FAQs
As we begin work on the Elba Express 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 South Carolina'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 Elba Express 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
Elba Express at (800) 793-4514.
Questions and Answers concerning our proposed pipeline
project.
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 Elba Express
Company?
Elba Express Company is a subsidiary of Southern Natural Gas Company.
Elba Express Company will own the Elba Express Pipeline.
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
over 3 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day during peak periods,
to customers from Louisiana to South Carolina, including Georgia,
Tennessee, and Florida. SNG is the largest transporter of natural
gas into the state of Georgia and is a major transporter of natural
gas into the state of South Carolina. SNG will construct and operate
the Elba Express Pipeline.
Who is Southern
LNG?
Southern LNG is a subsidiary of Southern Natural Gas Company. Southern
LNG owns 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 storage and vaporization
services to international producers of LNG. Southern Natural Gas
operates the Elba Island terminal.
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Who is El Paso
Corporation?
El Paso Corporation provides natural gas and related energy products
in a safe, efficient, 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 Elba
Express Pipeline Project?
Southern Natural Gas, through its new subsidiary Elba Express
Pipeline Company, intends to construct a new 191-mile natural gas
pipeline beginning at SNG's existing pipeline in Chatham County,
Georgia, near Port Wentworth, and terminating at a point of interconnection
with a natural gas pipeline owned by Transco in Anderson County,
South Carolina.
What is the purpose
of the Elba Express Pipeline Project?
The purpose of this project is to increase the supply of natural
gas into Georgia, South Carolina, and the southeastern and eastern
US, and to provide natural gas transportation services to a variety
of customers in the region. 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 Elba Express pipeline
delivered into their systems. The Elba Express Pipeline will not
be licensed to directly serve the public.
What is the proposed
route of the pipeline?
The proposed route for the Elba Express Pipeline begins in Chatham
County, Georgia, at a point near an existing meter station, operated
by Southern Natural Gas near Port Wentworth. The pipeline will run
northwest adjacent to SNG's existing pipeline right of way through
parts of Chatham, Effingham, Screven and Jefferson counties in Georgia.
In Jefferson County, the pipeline will interconnect again with SNG's
existing pipeline system near Wrens, Georgia. From Wrens, the pipeline
will run northwest through parts of Glascock, Warren, McDuffie,
Wilkes, Elbert, and Hart counties in Georgia, and will extend a
short distance into Anderson County, South Carolina. At its northern
end, the Elba Express Pipeline will interconnect with Transco Pipeline,
which is owned by Williams Corporation.
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Why was this proposed
route chosen?
In order to transport additional natural gas supplies into Georgia,
South Carolina, and the southeastern and eastern US, SNG sought
a proposed pipeline route which would minimize the pipeline’s impact
on the environment and which would connect Elba Island LNG terminal,
where additional gas supplies will be imported, to these various
markets. In order to provide these markets with access to incremental
gas supplies, the new pipeline will need to interconnect with the
SNG Pipeline system and the Transco Pipeline system, because SNG
and Transco serve these various markets. SNG’s engineers and environmental
specialists examined publicly available information and aerial photography
to help locate the initial proposed route. The southern 105 miles
of the proposed Elba Express Pipeline route runs parallel to SNG’s
existing pipeline right of way and provides Elba Express with the
necessary interconnects to the SNG Pipeline system. The northern
86 miles of the proposed Elba Express Pipeline route is along what
has currently been identified as the most direct and environmentally
friendly route needed to interconnect with the Transco Pipeline
system. Adjustments to the proposed route may be made as additional
information about the proposed route is gathered and preliminary
on-the-ground surveys are conducted.
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 over 300,000
miles of natural gas transmission pipelines in operation. Most of
the natural gas consumed in the southeast 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 transported by the Elba Express Pipeline will come
from liquefied natural gas (LNG) that has been produced at various
locations around the world and transported via ocean-going tankers
to SNG’s LNG terminal on Elba Island near Savannah. At Elba Island
the LNG will be received, stored, and regassified for transport
by downstream pipelines including the Elba Express Pipeline.
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,
natural gas converts from a vapor to a liquid. One (1) cubic foot
of liquefied natural gas is equivalent to approximately 600 cubic
feet of natural gas vapor. This conversion is done in order to maximize
the capacity to store and transport 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. Elba Express 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
Elba Express to enhance their present service options.
Who will regulate
the new pipeline?
Elba Express, as a federally regulated interstate natural gas transmission
company, must obtain permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) in Washington, D.C., in order to build and operate
the new pipeline. The FERC will review the application for compliance
with all state and federal environmental laws before approving a
route for the pipeline and before awarding Elba Express permission
(called a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity) to build
the pipeline.
When will FERC
complete its review and decide whether to allow the Elba Express
Pipeline to be built?
Elba Express intends to apply for permission to construct and operate
the pipeline in 3rd quarter of 2006. The FERC review process will
take approximately 9 to 12 months to complete. If approved, construction
of the pipeline could begin in 2009, and the pipeline would then
begin flowing gas in 2010.
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Safety:
Are natural gas pipelines
safe?
Natural gas pipelines are the safest means of transporting energy
products. At Southern Natural Gas and its subsidiaries 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 the Elba Express
Pipeline be protected to ensure 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 3 years. Some of these other layers of protection
are described below.
We will help to prevent 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-ray inspection 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 to ensure safe operations by:
- Maintaining the right of way to provide easy access.
- Patrolling the pipeline on a systematic basis—on the ground
and in the air— to make sure that activities around the
pipeline do not disturb or damage it in any way.
- Continuously monitoring pipeline pressure and flow electronically
from our gas-control facility in Birmingham, Alabama.
- 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 to possible problems and emergencies
by:
- 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 signs, 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 SNG’s
and Elba Express' commitment to protecting significant cultural
sites and environmentally sensitive areas?
SNG and Elba Express are 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 will SNG
and Elba Express 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 it is our intention to directionally
drill under most major rivers along the proposed route. This highly
technical and very expensive method of installing a pipeline insures
that plants and animals are protected with the absolute minimum
surface disturbance.
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Will
the Elba Express Pipeline use existing rights of way?
The proposed route for the Elba Express Pipeline is within SNG's
existing pipeline right of way for the southern 105 miles of the
route. It currently appears that there or no extended and contiguous
rights of ways along the northern 86 miles of the route.
What is the
usual width of the right of way?
A pipeline normally requires a permanent 50 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 how close the pipeline will be to residences once we
have completed surveying the proposed route.
How will topsoil
within the cultivated areas of the pipeline easement be handled?
When we begin construction of the pipeline in cultivated areas,
our 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 proposed route. 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 and Elba Express.
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 the proposed route. (See below for more
information on the surveys.) Ultimately, if your property is selected
for the final pipeline route, 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 routes for the pipeline. Next, the company
identifies the names and addresses of landowners along the proposed
route. 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.
We will need to survey more property than is actually needed for
pipeline construction. Once the initial information is compiled
from surveys of the identified properties, further surveys may be
necessary if the initial route is adjusted. By the 3rd quarter of
2006 we intend to complete all of these surveys and file an application
with FERC requesting approval for the Elba Express Pipeline. This
application will show our proposed route for the Elba Express Pipeline
and any alternate routes that were investigated in the process of
identifying the proposed route.
What surveys will
need to be conducted on my property?
A preliminary civil survey, as well as environmental and archaeological
surveys of each parcel along the proposed route must be conducted.
The preliminary civil survey will locate the proposed centerline
for the pipeline route. Stakes and flagging will be used to mark
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 cover the same area
as the environmental survey and will include the taking of shovel
tests of approximate 18 inches in depth every 50 meters in certain
areas as determined by the onsite archaeologist. 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 http://www.ferc.gov/for-citizens/citizen-guides/citz-guide-gas.pdf
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 in making 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 won't agree to allow the pipeline to cross their property?
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 many 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 survey activity
proceed if a landowner refuses survey permission?
As a public service project, SNG and its subsidiary Elba Express
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 the 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 Southern Natural Gas and Elba Express to work
with landowners at each stage of the survey, route selection and
easement process. The land agent's supervisor is James Rhodes, who
is located in our Hephzibah, GA office. You may call (706) 793-2595
or toll-free at (800) 793-4514 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 SNG
and its subsidiary Elba Express 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 prior to the survey work, or if a re-survey of your
property might be required. After we make our application to FERC,
if FERC requires any adjustments to our plan that would have an
impact on your property, your land agent will contact you. 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 the Elba Express
Pipeline Project?
James Rhodes
Southern Natural Gas Company
2541 Tobacco Road
Hephzibah, GA 30815
Phone: 706-793-2595
Toll free: 1-800-793-4514
E-mail: james.rhodes@elpaso.com
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