FR 2020-29066

General Summary

The document is a notice from Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC, concerning a request submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The company seeks authorization to replace a 490-foot segment of a 26-inch diameter pipeline located in Putnam County, New York. This project, known as the Stony Point Anomaly-Metro-North Railroad Crossing Project, is estimated to cost $12.5 million and involves conventional boring methods for installation.

FERC outlines the procedures for public involvement in the approval process. Individuals can file protests, motions to intervene, or comments until February 26, 2021. The notice also details how the public can access more information about the project and track its progress through FERC's online services.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One significant issue with the document is the lack of detailed information on the cost breakdown of the project. The mention of a $12.5 million estimate for replacing the pipeline does not provide a breakdown of this budget, making it difficult for the public and stakeholders to assess whether the proposed spending is justified or if it might be excessive or wasteful.

The document uses technical language and makes frequent references to regulatory procedures. This could pose a challenge for individuals not well-versed in legal or regulatory terms, potentially limiting the ability of the general public to engage meaningfully in the review process. Procedural citations, such as specific sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), may alienate those without a legal background.

Furthermore, the document does not provide enough information about potential environmental or community impacts, leaving a gap in the information necessary for stakeholders, including local residents and environmental groups, to effectively evaluate the project's broader implications.

Impact on the Public

For the public at large, this document highlights opportunities to participate in federal decision-making processes. The ability for individuals to file protests or motions to intervene empowers community members to have a say in projects that could affect their environment, property, or daily lives.

However, the complexity of the language and procedural instructions might act as a barrier to participation. Individuals interested in contributing to the discussion may find it challenging to understand what is required of them and how to effectively voice their concerns or support.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Local Communities and Residents: Residents in Putnam County and surrounding areas could be directly affected by the project, positively or negatively, depending on the project's execution and its environmental impact. However, a lack of detailed information might impede their ability to assess and react to the project's implications fully.

Environmental Groups: These stakeholders may have concerns about the ecological effects of pipeline replacement. The document's limited transparency regarding environmental impacts could hinder their efforts to make informed contributions to discussions or raise pertinent environmental concerns.

Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC: The document appears to favor the company in terms of process, by not emphasizing potential negative impacts or requiring the company to provide extensive justification for the project's costs upfront. This may facilitate project approval, assuming no substantial public objections are raised.

Overall, while the document theoretically enables public interaction with the regulatory process, the manner in which information is presented significantly impacts the accessibility and engagement level of various stakeholders.

The document mentions that Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC has submitted a request to replace a section of its pipeline, estimating the cost of this project at $12.5 million. This expenditure is associated with the replacement of approximately a 490-foot segment of a 26-inch diameter pipeline in Putnam County, New York. The replacement is part of a project referred to as the Stony Point Anomaly-Metro-North Railroad Crossing Project. The project aims to install the new pipeline segment using a conventional boring method adjacent to the existing pipeline within Algonquin's current easement.

The financial reference to the $12.5 million cost is one of the few financial details provided in the document. While it states the overall cost, the document does not provide a breakdown of this amount, which makes it challenging for the public and stakeholders to assess whether the estimated spending is reasonable or potentially excessive. Such a breakdown could include categories such as labor costs, materials, equipment, and other ancillary expenses related to the project's execution.

This lack of detailed financial information leads to one of the identified issues in the document: it does not offer enough information for stakeholders to comprehensively evaluate the project's potential environmental or community impacts relative to its cost. Without specific financial details, assessing the cost-benefit ratio or determining the project's value proposition becomes difficult, especially for local communities that may be impacted by the construction activities.

Furthermore, the technical language and procedural references used in the document might limit public comprehension, posing another barrier for stakeholders who wish to engage with or question the financial aspects of the project. Providing clearer and more detailed financial information, along with simplifying the technical language, could enhance transparency and facilitate informed public participation regarding the project's financial justification.