The FERC staff prepared a final EIS for Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC's (Algonquin) HubLine/East to West Project (Project). The proposed Project would consist of approximately 2.56 miles of 12-inch-diameter replacement pipeline and associated aboveground facilities in Norwich, Connecticut and modifications to an existing compressor station in Hanover, New Jersey.
The final EIS was prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act.
The FERC staff has determined that construction and operation of the E2W Project would result in some adverse environmental impacts. However, all impacts would be reduced to less-than-significant levels with the implementation of Algonquin's proposed mitigation measures and the additional mitigation measures the staff recommends in the final EIS. The primary reasons for the staff's conclusion that the Project would be an environmentally acceptable action are:
- The majority of the proposed pipeline would be installed within Algonquin's existing right-of-way and less than 0.2 acre of new permanent right-of-way would be required;
- Algonquin would protect natural and cultural resources and residential areas during construction and operation of the Project by implementing its Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan; Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan; Blasting Plan; Invasive Plant Species Control Plan; Wetland Restoration Procedures for Temporary Wetland Impacts; Dust Control Plan; Procedures Guiding the Discovery of Unanticipated Cultural Resources and Human Remains; and Site-specific Residential Construction Plans;
- No wetlands would be permanently affected;
- Endangered Species Act consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have been completed;
- The appropriate consultations with the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office and Native American tribes would be completed before construction would be allowed to begin in any given area; and
- Algonquin would implement an environmental inspection and mitigation monitoring program that would ensure compliance with all proposed and recommended mitigation measures.
The FERC Commissioners will take into consideration the staff's recommendations and the final EIS when they make a decision on the Project.