Frequently Asked Questions

What is an interstate natural gas transmission pipeline?
An interstate natural gas transmission pipeline is used to transport large volumes of natural gas through various states over long distances to major markets where it is used to heat homes and businesses or generate electricity.

Why is this project necessary?
Demand for natural gas continues to increase significantly in the northeastern United States. Algonquin is seeking to expand its existing facilities to help meet the growing demand and transport new supplies of natural gas to markets in the region. The Ramapo Expansion Project (“Project”) will allow Algonquin to transport approximately 325,000 Dth/day of additional natural gas to help meet this growing demand. The Project will also provide additional energy reliability and flexibility by efficiently transporting new supplies of natural gas.

What new facilities are being proposed?
Algonquin proposes the following facilities for the Project:

• Replace approximately 4.8 miles of existing 26-inch diameter pipeline with 42-inch diameter pipe in Ramapo and Haverstraw, New York;
• Install one new Compressor Station at Oxford, Connecticut;
• Install additional compression at three existing Compressor Stations in Hanover, New Jersey, Stony Point, New York, and Southeast, New York; and
• Modify piping and other facilities at an existing meter station in Ramapo, New York and rebuild a meter station in Brookfield, Connecticut.

The locations of these facilities are shown on USGS Topographic maps and recent aerial photographs on display at this Open House.

Who determines the need for the Project?
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) is the exclusive governing body for interstate natural gas pipelines in the United States. Algonquin owns and operates an interstate natural gas pipeline system in the northeast region. Algonquin is currently preparing to submit an application for the Project to the FERC for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. In its application, Algonquin must demonstrate the need for natural gas transportation services. After reviewing the application, the FERC will make its final determination regarding the need for the Project balanced with the environmental impacts of the proposed facilities.

How are the final facilities and locations determined?
The FERC ultimately determines the final configuration of the Project. However, the Project is only finalized after a comprehensive evaluation of the issues and concerns identified by federal and state agencies, municipalities, stakeholders, and landowners. For this Project, the FERC has approved the use of a pre-application filing process called the “FERC Pre-filing Process.” The FERC Pre-Filing Process provides opportunities for stakeholders to identify and resolve concerns early in the project review prior to the formal approval process. During this time, Algonquin will request input from landowners, governmental agencies and other interested parties, and will work with them and FERC to address any issues. FERC will also issue a scoping period in which to collect public comments and concerns. Use of the FERC Pre-filing Process requires pre-application contact with the stakeholders for a given project. This early contact between Algonquin, federal and state agencies, municipalities, stakeholders, and area landowners assists Algonquin in identifying key concerns of all parties regarding the Project.

Algonquin has distributed notice and information concerning the Project and is currently meeting with state and local government and agencies, as well the public at open houses in those communities affected by the Project.

After collecting the necessary information through the FERC Pre-filing Process, Algonquin will then file its formal application with the FERC for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity in the spring 2006. As part of the application, Resource Reports will detail Algonquin’s proposed facilities. Environmental, cultural resource and land use impacts, as well as alternative routes considered by Algonquin during the FERC Pre-filing Process will be described in Resource Reports that will comprise an applicant prepared Environmental Assessment. Copies of application materials will be on file for public review in the affected municipalities at libraries and other convenient area locations. The application material will also be available on the FERC’s Web site, http://www.ferc.gov.

During its review of the application, the FERC will seek additional public input on the proposed route, alternatives and overall environmental impacts of the Project. In accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”), the FERC will issue a notice of its intent to conduct an environmental review of the application, and in doing so, solicit additional comments from interested parties and stakeholders.

The FERC environmental staff will then issue a draft Environmental Assessment that will be available for review by all interested persons. During the public comment period, agencies, stakeholders, landowners, and other interested parties will have another opportunity to provide comments about the Project to the FERC. The FERC environmental staff will subsequently issue an Environmental Assessment that addresses the comments and any additional information received. (FERC has decided to combine this environmental assessment with associated pipeline projects currently under review and will therefore consider it a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (“SEIS”)) The SEIS will make recommendations to the FERC Commissioners about the Project concerning the environmental, cultural resource, and landowner impacts, where it should be located, how it should be constructed and under what conditions.

After receiving all the information about the Project that has been collected through the application and NEPA review process, the FERC Commissioners will make a decision whether the Project is needed, the final configuration of facilities and how it will be constructed. Therefore, Algonquin encourages everyone interested in the Project to participate in both the FERC Pre-Filing and formal FERC application processes.

What does a Compressor Station do?
A Compressor Station is similar to a pumping station on a water line. It provides the pressure necessary to move natural gas through the pipeline. Compressor Stations are located at strategic points along the pipeline to pull the natural gas from the upstream pipeline and push it out to the downstream pipeline under higher pressure and greater speed.

Will the Compressor Station generate noise or air emissions?
Yes. Potential noise and air impacts of the Compressor Station modifications will need to be considered during the design and construction of the facilities. The FERC has established guidelines that limit the sound level attributable to a compressor station at the nearest noise sensitive location such closest to the Compressor Station property boundary. Algonquin will conduct a noise survey at each Compressor Station site to identify any noise sensitive locations and characterize the existing noise environment in the vicinity of the Compressor Stations. This baseline survey will be used to estimate the sound contribution of the new or modified stations at noise sensitive locations. During detailed station design, Algonquin will include evaluation of noise mitigation measures, as required.

An analysis will also be conducted by Algonquin to assess potential impacts of each Compressor Station on air quality. The FERC requires compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards as set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Many states have adopted these air quality standards or even more stringent standards. During detailed station design, Algonquin will need to demonstrate compliance with applicable federal and state air quality standards. The proposed modifications may include replacement of older equipment at each Compressor Station with new, more efficient components that have lower overall emission rates. The major equipment proposed for each Compressor Station is described in materials on display at this Open House.

What is a Meter and Regulator Station?
A Meter and Regulator Station measures and regulates the flow of gas at a delivery interconnection of Algonquin’s pipeline system with a customer’s pipeline system. The Meter and Regulator Station measures the volume of gas that flows through the interconnection and adjusts the pressure of the gas to match the characteristics of the customer’s system.

What is the process for construction of the pipeline?
For this Project, Algonquin proposes to replace an approximately 4.8 mile section of existing 26-inch diameter pipeline with a 42-inch diameter pipeline. Prior to the start of any construction activities, Algonquin will isolate the section of pipeline to be replaced and remove any remaining gas from the pipeline section. Once this is complete, construction will begin. The removal of the existing pipeline and installation of the new pipeline will follow these steps:

• Survey and mark the route and work area;
• Survey the centerline of the existing 26-inch diameter pipeline and an adjacent 30-inch diameter pipeline;
• Removal of vegetation within the work area that impedes construction activities;
• Install erosion control devices;
• Provide additional protection for the existing adjacent 30-inch diameter pipeline within the same ROW;
• Excavate the existing 26-inch diameter pipeline, cut it into manageable sections and transport from the right of way;
• Place the new 42-inch diameter pipe joints, approximately 40 feet long, along the right-of-way;
• Bend the new pipe joints, as needed, to follow the pipeline route and contours of the terrain;
• Weld the new pipe together;
• Visually inspect then x-ray the weld area to verify the integrity of the weld;
• Coat the weld area with an approved coating to provide corrosion protection and a waterproof seal;
• Place the new pipe section in the trench, tie in to the previously laid section and backfill;
• Conduct hydrostatic testing to ensure the integrity of the new pipeline;
• Restore the grade of the work area to its previous contours; and
• Conduct final clean up, restoration and seeding.

Special considerations are given to road crossings, stream crossings and sensitive environmental sites and site specific construction plans are required for residential areas with homes within 50 feet of the right-of-way.

All municipalities will receive proper notification prior to the start of construction activity.

What is the width of the corridor needed during the construction period? When completed, how much of the corridor becomes permanent?
The Project will replace a section of an existing pipeline. Therefore, Algonquin anticipates that the construction Right of Way (“ROW”) will overlap the existing ROW and that only minimal new permanent ROW will be required in specific areas. In general, the width of the construction right-of-way is comprised of 25 feet of temporary workspace and 75 feet of permanent easement. Most of the major construction activity will take place within the permanent easement. Additional temporary workspace will be necessary in certain areas where existing physical geographical features or construction techniques necessitate the movement of greater quantities of earth to create a safe working area. Some of the typical areas where additional temporary workspace is needed to support pipeline construction are in agricultural areas to accommodate the separation of top soil, at road crossings, at stream crossings and in wetland areas, or where the ground topography is steep and/or sloping. Additional temporary workspace is also necessary at other strategic areas, such as access roads, to allow for the turning radius of trucks and equipment entering the ROW and staging of materials and equipment to work in more sensitive areas. Typical construction ROW widths and workspace requirements are included in drawings on display at this Open House

What is done to protect wetlands in the pipeline construction corridor?
Algonquin will comply with federal and state regulations that apply to wetland areas. Permits to install the pipeline through wetlands will have to be obtained from the FERC, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and all the applicable state and/or regional agencies. Algonquin will attempt to minimize or avoid wetland areas to the extent feasible through the routing phases of the Project. In some instances minor route adjustments are considered to avoid particularly sensitive wetlands.

The FERC has prepared Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures that are designed to minimize wetland and waterbody impacts, and Algonquin must construct its facilities in accordance with these procedures. Algonquin will prepare a detailed soil erosion and sediment control plan that incorporates the FERC procedures and applicable State and local requirements that will address construction procedures through wetlands and identify specific erosion control devices that will be utilized during construction. All wetlands along the route are field delineated by qualified wetland ecologists. The locations of the wetlands are surveyed and plotted on to alignment sheets that are used during pipeline design and permitting. Wetland delineation for the pipeline portion of the Project is approximately 90% complete; wetlands delineated to date are indicated on the drawings at this Open House.

How do you put the pipeline through rivers and creeks?
Generally, water body crossings may be conducted with one of the following methods:

• Open Cut - Pipeline is trenched and installed through existing stream under strict time limitations. Sometimes used at low flow/low quality stream crossings. Algonquin does not anticipate use of this method on the Project.
• Dam & Flume - water flow is temporarily diverted into a flume pipe prior to trenching and installation of the pipe. Excavation and installation of the crossing is performed under the flume pipe(s).
• Dam & Pump - water flow is temporarily diverted around the pipeline crossing by one or more water pumps. Excavation and installation of the crossing is performed is performed through the “dry” streambed.

How will the aboveground facilities be constructed?
Modifications at Existing Stations - Construction activities will include installation of new buildings to enclose proposed facilities at two of the stations and removal and replacement of existing turbine-compressors in the same building at the remaining station. No expansions of station property lines are proposed. The majority of construction activities will occur within the existing station sites. Most construction activities will be similar to those at other commercial construction sites. An Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan shall be developed and implemented at each site. Limited clearing and grading will be performed for new facilities and workspaces. Where required, new foundations will be poured and the new equipment and buildings will be installed. New gas piping, conduit and electrical systems, and other utility piping will be integrated into existing station systems. As with pipeline installation, all welded gas piping will be radiographically inspected and pressure tested prior to activation. All Station control systems, including the Emergency Shut-Down System, will be thoroughly tested prior to operation of the new units. As work is completed in an area of the site, the adjoining workspaces will be cleaned up and restored. Drawings of the existing Compressor Station sites and proposed the modifications are on display at this Open House.

New Compressor Station at Oxford, Connecticut - The proposed site of the new Oxford Compressor Station is located north of Airport Road, east of State Route 188. The construction site consists mostly of an overgrown field with some mature trees in the area. Construction procedures at this site will be similar to those outlined above however the amount of site preparation work required will be much greater. An Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan shall be developed and implemented at this site as well. The first priority will be to install a new access road to the location off of the main roadway. Algonquin will work with road officials to establish a safe, effective entrance drive. Next, the proposed work area will be cleared and graded to prepare a safe, level work site. The proposed building locations will be laid out and new foundations will be poured. Four buildings are proposed: an office building, the main turbine-compressor building, a control building and a garage/storage building. During this same period, work will begin on installation of the gas piping to tie in to the existing Algonquin pipelines that traverse the southern part of the property. Work on interior station roads, installation of new utility connections and other miscellaneous piping systems will be performed as work on the buildings progresses. The three turbine compressors will be set and the various piping, instrumentation and control systems will be connected to them. As with pipeline installation, all welded gas piping will be radiographically inspected and pressure tested prior to activation. Final connection to the Algonquin pipelines will not be made until all affected systems are ready for gas service. All Station control systems, including the Emergency Shut-Down System, will be thoroughly tested prior to operation of the new units. As work is completed in an area of the site, the adjoining workspaces will be cleaned up and restored. Station roads will be paved and security fencing will be completed.

Meter and Regulator Station Work - This work will consist of rebuilding one existing station and modifications at another existing station. The work to be performed at these locations will be similar to that described above for the existing Compressor Stations but with a greatly reduced scope. Some clearing and grading may be necessary at each location. Prefabricated structures may be used to house sensitive metering and instrumentation equipment. Alterations will be made to the piping configurations as well as equipment changes or additions. The construction process will generally follow the procedures outlined above with the same emphasis on safety and protection of the environment.

Will the pipeline facilities be safe?
Public safety is Algonquin’s top priority. According to the National Transportation Safety Board statistics, the interstate natural gas pipeline system is the safest energy delivery system in the nation. Interstate pipelines and associated facilities are designed, governed, constructed, and operated to meet or exceed the safety requirements exclusively governed by the United States Department of Transportation (“USDOT”). Algonquin strictly adheres to these USDOT requirements when constructing and operating its pipelines. Algonquin has safely operated its facilities in the states of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut since 1952.

The pipeline is built of high-strength carbon steel that is coated with corrosion resistant, non-conductive, inert material. During construction, each joint of the pipeline is welded and each joint is x-rayed to verify its integrity. The pipeline is cathodically protected after the pipe is placed in the ground. Cathodic protection is the process of applying a safe, low volt direct current to all surfaces of the pipeline to protect it from the effects of corrosion. Additionally, the pipeline is hydrostatically tested at high pressure to ensure its structural integrity prior to being placed into service. During the hydrostatic testing, the pipeline is filled with water and pressurized to a pressure that is higher than the maximum allowable operating pressure. That pressure is held for no less than 8 hours to confirm the integrity of the pipeline.

The pipe is then buried with a minimum three feet of cover. A 2’ wide yellow warning tape will be installed directly over the pipe within the backfill between 1’ above the pipe and 1’ below the grade. This tape has the following warning:

"Warning Stop Digging High Pressure Gas Pipeline Algonquin Gas Transmission Co. Call 1-800-726-8383"

The surface over the pipe is restored to its pre-existing condition, and Algonquin then installs above ground markers to indicate the location of the buried pipeline. These markers, required by USDOT regulations, are placed in line-of-sight intervals as the buried pipeline crosses private and public property and are also installed at each and every road and railroad crossing. Markers are designed to enhance public safety and alert anyone planning any excavation of the location of the pipeline in a particular area. The markers contain a decal which indicates Algonquin’s name and the telephone number for assistance.

An important key to public safety is leak protection and detection. Algonquin operating personnel regularly perform visual inspections of their pipeline to identify potential problems. These inspections are done on foot, by vehicle and air. Aerial inspections of the entire pipeline are done at least twice a week, weather permitting. The rights-of-way are routinely viewed by vehicles at road crossings.

Algonquin is an active member and advocate of the One Call System programs in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and other states. Through these One Call System programs, Algonquin is informed of planned excavations, which allows us to monitor activities around the right-of-way to protect the pipeline.

Once the pipeline is in service, the Algonquin Gas Control Center electronically monitors the operations of the Algonquin pipeline system. The Gas Control Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and uses a state of the art computerized gas monitoring system to read pressures along the pipeline on a continuous basis every 60 seconds or less.

How do you respond to emergencies?
Algonquin has established liaisons (a public liaison program is another USDOT requirement) with state and municipal public safety officials to provide them with emergency response information and training. Mock emergency drills are conducted periodically to prepare operators, personnel and community emergency services. An Emergency Response Plan will be prepared for any new facilities and will include the names and telephone numbers of agencies, municipal officials, and persons to be contacted in the event of an emergency.

In the unlikely event of a pipeline leak, Algonquin personnel will act in accordance with the Emergency Response Plan, notifying and working with appropriate public safety officials. Algonquin will be responsible for controlling the flow of the natural gas and repairing any damage to the pipeline. That flow can be isolated by activating remote control valves located along the pipeline and by repairing any damage to the pipeline. Public safety officials working with Algonquin personnel would be responsible for the public safety effort and for ensuring a safe and secure area.

In the event of a gas leak, how will the remote control valves work?
Algonquin plans to install remote control capability on the valves on the Project pipeline. With the remote operating capability, the Gas Control Center continuously monitors conditions on the pipeline and can immediately begin a safe shutdown and isolation of a section of pipeline in the event of an emergency. As stated previously in the answer above, Algonquin operating personnel will respond as soon as possible in coordination with local public safety officials.

How much pressure will be in this proposed line?
It is planned that the pipeline design pressure will be for a Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (“MAOP”) of 850 psig.

Will we be notified when the initial gas is turned on? How far in advance?
Algonquin will notify adjacent landowners along the pipeline route, in writing, approximately one week prior to natural gas being introduced to the pipeline. In addition, Algonquin will notify local governments and public safety officials when natural gas will be introduced into the line.

Does the gas in this line have an odor so that a leak can be detected by smell?
Yes, a commercially available, non-toxic odorant is added at an upstream location to give the gas its distinctive odor.

When does the company plan to start construction?
Following the filing of the appropriate application and the issuance of the approvals, at this time we plan on starting construction in spring 2007 and completing construction in fall 2008. Most activities associated with the pipeline installation in a specific area should be complete in 4 to 6 weeks as the various crews perform their tasks during the assembly.

Who should I call with questions about the project?
If you have any questions, please call Algonquin’s Right-of-Way Department at the toll free number, 1-866-873-2579.