5400 Westheimer Court Houston, TX 77056-5310 713.627.5400 main Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1642 Houston, TX 77251-1642 December 16, 2016 Ms. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20426 Re: Monthly Progress Report Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC Access Northeast Project - Docket No. PF16-1-000 Dear Ms. Bose: On November 17, 2015, the Director of the Office of Energy Projects issued a letter in the above-referenced docket approving the request of Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC (“Algonquin”) to commence the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (“Commission”) Pre-Filing Review Process for its proposed Access Northeast Project (“Project”). Pursuant to Section 157.21(f)(6) of the Commission’s regulations, 1 Algonquin herewith submits its monthly progress report for the Project for the period October 1, 2016 through October 31, 2016. Should you have any questions regarding this filing, please contact the undersigned at (713) 627-4515 or Chris Harvey, Director, Rates & Certificates at (713) 627-5113. /s/ Leanne Sidorkewicz Leanne Sidorkewicz Project Director, Rates & Certificates Attachments cc: John Peconom (FERC) Harry Jeudy (FERC) 1 18 C.F.R. § 157.21(f)(6) (2016).
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Access Northeast Pipeline Project - Dec 2016 Update
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On November 17, 2015, the Director of the Office of Energy Projects issued a letter in the above-referenced docket approving the request of Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC (“Algonquin”) to commence the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (“Commission”) Pre-Filing Review Process for its proposed Access Northeast Project (“Project”). Pursuant to Section 157.21(f)(6) of the Commission’s regulations,1 Algonquin herewith submits its monthly progress report for the Project for the period October 1, 2016 through October 31, 2016.
Should you have any questions regarding this filing, please contact the undersigned at (713) 627-4515 or Chris Harvey, Director, Rates & Certificates at (713) 627-5113.
/s/ Leanne Sidorkewicz Leanne Sidorkewicz
Project Director, Rates & Certificates Attachments cc: John Peconom (FERC)
By letter order dated November 17, 2015, Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC (“Algonquin”) was granted approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) to utilize FERC’s Pre-Filing Review Process for the Access Northeast Project (the “Project”) with facilities proposed in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The Project has been assigned Docket No. PF16-1-000. This Monthly Progress Report provides a brief summary of significant Project activities or changes to Project facilities that have occurred from October 1, 2016 to October 31, 2016. Activities and milestones covered in this report associated with the FERC Pre-Filing Review Process, landowner survey permission, field surveys, agency and stakeholder outreach are also provided below. 1.0 FERC NEPA REVIEW Algonquin is continuing its comprehensive analysis of the Access Northeast Project and remains fully committed to providing a regional solution for more reliable and affordable energy service for the benefit of New England’s consumers and to meet each state's energy and environmental goals and policies. The Independent System Operator for New England (ISO-New England) who is responsible for operating the electric grid frequently reiterates that pipeline capacity within the New England region is a major concern, stating that “ultimately, improving the natural-gas delivery infrastructure in New England… will have the most impact on addressing the reliability, price volatility, and negative emission impacts during winter.” [1] Additionally, Gordon van Welie, President and CEO of ISO-NE, recently commented that New England’s power generation situation is precarious during the winter time, ISO-NE is concerned that beyond 2019 it may become unsustainable during extreme cold conditions. [2] Algonquin believes it is prudent to take additional time to solidify the commercial foundation for critically needed infrastructure and to complete its analysis of the Access Northeast facilities. As such, Algonquin expects limited activity on the FERC docket while this evaluation is ongoing. Algonquin will re-engage with FERC Staff, agencies and other interested stakeholders through pre-filing activities during the first half of 2017. Algonquin anticipates filing draft Resource Reports by mid-2017 followed by the FERC Application in late 2017. Algonquin appreciates the diligent work that has been accomplished to date on the project through the FERC pre-filing process by the FERC Staff, agencies and other interested stakeholders. Algonquin will resume providing updates in the monthly progress reports in 2017 as the Project advances.
[1] ISO New England 2016 Regional Electricity Outlook (available at: https://www.iso-ne.com/static-assets/documents/2016/03/2016_reo.pdf) [2] New England Council Regional Energy Meeting Presentation Sept. 28, 2016 (available at: https://www.iso-ne.com/static-assets/documents/2016/09/gvw__nec_9_28_2016.pdf)
2.0 PROJECT ROUTING AND FACILITIES Algonquin continues to conduct an evaluation of the proposed routes and new above-ground facilities. In addition, Algonquin will continue to coordinate with stakeholders with respect to developing appropriate route variations and will provide the FERC with any alignment revisions as they are developed. 3.0 LANDOWNER SURVEY PERMISSION Table 3.1 summarizes the status of landowner survey permission for the Access Northeast Project. Aboveground facilities that are owned in fee by Algonquin are not included in the table below.
Table 3.1: Status of Survey Permission for the Access Northeast Project
Facility Survey Permission Granted (%)
Pipeline Facilities Hanover 42-inch Take-up and Relay 95 Stony Point 42-inch Take-up and Relay 75 Southeast 42-inch Take-up and Relay 89 Oxford 42-inch Take-up and Relay 93 Cromwell 36-inch Loop 81 Chaplin 36-inch Loop 88 Q-1 30-inch Loop 76 I-8 30-inch Loop 75 West Boylston 16-inch Lateral 83 Acushnet 24-inch Connector 34
New Aboveground Facilities Rehoboth Compressor Station 100 West Boylston M&R Station 100 Acushnet M&R Station 100 Access Northeast LNG Facility 100
4.0 FIELD SURVEYS A summary of the field survey status is presented below.
4.1.1 Civil Surveys Algonquin has completed approximately 92 percent of the centerline survey for the Project pipelines. No detailed pipeline or aboveground pipeline facility survey has been completed at this time. Algonquin is in the process of obtaining survey permission for the remaining parcels that have not yet been surveyed.
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4.1.2 Biological Field Surveys and Consultations Algonquin has concluded its wetland and waterbody field survey efforts for 2016 for the Access Northeast Project. The wetland and waterbody field surveys for the Project commenced in August 2015 and are now complete for all properties where landowner access has been obtained. Overall, approximately 113 miles of the 123 total miles (92 percent) associated with the Project have been surveyed. Wetland Delineation Survey Status
• Hanover 42-inch Take-up and Relay (Ramapo), NY – 100 percent complete. • Stony Point 42-inch Take-up and Relay (Somers to Southeast), NY – 87 percent
complete. • Southeast 42-inch Take-up and Relay (Danbury to Oxford), CT – 95 percent complete. • Oxford 42-inch Take-up and Relay (Oxford to Cheshire), CT – 98 percent complete. • Cromwell 36-inch Loop (Rocky Hill to Andover), CT – 100 percent complete. • Chaplin 36-inch Loop (Eastford to Pomfret), CT – 100 percent complete. • Q-1 30-inch Loop (Medway to Canton), MA – 88 percent complete. • I-8 30-inch Loop (Braintree to Weymouth), MA – 86 percent complete. • West Boylston 16-inch Lateral (Medway to West Boylston), MA – 87 percent complete. • Acushnet 24-inch Connector (Freetown to Acushnet), MA – 96 percent complete. • Access Northeast LNG Facility – 100 percent complete. • Other Aboveground Facilities – 100 percent complete.
4.1.3 Cultural Resource Field Surveys and Consultations
The cultural resource identification field surveys for the Project (including informal communication with Indian tribes), archaeological identification survey, and historic architectural properties identification survey, is largely complete where landowner access has been obtained. The cultural resource field surveys for the Project commenced in August 2015 and were completed in October 2016 where landowner access has been obtained. Archaeological evaluation (Phase II) fieldwork, for known sites potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, commenced in August 2016 and was performed through October 2016 on select sites in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Cultural resource field activities are currently on hold and will resume when Algonquin determines a path forward for the Access Northeast Project. A summary of stakeholder communications is included in Appendix A. Cultural Resource Identification (Phase I) Surveys
• Hanover 42-inch Take-up and Relay (Ramapo), NY – 100 percent complete. • Stony Point 42-inch Take-up and Relay (Somers to Southeast), NY – 69 percent complete. • Southeast 42-inch Take-up and Relay (Danbury to Oxford), CT – 92 percent complete. • Oxford 42-inch Take-up and Relay (Oxford to Cheshire), CT – 97 percent complete. • Cromwell 36-inch Loop (Rocky Hill to Andover), CT – 99 percent complete. • Chaplin 36-inch Loop (Eastford to Pomfret), CT – 98 percent complete. • Q-1 30-inch Loop (Medway to Canton), MA – 99 percent complete.
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• I-8 30-inch Loop (Braintree to Weymouth), MA – 76 percent complete. • West Boylston 16-inch Lateral (Medway to West Boylston), MA – 85 percent complete. • Acushnet 24-inch Connector (Freetown to Acushnet), MA – 41 percent complete. • Access Northeast LNG Facility – 100 percent complete. • Other Aboveground Facilities – 99 percent complete.
• Hanover 42-inch Take-up and Relay (Ramapo), NY – 100 percent complete. • Stony Point 42-inch Take-up and Relay (Somers to Southeast), NY – 50 percent complete. • Southeast 42-inch Take-up and Relay (Danbury to Oxford), CT – 22 percent complete. • Oxford 42-inch Take-up and Relay (Oxford to Cheshire), CT – 0 percent complete. • Cromwell 36-inch Loop (Rocky Hill to Andover), CT – 0 percent complete. • Chaplin 36-inch Loop (Eastford to Pomfret), CT – 0 percent complete. • Q-1 30-inch Loop (Medway to Canton), MA – 45 percent complete. • I-8 30-inch Loop (Braintree to Weymouth), MA – TBD. • West Boylston 16-inch Lateral (Medway to West Boylston), MA – 0 percent complete. • Acushnet 24-inch Connector (Freetown to Acushnet), MA – 0 percent complete. • Access Northeast LNG Facility – 100 percent complete. • Other Aboveground Facilities – 100 percent complete.
4.1.4 Geotechnical Surveys
Horizontal Directional Drilling Evaluation Algonquin is currently collecting geotechnical borings to document existing subsurface conditions and bedrock properties along 15 proposed HDD alignments currently under consideration. Table 3.2 below provides the status of the geotechnical boring investigations at each location.
Table 3.2: Status of HDD Geotechnical Boring Investigation
State, Facility, HDD Name County Municipality Borings Proposed
Borings Complete
% Complete
NEW YORK Stony Point 42-inch Take-up and Relay
East Branch Croton River Putnam Southeast 3 3 100 CONNECTICUT Southeast 42-inch Take-up and Relay
Route 7 Fairfield Danbury 5 5 100 Housatonic River Fairfield/ New
TOTAL: 55 14 25 Geotechnical reports and HDD feasibility analyses will be developed once the geotechnical data has been collected and analyzed. Access Northeast LNG Facility FEED level geotechnical and seismic studies have been completed for the proposed LNG facility site in Acushnet, Massachusetts. The results of these studies are discussed in Algonquin’s Pre-Filing Draft Resource Report 13, which was submitted to the FERC on May 31, 2016. Ongoing plot plan optimization efforts will likely result in modifications to the site plan arrangement for the LNG Facility. Such modifications may result in a need for additional geotechnical data to complete the FEED efforts and to finalize Resource Report 13. Algonquin is working with its contractors at this time to determine any additional geotechnical investigations at the LNG Facility site and will consult further with FERC and other participating agencies, as appropriate, prior to executing such investigations. Other Access Northeast Project Aboveground Facilities
Algonquin is currently preparing a geotechnical survey plan to document existing subsurface conditions and bedrock properties at Project compressor and meter station facilities. As the plans for these facilities are developed, an assessment as to the geotechnical surveys required at each location will be developed and progress will be summarized in future monthly reports.
4.1.5 Rare, Threatened & Endangered Species Surveys Algonquin has initiated informal consultations with federal and state resource agencies to identify the known locations of federal- or state-listed threatened or endangered species and species of special concern that could potentially be affected by construction or operation of the Project. Algonquin is consulting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New York State Department of
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Environmental Conservation, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and State Natural Heritage Programs regarding the presence of protected animal and plant species, and their habitats. Algonquin has initiated field surveys for rare, threatened, and endangered species as follows. Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Survey Status
Several potential vernal pools have been identified that will require surveys in April/May of 2017. The remaining wetlands where bog turtle Phase 1 and 2 surveys are required are currently located on parcels with no access permission. 5.0 STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH Algonquin has been meeting with governmental stakeholders since June 2015 after the Access Northeast Project Open Season was announced and before Algonquin commenced landowner notifications in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts in August 2015. Algonquin has been interacting with and informing the public and receiving feedback on the Project through public meetings, landowner informational meetings, one-on-one discussions, written materials and other means of communication. The following meetings were held during the period covered by this report: (October 2016): Connecticut
• October 11, 2016 - Richard Kehoe, District Director to U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.
Massachusetts • October 4, 2016 – Grafton, MA Conservation Commission – Request for Determination
of Applicability hearing to conduct geotechnical investigation.
• October 18, 2016 – Shrewsbury, MA Conservation Commission – Request for Determination of Applicability hearing to conduct geotechnical investigation.
No meetings are currently scheduled or anticipated to occur in the next reporting period (November 2016).
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Algonquin continues to work with stakeholders, including landowners, government agencies and community leaders to refine the Access Northeast Project. 6.0 AGENCY CONTACTS In addition to stakeholder outreach efforts with landowners and public officials, Algonquin has been consulting with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies. Algonquin began contacting federal and state regulatory agencies in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts in July 2015 to discuss the relevant permitting requirements for the Project. Since that time, Algonquin has continued its outreach efforts with the key permitting agencies. The consultations involve briefings, meetings, letter requests for resource information, telephone discussions, and emails. In recognition of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”) process for review of design spill criteria associated with a proposed FERC-jurisdictional LNG facility, Algonquin also has initiated consultation with the PHMSA regarding the Access Northeast LNG Facility. During the period covered by this report the following meeting was held with agencies in the Project area:
• October 4, 2016 – Grafton, MA Conservation Commission. The following meeting is currently scheduled or anticipated to occur in the next reporting period (November 2016):
• November 15, 2016 – Shrewsbury, MA Conservation Commission. An updated Non-Landowners Federal, State, and Local Agency Contacts table is provided as Attachment A.
ATTACHMENT A
Access Northeast Project Stakeholder List – Non-Landowners Federal, State, and Local Agency Contacts
December 12, 2016
ATTACHMENT A: Access Northeast Project Stakeholder List – Non-Landowners Federal, State, and Local Agency Contacts
Jacob K. Javits Federal Building 26 Federal Plaza, Room 2109 New York, NY 10278-0090
September 2015- Initial notification call. To be coordinated with NE Division meeting. No letter submitted.
Consultation ongoing.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
Region 1 Timothy Timmerman, Region 1 Prime Contact (NEPA)
(617) 918-1025 timmermann.timothy@ epa.gov
5 Post Office Square, Suite 100 Boston, MA 02109-3912
September 2015- Initial notification call. Mike Marsh participated in USACE meeting. No letter submitted. Joint meeting with the USACE held on April 19, 2016.
Alison T. Verkade Environmental Specialist EFH Consultation
(978) 281-9266 [email protected] See above See above. Email response to letter received April 7, 2016.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
New England Field Office
Anthony (Tony) Tur, Endangered Species Biologist
(603) 223-2541 ext. 24
[email protected] 70 Commercial Street, Suite 300 Concord, NH 03301-5087
September 2015- Initial notification call. Meeting attended October 30th (NE Field Office will coordinate with NY Field Office). Information request letter submitted November 2, 2015.
Consultation ongoing. Response to letter pending.
USFWS New York Field Office
Tim Sullivan (607) 753-9334 [email protected] 3817 Luker Road, Cortland, NY 13045
See above. Project notification letter submitted January 25, 2016.
Consultation ongoing.
USFWS New Jersey Field Office
Wendy Walsh, Senior Fish and Wildlife Biologist
(609) 646-9310 ext. 5274
[email protected] Atlantic Professional Park, 4 East Jimmie Leeds Road Galloway, New Jersey 08205
Project introduction and information request letter to be submitted July 2016.
Consultation ongoing. Response to letter pending.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)
Division of Parks and Forestry, State Forestry Service, Office of Natural Lands Management, Natural Heritage Program
Larry Miller (609) 984-1339 [email protected] P.O. Box 420, Trenton, NJ 08625-0420
May 17, 2016 – Letter requesting information on rare, threatened, and endangered species in NJ.
Response letter dated May 26, 2016.
Division of Fish and Wildlife, Endangered and Nongame Species Program
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
Division of Environmental Permits
Chris Hogan (518) 402-9151 [email protected] 625 Broadway 4th Floor Albany, NY 12233
July 15, 2015 – Email communication, general information notification. Provided agency with copies of landowner letters. Conference call with NYSDEC (Mike Higgins) held October 29, 2015. Reviewed status of AGT Projects. Face-to-face meeting held on January 12, 2016. No letter submitted.
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP)
Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse
Frederick L. Riese, Senior Environmental Analyst
(860) 424-4110 [email protected] 79 Elm Street Hartford, CT 06106-5127
July 13, 2015 – Email communication, general information notification. Provided agency with copies of landowner letters. Conference call with CTDEEP (Fred Riese) held October 29, 2015. Reviewed status of AGT Projects. Face-to-face meeting held on December 16, 2015.
Consultation ongoing.
Denise Ruzicka, Director, Planning and Standards Division
CTDEEP Wildlife Division - Natural Diversity Data Base
Dawn McKay (860) 424-3592 [email protected] 79 Elm Street, 6th Floor Hartford, CT 06106-5127
See above. Information request letter submitted November 3, 2015. Follow up requests sent via email on December 18, 2015, January 19, 2016, and March 15, 2016.
Consultation ongoing. Partial response received on March 14, 2016 for several State owned parcels. Response to letter pending.
Jenny Dickson, Supervising Wildlife Biologist
(860) 424-3114 [email protected] DEEP Wildlife Diversity and Outreach Programs, Session Woods WMA, P.O. Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013
May 17, 2016 – Initial contact by phone regarding proposed bat survey study plan. Meeting anticipated in June 2016.
Consultation ongoing.
Connecticut Siting Council
Melanie Bachman, Acting Director
(860) 827-2935 10 Franklin Square New Britain, CT 06051
July 2015 - Initial telephone contact with Acting Director. Site visits to be scheduled in early 2016 once FERC’s Pre-Filing Process commences.
Consultation ongoing.
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
Catherine Labadia, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer and Staff Archaeologist
(860) 256-2764 [email protected] One Constitution Plaza Second Floor Hartford, CT 06103
Previous communications summarized in earlier monthly reports.
Consultation ongoing. Comments on submitted reports and UDP are pending.
Connecticut Office of the State Archaeologist
Dr. Brian Jones, State Archaeologist
(860) 486-5248 [email protected] Connecticut Archaeology Center 2019 Hillside Road, Unit 1023 Storrs, CT 06269-1023
Previous communications summarized in earlier monthly reports.
Contact Pending. Meeting to be scheduled in May 2016.
Consultation ongoing.
Rhode Island Coastal Resource Management Council
Rhode Island Coastal Resource Management Council
Grover Fugate, Executive Director
(401) 783-3370 Stedman Government Center Suite 3 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879-1900
Week of July 27, 2015 - Initial telephone notification to Executive Director. Meeting attended November 2, 2015. Project overview presented. Letter submitted on February 18, 2016.
Consultation ongoing. Response letter received on May 3, 2016 providing CZMA consistency determination.
[email protected] Resource Management Planning Program Department of Conservation and Recreation Southeast Region Headquarters PO Box 66 194 Cranberry Road South Carver, MA 02366
March 8, 2016 telephone contact. Copies of survey permission request letters for DCR owned properties submitted via email on March 15, 2016 along with shapefiles of proposed facilities in Massachusetts. Meeting held May 19, 2016.
Consultation ongoing.
MassDEP Central Region Office
MaryJude Pigsley, Regional Director
(508) 792-7650 Service Center: (508) 792-7683 Permit Assistance: (508) 767-2734
[email protected] 8 New Bond Street Worcester, MA 01606 (Oversees Towns of Medway, Milford, Upton, Sutton, Millbury, Grafton, Shrewsbury, Boylston, West Boylston, Franklin, Millis, and Norfolk )
July 24, 2015 - Initial telephone contact. MassDEP meeting at Commissioner level held in August 2015. Meeting at the CERO held on December 4, 2015.
Consultation ongoing.
Massachusetts EEA Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB)
Andrew Greene, Director
(617) 305-3526 [email protected] One South Station, Fifth Floor Boston, MA 02110
July, 2015 - Initial telephone contact. Technical meeting currently being scheduled for June 2016.
Consultation ongoing.
Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)
Mr. Leo Roy, Commissioner Department of Conservation and Recreation
(508) 389-6355 [email protected] Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road Westborough, MA 01581
August 2015 – Initial notification call. Meeting attended October 26, 2015.
Consultation ongoing.
Eve Schluter Chief of Regulatory Review
(508) 389-6346 [email protected] See above. Information request letter submitted November 4, 2015. Meeting held on February 22, 2016.
Email responses received on November 5 and December 16, 2015 and January 27, 2016. Letter responses received on October 30 and December 4, 2015. Consultation ongoing.
Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Dr. Caleb Slater 1 Rabbit Hill Road Westborough, MA 01581
Information request letter submitted on March 8, 2016.
Consultation ongoing. Response to letter pending.
Massachusetts Historical Commission
Massachusetts State Historic Preservation Office
Brona Simon, State Historic Preservation Officer
(617) 727-8470 The Massachusetts Archives Building 220 Morrissey Boulevard Boston, MA 02125
Previous communications summarized in earlier monthly reports.
Consultation ongoing.
Jonathan K. Patton, Preservation Planner/Archaeologist