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Project Site Home / Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
Introduction
To better help you understand the scope of this project, we've answered the questions we hear most frequently and separated them by issue. As we hear additional questions of substance they will be added with answers. For project questions and answers that are location specific, please click on the location links on the left menu bar.
Please feel free to contact us or send your question to Robert Perless, Project Manager for the 08/09 Expansion Project.
Please note that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has assigned Docket No. CP07-457-000 to this project.
Questions can also be asked throughout the duration of the project by contacting a member of the Iroquois project team:
Iroquois' Toll-Free Landowner Hotline: 1-800-253-5152
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT DISCLAIMER
Portions of this document may constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined by federal law. Although the company believes any such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that actual outcomes will not be materially different. Any such statements are made in reliance on the "safe harbor" protections proved under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Questions By Issue / Topic
Community Expectations
Company Information
Emergency Response
Environmental Sensitivities
Health & Safety
Location & Routing
Permitting & Approvals
Project Benefits
Project Purpose
Project Oversight & Regulation
Property Value Impact
Security
Newtown
Brookfield
Milford
Community Expectations
| Q1 |
What measures will Iroquois take to inform the public about this project? |
| A1 |
Early outreach to our stakeholders is essential to identify community environmental issues and concerns. During the pre-filing and the application process, we will be providing information about this project and seeking input in a number of ways:
- Personal visits with impacted landowners, local officials, community groups and other interested stakeholders
- Public open houses
- Presentations to various civic groups and government agencies as requested
- Notification packages, newspaper advertisements and project brochures
- Informational postings on our website
Upon receiving approval, and throughout construction, we will provide project updates by methods including:
- Informational postings on our website
- Web-based summaries of project progress
- Recorded messages on our 800 hotline 1-800-253-5152
- Notices in local newspapers
- Staff available to answer any questions that may arise
- Ads in local newspapers
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| Q2 |
How noisy will the compressor station be? |
| A2 |
The vast majority of the time the compressor station's noise levels will be a steady continuous background noise with sound level approximately 55 dB(A) or less at the nearest NSA. This is considered a relatively low intensity sound level. Comparably, a normal conversation is typically 55 dBA. |
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| Q3 |
How often do blow downs occur and what is the noise impact? Both controlled and uncontrolled. |
| A3 |
- Gas venting is required to make the facility safe during abnormal operations as well as during maintenance. It can be initiated automatically in the control system of the equipment, or manually on site.
- Unscheduled gas venting of the Emergency Shut Down system (ESD) is an unplanned event and can occur at any time for a multitude of abnormal operating conditions. While noisy, an ESD only lasts approximately 2-3 minutes and does not occur often.
- Scheduled gas venting is sometimes done during operations and maintenance activities to ensure proper operation of safety systems as well as the equipment.
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| Q4 |
Will there be notifications of planned blow downs? |
| A4 |
For planned major blow downs (venting of our mainline) that are performed at our Main Line Valves (MLVs), Iroquois initiates a communications plan that typically includes notification to nearby residents, notification to local officials and emergency responders, and newspaper notices to the general public.
For minor venting, such as at our meter stations, local emergency responders are notified just prior to gas being released. |
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| Q5 |
Will there be increased lighting on the site? |
| A5 |
Iroquois will work with the community to ensure adequate lighting is available for safety and security, without being obtrusive. |
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| Q6 |
Will any of these projects allow me to get natural gas at my house? |
| A6 |
Generally speaking, interstate pipelines operate at pressures incompatible with direct residential use, which is provided by local distribution companies (LDCs). Residents should contact their local LDC to determine availability. |
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| Q7 |
Can we expect serious disruptions in service or our neighborhoods as these new elements of the system are built? |
| A7 |
While we do not expect any serious disruption to neighborhoods, as with any construction, there may be an increase in traffic as workers travel to and from the site. Information regarding construction, such as schedules and routes will be made available on our website and our landowners toll-free line, 1-800-253-5152.
There will also be no disruption to local utility services associated with this project. |
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| Q8 |
Is tree removal necessary along the Right-of-Way? |
| A8 |
In order to maneuver construction equipment in the Right-of-Way area and to allow for adequate construction techniques, the removal of trees and other growth may be necessary. Negotiations with landowners will take place prior to clearing of the Right-of-Way. |
Company Information
| Q1 |
What does Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company do? |
| A1 |
Iroquois operates 414 miles of natural gas pipeline. This natural gas is delivered for household, commercial, and industrial use. Natural gas energy is the most popular home heating fuel in America, and natural gas pipelines are among the safest and most secure methods of transporting energy.
The benefits provided by our pipeline-including market access, increased competition, greater energy diversity, and improved air quality-are possible because our pipeline transports natural gas reliably and safely. Our advanced technology and comprehensive monitoring and maintenance programs ensure the integrity of the Iroquois pipeline and enable us to provide the reliable service that helps keep our customers competitive. |
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| Q2 |
Where is the Iroquois pipeline? |
| A2 |
- Click here to view a map of the Iroquois Pipeline.
- The Iroquois pipeline is a 414-mile interstate natural gas pipeline system that begins at the TransCanada interconnect in Iroquois, Ontario/Waddington, New York, and terminates at its interconnect with the facilities of the Consolidated Edison Company of New York at Hunts Point in Bronx, New York.
- Iroquois has 21 Meter Stations, five compressor stations and four interconnects with three other U.S. pipelines.
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| Q3 |
What other pipelines interconnect with Iroquois? |
| A3 |
Waddington, NY = TransCanada Pipepline
Canajoharie, NY = Dominion Transmission
Wright, NY = Tennessee Gas Pipeline
Brookfield, CT = Algonquin Gas Transmission
Shelton, CT = Tennessee Gas Pipeline |
Emergency Response
| Q1 |
Will Brookfield and Milford need more fire equipment and personnel? |
| A1 |
Iroquois meets with emergency responders and reviews coordination efforts including: communication protocols, emergency responder and Iroquois capabilities and responsibilities, Iroquois' Integrity Program, security, characteristics and hazards of natural gas. Whenever new facilities are built, Iroquois reviews these with emergency responders to determine if modifications to protocols are necessary and how to implement them. |
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| Q2 |
Does Iroquois have emergency response plans? |
| A2 |
Iroquois is required by federal agencies to have in place effective Emergency Response and Operating & Maintenance Procedures.
Iroquois periodically revises its Emergency Operating Plan and Field Operations & Maintenance Procedures. Our Engineering and Operations departments keep the plans current and provide necessary training to state and/or local emergency management personnel.
We work closely and maintain a continuing relationship with emergency responders and local officials in our pipeline communities to prevent and prepare for emergencies. |
Environmental Sensitivities
| Q1 |
How will the underground line affect the surrounding environment? |
| A1 |
All necessary protection techniques as detailed within the FERC Plan and Procedures and our FERC implementation plan will be implemented during construction of the pipeline loop (looping) segments. Once installation activities for all pipeline facilities are complete, all areas will be restored and stabilized as necessary to mitigate erosion of exposed soils and sedimentation to on- and off-site resource areas. |
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| Q2 |
Will Iroquois provide natural screening at the compressor sites? |
| A2 |
Iroquois will work with local community officials to determine the landscaping and screening needs of the facility. |
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| Q3 |
What is the impact to aquifer and wetlands? |
| A3 |
Brookfield:
The project is not located in wetland areas. There are wetland areas located within 100 feet of the proposed work areas. Iroquois will install erosion control barriers, stabilize exposed soils and restore the project area in accordance with 2003 FERC Plan and Procedures to protect nearby wetland areas from on-site activities and related soil disturbances. The proposed construction at the Brookfield, CT site is not expected to affect the functioning of the aquifer recharge area.
Milford:
No wetlands, waterbodies, or permanently flooded bodies of water were found in the project area. Construction and operation of the proposed Milford Compressor Station project is not expected to have an impact on groundwater quantity or quality.
Pipeline looping in Boonville, Newtown, Wright:
Construction and operation of the proposed Boonville, Newtown and Wright Loop segments may include temporary impacts to wetland resources. Iroquois anticipates providing mitigation for possible impacts resulting from construction through adherence to the 2003 FERC Plan and Procedures and requirements of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") General Permit Associated with Discharged Stormwater from Construction Activities during construction of the pipeline facilities within and adjacent to wetland resource areas in both New York and Connecticut.
Construction and operation of the proposed Boonville, Wright and Newtown Loop segments is not expected to have an impact on groundwater quantity or quality.
More detailed information on this subject will be contained in the Resource Reports which will be available on our website when filed with FERC. |
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| Q4 |
How will material storage and compressor leaks be contained from entering ground soil or water wells? |
| A4 |
The turbo compressor package is proposed to incorporate a dry gas seal system, which eliminates the high pressure seal oil system. The turbo compressor package, including both the turbine engine and gas compressor will be enclosed within an on-skid enclosure that provides turbine lube oil containment.
Buildings that house hazardous materials such as oil will be constructed with secondary containment to prevent such materials from exiting the building. In addition, the station will be required to operate with an approved Spill Preventions Containment Control plan in place to further guard against the release of oil from sources such as vehicles. |
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| Q5 |
Would the station's water usage
affect other wells in the area? |
| A5 |
Brookfield:
It is not anticipated that ground water wells will be installed at the site as part of the 08/09 Expansion project at the Brookfield Compressor Station.
Milford:
The South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority ("SCCRWA") supplies the drinking water in the project area. The SCCRWA public water supply wells closest to the project site are located in the Towns of Cheshire and Hamden, Connecticut, which are located over eight miles to the north/northeast of the Milford Compressor Station project site. |
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| Q6 |
What is the impact to fish, amphibians,
birds, insects, reptiles, plants,
mammals, turtles, and salamanders
in the area? |
| A6 |
We are committed to preserving our environment by seeking ways to minimize environmental intrusions and to maximize protection of our natural resources.
Whether it's restoring an environmentally sensitive wetland, protecting sanctuaries for wildlife, constructing nature trails, or supporting town parks, Iroquois recognizes that respect for the environment is an important part of owning and operating a pipeline. |
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| Q7 |
Are there any endangered species at the site? |
| A7 |
There are no Federally listed threatened or endangered species located at any of the proposed facilities. The NYS DEC identified one state listed species as occurring along a portion of the proposed Boonville, NY pipeline loop In addition, the CT DEP identified one state listed species as occurring along the proposed Newtown, CT loop. There are no state listed species occurring at the proposed Brookfield or Milford, CT Compressor Station or along the proposed looping in Wright, NY. |
Health & Safety
| Q1 |
Are pipelines safe? |
| A1 |
Natural gas pipelines are the nation's safest method of transporting energy, quietly delivering large volumes of the clean-burning fuel to local gas distribution companies, who ultimately carry the gas to homes and businesses. While accidents are rare, they are usually the result of outside forces or unauthorized action by someone other than a pipeline company. |
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| Q2 |
Is it safe to locate these facilities near schools? |
| A2 |
Pipeline facilities are located near schools, churches, hospitals and residential areas throughout the United States. Iroquois has programs to monitor and maintain the integrity of the system to ensure the safety of the public. Safety is uppermost in our mind as we operate every day. |
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| Q3 |
How will Iroquois ensure safety
of nearby residents? |
| A3 |
Iroquois has procedures and programs
in place to ensure the safety of the
public. Please see our Safety
Brochure for details. |
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| Q4 |
What chemicals/ lubricants/ cleaners/ pesticides/ coolants/ antifreezes will be used at the site? |
| A4 |
This information will be identified and submitted to the appropriate agencies. |
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| Q5 |
Are there any health effects from
compressor station emissions? Air
quality effects? |
| A5 |
Potential compressor
station air pollutant emissions will not pose any adverse health
or air quality effects. In order
for Iroquois to secure the required air permits to construct and
operate the proposed turbo-compressors
in Brookfield and Milford, Iroquois
must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Connecticut Department
of Environmental Protection (DEP)
that potential "criteria" (typical combustion byproduct) emissions
would not cause or contribute to
any exceedence of an ambient air quality standard set by the US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA)
and CT DEP.
Iroquois must also demonstrate to the
DEP's satisfaction that any potential
hazardous air pollutant emissions are less than "maximum allowable
stack concentrations." These criteria
and hazardous air pollutant standards
have been established by the EPA and DEP to protect human health and
the environment. |
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| Q6 |
Will residents smell the emissions from the station? |
| A6 |
Residents should not be able to smell natural
gas fuel combustion exhaust from the proposed turbines or
auxiliary heaters and equipment.
Natural gas is odorized as a safety
precaution to indicate the presence
of any leaks. Residents may be familiar
with this smell from their own cooking
ranges and other natural gas appliances.
Normally, residents would not smell
natural gas from the compressor
station, which is contained in pressurized piping and equipment.
In the event that natural gas is vented to
the atmosphere for safety or other
reasons, residents may smell the
natural gas odorant for
a short time. |
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| Q7 |
Will there be personnel at the station? |
| A7 |
All Iroquois facilities are designed to be unmanned and operated remotely. However, they are monitored 24/7 by Iroquois Gas Control and Technicians are dispatched when needed. The station is designed with multiple safety systems to automatically shut the station down in a safe manner. Iroquois Technicians will routinely visit the station to perform maintenance or operational checks. |
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| Q8 |
How will the pipeline be inspected for quality and deterioration? |
| A8 |
The following sets forth some of the methods used; Iroquois' Safety Brochure provides additional detail.
The Pipeline
Our steel pipeline was made to exacting specifications allowing for extremely tough pipe. This toughness, in combination with the thickness of the pipe wall, make Iroquois pipeline extremely difficult to penetrate and very tolerant to many types of damage. Additionally, a high-integrity, fusion-bonded epoxy coating is applied to the steel pipe to prevent corrosion.
Cathodic Protection
An important component of the Iroquois pipeline is our cathodic protection system, which is used to reverse the electrochemical processes associated with corrosion. We monitor our cathodic protection system on a regular basis, including the use of close-interval surveys of pipe-to-soil voltage along the right-of-way to confirm the integrity of the protection system.
Internal Inspection
The Iroquois system is designed to handle an internal inspection tool called a pig. Pigs are inserted inside the pipeline system through launchers and carried along inside the pipe by the flow of the natural gas, Utilizing high-tech inspection methods in combination with on-board electronics, the pigs have the capability to detect, locate, and characterize flaws. This inspection allows for the detection of potential safety problems long before they become an immediate concern. |
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| Q9 |
How tall does a compressor stack need to be to disperse emissions? |
| A9 |
Iroquois' turbine exhaust stack heights are designed to adequately disperse air pollutant emissions in the atmosphere surrounding the proposed compressor station. Stack height is determined case-by-case for each project, and depends on the size and type of turbines, surrounding topography, adjacent buildings, weather conditions and other factors.
Dispersion modeling for the Milford Compressor Station indicates that a stack height of 50 feet above ground level would suffice. Similar modeling is pending for the Brookfield turbine. Iroquois must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the CT DEP for each air permit application that stack heights and other parameters affecting air pollutant dispersion are adequate to comply with ambient air quality standards established to protect human health and the environment. |
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| Q10 |
Does natural gas explode? |
| A10 |
Natural gas is lighter than air and as such rises freely when not obstructed. Natural gas is flammable only in concentrations of 5% to 15% gas in air and can be explosive if contained in a confined space. |
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| Q11 |
Safety at the plant? |
| A11 |
Iroquois' Compressor
Stations are designed, constructed, operated and maintained
in strict accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT), Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 192; Transportation
of Natural Gas and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety
Standards. These safety regulations will
be augmented by the corporate practices of Iroquois. The effectiveness
of these regulations and practices in providing reliability and
safety is illustrated by the fact that no pipeline or
equipment failures resulting in offsite property damage or personal
injury have occurred at Iroquois' existing stations. |
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| Q12 |
Gas detection at the compressor/cooler units? |
| A12 |
Iroquois does not employ gas or fire detection for outdoor equipment, including gas coolers. In the unlikely event of a gas leak on outdoor equipment - the gas, which is much lighter than air, would dissipate very quickly. Gas detection equipment is typically used in certain buildings and confined spaces such as a compressor building. |
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| Q13 |
How close will the pipeline loop be to the existing pipeline? |
| A13 |
Iroquois plans to place the pipeline loop 25 feet from our current pipeline. |
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| Q14 |
To what depth is the pipeline buried? |
| A14 |
Generally, Iroquois locates its pipeline 3 feet below the ground surface. In certain areas, such as agricultural fields, greater depth of cover may be used. |
Location & Routing
| Q1 |
Why do more pipelines need to be built anywhere, especially here? |
| A1 |
Need, created by economic growth, is what drives the creation of pipelines and other important public infrastructure. Natural gas pipelines are very difficult to site and very expensive to build. Iroquois only builds on demand.
If the regulators who oversee the pipeline construction are convinced there is a need and that the project is in the best interest of the public and, further, that the facilities can be built in an environmentally sound manner, then after public comment and participation, and only then, will the project be approved for construction. |
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| Q2 |
Is there an alternative location for this facility? |
| A2 |
In siting facilities many factors are taken into consideration prior to determining the location - safety, environmental impact, access, constructability, land use, economics and public and landowner input. Iroquois seeks to minimize land disturbance by locating additional facilities at its current locations, and by following the existing pipeline corridor.
As part of the process, Iroquois will be required to submit alternatives in its application to the FERC. Details on alternatives for each site can be found in the Resource Report #10 filed with FERC. |
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| Q3 |
Why build in a residential neighborhood? |
| A3 |
Iroquois tries to avoid residential
neighborhoods wherever and whenever possible. However, sometimes
it is our only alternative. For example, Iroquois typically transports
gas to Local Distribution
Companies (LDCs), which are normally in the heart of the populated
areas. In order to get the gas into these community systems, we must
bring it to where they are. Also, in many cases, our facilities were
constructed first and the neighborhoods built up around them. This
does, incidentally, demonstrate that pipelines and
neighborhoods can co-exist and thrive. |
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| Q4 |
What is a pipeline right-of-way? |
| A4 |
A pipeline right-of-way is the area of land over and on both sides of a pipeline. A right-of-way agreement between a pipeline company and a property owner is called an easement. Easements provide pipeline companies with permanent, limited access to the land to enable us to operate, test, inspect, maintain and protect our pipelines. |
Permitting & Approvals
| Q1 |
Who is responsible for approving this project? |
| A1 |
Iroquois will be required to comply with the regulations of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other appropriate federal, state and local agencies. The FERC, as lead federal agency, will make an assessment of the project from an environmental standpoint and will issue a determination of whether or not the proposed project is within the public convenience and necessity. Additional information on the FERC process can be found at www.ferc.gov. |
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| Q2 |
Facility is not consistent with local planning and zoning regulations. Is a variance needed from the town? |
| A2 |
Assuming a certificate is issued by FERC, Iroquois will cooperate with state and local agencies during the construction phase. While this certificate preempts the effects of local, regional, and state restrictive efforts, including zoning, Iroquois works with host communities to the extent practicable. The certificate also gives the company the ability to challenge any state or local agency attempting to prohibit or unreasonably delay the construction or operation of facilities approved by the Commission, or attempts to impose any terms or conditions at odds with the Commission's certificate. |
Project Benefits
| Q1 |
How do host communities benefit from these facilities? |
| A1 |
- The natural gas that Iroquois delivers to New York, Connecticut, and other parts of New England comes primarily from facilities in western Canada.
- Facilities we have built in upstate New York have allowed us to bring more natural gas into Connecticut to fuel the demand generated by residential homes, commercial and industrial growth, and the new electric generating plants.
- Iroquois does add to the tax base, which offers some tax benefit to the surrounding neighborhood.
- Cities and towns in America have natural gas, water, sewer, and electricity because each community shoulders its responsibility to transport, store, or assist other communities by hosting the facilities and infrastructures that every community needs. Pipelines run through many towns in Connecticut, and in every state, usually carrying supplies both for a local community and some other nearby area.
- Having pipelines in a community, especially under the restrictions, controls, regulations, and laws imposed today to protect the health and safety of communities, is a part of each community's responsibility to society that allows everyone to benefit from the availability of resources and services.
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| Q2 |
If all this gas is going to New York City, how does that help Connecticut? |
| A2 |
Additional gas coming onto the Iroquois system at Brookfield, CT means that new and existing customers in Connecticut may also benefit from access to a new supply source to serve their customers.
Gas which is used to generate electricity in New York City reduces the need to export power from Connecticut, potentially reducing costs to Connecticut residents. |
Project Purpose
| Q1 |
How did this project originate? |
| A1 |
As part of its ongoing marketing activities, Iroquois conducted an open season for additional capacity on its system from September 13, 2006 until October 6, 2006, seeking shipper interest in a potential incremental expansion of its system.
As a result of that open season, Iroquois and KeySpan have negotiated a precedent agreement for 95,000 dekatherms per day of firm capacity for the period commencing November 1, 2008 (Phase 1); an additional 80,000 dekatherms per day of firm capacity commencing January 1, 2009 (Phase 2) and an additional 25,000 dekatherms per day of firm capacity (for a total of 200,000 dekatherms per day) for the period commencing November 1, 2009 (Phase 3.) |
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| Q2 |
What is the purpose of this project? |
| A2 |
To provide 200,000 dekatherms (approximately 200 million cubic feet) per day of natural gas transportation service for KeySpan Energy. Annually, this project could supply the heating needs of approximately 750,000 households; or could displace 11 million barrels of oil and up to 25,000 tons of sulfur emissions produced from oil fired power plants. |
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| Q3 |
Where is the gas coming from to serve this project? |
| A3 |
Iroquois is a transporter of natural gas. The person or entity that has contracted for the gas ("shipper") must find his or her own source for the gas and then arrange to have it delivered into our system. From there we will carry the gas to a delivery point. As Iroquois is part of the interstate natural gas grid, the shipper could bring the gas from either the production basins in the western and southern United States, western Canada, or, in the future, from production points around the world. |
Project Oversight & Regulation
| Q1 |
What pipeline standards, codes, rules, laws, restrictions, regulations, and controls govern pipeline installation and maintenance? |
| A1 |
The primary governing code for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of pipeline facilities is the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 192; Transportation of Natural Gas and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards. This safety regulation will be used in conjunction with many other supplemental codes and standards to ensure a safe and reliable pipeline system. |
Property Value Impact
| Q1 |
Will property values go down? |
| A1 |
Property values in most communities fluctuate in up and down cycles. Studies of properties near or adjacent to natural gas pipelines suggest that their ups and downs are equal to the same fluctuations in value as compared to properties that are located away from or adjacent to natural gas pipelines. On a practical note, during the past 15 years, since our pipeline went into service (1992), property values have seen a sharp increase. Both existing and new homes that have been built alongside our pipeline (often right up to our easement line) have also seen property values increases. |
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| Q2 |
Do I need extra property insurance? |
| A2 |
Pipelines are safe neighbors. During our 15 years of operation, we have yet to hear of any landowner purchasing additional insurance due to his or her proximity to our pipeline. We do know, however, that home-owners who have natural gas service directly to their homes for heating and cooking, pay the same rates as compared to other forms of energy. |
Security
| Q1 |
What security measures does Iroquois have in place? |
| A1 |
Iroquois has security measures in place at its facilities to prevent and/or detect security breeches. We also encourage the public to call us or local law enforcement to report any suspicious activity.
The natural gas industry works very closely with government and stays abreast of new security methods and technologies to ensure the highest levels of security. Iroquois maintains memberships in these industry associations, and we evaluate our security procedures on a regular basis for continual enhancement. |
Newtown
Questions raised at Open House 4/23/07
| Q1 |
What is the proximity of the homes to the new pipeline loop? |
| A1 |
From the existing mainline in Newtown in the vicinity of Canterbury Lane, the Iroquois pipeline (mainline) is 153 & 128 feet from the two closest homes. As the proposed 08-09 Expansion looping will be 25 feet off the mainline, the two closest homes on Canterbury Lane in Newtown are approximately 128 feet and 115 feet from the proposed looping. |
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| Q2 |
How would construction vehicles access the right of way? |
| A2 |
Iroquois will seek access to the ROW via Canterbury Lane, Chambers Road, Stone Bridge Trail, private property or any combination of these entry points. These access points are being reviewed in a Detailed Engineering Analysis and will be provided to the FERC in final Resource Reports in September 2007. |
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| Q3 |
What construction techniques can be used to minimize impacts, i.e. can you go on other side of the pipe? |
| A3 |
Construction techniques are evaluated during Detailed Engineering Design and finalized with the construction contractor. Generally speaking, there are various construction techniques for pipeline construction. One such technique, referred to as "stove-piping," involves the installation of one or two joints of pipe at a time which are carried into place, lowered into the ditch, welded and immediately backfilled.
Utilizing the other side of the pipeline (north/east side) would prevent Iroquois from using property it owns on the south/west side of the pipeline. Moreover, crossing the existing pipeline to accomplish this task can be problematic due to the existing depth of the pipeline, rock/ledge conditions, and undulating land contours. |
Brookfield
Questions raised at Open House 5/1/07
| Q1 |
Does Iroquois pay taxes to the Town and how much Iroquois pay after the facilities are constructed? |
| A1 |
As with any business, Iroquois pays tax on its real estate property and real property tax on its pipeline and facilities. Based on the 2006 assessment, Iroquois paid approximately $85,000 in real property tax for its existing 7.5 miles of pipeline and metering buildings which are assessed at $3.3 M, and $24,216 for its undeveloped property assessed at $986,180.
While the estimated capital costs of the Brookfield Phase I (MarketAccess Project) and Phase II (08/09 Expansion Project) are $25.7M and $19.8M respectfully, it is premature at this point to say how much Iroquois will pay in taxes for the new compressor station since the assessment of real property tax is based on equipment and other project related costs, which have yet to be finalized with the town assessor. |
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| Q2 |
What are the future plans for the Brookfield site? |
| A2 |
At this time, Iroquois is reviewing the option of relocating its Oxford field office and warehouse to the Brookfield site. The timeline for this relocation is being developed. As Iroquois has indicated, market demand is what drives new projects, and the potential for future expansion does exist. However, whenever new projects are being seriously considered, Iroquois initiates a process for public notification. |
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| Q3 |
Will Iroquois hire and pay for independent environmental inspectors for the Town? |
| A3 |
Under the implementation plan filed with the FERC for the MarketAccess Project, Iroquois is obligated to pay for third party inspectors selected by the FERC to monitor the project. A similar requirement is anticipated to be imposed for the 08/09 Expansion. |
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| Q4 |
What is the status of the evacuation plan? |
| A4 |
It is the responsibility of all towns and cities to have an emergency response plan filed with the State Emergency Response Commission. This plan is developed and updated by the municipality. Iroquois is working with Town officials to develop a Communications Plan, regarding the operation of the Compressor Station, that will be integrated into the Town’s Emergency Response Plan. Iroquois has offered a grant to assist the Town in updating their Plan as it regards Iroquois’ facility. |
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| Q5 |
Where is the gas coming from? |
| A5 |
Iroquois is a transporter of natural gas. The person or entity that has contracted for the gas ("shipper") must find his or her own source for the gas and then arrange to have it delivered into our system. From there we will carry the gas to a delivery point. As Iroquois is part of the interstate natural gas grid, the shipper could bring the gas from either the production basins in the western and southern United States, western Canada, or, in the future, from production points around the world. |
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| Q6 |
Can one large compressor be used rather than two smaller ones? |
| A6 |
The MarketAccess Project, the first compressor to be constructed in 2008, has already received a FERC certificate and Iroquois’ has a contractual obligation to provide service to ConEdison by November 2008. The size of the compressor was indicated by the volumes needed for this project. Projects are only granted approval for what is needed.
The 08/09 Expansion Project, is a proposed project that has just begun the FERC application process. Again, the size of the compressor is determined by the volumes needed to transport. Since the existing compressor is too small to serve both projects, a second unit needs to be added for service to KeySpan by November 2009. |
Milford
Questions raised at Open House 5/3/07
| Q1 |
What is the anticipated noise level that will be generated from Iroquois' proposed Oronoque Road Compressor Station? In particular, in 1/10 of a mile increments. |
| A1 |
The following theoretical noise values were calculated based on past experience and Iroquois' anticipated design:
| Distance |
Leg Sound Level (dB(A)) |
| 1/10 mile |
56 |
| 2/10 mile |
50 |
| 3/10 mile |
47 |
| 4/10 mile |
44 |
| 5/10 mile |
42 |
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| Q2 |
Will the noise from the proposed Oronoque Road Compressor Station be intermittent or constant? |
| A2 |
Keyspan Energy’s requirements will determine how frequently this compressor will operate.. Economics, market conditions, weather and natural gas demands & supplies will all play a role in determining how Keyspan will utilize the energy. |
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| Q3 |
What is the safety record for compressor stations like this on a country wide basis and in your own company's experience? |
| A3 |
The transportation of natural gas via interstate pipelines and compressors has one of the best safety records in the transportation industry. During Iroquois’ 15+ years of operation, our compressor stations have had an excellent safety record with zero reportable incidents. Iroquois prides itself on this fact and our employees that help operate and maintain our natural gas pipeline. |
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| Q4 |
How old is Iroquois' pipeline that goes through Milford? What is the pipeline's life expectancy? |
| A4 |
Construction of the Iroquois pipeline began in 1989 and the line was put into service in 1991. It has been in operation for over 15 years. With Iroquois' maintenance and integrity maintenance plans, coupled with today's technology, the theoretical physical life of the pipeline can be expected to be virtually indefinite. |
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| Q5 |
Does Iroquois pay taxes to the City and how much Iroquois pay after the facilities are constructed? |
| A5 |
As with any business, Iroquois pays tax on its real estate property and real property tax on its pipeline and facilities. Based on the 2006 assessment, Iroquois paid approximately $131,000 in real property tax on its existing 6.9 miles of pipeline and metering buildings which are assessed at $3.8 M, and $12,791 in real estate property tax on property assessed at $372,260.
While the estimated capital costs of the Milford Compressor Station (08/09 Expansion Project) are $37.5M, it is premature at this point to say how much Iroquois will pay in taxes for the new compressor station since the assessment of real property tax is based on equipment and other project related costs, which have yet to be finalized with the city assessor. |
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| Topics of Interest |
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 08/09 Expansion Project
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