Due to a slow regulatory process, a decision on Williams Companies鶹ýӳ US$2.59 billion 177 mile Atlantic Sunrise pipeline expansion project of its Transco portion is likely to be delayed. Williams wish to construct the 42 in. pipeline through its 36.5 mile portion of the route through Lancaster County.
The entire 177 mile pipeline would transport natural gas from the Marcellus Shale in northeastern Pennsylvania to the Eastern Seaboard markets and for shipment overseas.
Originally, Williams intended to begin construction on the pipeline in July 2016, though this seems unlikely due to delays.
After 60 route changes and over 1000 public comments, Williams filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulation Commission (FERC). At present, FERC is reviewing the impact statement of the proposed route.
Chris Stockton, a Williams Spokesman, stated: 鶹ýӳHopefully in March we鶹ýӳll see [the impact statement released].鶹ýӳ
Once the draft environmental impact statement is release, public meetings shall be held in order to attain information for the final version of the statement 鶹ýӳ this usually gets released approximately six months later.
Stockton continued: 鶹ýӳAfter [the final statement is released], the commission makes its decision. We鶹ýӳre still optimistic FERC will make its decision this year, hopefully as early as this summer. FERC鶹ýӳs review is extremely comprehensive. This is a large project, so it takes time for the agency to analyse and evaluate all of the various environmental issues.鶹ýӳ
FERC Spokeswoman Tamara Young-Allen, explained that the FERC are not sure when they shall act on the pipeline, stating: 鶹ýӳIt really depends on the work load. They take their time before issuing an order. The commission staff reads the comments, and a section of the upcoming environmental impact statement will address the issues raised. Quantity is not as important as quality. The issues that are raised will be the issues that will be addressed, not if there are 50 000 letters saying I don鶹ýӳt want this in my backyard.鶹ýӳ
For example, Philip R. Wenger, the conservancy鶹ýӳs new CEO, asked the FERC to deliberate over the farmland and forestland within Lancaster Country, which "make us different from many communities."
Attorney Erik Jaffe believes the FERC should review the report: 鶹ýӳBeyond Food: The Environmental Benefits of Agriculture in Lancaster County.鶹ýӳ The FERC would then be able to determine whether or not the preserved 103 000 acres at between US$17.5 鶹ýӳ 114 billion would 鶹ýӳdetermine whether the proposed routing, or indeed, the project as a whole, makes economic sense and satisfies any reasonable cost-benefit analysis.鶹ýӳ
Edited from various sources by
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