The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) wasted little time in following-up with Dominion Transmission, Inc. (DTI) to seek additional information and clarifications on numerous items, many of which were flagged in comments filed about the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP). On April 11, five days after the DEIS comment deadline, FERC wrote DTI making 111 specific requests for supplemental information, requesting that the company submit its responses by May 1 (20 days from the date of the agency’s letter). Noteworthy among the items in the FERC letter are:
- “We received numerous comments on the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) questioning the need for the relatively large number of temporary and permanent access roads. Limit the number of access roads to that necessary to construct and operate the ACP and SHP. . . Note that we are requesting that Atlantic and DTI conduct a thorough review of the entire project to determine where access road reductions can be achieved.” (Item #3)
- “The updated Karst Survey Report filed on February 24, 2017 identified numerous point and area features and known and suspect closed depressions within the current project workspace. It appears that many of these features could be avoided by small route variations and/or potential workspace reductions. Clarify whether Atlantic and DTI propose to incorporate route and/or workspace design revisions to avoid or minimize impacts to these features.” (#10)
- The Valley Center area of Highland County, VA (where the ACP would cross from West Virginia into Virginia) “appears to have an abundance of karst features, caves, and sinking streams. Incorporate a route variation to avoid these features.” (#11, emphasis added)
- “Identify the location and temporary and permanent impact acreage of high quality wetlands such as Atlantic white cedar and cypress gum swamps.” (#18)
- Forest fragmentation data that DTI had submitted February 24, in response to a FERC request of October 26, was not in compliance with the agency’s requested data parameters. DTI is requested to provide an updated table of forest fragmentation analysis using the proper data sets. (#19)
The letter requests additional or clarifying information regarding numerous species and the impact that ACP construction would have on them (#28-79)
- “Provide an update of Atlantic’s consultations with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation regarding easement crossings.” (#83)
- “The Virginia Outdoors Foundation proposes to receive and manage the 1,034-acre Hayfields Farm property as a substitute for acreage affected by the ACP route that is currently part of a conservation easement. Consider whether the Hayfields Farm property is subject to the Section 106 process, and if so, provide any appropriate Section 106 documentation.” (#96)
- “Provide a status report on the survey, evaluation, and effect assessment of properties along the project route through Nelson County, Virginia. Include access roads and off-right-of-way facilities. Report also on agency and local informant communication regarding the properties and historic districts.” (#99)
“In response to numerous comments received on the draft EIS, describe in more detail how Atlantic would work with local law enforcement and emergency response to promote the safe evacuation of landowners in remote areas should a pipeline incident occur. Consult with each landowner where the proposed pipeline crosses a private egress that is the sole access to/from the property to determine if a site-specific evacuation procedure is requested.” (#106)