By Suzanne Herel

FERC staff last week released a draft environmental impact statement on Atlantic Sunrise Project, finding that the natural gas pipeline expansion would result in “some adverse environmental impacts” but that they would be “less than significant” following mitigation measures (CP15-138).

Williams has proposed expanding its existing Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line (Transco) from the Marcellus Shale area in northern Pennsylvania to its southeastern market. The 198 miles of additional pipeline would deliver an incremental 1.7 million dekatherms/day of year-round firm transportation capacity.

In making its determination, staff considered that about 28%, or 55 miles, of the project would be within or next to existing infrastructure rights of way. Proposed mitigation measures by Williams, along with recommendations by FERC staff, would minimize impacts on natural and cultural resources during construction and beyond, staff said.

The Atlantic Sunrise Project consists of 184 miles of greenfield pipeline and 11.5 miles of looping pipeline in Pennsylvania. Williams would also replace 2.5 miles of pipeline in Virginia.

The project also involves two new compressor stations, two new meter stations and three new regulator stations in Pennsylvania, along with infrastructure improvements that also would affect Maryland, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Williams expects the project to be in service in the second half of 2017. Comments on the draft EIS are due by June 27.