General Landowner Questions
National Fuel hosted four public meetings at different locations along the proposed pipeline corridor including: Brockway, PA, on March 1, 2010, Weedville, PA, on March 2, 2010, Sinnemahoning, PA, on March 3, 2010, and Renovo, PA, on March 4, 2010. The questions listed below were raised by landowners and other interested parties who attended these meetings.
Pipeline Questions
Right-of-Way Questions
Project Logistics Questions
Pipeline Questions
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Right-of-Way Questions
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Project Logistics Questions
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Pipeline Questions
- Will Marcellus Shale wells feed directly into the pipeline?
Typically, gas is collected in a gathering system directly from wells. Since the gas may be high-BTU gas or have entrained water, it is possible that certain constituents will need to be stripped from the gas before it is pipeline ready. Gas can be fed directly into the pipeline, but in most cases it is not economical for gas to go directly there.
- At what pressure will the pipeline typically operate?
The existing line can transport gas at a pressure up to 600 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). The new line is designed to hold 1,440 psig of pressure. We expect that the new line will operate at more than 1,200 psig most of the time.
- Is the pipeline’s capacity open to all producers equally or will it be used exclusively by Seneca Resources Corporation?
National Fuel cannot restrict the use of capacity to Seneca-produced gas. We are an open access pipeline and we hold an open season so that all shippers can request capacity on an equal basis.
- Has National Fuel subscribed full capacity for this pipeline?
No, only some of the capacity has been subscribed so far. However, we are still marketing the remaining capacity to producers.
- Will the pipeline have cathodic protection?
Yes, the pipeline will have cathodic protection. It will also be inspected annually.
- Will this pipeline’s cathodic protection be tied into the system protecting other pipelines that it will be connected to?
We are not sure if it will be the same system of protection, but it will be coordinated with the protection of the existing pipelines.
- Will all of the steel used for this pipeline be American-made?
Yes, we expect that the majority of the steel will be American-made. We cannot guarantee that it all will be American-made, but we generally buy American and Canadian-made pipeline.
- How many cubic feet of gas will pass through the pipeline daily?
The pipeline will be capable of moving at least 425 million cubic feet per day. Additional compression could allow us to move up to approximately 800 million cubic feet per day. Our pressure limit is approximately 1,440 pounds per square inch gauge.
- Is this pipeline going to be maintained like the current FM100 line?
Yes, the line will be maintained according to FERC guidelines. We require the ability to walk the right-of-way and perform the necessary maintenance.
- How will the pipeline be placed in relation to wetlands?
The pipeline will be placed three feet below the soil (not the water) in a wetland, which is the industry standard. We weight the pipeline with concrete so that it will sink and remain in the ground. This way the pipeline will not rise with water levels.
- Will the pipeline be north or south of the right-of-way for the existing FM100 line?
That will depend on the specific location.
- How close will the new pipeline be to the current FM100 pipeline?
Generally, it will be 25-feet away from the current line.
- How deep will the pipeline be buried?
Generally the pipeline will be 3-feet beneath the ground. In agricultural lands, the pipeline will be buried 4-feet beneath the ground.
- Will the FM100 pipeline remain active?
Yes, the pipeline will be used to bring gas onto the new system.
- What will be the typical pipeline load?
The pipeline will be designed to transport a minimum of 425 million cubic feet per day. It could transport up to approximately 800 million cubic feet per day.
- How does the town get gas from the pipeline?
This pipeline will be a major transmission pipeline, so landowners cannot directly tap into it for gas service. Landowners would have to put together a group to work with local municipalities in order to get that organized.
- Does National Fuel know anything about other 24-inch lines being constructed?
No, we’re not familiar with any other 24-inch lines being constructed in the vicinity.
- How safe is the pipeline?
Very safe. The pipeline is brand new and is superior to products used in the past. The pipeline will be maintained and internally inspected every seven years to check for scratches, corrosion, metal loss and leaks. The pipeline will also be hydrostatically tested at 110 percent to 150 percent of the pipeline’s maximum operating pressure. All pipeline welds are X-rayed, which is not required, but is done to ensure safety.
- What is the grade of steel used for the pipeline?
Likely X-70.
- Does the project replace the FM100 pipeline?
No, this is a new pipeline that is separate from the FM100 pipeline. In some areas the new pipeline will run parallel with FM100.
- Are there many areas where the pipeline will run close to occupied buildings?
As we survey the proposed route, we will map every structure that would be affected. If we can move the pipeline further away from occupied buildings, we will do that. In some cases we can’t. For these, we will prepare a Residential Mitigation Plan, which will describe how we are going to modify our techniques to minimize construction impacts to residential properties. This plan is required by FERC if the construction right-of-way comes within 25-feet or less from a residence.
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Right-of-Way Questions
- How do you determine the fair market value of temporary rights-of-way?
Parcel valuations are broken down by size, typically by acre. Our Company pays a percentage of the value of the permanent right-of-way. It is roughly 15 percent in most cases.
- Will the existing pipeline right-of-way be 50-feet?
Yes, we would maintain a 50-foot permanent right of way, 25-feet on either side of the pipeline. The construction or temporary right-of-way can be wider, depending on the specific location.
- If the right-of-way is 50-feet, will 75-feet be needed for construction?
It will ultimately depend on the topography of the land, but generally, yes.
- If a landowner’s property becomes part of a right-of-way, what will be permitted and not permitted?
Landowners can’t build permanent structures on the right-of-way and they cannot plant long-lived crops, such as trees. We will need to be able to maintain the pipeline. It is acceptable to plant grass or crops in agricultural lands. Roads can also bridge the right-of-way, but the Company will need to know of these plans in advance, so that we can design the pipeline to accommodate the load of the road.
- Does the landowner have a say in what is planted on the right-of-way?
Yes, we can change the mix of seeds. It is important that we speak to landowners to discuss restoration. Landowners should discuss any preferences with land agents.
- When do land agent meetings take place?
We have already met with some landowners and we will continue to meet with landowners. We will enter into more detailed discussions once we start to acquire the right-of-way.
- Can landowners re-plant whatever they want in the right-of-way?
Generally, yes, as long as it is not a long-lived crop, such as a tree.
- How does the Company measure the yield after the project?
Once construction is complete, the new yield of the right-of-way is measured against the yield in the surrounding field to make sure that it has been fully restored.
- If the property is forested, what will the Company do with stumps and debris?
All stumps on the right-of-way need to be removed. We prefer to have stumps and logs stacked along the edge of the right-of-way or buried within the right-of-way, instead of hauling them away. However, we will chip or haul stumps away if required. We will work with landowners to meet their needs.
- How are right-of-ways marked?
The right-of-way is mowed. Also, pipeline markers will be placed along the right-of-way, over the top of the pipeline.
- Will National Fuel’s right-of-way follow Pennsylvania Electric Company's right-of-way?
We will acquire our own right-of-way, but we will work with the Pennsylvania Electric Company to ensure we are maintaining an appropriate distance between our pipeline and their facility. We will also discuss possible uses of Pennsylvania Electric Company’s right-of-way during construction.
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Project Logistics Questions
- Is there anything extraordinary that the Company will do in residential areas?
Yes. Areas are broken down by a Class Location System. Heavier pipeline is used in the more densely populated areas. We tend to be conservative and install thicker pipe in areas with growing populations.
- How will this project affect landowners that have shallow oil and gas wells on their properties?
Our Company does not have a preference regarding the origin of natural gas. We think there are a lot of opportunities in the Marcellus region, but the pipeline can be used to ship gas produced from another formation if it satisfies applicable quality and pressure requirements. We don’t expect a lot of non-Marcellus gas. Additionally, we are moving Marcellus gas away from the area. This will help relieve bottlenecks so that other locally produced gas may be more likely to flow to local markets in the region.
- How likely is it that the proposed pipeline project will be approved by FERC?
We cannot prejudge how FERC will act on our application, once it is filed. As of right now, this project is undergoing a pre-filing environmental review by FERC. In the meantime, we will continue our marketing efforts in order to sell remaining capacity. We are currently working through many issues, but we are optimistic that we will file an application that meets FERC standards for approval.
- How will landowners be notified?
Usually landowners are notified via telephone and letters. Depending on the landowner, there could even be a knock on the door. In most cases, in-person meetings will occur with our Company.
- Will explosives be used during construction?
Yes, we use explosives for rock removal if we encounter consolidated bedrock that cannot be removed with a backhoe. We are required to use licensed blasters, monitor vibrations and control flying rocks. It is likely we’ll have some blasting, but we won’t know for sure until we survey the route and review areas of outcrops and shallow bedrock. We always take into account the proximity of blasting in relation to other pipelines and existing structures.
- Will property owners be notified of blasting near water wells?
Yes, we will notify landowners with water sources within 150 feet of the proposed pipeline. We will want to locate private water wells to ensure that necessary precautions are taken. We will ask landowners for the rights to test water in their wells before we begin construction. We will also test water after construction so that we can ensure that there are no changes.
- Do we check flow rates of well water?
Yes, we will also check volumes and bacteria levels.
- Will the same precautions be taken for spring water?
Yes, we have to identify any potable water source within 150 feet of the pipeline. We encourage landowners to provide that information as early in the process as possible. We do not want to interrupt the flow of springs, or underground facilities such as septic systems. If at all practical, we prefer to route away from these resources.
- Is the DEP involved in this process?
Yes, the State DEP and Army Corps of Engineers are involved in certain permitting requirements.
- Can the landowner hold the Company responsible for getting their land back to normal after the project?
Yes. It’s important to make sure that any specific landowner requirements are included in the right-of-way agreement. The process is regulated by FERC and we are required to restore your land to its pre-existing condition. FERC generally requires pipelines to file weekly status reports that include landowner issues and the Company’s resolution of them.
- Will there be any financial accommodations for future timber on a property?
No, landowners will receive the value of the timber at the time it is cut and they will also be allowed to keep the logs cut down during the project.
- Is this project based on demand for transportation from Marcellus Shale production?
Yes, our Exploration and Production affiliate, Seneca Resources, has had good results so far and has announced plans for additional drilling. Other producers in the Marcellus Shale have also had good results. At the present time, there is no way for all of the Marcellus producers to get their new production out of the area and transported to markets for consumption without the construction of additional pipeline facilities.
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