Central New Jersey Expansion - Regulatory Process [Williams.com]

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is charged by Congress with determining whether or not proposed interstate pipeline projects are in the public convenience and necessity. The information below explains the FERC’s review process for the planned project, and how you can get involved in the process.

FERC Pre-Filing: On May 20 Williams requested, and on May 24 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved, the initiation of a environmental review of the Central New Jersey Expansion Project prior to Transco’s certificate application. This process, known as pre-filing, is facilitated by the FERC to encourage involvement by citizens, government entities and other interested parties in the very early design stages of a proposed project.

During the pre-filing process, the FERC notifies citizens, government entities and other interested parties of the proposed project and requests comments. As part of the pre-filing process, representatives from the FERC participated in Transco’s public open house held on June 2 and Bordentown’s Township meeting held on June 21. Additionally, the FERC hosted a public walk through of the proposed pipeline route on June 29 and followed up with a public scoping meeting later that evening.

The FERC assigned the Central New Jersey Project a Pre-Filing (PF) Docket Number PF04-12. All documents and correspondence submitted to or issued by the FERC regarding the pre-filing process on the Central New Jersey project can be accessed by referencing the PF Docket Number on the FERC website located at http://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/docket_search.asp.

The FERC Application and Review Process

FERC Filing: On August 11, 2004, Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Williams, filed its application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), formally seeking a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct and operate the Central New Jersey Expansion Project on its natural gas pipeline system. Maps and detailed information presenting a proposed route and alternate routes that had been considered and studied to date were included in the FERC application. The application consisted of three volumes of environmental and technical data.

On August 20 the FERC assigned a Certificate Proceeding (CP) Docket Number to the proceeding, CP04-396. Documents and correspondence submitted to or issued by the FERC regarding the certificate application for the Central New Jersey Expansion Project can be found on http://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/docket_search.asp. Use the CP Docket Number to search for related files.

In February 2005 FERC approved the project, determining that there was a public need for the project and the construction and operation of the facilities would not result in significant adverse impacts to the environment. Construction began on the project in July 2005.

Environmental Assessment (EA): The FERC prepared an EA using information included in Williams’ certificate application, supplemental information, and information assembled by its own staff. The EA described the proposed project and alternatives and identified existing environmental conditions and the potential impacts from the project. The EA indicated what mitigation measures, construction procedures, and routing could be included in the project to eliminate or reduce impacts.

The EA was issued on Nov. 22, 2004, stakeholders will have a 30-day period to comment.

Certificate of Public Need and Necessity: A Certificate of Public Need and Necessity is the document FERC issues that signifies the approval granted to build and operate the pipeline. This document typically addresses comments received on the EA and details the conditions of approval, including the route that FERC has authorized, and construction and mitigation measures that the company must follow. Williams received its FERC certificate for the Central NJ expansion on Feb. 10, 2005.