The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has announced it will prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) on the restoration plans that have been proposed for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) and the associated Supply Header Project (SHP). The ACP plan was filed by Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC (Atlantic) with FERC on January 4. The SHP plan was filed with FERC by Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage, Inc. (EGTS, the Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary that purchased Dominion Energy’s gas transmission assets) on November 20. Public comments on the plans were submitted to FERC in April.
FERC’s May 4 Notice states:
“The supplemental EIS will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of the proposed activities related to the disposition of the projects and restoration of the project workspaces. To date, we have identified potential environmental concerns related to Atlantic’s and EGTS’ proposals to leave felled trees in place and abandon installed pipe, and potential impacts on wetlands and waterbodies from restoration activities. As a result, the supplemental EIS will include a reevaluation of mitigation associated with the restoration activities previously analyzed for the construction of the ACP and SHP. The supplemental EIS will also consider revisions to land use, air emissions, and noise levels. Commission staff will also evaluate reasonable alternatives to the proposed project amendments or portions of the proposals and make recommendations on how to lessen or avoid impacts on the various resource areas.”
The proposed schedule calls for issuance of a final SEIS by November 19, 2021, with a decision deadline of February 17, 2022.