FAQs
Questions and Answers concerning our proposed pipeline
project.
As we begin work on the Cypress Pipeline Project,
we anticipate that people will have a number of questions about
our plans for the project and how these plans could potentially
affect Georgia’s
and Florida’s environment and property crossed by our pipeline
right of way.
We thought you might find it useful to have some information now
to answer many questions we are being asked and to begin an open
dialogue between Southern Natural Gas and the public.
Questions we’ve answered here include some about our company,
proposed routes, safety, and protecting sensitive areas. We’ve
also tried to address some of the key topics of possible interest
to people whose property may be involved in the project. Finally,
we’ve included a section on how you can get more information.
Of course, these questions are not all the questions that could
be asked about the project. And they may not be the questions that
have come to your mind. If you would like an answer to a question
not addressed here, please call your respective land agent at the
number provided to you by each agent, or feel free to contact Southern
Natural Gas at (800) 633-8570 ext. 7501.
Questions Addressed Here Include:
Pipelines and
This Project:
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Safety:
Protecting Significant Cultural Sites and Environmentally Sensitive
Areas:
Property Owner
Interests:
Communication
and More Information:
Pipelines and This Project:
Who is Southern Natural
Gas Company?
Southern Natural Gas Company (SNG), a subsidiary of El Paso Corporation,
is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, and has been in the natural
gas pipeline business since 1929. SNG is the premier provider of
natural gas transportation services in the Southeast, transporting
more than 3 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day during peak
periods to customers from Louisiana to South Carolina, including
Georgia and Florida. SNG is the largest provider of such services
into Georgia, providing natural gas to Atlanta Gas Light Company
and certificated marketers. SNG also provides service to many Georgia
municipalities and serves customers in Hamilton, Baker, and Nassau
Counties in Florida.
Who is Southern LNG?
Southern LNG is a subsidiary of Southern Natural Gas Company.
Southern LNG owns and operates the Elba Island liquefied natural
gas (LNG) terminal in Savannah, Georgia. The Elba Island terminal
is one of four facilities in the United States capable of providing
domestic terminaling and vaporization services to international
producers of LNG.
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Who is El Paso Corporation?
El Paso Corporation provides natural gas and related energy products
in a safe, efficient, and dependable manner. The company owns North
America’s largest gas pipeline system and one of North America’s
largest independent natural gas producers.
El Paso’s regulated business segment consists of an interstate
transmission system that spans the nation, border to border and
coast to coast. The company’s Southern Pipelines consist
of Southern Natural Gas, a 50-percent ownership interest in Florida
Gas Transmission (Citrus Corp.), and a liquefied natural gas terminal
located on Elba Island, Georgia. El Paso’s Western Pipelines
include El Paso Natural Gas, Colorado Interstate Gas, Wyoming Interstate,
and Mojave Pipeline. The company’s Eastern Pipelines include
Tennessee Gas Pipeline, ANR Pipeline, a 50-percent ownership interest
in Great Lakes Gas Transmission, and joint ventures in Mexico.
El Paso’s non-regulated businesses consist principally of
production and processing; marketing; an integrated Brazilian business;
and global power assets.
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What is the Cypress Pipeline Project?
Southern Natural Gas intends to construct a new 175-mile natural
gas pipeline beginning at its existing pipeline in Chatham County,
Georgia, near Port Wentworth, and terminating at a point of interconnection
with a natural gas pipeline owned by Florida Gas Transmission in
Clay County, Florida, near Jacksonville.
What is the purpose of the Cypress Pipeline Project?
The purpose of this project is to provide natural gas transportation
services to a variety of new customers. Electric utilities and
major industrial customers can access this important new source
of natural gas. Existing distribution companies and municipal gas
systems will also have an opportunity to have gas transported by
Cypress pipeline delivered into their systems. The new pipeline
will increase gas supplies into Georgia and Florida. Cypress pipeline
will not be licensed to directly serve the public.
What is the
proposed route of the pipeline?
The proposed route begins in Chatham County, Georgia, at a point
near an existing meter station, operated by SNG near Port Wentworth.
The pipeline will be adjacent to an existing pipeline right of
way until it intersects with an electric utility transmission corridor
in Effingham County. The new pipeline will then parallel the electric
utility corridor as near as possible as it runs from Effingham
County to Clay County, Florida, traversing southern Bryan, Liberty,
Long, McIntosh, Glynn, Camden and Charlton Counties in Georgia,
and Nassau and Duval Counties in Florida. Southern plans to terminate
the pipeline at a point of interconnection with FGT approximately
one-half mile into Clay County.
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Why was this proposed route chosen?
Southern Natural Gas maintains existing natural gas pipelines
in Chatham County. These pipelines provide an important connection
to gas supply, which will come from SNG’s Elba Island liquefied
natural gas terminal. In order to serve additional customers in
south Georgia and Florida, SNG sought the most direct route, with
minimal environmental impact, to interconnect with FGT and with
existing pipelines in south Georgia. SNG’s engineers and
environmental specialists examined publicly available information,
such as maps and studies, to help locate the route. Environmental
impact will be minimized by paralleling existing pipeline and power
transmission utility corridors.
What is a natural gas pipeline and how does it work?
Natural gas pipelines safely transport large volumes of natural
gas over long distances. They are specially designed and carefully
constructed. Today in the United States, there are more than 300,000
miles of natural gas transmission pipelines in operation. Most
of the natural gas consumed in Georgia and Florida is transported
to each state through natural gas pipelines, which run from production
fields in the Gulf of Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and
Alabama.
Natural gas is put into the pipeline at several locations: at
the wellhead; at processing plants located near the gas fields
after processing to remove liquids; and at interconnections with
other pipelines. Pipelines are located underground and transport
the natural gas with the aid of compression to customers in the
pipeline's market area. (Compression refers to facilities
that help gas move in the pipeline by keeping it under pressure.)
These customers include local distribution companies, which resell
the gas to residential and business customers; electric utilities
that use the natural gas to generate electricity; and large industrial
customers.
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Will the new pipeline transport gasoline or petroleum
products?
No.
What will be the source of the natural gas?
The natural gas will come from LNG imported from Trinidad and
other international locations via ocean-going tankers. The LNG
will be received, stored, and regassified at SNG’s LNG terminal
on Elba Island near Savannah.
What is liquefied natural gas, or
LNG?
Liquefied Natural Gas, or LNG, is natural gas that has been cooled
to
–260 degrees Fahrenheit. When cooled to this temperature,
600 cubic feet of natural gas can be stored in an area of approximately
one cubic foot. This is done to maximize storage capacity for
natural gas on transport ships and at receiving and storage terminals.
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Will individual homeowners be able to receive service directly
from the new pipeline?
No. Southern Natural Gas will be an interstate transporter and
will be able to provide direct service only to utilities or to
large industrial or commercial customers. Local residents near
our pipeline may rely on the local gas utility or certificated
marketer to contract with SNG to enhance their present service
options.
Who will regulate the new pipeline?
Southern Natural Gas, as a federally regulated interstate natural
gas transmission company, must obtain permission from the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in Washington, D.C.,
to build and operate the new pipeline. The FERC will review SNG’s
application for compliance with all state and federal environmental
laws before approving a route for the pipeline and before awarding
SNG permission (called a Certificate of Public Convenience and
Necessity) to build the pipeline.
When will
FERC complete its review and allow Southern Natural Gas to build
the new pipeline?
Southern Natural Gas intends to apply for permission to construct
and operate the pipeline in the spring of 2005. The FERC review
process will take approximately 9 to 12 months to complete. If
approved, construction of the pipeline could begin in the fall
of 2006, and the pipeline would then begin flowing gas by May 2007.
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Safety:
Are natural gas pipelines safe?
Natural gas pipelines are a very safe, reliable, and efficient
means of transporting natural gas. At Southern Natural Gas we are
committed to safety and reliability. As an industry leader in transporting
natural gas, we take many measures to maintain the integrity of
our pipeline system.
How would Southern Natural Gas protect the
pipeline and maximize the safe transportation of natural gas?
Many layers of protection are built into natural gas pipelines.
These layers work together to ensure people and properties are
well protected throughout the life of a pipeline. The manner and
method of pipeline construction and operations are regulated by
the Department of Transportation (DOT). DOT officials
perform an inspection on the pipeline every three years. Some
other layers of protection are described below.
We will help incidents by:
- Designing and constructing the pipeline
to meet or exceed the government safety requirements.
- Using equipment and material that meet or
exceed industry practices.
Coating the steel pipe with special protective compounds to minimize
rust or corrosion.
- X-rayinspecting of every weld joining each
section of pipe.
- Burying the pipeline to a minimum of 36 inches
of ground cover.
- Using low-voltage electricity on all surfaces
to further protect against corrosion (cathodic protection).
- Pressure
testing each section of pipe, using water pressures higher than
the normal operating pressures.
- Inspecting each stage of construction
by qualified inspectors.
We will help ensure safe operations by:
- Maintaining
the right of way to provide easy access.
- Patrolling
the pipeline on a systematic basis -- on the ground and from
the air -- to make sure that activities around the pipeline do
not disturb or damage it in any way.
- Continuously monitoring operations
electronically from our gas-control facility.
- Inspecting and lubricating
all valves on regularly scheduled maintenance intervals.
- Posting
signs to indicate the location of the pipeline and a phone number
to call before digging. (We participate in the One Call program,
which provides property owners and contractors with accurate
information about the pipeline. It’s also an easy way to
let us know of any planned excavations near the pipeline.)
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We will
help respond effectively to possible problems and emergencies by:
- Continuously
monitoring pressures electronically from our gas-control facility.
- Training local authorities in preventing and responding to
any pipeline-related problems.
- Supporting local authorities with natural
gas transmission professionals and services.
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Would the pipeline be underground?
The pipeline used to transport the natural gas is completely underground.
Typically, the pipeline is covered by a minimum of three feet of
soil. The pipeline would be buried deeper to accommodate planned
surface activities, or where it crosses under roadways or beneath
major bodies of water, such as rivers and streams.
Equipment or facilities above ground would include only flow-control
valves, gas-measurement instruments, regulating controls, and compressor
stations. Above ground facilities will enable our professionals
to properly control and service the pipeline.
Protecting Significant
Cultural Sites and Environmentally Sensitive Areas:
What is Southern Natural Gas Co.’s commitment to
protecting significant cultural sites and environmentally sensitive
areas?
Southern Natural Gas is committed to protecting significant cultural
sites and environmentally sensitive areas. This commitment extends
through all aspects of the project. We will work with appropriate
federal and state agencies to comply fully with all applicable
laws and regulations. Beyond that, we have our own standards and
procedures that help ensure that employed professionals and contractors
do their utmost to exercise care and respect for the possible effect
of our activities.
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How would Southern Natural Gas protect wetlands and culturally
important sites?
We start by selecting a route that avoids sensitive areas whenever
possible. This route is based on detailed professional surveys
and studies. We also mark wetlands and culturally important sites
that need to be avoided during construction. Next, we are very
careful around the sites during construction. We choose only qualified
and experienced professional pipeline builders. By doing this,
we minimize the impact of construction activities on these sites.
In addition, we will have on the job a specially trained environmental
inspector to look out for environmentally sensitive areas and endangered
species. Finally, after construction, we ensure that the site is
thoroughly cleaned up. Then, we restore the land, as close as possible,
to its original condition.
It is also very important to note that SNG intends to directionally
drill under most major rivers along the proposed route. This highly
technical and very expensive method of installing a pipeline ensures
that plants and animals are protected with the absolute minimum
surface disturbance. Will Southern Natural Gas use existing rights
of way?
SNG’s proposed route is almost completely within existing
pipeline and electric utility corridors. In most cases, these utility
rights of way belong to other companies, and we will work with
these companies to utilize the existing rights of way to the extent
possible. Southern proposes a 50 foot permanent easement adjacent
to the existing power line right of way to minimize construction
and operational safety issues and to provide access to the pipeline.
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What is the usual width of the right of way?
A pipeline normally requires a permanent 45 foot wide right of
way. During construction, we will need an additional 50 to 60 feet
of temporary workspace next to the permanent right of way. We will
also need additional temporary workspace in certain areas, such
as road, railroad, or stream crossings, to accommodate particular
construction activities, and to serve as storage yards for our
construction materials. Once construction is complete, the temporary
workspace will revert to the landowner.
How close would the pipeline
get to residences?
Most often, pipelines are located well away from residences. We
can estimate the closeness of the pipeline to residences involved
in this project once we have completed surveying for the proposed
corridor.
How will Southern Natural Gas handle topsoil
in cultivated areas within an easement?
When we begin construction of the pipeline in cultivated areas,
Southern Natural Gas’s contractor will clear the right of
way of trees and brush, and will collect the topsoil and hold it
separate from the subsoils. After the trench for the pipeline is
dug and the pipeline is placed in the trench, the subsoil will
be used to fill the trench and the topsoil will be placed on top
of the subsoil.
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Property Owner Interests:
What is the role of a land agent?
A land agent is a professional who works with property owners
along our preferred corridor. If you are the owner of property
that may be involved with this project, you can regard the land
agent as your primary contact person with Southern Natural Gas.
The land agent will be available to meet with you throughout the
project to make certain you receive up-to-date information about
the project. He or she will listen to your comments and suggestions
and report those to the company. Initially, the land agent will
work with landowners to obtain permission for the company to conduct
a series of surveys along our preferred corridor. (See below for
more information on the surveys.) Ultimately, the agent will also
work with you to obtain an easement. This will provide us with
the legal rights needed to install the pipeline and related facilities.
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What steps are involved in the process of determining where the
pipeline will be located?
The first step is for the company to use maps and aerial photography
to identify possible corridors for the pipeline. Next, the company
identifies the names and addresses of landowners along the preferred
corridor. Once the landowners in a county are known, each landowner
will receive a letter from the company introducing the project,
which will be followed by a visit from one of our land agents.
The first major part of the process of working with each landowner
is for the land agent to explain the surveys that must be conducted
on their property, and to obtain permission to conduct these surveys.
SNG will need to survey more property than it actually needs for
pipeline construction. Once the initial information is compiled
from surveys of the identified properties, further surveys may
be necessary if the initial corridor is adjusted. By spring 2005,
SNG intends to have its survey work completed and make its application
to the FERC, showing our preferred route and several alternate
routes investigated in the process of identifying the preferred
route.
What surveys will need to be conducted on my property?
Southern Natural Gas must conduct a preliminary civil survey,
as well as environmental and archaeological surveys of each parcel
along our preferred corridor. The preliminary civil survey will
locate the proposed centerline of the corridor and place stakes
and flagging to depict the path of the centerline. The environmental
survey will usually extend 150 feet out in both directions from
the staked centerline to determine the size and location of wetlands
and to evaluate the land for potential habitats for endangered
species, including plants and animals. This survey will also locate
springs, water wells, erosion prone areas, and man-made features
that can affect pipeline construction. The archaeological survey
will encompass the same area as the environmental survey and will
include the taking of shovel tests of approximate 18 inches in
depth every 50 meters. The soil will be sifted to look for historical
remains, pot shards, arrowheads, and other significant artifacts.
The soil will be replaced after examination.
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If a pipeline is placed on my land, will I lose the use of my
property?
In most cases, normal activities on your property can resume as
soon as the construction site is cleared and the area has been
stabilized. On agricultural property, topsoil will be replaced
and normal plowing and planting can resume immediately. Livestock
can begin grazing as soon as the re-vegetation is complete. Many
tracks of undeveloped land containing natural gas pipelines have
subsequently been sold to developers who have erected homes, shopping
centers, ball fields and other structures on land adjacent to the
pipeline easement. Working with the company, landowners and developers
can build access roads across our easements.
What rights do owners
have with respect to having a pipeline located on their property?
Property owners are entitled by law to receive fair and just compensation
for having a pipeline easement on their property. Our goal is to
negotiate with the property owners to obtain a signed easement
for the needed property rights described above. The easement agreement
will describe in more detail the specific rights that the property
owner and the pipeline company will have. During this process,
we will also work with property owners to address specific interests
or concerns they may have.
The FERC has published a pamphlet entitled “An Interstate
Natural Gas Facility on My Land? What Do I Need to Know,” which
is available on FERC’s Web site at www.ferc.gov or
by calling the FERC Office of External Affairs at (866) 208-3372.
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How will
property owners be compensated for their land?
We first need to determine the fair market value of the property
and how the pipeline construction will affect it. Our land agents
will work with persons familiar with the local real estate market
to help make this assessment. Our offer will be based on this
information and is subject to adjustment to recognize special
factors identified by the landowner. In addition, landowners will
be compensated for specific damage to their property caused by
our survey and construction activity, such as the removal of trees
or crops. Any damage to fences will be repaired.
What happens if
an owner and Southern Natural Gas can’t agree?
Our experience is that most property owners will voluntarily agree
to participate in a pipeline project like this one by signing an
easement at a negotiated price. In a small number of cases, an
agreement cannot be reached. Interstate natural gas pipelines do
have the right of eminent domain, once a certificate of public
convenience and necessity is obtained from the FERC.
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Will property
owners be able to use land within the right of way after construction?
In most cases, property owners will be able to use the pipeline
right of way just as they did before construction. For example,
agricultural activities such as growing crops and pasturing livestock
can resume as soon as the land is ready. We will need to operate
the pipeline safely, so some restrictions will apply, such as limiting
the future placement of buildings or other structures, or the planting
of trees within the right of way. The effect of these restrictions
will be recognized as part of the easement agreement.
How can the
company proceed with survey activity if a landowner refuses survey
permission?
As a public service project, Southern Natural Gas can acquire
the right to conduct a survey of any parcel that might be included
in the pipeline corridor by order of a local court. This right
of entry only applies to our ability to conduct the surveys necessary
to obtain regulatory approval of our proposed route.
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Communication and More Information:
Who is the primary contact
for owners of property involved in the project?
The land agent assigned to work with a landowner will be the landowner’s
primary contact throughout the project. This individual is fully
authorized by the company to work with landowners at each stage
of the survey, route selection and easement process. The land agent's
supervisor is Jim Lawn, who is located in our Brunswick, Georgia
office. You may call (912) 264-1347 or toll-free at (800) 348-4174
if you have any questions or concerns that your land agent may
not be able to answer.
If my property is involved with the project, when will I hear
from Southern Natural Gas again?
You should feel free to contact your land agent any time you have
a question about our project. At a minimum, your land agent will
contact you as soon as our current property survey work is complete
or if a re-survey of your property might be required. Some further
adjustments may be necessary after we make our application to the
FERC in the spring of 2005 to accommodate variations required by
the FERC staff. As a property owner, you will continue to receive
information from us throughout the regulatory review process.
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What
if I want to contact the FERC directly?
You may call or write the FERC at the address below. The attached
pamphlet distributed by the FERC may help to provide you with further
guidance about the FERC process.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Office of External Affairs
888 First Street, N.E.
Washington , DC 20426
Toll free: 1-866-208-3372
www.ferc.gov
What are the important addresses and telephone
numbers for Southern Natural Gas?
Jim Lawn
Southern Natural Gas Company
Bank of America Plaza
777 Gloucester Street
Suite 101
Brunswick, GA 31520
Phone: 912-264-1347
Toll free: 1-800-348-4174
Fax: 912-264-3211
E-mail: jim.lawn@elpaso.com
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