contacting the FERC directly.
Ship Transits and Waterway Impacts:
How many ships can be expected?
During the first phase of operation, Quoddy Bay will be regasifying directly from the ship with the natural gas going directly to the sendout pipeline. It may take up to 3 days to unload one ship. During the first phase of operation we expect 2-3 ships per week. Once the storage tanks are completed, and we are fully operational, it will take approximately 12 hours to unload the LNG and transfer it to the storage facility. At this point, we expect one ship every other day, or approximately 180 ships per year. This is all dependent upon supply and demand as well as the rate at which ships can unload its cargo.
What disruptions to boat and automobile traffic can we expect?
We expect no disruption to automobile traffic with respect to LNG tankers coming into port. The impact to boating traffic will be minimal and will depend upon the safety and/or security zones developed and enforced by the USCG and/or Transport Canada. The U.S. Coast Guard creates safety and security zones around a moving or stationary vessel. These zones, which range from zero to several hundred yards, move with the ship. The zones only have an effect on what types of boats can be operated within this moving zone in order to avoid collisions and ensure the safety and security of all ships. These zones are also created for Navy vessels and cruise ships. Even if this safety and security zone, which will be created by the Coast Guard, is five hundred yards ahead and five hundred yards behind, no spot on the water will be affected for more than ten minutes as an LNG ship transits at 6 knots. No spot on land will be affected by these safety and security zones.
Can LNG tankers transit through Canadian waters?
Yes, the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea mandates the rights of innocent passage. Passage is innocent so long as it is not prejudicial to the peace, good order or security of the coastal State. Such passage shall take place in conformity with this Convention and with other rules of international law. To date, (07/28/06) the Canadian Prime Minister, Steven Harper, has had no comment with regard to this subject. However, Canada has recently approved the transit of LNG tankers through its waters in order to reach LNG facilities along its northeast coast, and thus Quoddy Bay anticipates that Canadian authorities, along with US authorities, can ensure the safe and secure transit of LNG ships to the Quoddy Bay LNG facility. That said, we understand there are concerns among our Canadian neighbors with regard to LNG tankers navigating safely through these waters. We are working closely with the United States Coast Guard, Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard, as well as local ships’ pilots from both the US and Canada to ensure the safest transit possible. Preliminary simulations and various studies demonstrate that the proposed tankers will be able to transit Head Harbor Passage and Western Passage safely and without causing a significant impact on other vessels.
How will the tugs, escorts and tankers affect the fishing boats?
The configuration of LNG tanker and other escorts vessels required by Transport Canada and the US Coast Guard will likely consist of a tug forward and a tug aft. The safety and security zones will need to be acknowledged by all fishing vessels, but such zones will have only a temporary effect (approximately 10 minutes) as they will only be in place around transiting LNG ships, and will move with the transiting vessel.
Where will undocked vessels be anchored?
Undocked vessels are not anticipated to be anchored anywhere along the route.
How will the tankers navigate through the fog?
LNG ships are among the best equipped in the world, with superior navigational equipment and safety mechanisms. Regardless, we can avoid the pressures of navigating incoming ships through Head Harbor or Western Passages in bad weather due to our superior facility design. What makes our facility superior is the large storage capacity. We can store up to 10 BCF of LNG in our three 160,000 cm tanks. Thus, we would have the capability of supplying the region for five days (if output is at the 2 BCF capacity), even without a replacement load of LNG. Thus, ships will not be forced to navigate the waters if transit is deemed unsafe at the time for any reason.
What is the impact on local fishermen?
Any potential negative impact on fishing created by the increased traffic in the existing shipping lanes will be addressed and mitigated as much as possible. Quoddy Bay will advise the USCG and Transport Canada to use safety and security zones that will ensure the safety of all vessels, but that will minimize impacts on other vessels. Quoddy Bay expects that the zones surrounding the ships will only be approximately 500 yards, which will mean a single point will only be affected by the zone for approximately 10 minutes, as the ship transits at approximately 6 knots. This will not have a significantly greater impact on local fishing boats than any other large ship that currently transits the waters, which also require smaller vessels to leave the shipping routes in order to avoid collisions. Quoddy Bay will also work to utilize larger ships in order to minimize the number of transits, while still ensuring that the ships are suitable for the surrounding waterways.
How will fishermen be compensated for loss of access to fishing grounds and loss of gear?
Fishermen will not be compensated for the loss of fishing grounds or the loss of gear if such losses are sustained within the existing shipping lane. However, if a ship or escort vessel were to damage fishing grounds or gear outside the shipping lane, then QB would take the appropriate steps to compensate the fishermen for the lost gear, lost time, and increased effort.
Employment:
How many temporary and permanent jobs will be created with the project?
The intent of Quoddy Bay is to maximize the number of local hires during Project construction. Based on typical projects, Quoddy Bay estimates that the average number of workers from the local area will fluctuate between 200 and 300 during the construction period, with an average of about 250 workers out of the total average of 750 workers. There will be approximately 70 to 100 permanent jobs, excluding those positions with private contractors (i.e. tug boat pilots and crews). It is expected that the vast majority of these jobs will be local hires.
Will employees need special licensing?
Most technical jobs (electricians, etc) will require standard licensing as required by the State. Most of the non-clerical/administrative jobs will require USCG certification. Training for the certification will be arranged and paid for by Quoddy Bay.
Will Quoddy Bay LNG train its workforce?
Yes, specialized training will be provided by and paid for by Quoddy Bay LNG upon hiring.
How many of the jobs will be in the $70K range?
It is safe to say that $70K will be an average, therefore approximately half of the jobs will be above $70K and half will be below that.
Will you do background checks?
Operational employees will require background checks.
Will you require drug tests?
Yes.
Environmental Concerns:
What is being done to protect the Right Whale?
The plight of the Right Whale has been duly noted. Quoddy Bay has been in frequent communication with State and Federal agencies with regard to the Right Whale and all marine life to ensure proper mitigation strategies are implemented to conserve the local bay environment. We will take every measure possible to ensure minimal disturbance to the whales and their feeding/breeding grounds. Currently, we plan to route ships to the west of Grand Manan in order to avoid the known Right Whale breeding grounds that are located to the east of the island. If necessary, ships may be re-routed. If endangered species are proven to be more endangered as a result of our operations, we will work with the environmental agencies to address and resolve the issue.
Will operations be shut down if the environmental standards are not kept up?
We are bound to operate within the restrictions of our permits. Therefore, all standards must be maintained.
Will the Import Facility & Storage Tank Facility be well lit?
The Import Facility and Storage Tank Facility will use the lowest possible lighting that meets safety and security standards as determined by State and Federal regulations. Quoddy Bay plans to use low-level, downward-pointing amber lighting where possible to ensure a minimal visual impact.
The Sendout Pipeline
What kind of property rights will be required for the pipeline route?
The pipeline will require adequate right of way for construction and installation of the pipeline. 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.
How will all the various issues associated with the pipeline be handled with each landowner?
Quoddy Bay will have a contract with each landowner associated with the pipeline. Quoddy Bay will enter into negotiations with each landowner to discuss all questions and concerns as well as determine the terms of the individual contract. Quoddy Bay hopes to work towards a contract that will satisfy both Quoddy Bay and the landowner.
Where does Quoddy Bay LNG get its authority to construct the 36-inch natural gas pipeline?
Quoddy Bay is in the process of acquiring all permits from state and federal agencies as well as contracts from individual landowners. Once all permits and contracts are in order Quoddy Bay will have the authority to construct the pipeline. Furthermore, the legal right of way will allow Quoddy Bay to ensure the maintenance and integrity of the pipeline.
How deep will the pipeline be buried?
On the average, the pipeline will be buried approximately 3 to 5 feet deep. In areas that will be impacted by heavier traffic, the pipeline will be deeper. At river crossings and some wetland areas, Quoddy Bay will directionally drill several tens of feet beneath the surface to avoid environmental impact.
Will there be a change in the appearance of my property?
There will be a temporary disturbance on the landscape during construct. After construction, the disturbed land surface will be restored to as near its original condition as possible, and except in wooded areas where tree removal will be necessary, the pipeline route will take on its former appearance.
How will the pipeline affect my property taxes?
The pipeline will add significantly to the valuation of each town through which it passes. Quoddy Bay will pay taxes based on the current valuation of the pipeline, which will start at approximately $1 million per mile. In each of the towns through which the pipeline transits, there are 4 to 8 miles of pipeline, and therefore $4 to $8 million dollars worth of taxable property in each town, which will lead to very significant tax payments associated with the pipeline and lower tax burdens on the town’s residents.
How will the company acquire the right of way?
A representative of Quoddy Bay LNG or its Right of Way Agent will visit each landowner to seek permission to cross his land and secure a Right of Way Agreement. Fair compensation will be paid to each landowner, based on the width and length of both the permanent and temporary right of way and easement.
What happens to the pipeline and the ROW agreements if Quoddy Bay should cease operations permanently?
If operations at the import and storage facilities should halt, the first option would be to attempt to find someone else to use the pipeline. For example, an entrepreneur may want to set up a company to serve residents and businesses along the route with gas transported from the Maritimes Northeast Pipeline. If an interested party cannot be located, the next step would be to file for “abandonment” with FERC. We would ask for permission to abandon the ‘certificate to operate a pipeline’ and to physically abandon the buried pipeline. To date, the FERC has not required removal of abandoned pipeline. Abandonment usually involves purging the gas and air from the pipe and sealing the ends. This will ensure the ability to reactivate the use of the pipeline if the opportunity presents itself in the future. The easement agreements are contracts between the landowners and the operator of the pipeline. These contracts would remain in force subject to renegotiation between the two parties.
If a landowner grants permission to someone, such as a snowmobiler or ATV rider, to use the ROW, who is liable if that person is injured along the ROW, the landowner or Quoddy Bay? What if an injury occurs when no permission has been granted to access the ROW?
In most cases, the landowner and easement holder are not liable to the person using the ROW, unless the injury was caused by recklessness by the landowner or easement holder.
Will existing ATV and Snowmobile trails maintained by the various local clubs become inaccessible?
Quoddy Bay will make every effort to avoid negatively impacting access to their trails. We want to work with the clubs and possibly work toward expanding their trail network in appropriate places without risking negative effects to the environment. The ultimate decision regarding access will be up to the landowners. Quoddy Bay will work with the DOT and our environmental team to address issues about land use and restrictions.
How will Quoddy Bay deal with soil erosion along the ROW?
Possible solutions include compact soil, crushed stone, and fill above the grade. Further studies are currently underway to determine the best mitigation technique. Many decisions will be made on a case by case basis.
What about crop loss during construction of the pipeline?
The property owner will be paid fair compensation for any crop loss due to construction.
How do I tend my livestock during construction?
Both Quoddy Bay LNG and its contractor will work closely with landowners to safeguard livestock and property. If necessary, temporary fencing and/or gates can be erected to mitigate any risks to livestock and property.
Will blasting be required during construction?
Blasting or shooting rock is the standard remedy for dealing with rock in the ditch line. If blasting is necessary, highly skilled experts are used to determine the amount and placement of charges in order to control the effects of the blast. Blasting mats are laid out in order to hold down any rock debris.
Will the pipeline planners consider environmental impacts when planning the route?
Environmental impact will be a major factor with regard to construction of the pipeline. We will work with the appropriate agencies to ensure minimal environmental impact.
Will there be a long-term impact on wetlands due to the pipeline?
There will be a temporary impact along the right of way during construction. Final cleanup will restore the wetland to its original contours and native vegetation allowed to return.
Will pesticides or herbicides be used along the pipeline route?
If a landowner wishes to ensure herbicides and pesticides are not used on his property, that factor can become a part of the negotiation of the ROW.
Will people be able to drive over the pipeline?
Yes. In areas that receive little to no traffic the pipeline will be buried between three and five feet, deep enough to allow for safe crossing. When the pipeline is under roads that endure a larger volume of traffic the pipe will be laid at a greater depth to ensure its safety and integrity. Additionally, during the ROW negotiations landowners should make the agent aware of current or future use of the ROW including the need for skidder or other heavy–equipment crossing. By access to all information, the correct engineering and depth of the pipe will ensure the safety and integrity of the pipeline.
