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Home My WebLink About20252546.tiffAugust 29, 2025 Perry Buck, Weld County Commissioner (District At -Large) 1150 O Street Greeley, CO 80631 Re: Rockies Express Pipeline LLC FERC Docket No. CP25-539-000 Critical Energy Reliability Link Project Notification of Application Dear Perry Buck, Weld County Commissioner (District At -Large): Thank you for your continued engagement and support of the Rockies Express Pipeline LLC ("REX") proposed Critical Energy Reliability Link Project ("Project"). Our efforts on this project are working to address pressing energy challenges in our region by expanding the supply of natural gas at a time when affordability and reliability have become critical concerns. With energy prices rising 24% since 2021, nearly one-third of Colorado households are struggling to pay their energy bills — and when families must make difficult decisions, hunger often becomes the tradeoff. It is one reason we see more than 700,000 people in our state facing food insecurity each year. It is also why we are working to expand the supply of affordable and reliable energy — so no one has to choose between staying warm and staying fed. On August 15, 2025, Rockies Express Pipeline LLC ("REX") filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") under Docket No. CP25-539-000 to construct, own, operate, and maintain the Critical Energy Reliability Link Project ("Project") as described below. REX is committed to open and informative communications with stakeholders throughout the Project area and has identified you or your organization as a stakeholder who may have previously engaged with or may be interested in the Project. As such, we are writing to provide you with general information about the Project, as well as resources for engaging REX and FERC. This information has been provided to all affected landowners, stakeholders within neighboring towns and communities, relevant agencies, and local, state, and federal governments involved in the Project. REX, a subsidiary of Tallgrass Energy, LP, is a "natural gas company" as defined under the Natural Gas Act that is developing the Project in order to provide firm natural gas transportation service and no -notice service to new delivery points to meet the growing demand for natural gas. The Project includes the construction of an approximately 152.7 -mile, 24 -inch -diameter natural gas pipeline (the "Lateral"), an approximately 7.0 -mile, 24 -inch -diameter natural gas pipeline ("Horizon Spur"), an approximately 6,195 -horsepower compressor station CoMNAvn : Go.+"or'1S °I'M 5 /25 cc%I.LCDF/140, O603e) 09/i14,15 2025-2546 .111NASHOONISuc (the "LaSalle CS"), an approximately 0.3 -mile, 24 -inch -diameter natural gas interconnect piping (the "Cheyenne Connector Interconnect Piping") connecting the existing Cheyenne Connector Pipeline to the proposed LaSalle CS, and associated metering and appurtenant facilities located in Weld, Adams, Arapahoe, Elbert, El Paso, and Lincoln counties, Colorado. The Project is an expansion of REX's existing FERC jurisdictional natural gas transmission system, which will enable REX to provide up to 100,000 dekatherms per day ("Dth/d") of firm natural gas transportation service and 50,000 Dth/d of no -notice service to Colorado Springs Utilities in Colorado Springs, Colorado. To meet market demand, REX's planned ready -for service date for the Project facilities will be in the second Quarter of 2028. Please find attached for your reference a general map of the proposed Project. Additionally, we have enclosed the following information to help inform you about the FERC review process and rights for landowners: • The FERC "Notice of Application" which was published in the Federal Register; • A copy of the FERC information sheet entitled "How to Intervene in Commission Proceedings"; and • A copy of the FERC brochure for landowners entitled "An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on my Land? What Do I Need to Know?"; which provides information on landowner rights at the FERC. If you wish to view a copy of the application that REX has filed with FERC, REX has posted the application on its project website at https://www.criticalenergyreliabilitylink.com/. Alternatively, copies can be viewed at the following libraries: Critical Energy: Reliability Link Project — Library List.? .° County Town Library Name Address Weld Hudson Hudson Public Library 100 Beach St. Hudson, CO 80642 Adams Bennett Anythink Bennett 495 7t'' St. Bennett, CO 80102 Arapahoe Byers Kelver Library 585 S. Main St. Byers, CO 80103 Elbert Kiowa Kiowa Library of Pines & Plains Libraries 331 Comanche St. Kiowa, CO 80117 El Paso Calhan Calhan Library 600 Bank St. Calhan, CO 80808 El Paso Fountain Fountain Library Fou S. Main S8 Fountain, CO 80817 Lincoln Limon Limon Memorial Library 205 E. Ave. Limon, CO 80828 8547 E. Arapahoe Rd., Suite J, Box 426, Greenwood Village, CO 80112 tcc General Project or landowner inquiries may be submitted by email at coloradolandownerstallgrass.com or by phone at 1 (866) 307-8630. For right-of-way or easement specific questions, please contact Lindsay Jarrell, Senior Manager, Land and Right -of -Way at (303) 763-3327 or lindsay.iarrell@tallgrass.com. In addition, with the acceptance of the application, FERC has issued a "Notice of Application" (enclosed) and provided the following contact information should you have any FERC or FERC review process related questions: FERC Office of Public Participation (202) 502-6595 OPP(8 ferc.gov Very truly yours, The Critical Energy Reliability Link Project Team Enclosures: Project Overview Map FERC Notice of Application FERC How to Intervene Information Sheet FERC Landowner Brochure 8547 E. Arapahoe Rd., Suite J, Box 426, Greenwood Village, CO 80112 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Rockies Express Pipeline LLC Cheyenne Connector, LLC East Cheyenne Gas Storage, LLC Docket No. CP25-539-000 NOTICE OF APPLICATION AND ESTABLISHING INTERVENTION DEADLINE (August 29, 2025) Take notice that on August 15, 2025, Rockies Express Pipeline LLC (REX), Cheyenne Connector, LLC (Cheyenne Connector), and East Cheyenne Gas Storage, LLC (East Cheyenne) (collectively, Applicants), 11550 Ash Street, Suite 220, Leawood, Kansas 66211, filed an application pursuant to sections 7(b) and 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) and Part 157 of the Commission's regulations requesting authorizations for the Critical Energy Reliability Link Project (Project) located in Weld, Adams, Arapahoe, Elbert, El Paso, and Lincoln Counties, Colorado. Specifically, REX requests authorization (1) to expand its system by installing a total of approximately 160.0 miles of 24 -inch -diameter pipeline, the new 6,195 -horsepower LaSalle Compressor Station, three new meter stations, and appurtenant facilities; (2) to acquire via a lease 250,000 dekatherms (Dth) per day of existing unsubscribed transportation capacity on Cheyenne Connector's system; (3) to acquire via lease 1,500,000 Dth of existing unsubscribed storage capacity at East Cheyenne's storage facility; and (4) to establish new no -notice, firm storage, and interruptible storage services and associated pro forma tariff records, rates for service on the Project, and other related tariff changes. Additionally, Cheyenne Connector and East Cheyenne request authorization to abandon by lease the corresponding 250,000 Dth per day of unsubscribed transportation capacity and 1,500,000 Dth of unsubscribed storage capacity respectively. The Project is intended to provide up to 100,000 Dth/d of firm transportation service and 50,000 Dth/d of new no - notice service to new delivery points near Colorado Springs, Colorado for Colorado Springs Utilities. The Applicants estimate the total cost of the Project to be $639,618,165, all as more fully set forth in the application which is on file with the Commission and open for public inspection. In addition to publishing the full text of this document in the Federal Register, the Commission provides all interested persons an opportunity to view and/or print the contents of this document via the Internet through the Commission's Home Page (http://www.ferc.gov). From the Commission's Home Page on the Internet, this information is available on eLibrary. The full text of this document is available on eLibrary in PDF and Microsoft Word format for viewing, printing, and/or downloading. Docket No. CP25-539-000 - 2 - To access this document in eLibrary, type the docket number excluding the last three digits of this document in the docket number field. User assistance is available for eLibrary and the Commission's website during normal business hours from FERC Online Support at (202) 502-6652 (toll free at 1-866- 208-3676) or email at ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, or the Public Reference Room at (202) 502-8371, TTY (202) 502-8659. Email the Public Reference Room at public.referenceroom@ferc.gov. Any questions regarding the proposed Project should be directed to Eryn Pullin, Manager, Regulatory Affairs, Tallgrass Energy, LP, 9 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1100, Houston, Texas 77046, by phone at (713) 997-3932, or by email at eryn.pullin@tallgrass.com. Pursuant to section 157.9 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure,' within 90 days of this Notice the Commission staff will either: complete its environmental review and place it into the Commission's public record (eLibrary) for this proceeding; or issue a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review. If a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review is issued, it will indicate, among other milestones, the anticipated date for the Commission staff's issuance of the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) or environmental assessment (EA) for this proposal. The filing of an EA in the Commission's public record for this proceeding or the issuance of a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review will serve to notify federal and state agencies of the timing for the completion of all necessary reviews, and the subsequent need to complete all federal authorizations within 90 days of the date of issuance of the Commission staff's FEIS or EA. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There are three ways to become involved in the Commission's review of this project: you can file comments on the project, you can protest the filing, and you can file a motion to intervene in the proceeding. There is no fee or cost for filing comments or intervening. The deadline for filing a motion to intervene is 5:00 pm Eastern Time on September 19, 2025. How to file protests, motions to intervene, and comments is explained below. The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission proceedings. OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, community organizations, Tribal members and others, access publicly available information and navigate Commission 1 18 C.F.R. § 157.9. Docket No. CP25-539-000 - 3 - processes. For public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, the public is encouraged to contact OPP at (202) 502-6595 or OPP@ferc.gov. Comments Any person wishing to comment on the project may do so. Comments may include statements of support or objections, to the project as a whole or specific aspects of the project. The more specific your comments, the more useful they will be. Protests Pursuant to sections 157.10(a)(4)2 and 385.2113 of the Commission's regulations under the NGA, any person4 may file a protest to the application. Protests must comply with the requirements specified -in section 385.20015 of the Commission's regulations. A protest may also serve as a motion to intervene so long as the protestor states it also seeks to be an intervenor. To ensure that your comments or protests are timely and properly recorded, please submit your comments on or before 5:00 pm Eastern Time on September 19, 2025. There are three methods you can use to submit your comments or protests to the Commission. In all instances, please reference the Project docket number CP25-539-000 in your submission. (1) You may file your comments electronically by using the eComment feature, which is located on the Commission's website at www.ferc.gov under the link to Documents and Filings. Using eComment is an easy method for interested persons to submit brief, text -only comments on a project; (2) You may file your comments or protests electronically by using the eFng feature, which is located on the Commission's website (www.ferc.gov) under the link to Documents and Filings. With eFiling, you can provide 2 18 C.F.R. § 157.10(a)(4). 18 C.F.R. § 385.211. 4 Persons include individuals, organizations, businesses, municipalities, and other entities. 18 C.F.R. § 385.102(d). 5 18 C.F.R. § 385.2001. Docket No. CP25-539-000 - 4 - (3) comments in a variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your submission. New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking on "eRegister." You will be asked to select the type of filing you are making; first select "General" and then select "Comment on a Filing"; or You can file a paper copy of your comments or protests by mailing them to the following address below. Your written comments must reference the Project docket number (CP25-539-000). To file via USPS: Debbie -Anne A. Reese, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street NE Washington, DC 20426 To file via any other courier: Debbie -Anne A. Reese, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 12225 Wilkins Avenue Rockville, Maryland 20852 The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments (options 1 and 2 above) and has eFiling staff available to assist you at (202) 502-8258 or FercOnlineSupport(a�ferc.gov. Persons who comment on the environmental review of this project will be placed on the Commission's environmental mailing list, and will receive notification when the environmental documents (EA or EIS) are issued for this project and will be notified of meetings associated with the Commission's environmental review process. The Commission considers all comments received about the project in determining the appropriate action to be taken. However, the filing of a comment alone will not serve to make the filer a party to the proceeding. To become a party, you must intervene in the proceeding. For instructions on how to intervene, see below. Interventions Any person, which includes individuals, organizations, businesses, municipalities, and other entities,6 has the option to file a motion to intervene in this proceeding. Only intervenors have the right to request rehearing of Commission orders issued in this 6 18 C.F.R. § 385.102(d). Docket No. CP25-539-000 - 5 - proceeding and to subsequently challenge the Commission's orders in the U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeal. To intervene, you must submit a motion to intervene to the Commission in accordance with Rule 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure' and the regulations under the NGA8 by the intervention deadline for the project, which is 5:00 pm Eastern Time on September 19, 2025. As described further in Rule 214, your motion to intervene must state, to the extent known, your position regarding the proceeding, as well as your interest in the proceeding. For an individual, this could include your status as a landowner, ratepayer, resident of an impacted community, or recreationist. You do not need to have property directly impacted by the project in order to intervene. For more information about motions to intervene, refer to the FERC website at https://www.ferc.gov/resources/guides/how-to/intervene.asp. There are two ways to submit your motion to intervene. In both instances, please reference the Project docket number CP25-539-000 in your submission. (1) You may file your motion to intervene by using the Commission's eFiling feature, which is located on the Commission's website (www.ferc.gov) under the link to Documents and Filings. New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking on "eRegister." You will be asked to select the type of filing you are making; first select "General" and then select "Intervention." The eFiling feature includes a document -less intervention option; for more information, visit https://www.ferc.gov/docs- filing/efiling/document-less-intervention.pdf.; or (2) You can file a paper copy of your motion to intervene, along with three copies, by mailing the documents to the address below. Your motion to intervene must reference the Project docket number CP25-539-000. To file via USPS: Debbie -Anne A. Reese, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street NE Washington, DC 20426 18 C.F.R. § 385.214. 8 18 C.F.R. § 157.10. Docket No. CP25-539-000 - 6 - To file via any other courier: Debbie -Anne A. Reese, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 12225 Wilkins Avenue Rockville, Maryland 20852 The Commission encourages electronic filing of motions to intervene (option 1 above) and has eFiling staff available to assist you at (202) 502-8258 or FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. Protests and motions to intervene must be served on the applicant either by mail at: Eryn Pullin, Manager, Regulatory Affairs, Tallgrass Energy, LP, 9 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1100, Houston, Texas 77046 or by email (with a link to the document) at eryn.pullin@tallgrass.com. Any subsequent submissions by an intervenor must be served on the applicant and all other parties to the proceeding. Contact information for parties can be downloaded from the service list at the eService link on FERC Online. Service can be via email with a link to the document. All timely, unopposed' motions to intervene are automatically granted by operation of Rule 214(c)(1).10 Motions to intervene that are filed after the intervention deadline are untimely, and may be denied. Any late -filed motion to intervene must show good cause for being late and must explain why the time limitation should be waived and provide justification by reference to factors set forth in Rule 214(d) of the Commission's Rules and Regulations.11 A person obtaining party status will be placed on the service list maintained by the Secretary of the Commission and will receive copies (paper or electronic) of all documents filed by the applicant and by all other parties. TRACKING THE PROCEEDING Throughout the proceeding, additional information about the project will be available from the Commission's Office of External Affairs, at (866) 208-FERC, or on the FERC website at www.ferc.gov using the "eLibrary" link as described above. The eLibrary link also provides access to the texts of all formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rulemakings. 9 The applicant has 15 days from the submittal of a motion to intervene to file a written objection to the intervention. 1° 18 C.F.R. § 385.214(c)(1). 11 18 C.F.R. § 385.214(b)(3) and (d). Docket No. CP25-539-000 - 7 - In addition, the Commission offers a free service called eSubscription which allows you to keep track of all formal issuances and submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time you spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to the documents. For more information and to register, go to www.ferc.gov/docs- filing/esubscription.asp. Intervention Deadline: 5:00 pm Eastern Time on September 19, 2025. Debbie -Anne A. Reese, Secretary. Larimer County Boulder County Longmont O O oErie Boulder Lafayette O Cheyenne Connector Interconnect Site Cheyenne Connector Pipeline Firestone O Superior Broomfield °Icj County rL Thornton O Arvada O Golden Denver O County Denver 0% Jefferson County Littleton O 1 Weld County Brighton O Aurora 0 LaSalle Meter Station and LaSalle Compressor Station - Lateral MLV #01 Lateral MLV #02 • t • 0 • Lateral —" MLV #03 I 1 Adams County 1 1 1 1 Arapahoe 1 County P 1 Douglas County Parker O The Pinery O Castle Rock O Morgan County Lateral MLV #04 Lateral MLV #05 Cheyenne Connector Interconnect Site Cheyenne Connector Interconnect Site LaSalle Meter Station and LaSalle Compressor Station - Lateral MLV #01 1 1 1 45 Lateral • • Lateral MLV #06 Elbert County Lateral MLV #07 Teller County Fremont County 1 I El Paso �I County Horizon Spur Horizon Meter Station - Horizon Spur MLV #02 Clear Springs Ranch Meter Station - Lateral MLV #11 ra I S ip Lateral 70.i MLV#10 1 1 S. esanel �r Lateral MLV #08 Lateral MLV #09 Lateral/Horizon Spur Interconnect Site - Horizon Spur MLV #01 O a 0 0 Surface Site • Horizon Spur • Lateral Cheyenne Connector Interconnect Piping Cheyenne Connector Pipeline County Boundary How to Intervene Below is a step-by-step instruction guide for the Office of Public Participation (OPP) website to explain how the public can intervene in proceedings. If you don't find what you are looking for, please contact OPP, and staff will be happy to assist you. Motions to Intervene Individuals have the option to intervene in Commission proceedings. As an intervenor, it can allow individuals to become participants in a proceeding and have the right to request rehearing of Commission orders and seek relief of final agency actions in the U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeal. All motions to intervene should be submitted to the Commission pursuant to 18 C.F.R. § 385.214. The Commission expects parties to intervene in a timely manner based on the reasonably foreseeable issues arising from the applicant's filing and the Commission's notice of filing. Motions to intervene must be served on any applicant and subsequent submissions by an intervenor must be served on all parties to the proceeding. Contact information for parties can be downloaded from the service list at the eService link on FERC Online. Service can be via email with a link to the document. Detailed instructions on how to intervene are included below. Step by Step Guide on "How to File an Intervention Online" Step 1: On FERC.gov click on eFile: r uzure Armor*'Pr ir - 404014k: FERC ensures economically efficient, safe, reliable & secure ener • It is strongly encouraged to electronically submit motions to intervene through the eFile link on the Commission's website. If you cannot file online, you may Mail or Hand Deliver an intervention (see below for contact and address information). • There are document attachment and document -less options for both timely and out -of - time motions to intervene. • All contacts that are to be added to the Service List for the applicable docket must have a validated eRegistration account and their email addresses must be added online in order for their contact information to appear on the service list. • The contact's email address will be included as part of the service list information to facilitate electronic service by parties and the Commission. • If you choose to mail your motion to intervene you must send an original and three copies of the motion to intervene by overnight services to: Attention: Debbie -Anne A. Reese, Secretary USPS Mailing Address: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, N.E. Washington, DC 20426 Hand/Other Delivery Method: Health and Human Services 12225 Wilkins Avenue Rockville, Maryland 20852. Receipt of mail sent via the US Postal Service may be subject to irradiation and significant delays. Step 2: Sign in with your email and password or create a login by clicking on New User. FERC Online FERC Online Home About FERC Online eRegister Company Registration cEiling eSubscription eComment Query Mailing List/ Recipients by State Query Service List My Service List Registered eMail address or FERC ID: Forgot/Reset Password? Sign in with your email and password OR Create a new login by clicking on New User. Log in , ti Title 18. U.S.C. 1001 makes it a crime for any person knowingly and willingly to make to any Agency or Department of the United States any false. fictitious or fraudulent statements as to any matter within its -urisdiction. FERC Online does rot require the subrnlss;on of personally identifiable Information (P1r) (e c social security numbers. brrthdates. and phone numbers) and FERC will not oe responsible for any Pit submitted to FERC Online, including any accidental or inadvertent submissions of PR Step 3: If you are creating a New User, fill out information and then click on New User button on the bottom right corner. l r Create FERC Online Account by filling out information and then click Next button on the bottom right corner. Create FERC Online Account Name Prefix: First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name: Name Suffix: eMail address: v eMail address Is required. Confirm entail address: Password: Confirm Password: I Password is required. Note: Password should be between 8 and 12 characters and contain at least one numeric or special character. Type the characters you see in the picture a 0 a You may complete your registration at this point, however, without completing the full registration, you will be limited to esubscription among the functions requiring login. Proceed to full registration. allowing the use of eFiling and Query Service Step 4: Click on eFiling on the Menu column on the left side or under FERC Online Applications. FERC Online FERC Online Home eFiling eSubsc ription eComment Query Mailing List/Recipients by State Query Service List My Service List My Filing List eLibrary Click on eFiling on the Menu column on the left or under FERC Online Applications. FERC Online Home Page E-mail this DEM o FERC Online^ FERC Online is the single entry point for all of FERC's electronic access applications, If you have usly eRegistered with FERC Online, please use the Kew Pegrstravor link on the left menu to do so. Once you are , you will be able to login to FERC Online to eSubscribe and efile. line Applications zany Registration - Submit Compare Registration Requests Omit documents electronically esuDscription - Subscribe to electronically receive all information related to a docket without intervening eComment - Submit an eComment electronically Quivatiogligagijacrtjay State - View and download lists of postai mail addresses for contacts associated with FERC docketed proceedings. Also. view and download a mailing list of all contacts who reside in a specific state Query Service List - View and download lists of contacts receiving service in FERC docketed proceedings My Service List - view and download lists of dockets associated with the current logged in user etibrarr - Search and retrieve electronic documents related to proceedings eTariff Viewer - Browse and Search Tariffs Step 5: Make category selections in Filing Type screen. • In Filing Type: 1. Select "General" in Column 1 2. Select "Intervention" in Column 2 3. In Column 3, select either: • (doc-tess) Motion to Intervene -Select this option if you are only filing an intervention (no comments or attachment of a document). • (doc-tess) Out -of -Time Motion to Intervene - Select this option if you are filing only an intervention (no comments) and it is after the deadline for filing as specified in the Commission's Notice of Filing. -Rule 214(b)_(3). of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure states, "If a motion to intervene is filed after the end of any time period established under Rule 210, such a motion must, in addition to complying with paragraph (b)(1) of this section, show good cause why the time limitation should be waived" • Motion to Intervene - Select this option if you have a PDF attachment. • Motion to Intervene Out -of -Time - Select this option if you have a PDF attachment and it is after the deadline for filing as specified in the Commission's Notice of Filing. -Rule 214(b)_(3). of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure states, "If a motion to intervene is filed after the end of any time period established under Rule 210, such a motion must, in addition to complying with paragraph (b)(1) of this section, show good cause why the time limitation should be waived" • If you are only filing a motion to intervene with no document attachment select "doc-less" option. "Doc -less" option will allow you to type out the reason for filing to intervene in the proceeding. • If you are filing a motion with an attachment in PDF format, select `Motion to Intervene' option. • If you are planning to file comments on the merits of the proceeding, protests, or other motions it should be filed separately using the eFiling system. ♦ • Option 1: If you are only filing an intervention (no comments or attachment of a document), select General > Intervention and then (doc-less) Motion to Intervene. Filing Type How is your filing to be d' General �wr�we�r;arges Hearing/AU Gas Electric Oil Hydro: Washington t Hydro: Regional Offic What kind of filing are you making' (Fee) Petition for Declaratory Order (not under FPA Part 1) (Fee) Request for Interpretation by Gen. Counsel (not under Fl Audit Material(to Office of Enforcement; not posted to eLibrary Comment (on Filing, Environ. Report,or Tech Conf ) lemaking (RM, PL, AD dockets) an intervention) Petition for Declaratory Order under FPA Part 1 Protest Request for Interpretation by Gen. Counsel under FAA Part I Request for Rehearing Request to Update Service, Mailing, or Corporate Officials Lists Resnonsa' la Conlitaint Filing Type (Fee) (doc-less) Marion to [rat . TIT saWs • Motion to Intervene Motion to Intervene Out -of Next Cancel rr any issues regarding FERC: online, please contact FERC Online SUpporl or call Local: 202-502.6652 I Toll -free: 866-208- 76. Please indude a current mail address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Option 2: If you are filing only an intervention (no comments) and it is after the deadline for filing as specified in the Commission's Notice of Filing select General > Intervention > and then (doc-less) Out -of -Time Motion to Intervene. Filing Type How is your filing to be n u - harges Hearing/AU Gas Electric Oil Hydro: Washington I Hydro: Regional Offic What kind of filing are you making? (Fee) Petition for Declaratory Order (not under FPA Part 1) (Fee) Request for Interpretation by Gen. Counsel (not under Fl Audit Material(to Office of Enforcement; not posted to eLibrary Comment (on Filing, Environ. Reporter Tech Conf) men ulemaking (RM, PL, AD dockets) intervention •r than Intervention) Petition for Declaratory Order under FPA Part 1 Protest Request for Interpretation by Gen. Counsel under FPA Part 1 Request for Rehearing Request to Update Service, Mailing, or Corporate Officials Lists ncsp to rmmnlaint Filing Tvpe (Fee) Motion to Intervene Out-ct Next J Cancel For any issues regarding FERC Online, please contact FERC Online Support or call Local: 202-502-6652 I Toll -free: 866-208- 3676. Please indude a current mail address, telephone number, and e-mail address. a Option 3: If you are filing an intervention with comments and an attachment (PDF) select General > Intervention > and then Motion to Intervene. Filing Type HOW is your filing to be rges Hearingi ALJ Gas Electric Oil Hydro: Washington C Hydro: Regional Offk What kind of filing are you making? (Fee) Petition for Declaratory Order (not under FPA Part 1) (Fee) Request for Interpretation by Gen. Counsel (not under Fl Audit Material(to Office of Enforcement; not posted to elibrary Comment (on Filing, Environ. Report,or Tech Conf) Rulemaking (RM, PL, AD dockets) I han Intervention) Petition for Declaratory Order under FPA Part 1 Protest Request for Interpretation by Gen. Counsel under FPA Part 1 Request for Rehearing Request to Update Service, flailing, or Corporate Officials Lists Recnnnce rmmolaint Filing Type (Fee) 'I ancel or any issues regarding FERC Online, please contact FERC Online Support or call Local: 202-502-6652 I Toil -free: 866-208- 676. Please indude a current mail address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Option 4: If you are filing an intervention with comments and an attachment (PDF) that is after the deadline for filing as specified in the Commission's Notice of Filing select General > Intervention > and then Motion to Intervene Out -of -time. Filing Type How is your filing to be • . arges Hearing/ALJ Gas Electric Oil Hydro: Washington C Hydro: Regional Offic What kind of filing are you making? (Fee) Petition for Declaratory Order (not under FPA Part 1) (Fee) Request for Interpretation by Gen. Counsel (not under Fi Audit Material(to Office of Enforcement; not posted to eLibrary Comment (on Filing, Environ. Report,or Tech Conf) ulemaking (RM, PL, AD dockets) Intervention • • than Intervention) Petition for Declaratory Order under FPA Part 1 Protest Request for Interpretation by Gen. Counsel under FPA Part 1 Request for Rehearing Request to Update Service, Mailing, or Corporate Officials Lists Re_snnncs tQCmmalaint_ Filing Type (Fee) a doc-less) Motion to Intery (doc-less) Out -of -Time Mot Next Cancel For any issues regarding FERC Online, please contact FERC Online Support or call Local: 202-502-6652 I Toll -tree: 666-208- 3676. Please indude a current mail address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Step 6: Select Docket • Select Docket: Query and select the Docket Number or Project Number. • • There are two ways to search: 1. In the Search tab, type in the Docket Number then click Search to select the Docket Number from a list. 2. If you already know the Docket Number click the Quick Entry tab. In the Search tab, type in the Docket Number then click Search. Select Docket Search and select all dockets and sub -dockets for your submission. Y• ► search for dockets or click the Quick Entry tab if you already know the docket numbers you want to insert. Search 'ck Entry Enter Docket Number: I g. ER08-10; ketected Dockets: - No Dockets have been selected. Next Centel For any issues regarding FERC Online, please contact FERC Online Support or call Local: 202-502-6652 I Toll -free: 866-208- 3676. Please indude a current mail address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Select the Docket Number in the list (see example Docket list below) Select Docket Search and select all dockets and sub -dockets for your submission. You can search for dockets or click the Quick Entry tab if you already know the docket numbers you want to insert. Search Quick Entry Enter Docket Number: GP04-1 Search] (e.g. ER08-10) Becket Description Applicant/Filer Select GP44-1-000 Name of Assignment of Test Docket under GPO4-1. Test Docket for eFiling and FERC Online + GP04-1-001 GP04.1-001 Ted Sob Docket Test Docket for eFlling and FERC Online GP04-1-002 G+PO4.1-002 Test Resen'ed Sub Docket • Test Docket for eFiling and FERC Online GP04-1-003 The SubDodcet GP04-1-0413 Subdedoet for team° ATM remote sae *date FERC Electronic Filing Test O GPQ4-1.004' TEST SubDocket GPC4- FERC Electronic Filing Test 4r Selected Dockets: - No Docket have been selectec. • - - - - ----------- ---- 1 Next r Cancel For any issues regarding FERC Online, please contact FERC Online Support or call local: 202-502-6652 I Toll -free: 866-208- ' 3676. Please include a current mail address, telephone number, and e-mail address. The Selected Docket will show on the bottom of the page. Select Docket Search and select all dockets and sub -dockets for your submission. You can search for dockets or click the Quick Entry tab if you already know the docket numbers you want to insert. ' Search I, Quick Entry Enter Docket Number: GP04-1 1 I Search t (e.g. EROS -10) Docket Description Applicant/Filer jSelect GP/J-4-1.0:0 Notice of Ass.grment of Test axket under GPet4-1. I I Test Docket for eFiling and FERC Online Gvo4-1-001 GP04-1-001 Test Sub Docket Test Docket for eFiling and FERC online [_•i GP04-1.002 . GPO4• 1-002 Test Rer..er.ed Sub Docket Test Docket for eFiling and FERC Online 1 f Gp04-1 03 I Tes Suboockct GP04-t-003 Subdorket fcr tes<cnq ATMS remote service update !I FERC Electronic Filing Test ,A tier Gp04-1-004 TEST SubDocicet Gnus -1-004 FERC Electronic Filing Test Selected Dockets: ` I Docket Description Applicant/Filer i Remove CP04.1-000 Notice of Asstgnment of Test Docket under GP04-1 Test Docket for 'Filing and FERC Onl,ne 7( Next C� aneel cor any issues regarding FERC Online, please contact f FRC Online Support or call Local: 202-502-6652 I Toll -free: 866-208 " 676. Please include a current mail address, telephone number, and e-mail address. If you already know the Docket Number click the Quick Entry tab and type it out, then click Next. • Select Docket Search and select all dockets and sub -dockets for your submission. is or click the Quick Entry tab if you already know the docket numbers you want to insert. Enter your • •e number(s), separated by commas or semi -colons (e.g. CP08-999-000.P-2659-000, EROS -10-000;. Add Selected Dockets: - No Dockets have been selected. - cel For any issues regarding FERC Online, please contact FERC Online Support or call Local: 202-502-6652 I Toll -tree: 866-208- 3676. Please include a current mail address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Step 7: Fill out Text Box Information (for Document -less Motion to Intervene). • Text Box Information: Type out the reason why you are intervening, as required by Rule 214(b) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure. o For example, Rule 214(b)(1) states, "Any motion to intervene must state, to the extent known, the position taken by the movant and the basis in fact and law for that position?' • Type out your interest in sufficient factual detail to show: o You have the right to participate conferred by statute, Commission rule, order, or other action; o You have or represents an interest which may be directly affected by the outcome of the proceeding, including any interest as a: • (A) Consumer, • (B) Customer, • (C) Competitor, or • (D) Security holder of a party; or • Your participation is in the public interest, pursuant to 385.214(b)_(2)_((iii).. • If you are filing an Out -of -Time Motion to Intervene you must show good cause and explain why the time limitation should be waived, consistent with Rule 214. Rule 214(b)_(3) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure state, "If a motion to intervene is filed after the end of any time period established under Rule 210, such a motion must, in addition to complying with paragraph (b)(1) of this section, show good cause why the time limitation should be waived." The criteria that the Commission considers when acting on a motion to intervene out -of -time include whether: • (i) The movant had good cause for failing to file the motion within the time prescribed; • (ii) Any disruption of the proceeding might result from permitting intervention; • (iii) The movant's interest is not adequately represented by other parties in the proceeding; • (iv) Any prejudice to, or additional burdens upon, the existing parties might result from permitting the intervention; and • (v) The motion otherwise conforms to Rule 214(b). Document -less Intervention Description Type in this box the reason you filing to intervene in a proceeding. It should include: Your status (for example are you a landowner, organization, party) - Describe how the project has a direct or substantial interest to you or your organization and that the determination of the project may have an affect on you or your organization. Describe how filing for intervention will not allow you or your party to be represented adequately unless allowed to participate fully in the proceedings. Cite to the Commission's regulations pursuant to Section 214, C.F.R. 385.214 to motion to intervene. Write full name or organization and contact information (address, email, phone number) that you are comfortable having in the public record. Characters remaining: 16000 { Back Next Cancel For any issues regarding FERC Online, please contact FERC Online Support or call Local: 202-502-6652 I Toll -free: 866-208 3676. Please indude a current mail address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Step 8: Filing Party(ies) Selection • • On the Filing Party screen, query and select the party or parties that should appear on the service list as part of CFR § 385.2010 Service (Rule 2010) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure. In a joint or several motion, select each party individually. Do not add the law firm filing on behalf of a client company. Select the Filing Parties that should appear on the service list, then select Next. Specify Filing Parties *On behalf of another PartVilesl 2-_, As an individual Specify a full or partial company name, stick on Search. and select from the list. !` Stan; with 0 Contains For any issues regarding FERC Ordine, please contact I. < < , tmgat or call local: 202-502-6652 I Toil -fen: 866-208 4, 3676. Please initade a current malt adckess, tefRpherie tkhantn•:, arcl a•rna8 address, Specify F icing Parties On befit of another Pnrty(ies) For any i5audr. regarding Ft -RC, Online, please contact FfgcQc tt swptpft or tali local: 202-5024652 I mil her 3y7G. Please include a current mail addr.cs, telephone numbs and e-mail address_ Step 9: Specify the Person(s) to Whom Communication Should be Addressed: • There is one screen for entering all contacts. The filing party or parties you selected on the previous screen appear at the top of the Communications screen with a radio button adjacent to each party. • Select a party, enter the email address for a contact, and add the contact as either a signer/representative or other contact. You can associate the same contact with multiple parties simply by selecting a different radio button and adding the contact to the list. Repeat the process for each additional contact. • Each party must have at least one signer/representative on the service list. This is the signer or other legal representative for the party. In most cases it's the attorney at the company appearing on the service list or at the law firm representing that company. You can enter more than one signer/representative for a party. Another Contact (optional) is normally a person affiliated with the party on the service list that should be served. They are involved in the proceeding but not necessarily as the legal representative of the party. All entries will be added to the service list regardless of how you designate them. Specify the Person(s) to Whom Communication Should be Addressed. Specify the person or persons to whom communication should be addressed. For service list -related filings, all persons to be added to the service list must be eRegistered and added as a signer or other contact. Filing Party *Individual Contact Email: Add as Signer Add as Other Contact - No Contacts selected. - For any issues regarding FERC Online, please contact FERC Online Support or call Local: 202-502-6652 I Toll -free: 866-208- 3676. Please indude a current mail address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Step 10: Ability to modify the description before you submit the intervention. Ability to modify the description before you submit the intervention, then click Next. Submission Description Please modify the description to accurately describe your submission. doc-less) Motion to Intervene of Individual or Party Name under Docket CP01-000-eee1 Characters remaining: 170 Next For any issues regarding FERC Online, please contact FERC Online Support or call Local: 202 502-6652 I Toll free: 866-208- 3676. Please indude a current mail address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Step 11: Click Submit on the last screen to confirm that you want to file an intervention. Confirmation Screen stating that you have successfully submitted the filing (intervention) and will receive an email. You have successfully submitted the filing and will receive an eMail confirmation shortly. Submission Status Printabie Submission Confirmation Receipt Back to FERCOnline Quick Links • FAQs • eFile • Top 5 Tips for Filing an Intervention • WorkshOPP Videos • OPP Educational Handouts Contact Information Office of Public Participation (OPP) Telephone: 202-502-6595 Email: OPP@ferc.gov FERC Online Support Hours of Operation 8:00 -5:00 ET I TTY: 202-502-8659 Telephone: 202-502-6652 Toll -free Telephone: 1-866-208-3676 Email: ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov News Media Email: MediaDL@ferc.gov This page was last updated on January 17, 2025 I 1 AN INTERSTATE NATURAL GAS FACILITY ON MY LAND WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW? The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is charged by Congress with evaluating whether interstate natural gas pipeline projects proposed by private companies should be approved. The Federal government does not propose, construct, operate, or own such projects. The Commission's determination whether to approve such a project may affect you if your land is where a natural gas pipeline, underground storage fields, or other facilities might be located. We want you to know: • How the Commission's procedures work; • What rights you have; • How the location of a pipeline or other facilities is decided; and • What safety and environmental issues might be involved. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Updated May 2025 FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 21 PROCESS FOR NATURAL GAS CERTIFICATES 0 oh. Use of the Pre -Filing Environmental Review (PF) Process is Approved (voluntary) Conduct Scoping to Determine Environmental Issues and Attempt to Resolve Issues Applicant files FERC Application FERC Issues Notice of Application Conduct Scoping (if the PF Process is not used) Issue EA or Draft EIS Respond to environmental comments/ Issue Final EIS Commission Issues Order FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION TABLE OF CONTENTS I 3 041 BACKGROUND 06 I HOW THE PROCESS BEGINS 10 I KEY ISSUES INVOLVING LOCATION OF THE PROJECT 14 I PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION 161 PIPELINE INSTALLATION SEQUENCE 171 ABANDONMENT 191 STORAGE FIELDS 25 I LNG FACILITIES 271 COMPRESSOR STATIONS 301 THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF GAS COMPANIES 33 I IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUES 34 I FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 351 GLOSSARY OF TERMS FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Background The Commission approves the location, construction and operation of interstate pipelines, facilities and storage fields involved in moving natural gas across state boundaries. The Commission also approves the abandonment of these facilities. Interstate pipelines crisscross the United States, moving nearly a quarter of the nation's energy long distances to markets in the 48 contiguous states, and are vital to the economy. Although pipelines generally are buried underground, they may have associated facilities that are above -ground such as taps, valves, metering stations, interconnection, pig launchers, pig receivers, or compressor stations. A natural gas storage field includes FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION BACKGROUND I 5 subsurface gas storage rights and there may be storage field pipelines and gas welts associated with the storage rights. A Pipeline Glossary is provided at the end of this brochure to help you understand some of the technical terms that are associated with pipeline construction and above -ground facilities. If a proposed pipeline route is on, or abuts your land, you will probably first learn of this from the natural gas company as it plans and studies the route during either the Commission's voluntary Pre -filing Process or in the application development process. Once a company files an application requesting the Commission to issue a certificate authorizing the construction of a pipeline project, the company will mail you a copy of this brochure and other information within three days of the Commission issuing a Notice of Application. The Commission's staff will prepare an environmental study of the proposal; either an Environmental Impact Statement or an Environmental Assessment, depending on the scope of the project. For major construction projects, local media may be notified and public meetings may be held. You will have an opportunity to express your views and to have them considered. You will also have the opportunity to learn the views of other interested parties. The Commission may approve the project, with or without modifications, or reject it. If it is approved and you fail to reach an easement agreement with the company, access to and compensation for use of your land will be determined by a court. Understandably, the location of pipelines and other facilities may be of concern to landowners. The Commission's process for assessing pipeline applications is open and public, and designed to keep all parties informed. This brochure generally explains the Commission's certificate process and addresses some of the basic concerns of landowners. The Commission's Office of External Affairs at 1-866-208-3372 will be happy to answer any further questions about the procedures involved. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION How the Process Be g • 1 ns Q: How will I first hear about proposed facility construction? If you are located in the vicinity of the project you may first learn of it through newspaper notices. If you are an owner of property that may be affected by the project, you will probably first hear of it from the natural gas company as it collects the environmental information or conducts surveys required for the Commission application. The company may ask you for permission to access your land to conduct civil and environmental surveys. It is also possible that the company will contact you to discuss obtaining an easement prior to filing the application. In the case of a compressor station or other above- ground facility, the company will often offer to purchase, or obtain an option to purchase, the property for the station or facility. This usually occurs prior to the filing of the application. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION HOW THE PROCESS BEGINS I 7 For a storage field, rights on certain parcels of land may only involve subsurface storage rights. The company will also notify you of the filing of the application with the Commission. Q: How can I obtain more details about the company's application? Commission Project records are publicly accessible and may be viewed o r downloaded free of charge from the Commission's website at ferc.gov u sing the "eLibrary" link and the project's docket number. User assistance is available bycontactingferconlinesupport@terc.govorcalling1-866-208-3676. Assistance is also available through the Commission's OPP by calling 202- 502-6595, or by email at 'APP@ferc. _ov Within three days of assignment of a docket number, the application will also be available in at least one location in each county in which the facility is located. Note that in some cases you will not be able to view or print copies of large- scale maps or similar information about the location of the project from the Commission's Web site. However, the Web site will provide instructions for o btaining the material. Q: How do I make my views known? You may contact the natural gas company through the contact person listed in the notification letter you receive from the company. If you want the Commission to consider your views on the various e nvironmental issues involved in the location of the facility, you can do so by simply writing a letter. When submitting a letter to the Secretary of the Commission, you should identify the project's docket number in order for the comment to be successfully entered into the record on the e Library system. There are several steps in the environmental review process. The Commission affords you the opportunity to comment at various stages in this process. Details are available from the Commission's Office of External Affairs at 1-866-208-3372. Check the Commission's Web site for details on filing e lectronically. By filing comments, your views will be considered and addressed in the environmental documents or a final order. You can also use e Registration and eSubscription (see ferc.gov) to keep track of individual proceedings at FERC. Users with an eRegistration account may subscribe to specific dockets and receive email notification when a document is added to e Library for the subscribed docket. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 8 I HOW THE PROCESS BEGINS Q: What is an intervenor? You may seek to become an intervenor in a proceeding once an applicant files its application. Instructions on how to do this are available from the Commission's OPP and the FERC website at terc.gov/how-intervene. Becoming an intervenor gives you certain rights as well as some responsibilities. As an intervenor, you will be on the Commission's service list and receive the applicant's filings, other Commission documents related to the proceeding, and materials filed by other interested parties through your email. You will also be required to serve other parties with the filings that you make. Contact information for parties can be downloaded from the service list from the eService system (see ferc.go\ ). Service can be via email with a link to the document. If you are ultimately dissatisfied with FERC's decision, as an intervenor you have the right to file for rehearing of the decision, and if you are still dissatisfied after that, you can appeal to a federal court. Typically, you must file for intervenor status by the date identified in FERC's notice of the application in the Federal Register, although the Commission may accept late intervention for good cause. You also may be able to file for intervenor status during the comment period for a draft environmental impact statement. Please note that intervention requests are not applicable during the pre -filing process because there is no application officially filed before the Commission. You must wait until an application is filed with the Commission to intervene. Via USPS: Office of the Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First St NE Washington, DC 20246 Via any other courier method: Office of the Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 12225 Wilkins Avenue Rockville, MD 20852 Q. Does the Commission have resources to help me better understand my participation options, procedural steps, and how to find more information about a project? Yes, the Commission's OPP supports meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission proceedings. OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, Tribal members and others, access publicly available information and navigate Commission processes. For public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as interventions, comments, or requests for FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION HOW THE PROCESS BEGINS I 9 rehearing, the public is encouraged to contact O PP at 202-502-6595 or OPP@ferc.gov. OPP is prepared to help you to understand your options, determine the procedural status and next steps, and help you with your information needs. OPP has developed documents and some video demonstrations and workshops to help you: • Use FERC's eLibrary to find your proceeding and all filings; • File a comment as well as tips for making your comments more powerful; and • Learn how to intervene and learn the benefits and responsibilities of that level of participation. O PP is not involved in decision -making in application proceedings so you are free to speak with OPP about any concerns or needs. O PP does not take sides, but has a support role to assist and provide information. You can contact OPP anytime during the review processes to gain information and tips on how to participate effectively. After you receive guidance from OPP, if you are ready to make a comment or other filing in the proceeding, submit your filing to the Commission so that it becomes part of the official record in FERC's e Library system. OPP can help you make sure that the Commission received your filing and e ntered it into the record. You can access OPP's videos at ferc.goy/ OPP/workshopp-videos, and OPP's other educational resources at ferc.gov/OPP. lin;liessimsmese ass FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Key Issues Involving Location of the Project Q: How is the pipeline route, compressor station or storage field location selected? The natural gas company proposes the route or location, which is then examined by the Commission. The company must study alternative routes or locations to avoid or minimize damage to the environment. The Commission, intervenors, or any commenter may also suggest alternatives and modifications to reduce the effects on buildings, fences, crops, water supplies, soil, vegetation, wildlife, air quality, noise, safety, landowner interests and more. The Commission staff's Alternatives analysis will consider whether the pipeline can be placed near or within an existing pipeline, power line, highway FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION KEY ISSUES INVOLVING LOCATION OF THE PROJECT I 11 or railroad right-of-way. Storage fields are usually located in depleted oil or n atural gas production fields or in salt deposits. Therefore, their location is fixed by geologic conditions. However, the facilities needed to develop and u se a storage field can be moved to some extent. Q: How do natural gas companies obtain a right-of-way? The company negotiates a right-of-way easement and compensation for the easement with each landowner. Landowners may be paid for loss of certain uses of the land during and after construction, loss of any other resources, and any damage to property. If the Commission approves the project and no agreement with the landowner is reached, the company may acquire the easement under eminent domain (a right given to the company by statute to take private land for Commission -authorized use) with a court determining compensation. Q: Who pays taxes on the right-of-way? The landowner pays taxes on the right-of-way unless a local taxing authority grants relief. The company simply has an easement across a portion of the land. Q: How large is the right-of-way and how is it maintained? It is generally 75 to 100 feet wide during construction, although extra space is usually required at road or stream crossings or because of soil conditions. The permanent right-of-way is usually about 50 feet wide. Routine mowing o r cutting of vegetation is done no more than once every three years. A ten - foot -wide corridor, centered on the pipeline, may be mowed or cut more frequently to facilitate periodic surveys and inspections. In cropland and residential areas the right-of-way is maintained by the landowner consistent with the presence of a pipeline. Q: How large is a compressor station or storage field? Usually the natural gas company purchases ten to forty acres for a compressor station, of which about five acres are actually used for construction. A storage field could encompass many hundreds or even thousands of acres, depending o n the geologic structure. Storage fields also frequently include a buffer zone o r protection area forming a halo of some hundreds of acres surrounding the storage field itself. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 12 I KEY ISSUES INVOLVING LOCATION OF THE PROJECT Q: Must the company comply with local, county and state laws and zoning ordinances? Generally, yes. If there is a conflict, however, between these requirements and what the Commission requires; the Commission requirement prevails. Q: How close can I build to the facilities? For a pipeline this depends on the terms of the easement agreement. But build is usually allowed up to the edge of the right-of-way. For a compressor station, the site is usually owned by the company. If you own property adjacent to the site, you may build on it. For storage fields, unless there are surface facilities or pipelines, you may build anywhere on the surface. If you or someone else wishes to drill wells which would penetrate the storage formation, you must coordinate that activity with the company, and usually the state authority regulating well drilling. Q: What about bushes, trees, fences, driveways and so forth? Trees with roots that may damage the pipeline or its coating and other obstructions that prevent observation from aircraft during maintenance are usually not allowed. Driveways and other improvements without foundations are normally allowed. All improvements are subject to the terms of the easement and are subject to negotiation as long as the pipeline maintenance and safety are not affected. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION KEY ISSUES INVOLVING LOCATION OF THE PROJECT I 13 Q. How tong will the right-of-way be there? Part of it is temporary and will be restored immediately after construction. The permanent right-of-way will remain until the Commission determines it can be abandoned by the pipeline company. This can be 20 to 50 years or more. Q. In general, wilt I still be able to use the right-of-way? The easement agreement will specify restricted uses on or across the right- of-way and any types of uses for which the company's permission must be sought. The continuation of past agricultural uses and practices on or across the right-of-way would be permitted. Buildings and large trees are usually not allowed. Special uses or activities that might have an impact on pipeline design (such as planned logging roads or drain tiles) should be negotiated with the pipeline company to minimize future conflicts. Q: To what depth would the pipeline be buried underground? The depth of cover for natural gas pipelines is regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, within the U.S. Department of Transportation. In normal soil conditions, the minimum required is 30-36 inches between the top of the pipeline and the land surface. Additional cover is provided at road and waterbody crossings, while less cover (a minimum of 18 inches) is required in consolidated rock. In special cases, the pipeline could be buried deeper (48 - 60 inches) where agricultural practices or other issues warrant additional cover. Q: What if I have problems with erosion or other issues during restoration and/or maintenance of the right-of-way? The landowner should first contact the natural gas company to address and resolve the issue. If the landowner is not satisfied that the problem has been adequately addressed, he or she can contact the Commission's Landowner Helpline at (877) 337-2237 or send an email to landownerhelp@ferc.gov. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 14 I Pipeline Construction A graphic representation of the pipeline installation sequence. Moving assembly line (graphic not to scale) Clearing Ditching (rock -free) Ditching (rock) and grading • yI• _,Jge, V Bending Welding Restoring residential area Reseeding the right-of-way Padding ditch bottom X-ray and weld repair Coating welds — I �:ea+r.r..,. ...�• vey FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION • continued below Inspection and repair of coating Lowering in Backfill Restored right-of-way 15 Pressure testing for leaks see FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 16 I PIPELINE INSTALLATION SEQUENCE Pipeline Installation Sequence After a company has received authorization from FERC as well as all necessary permits, and has an easement on a property, construction would proceed as follows: 1. The civil survey (and any uncompleted environmental surveys) would be completed and the construction right-of-way would be marked/staked for the clearing crew. 2. The clearing crew would remove any trees or brush within the right-of- way that would interfere with construction. 3. Temporary erosion control devices would be installed as required. 4. Next, the right-of-way would be graded. 5. Topsoil would be separated from subsoil in agricultural/residential areas (or in other areas requested during the easement negotiations). 6. Heavy equipment, such as backhoes or trenching machines, would then dig the trench. In areas where bedrock is near the surface, blasting may be required. 7. The pipe would be delivered to the right-of-way in segments (called joints). 8. The pipe would be bent to fit the trench and welded together. All welds would be tested prior to placing the pipe in the trench. 9. The trench would be back filled and if topsoil was removed it would be returned. 10. Construction debris would be removed. 11. The right-of-way would be regraded, seeded, and temporary and permanent erosion control devices would be installed. 12. After the right-of-way has revegetated the temporary erosion control devices would be removed. 13. Prior to gas flowing, the pipeline would be pressure tested (normally with water) to ensure it does not leak. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Abandonment Q: What is abandonment in place? A pipeline company may request authorization for a pipeline to be "abandoned in place?' In this case, the pipeline is physically separated from its source of gas and is no longer maintained. The pipeline is sealed at both ends and left in the ground. A company may revert the easement back to the affected property owners; in certain cases where multiple pipelines exist in the same corridor, the company may continue to hold the easements and maintain the right-of-way according to its vegetation maintenance practices. Q: Can the pipeline be used after abandonment? In some cases a pipeline company may ask to abandon a pipeline for use as a natural gas transportation line, but reserve the right to convert that line FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 18 I ABANDONMENT to another use, such as the transportation of crude oil or other petroleum products. Easements agreements affected by conversion transactions may transfer to the new operator. Q: If the pipeline is being abandoned will it be removed from my property? The Commission may decide there are environmental or other conditions that should determine the disposition of the pipeline. If not, the easement agreement that you or previous owners of the land signed may stipulate whether the pipeline is to be removed. You may also come to some agreement with the company on what they will do with the pipeline. Usually, above- ground facilities are removed. Q: If a company abandons a pipeline, can it keep an easement on my property? It depends on the terms of the easement agreement and may be subject to negotiation between the landowner and the pipeline company. If there is more than one pipeline, the pipeline company will keep the easement. Q: Will I be notified if abandonment is proposed? You will probably be notified by the company if it proposes to relinquish the easement as part of the abandonment and the easement is not being transferred to another company. Otherwise, you may be notified by the Commission as part of the environmental analysis of the project. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Storage Fields Q: What will happen to my property if a storage field is located beneath it? Possibly nothing, since the storage field itself is usually thousands of feet beneath the ground surface. Wells are needed to inject and withdraw the stored natural gas or to monitor field conditions (observation wells). The wells require a surface site of roughly one acre for drilling and less than one tenth of an acre for the surface wellhead piping and other facilities. If there are no facilities to be constructed on your property, the company will only need the storage rights to the geologic formation in which the natural gas would be stored. This is also the case for any property within any designated "buffer zone" or "protective area" around the actual storage field. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 20 I STORAGE FIELDS Q: Why is storage important? Underground natural gas storage can be used to balance the load requirements of gas users. Storage fields are the warehouses that provide a ready supply of natural gas to serve the market during periods of high demand. For example, in the Midwest and the Mid -Atlantic regions, natural gas is primarily used during the winter because many homes are heated by natural gas. To accommodate this load profile, natural gas is injected into storage fields during the warmer months (April - October), and withdrawn in the colder months (November - March). However, since the 1980s, most new power generation equipment has been fired by natural gas, which has created summer peaking requirements for natural gas to accommodate air conditioning loads in many areas of the country. Storage helps to meet peak demand requirements both in winter and in summer. Q: What types of facilities are associated with storage? Most natural gas storage facilities in the U.S. consist of underground formations, combined with above -ground equipment. These facilities include wells (injection/ withdrawal and observation, water supply, water disposal), wellhead valve assemblies, gathering lines (field lines, headers), metering and compression facilities, dehydration units, generators or transformers, associated electric equipment, roads, sheds/buildings and pipeline pigging facilities. Natural gas storage facilities that are owned and operated by natural gas distribution systems and used to deliver gas to their customers fall under the authority of state regulatory agencies. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION STORAGE FIELDS I 21 Q: Are there different types of underground storage fields? Most storage of natural gas takes advantage of natural geologic formations (reservoirs). There are three types of underground storage fields: ;1) depleted o il and/or gas fields, (2) aquifers, and (3) salt caverns. Depleted Oil and/or Gas Fields: Most of the natural gas storage in the United States consists of naturally -occurring oil or gas reservoirs that have been depleted through production. These consist of porous and permeable u nderground rock formations (usually 1,000 to 5,000 feet thick) that are confined by impermeable rock barriers and identified by a single natural pressure. Typically, this type of field has one injection/withdrawal cycle each year - gas is injected in summer and withdrawn in winter. This type of storage facility is normally used for long term or seasonal system supply, although in some instances it is used for peak day deliveries. These formations contain volumes of gas that are permanently stored in the field (called cushion or base gas) that help to maintain the underground pressure required to operate the field. Storage gas is then added to the field. In field storage the base gas is generally about 50% of the total reservoir capacity. Aquifer Storage Fields: This type of storage field uses a permeable rock formation containing water, called an "aquifer." The nature of the water in the aquifer may vary from fresh water to saturated brine. An aquifer would have a high cushion gas requirement, generally between 50% and 80%, as the water in the portion of the reservoir being used for storage must be displaced constantly. They also have high deliverability rates but are limited to one injection/withdrawal cycle each year. Salt Cavern Storage: This type of storage field uses caverns that are leached or mined out of underground salt deposits (salt domes or bedded salt formations). Salt caverns usually operate with about 20% to 30% cushion gas and the remaining capacity as working gas. Working gas can be recycled more than once per year (some up to 10 -12 times per year), the injection and withdrawal rates being limited only by the capability of the surface facilities. Salt cavern storage has high deliverability and injection capabilities and is usually used for peak deliverability purposes, daily or even hourly. Most of the n aturally -occurring salt caverns in the United States lie closer to the producer region in Louisiana, Texas, and the Gulf Coast. Q: How are storage field boundaries determined? Boundaries are determined by the geologic characteristics of the formation FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 22 I STORAGE FIELDS in which the gas will be stored. Most also have buffer zones surrounding the portion of the reservoir to limit migration of the stored gas and to protect the integrity of the field. Q: Can companies use the ground under my property without paying for it? Am I required to sign an easement? A company that owns/operates a storage field cannot use the underground portion of storage facilities without either owning mineral rights or having some form of agreement with the owner of the mineral rights. Compensation for that use will come as a result of the property/mineral rights conveyed to the company by the current owner or attached to the deed from a previous property owner. Those property/mineral rights, depending on the facts of the particular situation, will most likely be in the form of a storage lease or an easement agreement. A FERC certificate is not required in order for a company to negotiate the acquisition of a storage lease or easement. However, if FERC has issued a certificate approving the creation of a new storage field (or expansion of an existing field), that indicates that the agency has concluded that the storage field is needed and is in the public interest. In accordance with the Natural Gas Act (a law passed by the United States Congress in 1938), the FERC certificate gives the company the right to ask a state or federal court to award the needed property rights to the company where voluntary good faith n egotiation has failed. If the owner of the property/mineral rights and the company do not reach an agreement, the company can go to court to obtain the necessary rights through eminent domain. In such cases, the court will determine the amount that the company must pay to the owner of these rights. Similarly, if the storage field operations affect the surface property through construction of facilities or by reserving access rights, the company must also reach an agreement with the owner of the surface rights or go to court to obtain any n ecessary property rights through eminent domain. The court will determine the amount that the company must pay the owner of the surface rights. The state or federal court procedure is known as condemnation (or the exercise of e minent domain). Q: How far from my home can a storage facility be located? If the company is just using the area under my land, do they require access to my land? The storage reservoir itself is underground and does not require surface FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION STORAGE FIELDS I 23 rLI lirl ��i�r I t1J ins -1-1. '*'t "VV't3 o f=°s'g.n th' y.' ir . 41U K „: 1 t facilities on every property within the storage field boundaries. However, the company may need to construct and operate facilities on the surface, including injection and withdrawal wells to get the gas into and out of the subsurface rock formations, well lines that connect those wells to other pipelines in the storage field, compressor stations to pump the gas, and facilities that are used to clean and monitor the interior of certain u nderground pipelines. Where surface facilities are needed, the storage lease o r easement agreements developed between the landowner and the storage facility operator usually indicate minimum spacing of the facilities with respect to existing structures, like your home. In most cases, if the company does not have any surface facilities on your property, the company would not need access to your property. However, the company may need access to your land to check the integrity of a pipeline crossing your property or to monitor the effects of previously abandoned facilities (such as an old gas well) or facilities owned by another company to insure that those facilities do not interfere with the company's storage o perations. Because the need for access cannot be predicted, the storage lease or easement agreement typically references the right of the company to e nter your property when needed. The company should inform the property owner when its employees plan to enter the property. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 24 I STORAGE FIELDS Q: Is all storage in the U.S. under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission? No. Only natural gas storage that is used in interstate commerce is under FERC jurisdiction. There are approximately 500 existing underground natural gas storage facilities in the United States. Of those facilities, approximately 50% are under FERC jurisdiction, and the remaining are under state and/or local jurisdiction or are privately owned and unregulated. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION LNG Facilities Natural gas can also be converted to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and stored in above -ground tanks. Facilities for making LNG are used by many gas distribution companies for short-term peaking requirements, and are regulated under state authority. However, The Commission regulates a small number of similar facilities that are connected to interstate natural gas pipelines. The United States also has several large LNG terminals, which include large LNG storage tanks as part of their operations. Traditionally, imported LNG is regasified before it enters the system of interstate natural gas pipelines for delivery to consumers. The Gulf Coast area has the country's highest concentration of existing and planned LNG terminals. In this region, salt caverns and depleted reservoirs also may be used as gas storage. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 26 I LNG FACILITIES The growing production of natural gas in the United States from shale deposits has led to rising interest in developing liquefaction facilities for the export of natural gas to other countries. In this case, some LNG terminals would be used to export gas. Domestic natural gas would arrive at an LNG terminal via pipeline in a gaseous state, then liquefied and placed on LNG vessels for delivery to international consumers. While the Commission has the responsibility to evaluate and authorize LNG facilities, any company that exports natural gas also must receive an export license from the U.S. Department of Energy. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Compressor Stations Q: What is a compressor station? Compressor stations house natural gas fired engines, turbines or electric motors that drive compressors to compress, or pump, natural gas to move it through the system. They are located strategically along a pipeline route. Compressor stations associated with interstate natural gas pipeline systems are regulated by FERC. Compressors also are used by producers in gathering facilities that are not regulated by FERC. Electric motor -driven compressors are very clean, and emit no particulate matter or pollutants. Natural gas -fired engines and turbines burn a portion of the natural gas in the pipeline and would emit pollutants. Air emissions are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 28 I COMPRESSOR STATIONS nE ::**:, 'In a rear • Di I; Ili. 4. i i Prew Will I i rin (tit 0:A it t Pi tP t Iir � .�,. ;•-", */ :- 4 it 41 permitting authorities. These regulations are applicable to any source that emits or has the potential to emit any air contaminants, as defined in the Clean Air Act. Companies are required to obtain these federal permits, as applicable. Q: How noisy is a compressor station? The noise attributable to a new compressor station, compression added to an existing station, or any modification, upgrade or update of an existing station, must not exceed a day -night average noise level of 55 decibels at any pre-existing noise -sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals or residences. Companies perform noise surveys during initial operation of the approved facilities and report the results to FERC to document compliance. Q: Can compressor stations cause vibration at my home? Vibration is caused by direct vibration or by low -frequency noise emitted from a compressor station. This is similar to what happens when noise from a speaker causes the floor to shake or when a helicopter flying overhead causes a window to rattle. Companies are required to comply with FERC's rule at 18CFR 380.12(k)(4) (v)(B) to ensure that there is no increase in perceptible vibration from the operation of the compressor station. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION COMPRESSOR STATIONS I 29 Q: How much noise is permitted from drilling activities? Directional drilling is sometimes used to install underground pipeline through sensitive areas. Drilling is also used to install vertical wells at storage facilities. Drilling should be conducted with the goal of keeping noise impacts at noise - sensitive areas below a day -night level of 55 decibels. States may have their own noise level requirements for construction sites. Q; Will the compressor station affect my air quality? Numerous federal and state air quality rules and permits may apply to each compressor station. FERC will identify the required permits and regulations for each compressor station. We also identify the impacts on local and regional air quality from construction and operation of each compressor station. Q: Are there special safety or fire issues associated with compressor stations? All interstate natural gas facilities, including compressor stations, are required to comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Minimum Safety Standards. Compressor stations are constructed with many safety systems, such as gas and fire detection systems and emergency shutdown equipment. These systems are designed to ensure that in the event of an accident, the compressor station would be safely shut down with minimal risk to the public. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION The Responsibilities of Gas Companies Q: Must companies post bonds to guarantee performance? No, but the Commission inspects the right-of-way during and after construction to ensure that the terms of its certificate have been met. Q: Can the pipeline company come on my land without my permission? State or local trespass laws prevail until a certificate is issued by the Commission. Some states have laws that allow a company to get access to property for survey purposes. Procedures vary by state. Once a certificate is issued or an easement/ survey agreement or court order is obtained, the company may come onto your land. Usually the company will notify you in advance. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF GAS COMPANIES I 31 Q: When can they start to build? Construction cannot commence until the Commission issues a certificate, the company accepts it, the company receives all other relevant permits and authorizations, and the company complies with environmental conditions attached to the certificate. For most large pipelines, the time from filing an application to approval ranges from one year to two years. Once a certificate is issued, construction may start within a few weeks of the company having completed any outstanding studies or having met other preconditions set by the Commission. Q: Why would the company approach me about an easement before the project is approved? Because of planning and lead time, the company may try to obtain easement agreements in advance. Also, a company must conduct environmental studies before it files an application with the Commission. For these studies to be as complete as possible, the company will try to obtain access to all of the proposed right-of-way. If Commission approval is ultimately denied, or the route changes, the initial easement agreement with the landowner is usually void (depending on the wording of the right-of-way or access contract). Further, disputes over the wording of an easement agreement are subject to state law. Q: Can the company place more than one pipeline on my property? Can the pipeline and the easement be used for anything other than natural gas? The Commission grants a certificate and states that eminent domain may o nly be used for the proposed pipeline and related facilities in the exact location described and only for the transportation of natural gas. If the company wishes to install another natural gas pipeline under Commission jurisdiction, it must obtain additional approval from the Commission. Other u tilities may wish to use an adjacent or overlapping easement, but they would have to obtain approval from you or from another permitting authority that can grant eminent domain (usually the state). Of course, you may agree to other uses. Q: Can the company construct above -ground facilities on the right-of-way? Yes, if they have been approved by the Commission. Above -ground facilities, such as valves, pig launchers and pig receivers, are commonly placed in the right-of-way and are strategically placed along the pipeline system for o peration and safety purposes. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 32 I THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF GAS COMPANIES Q: How close can the pipeline be to other pipelines or utility facilities? Pipelines must be at least a foot from any underground structure and two to three feet below ground. Companies usually want their pipelines to be 25 feet from another pipeline. If space permits, pipelines can be placed in another utility's right-of-way. Q: Can I receive service from the pipeline? No, not in most cases. Generally speaking, interstate pipelines are operating at pressures incompatible with direct residential use, which is provided by local distribution companies. Q: Can a pipeline be placed in a river or the ocean? A pipeline can be placed in the ocean or across a river; however, it is usually not acceptable to place one longitudinally down a river or other stream. There are different environmental, cost, design and safety issues associated with construction in a water body. Q: How soon after construction will the company restore the land? Commission rules require restoration as soon as the trench is backfilled and weather permits. Q. What authorization allows the pipeline company to use eminent domain? If the Commission authorizes the project and the necessary easements cannot be negotiated, an applicant is granted the right of eminent domain under section 7(h) of the Natural Gas Act and the procedures set forth under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Rule 71A). Under these conditions, the landowner could receive compensation as determined by the courts. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUES I 33 I mportant Safety Issues Q: Who is responsible for safety? While the Commission has oversight in ensuring that pipeline and above- ground facilities are safely constructed and installed, once the natural gas is flowing in the new system, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Pipeline Materials Safety Administration takes over the responsibility during the operation for the lifetime of the pipeline. The U.S. Department of Transportation is also responsible for setting the federal safety standards for natural gas (and other) pipelines and related facilities. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration website at phmsa.dot.gov. Q: Are pipelines safe? Accidents are rare and usually result from outside forces or unauthorized action by someone other than the pipeline company. The U.S. Department of Transportation enforces strict safety standards and requires safety checks. Q: Does natural gas smell? Natural gas is odorless. An odorant, which smells like rotten eggs, is generally added for quick leak detection in more populated areas on interstate transmission pipelines and in local distribution pipelines in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation safety regulations. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 34 I FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Further Environmental Issues Q: What if my property contains endangered species, wetlands, or archeological sites? Endangered species must be protected from the effects of construction and this could affect the location of the pipeline or other facilities. In the case of wetlands, if proper crossing procedures are used and no alternatives are available, they may be used for a pipeline right-of-way. If an archeological or historic site is e ligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, impact to it must be minimized. It either will be excavated and studied, or the pipeline will be rerouted to avoid it. Landowners who want them usually are permitted to keep any artifacts after they are properly studied, subject to state law. Q: Environmental studies were mentioned earlier. How do they work? A Notice of Intent (N01) to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) or an e nvironmental impact statement (EIS) is issued for most major proposals. It is sent to federal, state and local agencies, local media and libraries, e nvironmental groups, and the affected owners of any [and that would be crossed. For some major projects the NOI may announce a schedule of public meetings along the proposed route. The NOI seeks comments from interested parties on the scope of the environmental document, and the comments must be submitted to the Commission, normally within 30 days. After the comment period, the Commission staff will prepare an EA or a Draft EIS outlining its findings and recommendations. For major proposals, further comments are sought during 45 days allotted for review of a Draft EIS or 30 days in the case of an EA. These comments are addressed in the Final EIS or the final order granting or denying the application. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION GLOSSARY OF TERMS I 35 Glossary of Terms Glossary of Terms supplied courtesy of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and FERC staff. For further information, please consult the PHMSA web site at phmsa.dot.gov. Compressor Stations Compressor Stations are facilities located along a natural gas pipeline that house and protect compressors. Compressors are used to compress (or pump) the gas to move it through the system. Compressor stations are strategically placed along the pipeline to boost the system pressure to maintain required flow rates. Easement An easement is an acquired privilege or right, such as a right-of-way, afforded a person or company to make limited use of another person's or company's real property. For example, the municipal water company may have an easement across your property for the purpose of installing and maintaining a water line. Similarly, oil and natural gas pipeline companies acquire easements from property owners to establish rights -of -way for construction and operation of their pipelines. Gathering Line Pipelines, generally small in diameter, used to transport oil or gas from the well to a processing facility or a mainline pipeline. Gathering facilities, which can include the gathering lines and compressor stations associated with gathering, are not regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Hydraulic Fracturing Also called "fracking,"this refers to a process of fracturing rock using a pressurized liquid. This is usually water mixed with sand and chemicals, injected deep within the ground through a piped well bore. This technique is commonly used to produce natural gas or oil from shale, tight or coal seam formations. Lateral A lateral is a segment of a pipeline that branches off the main or transmission line to transport the product to a termination point, such as a tank farm or a metering station. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 36 I GLOSSARY OF TERMS Launcher A launcher is a pipeline component that is used for inserting an inline inspection tool, cleaning pig, or other device into a pressurized pipeline. After performing its task, the tool or pig is removed via receiver. Liquefaction Liquefaction refers to the process of converting natural gas (methane) to a liquid to facilitate transportation or storage. This process requires removing impurities and cooling the methane to -260°F. Loop A loop is a segment of pipeline installed adjacent to an existing pipeline and connected to it at both ends. A loop allows more gas to be moved through the system. Metering and Regulating (M&R) Stations Metering and regulating stations are installations containing equipment to measure the amount of gas entering or leaving a pipeline system and, sometimes, to regulate gas pressure. Pig A pig, also known as a "smart" pig, is a generic term signifying any independent, self-contained device, tool, or vehicle that is inserted into and moves through the interior of a pipeline for inspecting, dimensioning, FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION GLOSSARY OF TERMS I 37 or cleaning. These tools are commonly referred to as "pigs" because of the occasional squealing noises that can be heard as they travel through the pipe. Receivers A pipeline component used for removing an inline inspection tool, cleaning pig, or other device from a pressurized pipeline. The device is inserted into the pipeline via a launcher. Rights -of -Way (ROW) A right-of-way is a defined strip of land on which an operator has the rights to construct, operate, and/or maintain a pipeline. A ROW may be owned outright by the operator or an easement may be acquired for specific use of the ROW. Trench A trench is a long narrow ditch dug into the ground and embanked with its own soil. They are used for concealment and protection of pipeline. Trenches are usually dug by a backhoe or by a specialized digging machine. Valve A valve is a mechanical device installed in a pipeline and used to control the flow of gas or liquid. See phmsa.dot.gov for additional pipeline -related terminology definitions. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Hello