General Landowner Questions
On August 5, 2009, National Fuel hosted a public meeting at the Graysville Elementary School in Graysville, Pennsylvania. On August 6, 2009, another public meeting was hosted at McGuffey High School in Claysville, Pennsylvania. The questions listed below were raised during these public meetings by attendees.
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- How old is the existing pipeline that the Company would like to reroute?
The existing pipeline was built in 1947 and is currently 63 years old.
- What will happen to the existing pipeline infrastructure?
The existing pipeline will be taken out of service. In the future, it is possible that the Company would consider using the pipeline for low-pressure gathering after the pipeline is refurbished.
- What is the size of the existing pipeline compared to the size of the proposed pipeline?
Both the existing pipeline and proposed pipeline will have a width of 20 inches. The relocation project would include the construction of 19 miles of additional pipe.
- What is the pressure of the existing pipeline compared to the pressure of the proposed pipeline?
The existing pipeline currently has a maximum pressure of 787 pounds. The proposed pipeline would have a maximum pressure of 1,200 pounds.
- How deep will the proposed pipeline be underground?
The proposed pipeline will need to be at least three feet below the ground and four feet below agricultural areas. Pipeline depth is dependent upon what land surfaces are used for. Safety is important to our Company and special practices and precautions can be taken during installation as needed.
- For the Line N Pipeline Relocation and Interconnect Project, is the Company proposing one pipeline or multiple pipelines?
The Company is proposing one pipeline under this project.
- For the Line N Pipeline Relocation and Interconnect Project, will the Company be installing a brand new compressor station?
No. Our current plan is to tie the proposed pipeline into an existing compressor station, currently active on the Texas Eastern Pipeline.
- How is compensation determined for landowners?
Compensation is typically based upon an appraisal of the property in question. Through the appraisal process, we are able to determine a fair market value in order to compensate landowners fairly and accurately.
- Do landowners need to pay taxes on the compensation they will receive during the project?
We recommend that you consult a financial advisor or tax expert in order to understand the tax implications of compensation that you would receive during the project.
- Are fair market values negotiable?
Yes, fair market values are negotiable and are open for discussion.
- Are the requested 50-foot right-of-ways meant for one pipeline or multiple pipelines?
50-foot right-of-ways are generally for multiple pipelines. However, landowners can specify that their right-of-ways only contain one pipeline.
- Is it possible to use the same right-of-way that coal companies use for power lines?
Perhaps. Those right-of-way agreements will need to be reviewed in order to determine if that is feasible or not.
- Are property taxes paid on acquired right-of-ways?
No, the Company does not pay property taxes on acquired right-of-ways.
- Will the Company retain right-of-ways for the existing pipeline?
All of the Company’s right-of-way contracts associated with the existing pipeline will need to be reviewed in order to determine if right-of-ways will be retained or released.
- What is the typical distance between multiple pipelines within one right-of-way?
Within one right-of-way, the standard spacing between two pipelines is 25 feet.
- How close to a pipeline can you build?
The closest structures can be built is 25 feet outside of a right-of-way.
- How close can wells be drilled to pipelines?
Our Company tries to maintain a 50-foot easement when working near pipelines. Our goal is to keep heavy equipment outside of right-of-ways all together. We work closely with drilling companies to build pipeline crossings, to handle special requests, to assess special needs and to bore beneath pipeline in order to protect our facilities.
- After a pipeline is installed, is it okay to move heavy equipment and machinery over the top of it?
No. However, pipeline crossings can be designed based upon needs of landowners.
- Will any existing contracts with drilling companies pose any issues to this project?
No. Our Company will work with landowners and drilling companies together. We are not going to discourage drilling by any means.
- Is there a location where landowners, government officials and emergency response teams can access detailed maps of pipeline locations in the event of an emergency?
Yes. The latest pipeline mapping information for our Company is always submitted to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. This government agency maintains the National Pipeline Mapping System website (http://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov), which provides pipeline mapping information for public use.
- How many pipelines installed within the past ten years does the Company own today?
Every single pipeline installed in the past ten years is still owned by our Company today.
- How are sites for archeological digs determined?
Sites for archeological digs are typically chosen by archeologists and/or environmental experts. Different sites are chosen based on varying characteristics of land, such as slope.
- How will landowners be notified that this project is moving forward?
Landowners will receive notice of our Company’s FERC filing through letters.
- What can be done to ensure that farmers and landowners know exactly what to expect during the land restoration process?
Should farmers and landowners express concern, our Company would be happy to meet with farmers and landowners to discuss restoration. In meetings, we would make our environmental agents fully accessible, we would map out our Company’s restoration plan, we could provide information on past projects that included restoration initiatives and answer any questions that landowners may have.
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