The Executive Summary of the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. It is a review of the potential impacts from building a 125-mile natural gas pipeline from Susquehanna County, PA north into central New York where it will connect with two interstate natural gas transmission pipelines, delivering up to 650,000 dekatherms of natural gas per day to New York and New England--something badly needed. The EIS says there will be negative effects on the environment--but that those effects can be mitigated to "less than significant levels" if certain things are done.

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) has prepared
this draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to fulfill requirements of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and the Commission’s implementing regulations under Title 18 of the Code
of Federal Regulations Part 380 (18 CFR 380). On June 13, 2013, Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC
(Constitution) and Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. (Iroquois), filed applications with the FERC
under Section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) and Part 157 of the Commission’s regulations to
construct, install, own, operate, and maintain certain interstate natural gas pipeline facilities in
Pennsylvania and New York.
The FERC is the federal agency responsible for authorizing interstate natural gas transmission
facilities under the NGA, and is the lead federal agency for the preparation of this EIS in compliance with
the requirements of NEPA. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (COE), the Federal Highway Administration, and the New York State Department of
Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) participated as cooperating agencies in the preparation of the EIS.
A cooperating agency has jurisdiction by law or has special expertise with respect to environmental
resource issues associated with a project.
PROPOSED ACTION
Constitution’s proposal, referred to as the Constitution Pipeline Project, would involve the
construction and operation of 124.4 miles of new 30-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline and associated
equipment and facilities in Pennsylvania and New York. Constitution also proposes to construct and
operate 2 new metering and regulating (M&R) stations; 2 tie-ins, and 11 mainline valves (MLVs); and
would install a pig 1 launcher and a pig receiver at the M&R stations.
Iroquois’ Wright Interconnect Project, also referred to as the compressor transfer station, would
involve the construction and operation of new compressor facilities adjacent to Iroquois’ existing Wright
Compressor Station and modifications to the existing Wright Compressor Station. Iroquois’ proposed
expansion would be constructed completely within the property boundaries of its existing Wright
Compressor Station.
According to Constitution, the proposed pipeline project was developed in response to natural gas
market demands in the New York and the New England areas, and interest from natural gas shippers that
require transportation capacity from Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania to the existing Tennessee Gas
Pipeline Company LLC (TGP) and Iroquois systems in Schoharie County, New York.
The proposed projects would deliver up to 650,000 dekatherms per day (Dth/d) of natural gas
supply from Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania to the interconnect with the TGP and Iroquois systems at
the existing Wright Compressor Station (to markets in New York and New England).
Dependent upon Commission approval, Constitution and Iroquois (collectively Applicants)
propose to begin construction in the second quarter of 2014 and third quarter of 2014, respectively, and
place the projects in service by March of 2015. Constitution and Iroquois would seek approval to begin
construction of their projects as soon as possible upon receiving all necessary federal authorizations.
1
A pig is an internal tool that can be used to clean and dry a pipeline and/or to inspect it for damage or corrosion.
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2. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
On April 5, 2012, Constitution filed a request with the FERC to implement the Commission’s
pre-filing process for its pipeline project. At that time, Constitution was in the preliminary design stage
of its project and no formal application had been filed. The purpose of the pre-filing process is to
encourage the early involvement of interested stakeholders, facilitate interagency cooperation, and
identify and resolve issues before an application is filed with the FERC. On April 16, 2012, the FERC
granted Constitution’s request and established a pre-filing docket number (PF12-9-000) to place
information related to the pipeline project into the public record. The cooperating agencies agreed to
conduct their environmental reviews of the pipeline project in conjunction with the Commission’s
environmental process.
On September 7, 2012, the Commission issued a Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental
Impact Statement for the Planned Constitution Pipeline Project, Request for Comments on Environmental
Issues, and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings. The notice was published in the Federal Register on
September 14, 2012, and mailed to more than 2,100 interested parties, including federal, state, and local
government representatives and agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups;
Native American Tribes; affected property owners; other interested parties; and local libraries and
newspapers. We initially held three public scoping meetings in the project area to provide an opportunity
for agencies, stakeholders, and the general public to learn more about the proposed pipeline project and
participate in the environmental analysis by commenting on the issues to be addressed in the draft EIS.
On October 9, 2012, the Commission subsequently issued a Notice of Public Scoping Meeting and
Extension of Scoping Period for the Planned Constitution Pipeline Project. The notice was published in
the Federal Register on October 16, 2012, and mailed to more than 3,300 interested parties on our
mailing list. The notice listed the date and location of one additional public scoping meeting to be held in
the pipeline project area and extended the closing date for receipt of comments from October 9, 2012 to
November 9, 2012. On July 10, 2013, the Commission issued an additional Notice of Intent to Prepare
an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Wright Interconnect Project and Request for
Comments on Environmental Issues. The notice was published in the Federal Register on July 16, 2013,
and mailed to 74 interested parties.
In response to our notices and at our public meetings, we received over 2,000 comments from
landowners, public officials, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies regarding the
projects. These comments expressed concerns with the proposed location of the pipeline route and the
effects of the projects on resources, including, but not limited to waterbodies, wetlands, wildlife,
vegetation, threatened and endangered species, property values, homeowners insurance, project safety,
blasting, air quality, exportation of natural gas, hydraulic fracturing, cumulative impacts, and alternatives.
These comments are addressed in this draft EIS.
A copy of the draft EIS was mailed to those agencies, tribal organizations, and individuals that
attended meetings or submitted written comments on the projects, as well as to our environmental mailing
list. The draft EIS has been filed with the EPA and a formal notice of availability will be issued in the
Federal Register. The public has 45 days after the date of publication of the EPA’s notice in the Federal
Register to comment on the draft EIS either in the form of written comments or at public meetings to be
held along the pipeline route. All comments received on the draft EIS related to environmental issues will
be addressed in the final EIS.
PROJECT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION
Construction and operation of the projects could result in numerous impacts on the environment.
We evaluated the impacts of the projects, taking into consideration Constitution’s and Iroquois’ proposed
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3. impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures on geology, soils, groundwater, surface water,
wetlands, vegetation, wildlife, fisheries, special status species, land use, visual resources, socioeconomics,
cultural resources, air quality, noise, and safety. Where necessary, we are recommending additional
mitigation to minimize or avoid these impacts. Cumulative impacts of these projects with other past,
present, and reasonably foreseeable actions in the projects’ area were also assessed. In section 3 of this
EIS, we summarize the evaluation of nearly 400 alternatives to the projects, including the no-action
alternative, system alternatives, major and minor route alternatives, and minor route variations.
Based on scoping comments, agency consultations, and our independent evaluation of resource
impacts, the major issues identified in our analysis are in regard to waterbodies, wetlands, vegetation
including interior forests, wildlife habitat, socioeconomics, and alternatives. Our analysis of these issues
is summarized below and is discussed in detail in the appropriate resource sections in sections 3 and 4 of
this EIS. Sections 5.1 and 5.2 of this EIS contain our conclusions and a compilation of our recommended
mitigation measures, respectively.
Geology and Soils
The primary effect of construction of the projects on geologic resources would be disturbances to
steep topographic features found along the construction right-of-way. A well-defined landslide feature
was identified in the area of milepost 30.3 of the pipeline route, for which Constitution intends to perform
a formal slope stability analysis. Since the potential hazards associated with the proposed route through
this area has not been quantified, we are recommending that Constitution file the results of the formal
slope stability analysis at MP 30.3.
Constitution performed geotechnical feasibility studies to evaluate subsurface conditions at the
sites where specialized crossing methods are proposed for features including wetlands, waterbodies and
roads; however, we have not received the results of all of the investigations. Therefore, we are
recommending that Constitution provide geotechnical feasibility studies for all trenchless crossing
locations.
Flash flooding is a potential hazard in the area of the proposed projects. Constitution would
design all waterbody crossings to minimize potential impacts from flash flooding, scouring, and high flow
velocities during project operation. There are also several areas where karst topography may be present
along the proposed pipeline route. Constitution has not yet indicated whether it would implement all of
the listed potential mitigation measures discussed in its environmental reports. Therefore, we are
recommending that Constitution implement the above-mentioned mitigation measures for karst terrain.
The projects would traverse a variety of soil types and conditions. Construction activities
associated with the projects, such as clearing, grading, trenching, and backfilling, could adversely affect
soil resources by causing erosion, compaction, and introducing excess rock or fill material to the surface,
which could hinder the restoration of the disturbed areas. However, the Constitution and Iroquois would
implement the mitigation measures contained in their respective environmental construction plans to
control erosion, enhance successful revegetation, and minimize any potential adverse impacts on soil
resources. Such measures include topsoil segregation, temporary and permanent erosion controls, and
post-construction restoration and revegetation of construction work areas. Additionally, Constitution and
Iroquois would implement their respective spill plans during construction and operation to prevent,
contain, and clean-up accidental spills. To further protect soils, we are recommending that Constitution
adhere to a maximum allowable rutting depth of 4 inches in agricultural areas and that Constitution
consult with the NYSDAM and Constitution’s agricultural inspector prior to conducting any agricultural
restoration of New York agricultural parcels between October 1 and May 15 to determine soil workability
during winter conditions.
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4. Most impacts on soil would be temporary and short-term. Permanent impacts on soils would
occur at the aboveground facilities where the sites would be covered with gravel and converted to natural
gas facility use. With the implementation of Constitution’s state-specific Environmental Construction
Plans (ECPs), its Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation, and Maintenance Plan (Plan), Wetland and
Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures (Procedures), and Iroquois’ Plan as well as our
additional recommendations, we concluded that impacts on geological and soil resources would be
adequately minimized.
Groundwater, Waterbody Crossings, Water Use, and Wetlands
The proposed pipeline would cross approximately 4 miles of the Clinton Street Ballpark sole
source aquifer in Broome County, New York as well as Principal Aquifers, and wellhead protection areas
in New York (WHPA). The construction workspaces would be within 150 feet of 2 water monitoring
wells, 4 private water wells used for drinking water, and 20 private water supply wells or springs that are
not used for drinking water. Constitution has not, however, completed identifying water wells and
springs within 150 feet of the proposed pipeline and contractor yards. Therefore, we are recommending
that Constitution determine the location of all water wells and springs within 150 feet of the proposed
pipeline and aboveground facilities in Pennsylvania (where survey access has been granted) prior to
construction. Constitution has agreed to test all water wells within 150 feet of the construction workspace
for water quality and quantity prior to and after construction, and provide an alternative water source or a
mutually agreeable solution in the event of construction-related impacts.
Construction activities would not significantly impact groundwater resources because the
majority of construction would involve shallow, temporary, and localized excavation. These potential
impacts would be avoided or further minimized by the use of construction techniques and mitigation
described in Constitution’s ECPs and Iroquois’ Procedures. Constitution and Iroquois would prevent or
adequately minimize accidental spills and leaks of hazardous materials during construction and operation
by adhering to their spill prevention plans.
The pipeline project would cross a total of 277 surface waterbodies, 2 of which are considered
major waterbodies (greater than 100 feet wide). Constitution is proposing to use trenchless crossing
methods for 42 of the crossings, including both major waterbodies and dry crossing methods for the
remaining 235 waterbodies. Constitution would use construction techniques that avoid in-stream work.
None of the aboveground facilities, including Iroquois’ proposed project, would impact waterbodies. Use
of trenchless crossing methods to cross waterbodies and implementation of the mitigation measures
outlined in Constitution’s ECPs and other project-specific plans would avoid or adequately minimize
impacts on surface water resources.
We reviewed Constitution’s proposed measures and determined that impacts on waterbodies not
crossed by the pipeline, but affected by workspaces during construction, should be quantified on a
waterbody-specific basis. Therefore, we are recommending that Constitution file a description of impacts
and any proposed impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures for each waterbody that
would be impacted by workspaces but not crossed by the pipeline.
Construction of the pipeline project would impact a total of 91.8 acres of wetlands, including 32.7
acres of forested wetlands, 34.1 acres of herbaceous wetlands, and 25.0 acres of shrub-scrub wetlands.
The majority of the projects’ wetland impacts would be located in temporary workspaces (75.7 acres) and
these areas would eventually return to pre-construction conditions following construction. For the
operation of the pipeline Constitution would maintain 16.1 acres of previously forested or scrub-shrub
wetland in an herbaceous state. No wetlands would be impacted by construction of Iroquois’ proposed
project.
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5. Constitution also proposes to temporarily fill one wetland and permanently fill 13 wetlands
(approximately 0.3 acres) for the purposes of constructing access roads. Constitution has not provided us
with sufficient detail for these proposed permanent crossings of wetlands, nor have they provided us
sufficient justification for the use of permanent fill. For these reasons, we are recommending that
Constitution file site-specific plans for the permanent access road crossings wetlands and associated
waterbodies, including site-specific justifications for the use of permanent fill.
Based on the avoidance and minimization measures developed by Constitution, including the
ECPs, we conclude that impacts on groundwater, surface water, and wetland resources would be
effectively minimized or mitigated, and would be largely temporary in duration. Construction and
operation-related impacts on wetlands would be further minimized or mitigated by Constitution’s
compliance with the conditions imposed by the COE, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection (PADEP), and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).
Vegetation, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Federally Listed and State-Sensitive Species.
The proposed projects’ impacts on vegetation would range from short-term to permanent due to
the varied amount of time required to reestablish certain community types, as well as the maintenance of
grassy vegetation within the permanent right-of-way and the conversion of aboveground facility locations
to non-vegetated areas. The pipeline project would also affect vegetation communities of special concern,
including a limestone/calcareous talus slope woodland and large tracts of interior forest. Interior forests
are quality habitat for wildlife and migratory birds, and fragmentation of large blocks of interior forest has
the potential to effectively disconnect forested tracts. To minimize impacts on interior forest which
would account for 439.7 acres during construction and 217.9 acres during operations, Constitution would
reduce the proposed construction right-of-way from 110-feet-wide to 100-feet-wide feet, where feasible,
avoiding impacts on approximately 52 acres of forestlands (forested areas would be subject to 50-footwide permanent easement). To further mitigate impacts from fragmentation, we are recommending that
Constitution develop an Upland Forest Mitigation Plan developed in consultation with the applicable
federal and state agencies to minimize forest impacts. Although some impacts would occur on forested
lands at the Iroquois site, the adjacent area is already industrially developed.
The projects would affect wildlife and wildlife habitats along the pipeline route and at the
compressor transfer station. These impacts would be temporary, short-term, long-term, or permanent,
depending on the habitat type impacted, proposed facility type, as well as the location of that habitat
within project workspaces. The proposed project would impact four high-quality wildlife areas, including
an area of potential timber rattlesnake habitat, two state forests, and an Important Bird Area. Constitution
has routed the pipeline to minimize impacts where possible and would implement its Plan, Procedures,
and ECPs to minimize the effects of the project on wildlife and their habitats.
Construction could cause direct and indirect impacts on raptors and other migratory birds.
Constitution has surveyed, and would continue to survey, for bald eagles at specific locations along the
proposed project and has located three nests identified by the agencies, two of which are within 0.5-mile
of project areas that may require blasting. We are recommending that Constitution consult with the
applicable agencies to complete required surveys, develop mitigation for nests that may be close to areas
requiring blasting, and finalize a bald eagle mitigation plan. Constitution would conduct the majority of
tree-clearing activities within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) recommended clearing window
for the protection of migratory birds. As noted above, we are recommending that Constitution develop an
Upland Forest Mitigation Plan that would specifically address impacts on migratory bird habitat (in
addition to forested areas) for forest lands that would be cleared outside of the FWS-recommended
clearing window.
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6. As noted above, the pipeline project would cross 277 waterbodies, most of which are classified as
coldwater fisheries; 97 support trout populations. Schoharie Creek, the only warmwater fishery that
would be crossed by the pipeline project, contains potential habitat for the state-listed yellow lampmussel.
Constitution indicated that it would cross all fisheries of special concern, including trout fisheries and
Schoharie Creek within state-designated dates for crossing windows. In addition, Constitution would use
a dry crossing method for all waterbodies, which would avoid in-stream construction, and allow flow to
be maintained, and minimize downstream sedimentation and turbidity. There are no aquatic habitats
present at the proposed compressor transfer station site. No in-water blasting is expected to be required
for any of the pipeline crossings. However, if it is later determined that in-water blasting is required,
Constitution would develop a detailed in-water blasting plan that complies with state-specific regulations
and permit conditions. We are recommending that Constitution provide the FERC with any site-specific
blasting plans that include protocols for in-water blasting and the protection of aquatic resources and
habitats.
Constitution and Iroquois would use surface water and municipal sources totaling approximately
22.7 million gallons for hydrostatic testing. Constitution proposes to use five waterbodies as sources of
hydrostatic test water, all of which contain sensitive fisheries: Starrucca Creek in Pennsylvania, and
Oquaga, Ouleout, Kortright, and Schoharie Creeks in New York. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat
Commission (PFBC) approved the withdrawal of water from Starrucca Creek but requested that water not
be withdrawn between March 1 and June 15, which could be outside of Constitution’s proposed water
withdrawal window of December through March. Constitution has not received approval for water
withdrawal from the NYSDEC, nor has Constitution verified whether water withdrawals would be subject
to the in-stream work windows, where applicable. Therefore, we are recommending that Constitution
commit to withdrawing water within the PFBC recommended in-stream work window or provide the
results of additional coordination with the PFBC. In addition, we are recommending that Constitution file
written approval from the NYSDEC allowing water withdrawals, as well as listing any timing restrictions
that would be placed on withdrawals at those locations.
Based on Constitution’s consultations with the FWS and our review of existing records, four
federally listed threatened or endangered species are potentially present in the vicinity of the pipeline
project, but no critical habitat has been designated for these species in the project area. We are requesting
that the FWS consider this draft EIS as the Biological Assessment for the projects. We have determined
that construction and operation of the project is not likely to adversely affect the federally listed Indiana
bat, dwarf wedgemussel, and Northern monkshood. We have determined that the proposed project would
have no effect on the threatened bog turtle. In addition, we are recommending that Constitution not begin
construction until all remaining surveys and consultations with the applicable federal and state agencies
are complete, and it has received written notification from the Director of OEP. No federally listed
threatened or endangered species would be affected by Iroquois’ project.
Nineteen additional species are state listed as threatened, endangered, or candidate species, or
were noted by the applicable state agencies as being of special concern. We are recommending that
Constitution develop appropriate mitigation for special-status bat species that were encountered during
species-specific surveys. In addition, we are recommending that Constitution submit the remaining
surveys for state-listed species that may be present in the pipeline project workspaces. In consideration of
these recommendations, as well as those described above for the bald eagle, we concluded that impacts on
state sensitive species would be avoided or adequately minimized.
Land Use and Visual Resources
Construction of the proposed projects would impact a total of 1,862.0 acres. Approximately 89
percent of this acreage would be utilized for the pipeline facilities, including the construction right-of-way
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7. (83.6 percent) and extra workspaces (5.8 percent). The remaining acreage is associated with contractor
yards (5.9 percent), access roads (3.6 percent), and aboveground facilities (1.1 percent). Following
construction, lands outside of the permanent right-of-way, extra workspace areas, contractor yards, and
temporary access roads would be allowed to revert to their original land use type. The primary land use
types impacted during construction would be forested/woodland (55.0 percent) and agriculture (23.5
percent). Open water, open land, industrial/commercial and residential make up the remaining 21.5
percent of land types.
Operation of the projects would permanently affect 748.8 of the 1,862.0 acres impacted during
construction. The easement for the new permanent pipeline right-of-way would account for 707.3 acres,
or 94.5 percent of the acreage. The remaining 41.5 acres (5.5 percent) are associated with aboveground
facilities (including 4.5 acres for Iroquois’ project) and permanent access roads.
Currently we have identified six residences and an occupied pool house that would be within 50
feet of Constitution’s proposed construction work area. Three of them would be within 25 feet of the
proposed work area. To limit the distance between construction and the residences, Constitution
developed site-specific construction plans for them. To reduce impacts of construction, we are
recommending that Constitution more accurately classify currently unsurveyed structures, and also
prepare an updated site-specific plan regarding potential impacts on a septic field located within the
proposed work area.
No planned developments in Pennsylvania are within 0.5 mile of the pipeline project. In New
York, five planned projects were identified as being within 0.5 mile of the pipeline project. Constitution
incorporated several route variations into its proposed pipeline route to minimize or avoid impacts on four
of the planned developments. For the remaining development, we are recommending that Constitution
coordinate with the developer and local authorities to minimize impacts.
In general, impacts on recreational and special interest areas, including two New York State
Forests, would be temporary (several days to several weeks in any one area). Constitution would install
the pipeline at greater depths to allow trees to grow back over the pipeline.
The pipeline project would cross 7 tracts of land supporting specialty crops as well as 33.4 miles
within agricultural districts. Constitution has committed to continuing coordination with landowners to
avoid and minimize impacts on specialty crops, including the use of minor route re-alignments to avoid
sensitive areas. Where impacts on specialty crops cannot be avoided, Constitution would implement
special construction procedures in accordance with its ECPs. In addition, we are recommending that
Constitution revise their Organic Farm Protection Plan to require the use of organic straw/hay for mulch
on certified organic agricultural lands.
Visual resources along the proposed pipeline route are a function of geology, climate, and
historical processes, and include topographic relief, vegetation, water, wildlife, land use, and human uses
and development. A portion of the pipeline (about 9.0 percent) would be installed within or parallel to
existing pipeline and/or utility rights-of-way. As a result, the visual resources along this portion of the
project have been previously affected by other similar activities. Impacts in other areas would be greatest
where a conversion from forested land to a grassy, maintained right-of-way would occur, particularly at
viewing locations such as roadways. We conclude that these visual impacts, however, would not be
considered significant overall. Due to the location of the proposed compressor transfer station in an
existing industrial setting surrounded by in part by forest land, it is anticipated that visual impacts on
nearby visual receptors during operation would be permanent but negligible.
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8. Socioeconomics
The primary socioeconomic impacts of the pipeline project include population effects associated
with the influx of construction workers and the impact of these workers on public services and temporary
housing during construction. Secondary socioeconomic effects include increased sales and property tax
revenue, job opportunities, income associated with local construction employment, increased vehicle
traffic, and impacts on roads.
We received comments regarding the effect of the project on property values and insurance
policies. The real potential for these impacts is unclear and would likely be highly variable. To address
this issue we are recommending that Constitution document any property insurance issues and describe
efforts to coordinate with the affected landowners to mitigate impacts.
Construction of the projects would result in minor positive impacts due to increases in
construction jobs, payroll taxes, purchases made by the workforce, and expenses associated with the
acquisition of material goods and equipment. Operation of the projects would have a minor to moderate
positive effect on the local governments’ tax revenues due to the increase in property taxes that would be
collected.
Cultural Resources
Constitution conducted archival research and walkover surveys of the area of the proposed
project to identify historic aboveground resources and locations for additional subsurface testing in areas
with potential for prehistoric and historic archaeological sites. Constitution identified 138 historic
aboveground resources within the area of direct impact for the proposed pipeline route. Of those, we
have determined that 15 of these historic aboveground resources are eligible for listing in the National
Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Two of the 15 NRHP-eligible resources would be adversely affected
by the proposed pipeline. Constitution would implement measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any
anticipated adverse effects on eligible historic aboveground resources as part of the ongoing process to
comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Twenty-six archaeological sites and 17 stone pile sites would be located within the proposed
pipeline construction right-of-way, one archaeological site would be located in the area of potential
impact at a proposed contractor yard, and one cemetery would be within a proposed access road
corridor. Constitution has recommended 17 archaeological sites that would be impacted by its project as
potentially eligible for listing in the NRHP. Constitution would either modify the project to avoid
impacts, or provide suitable mitigation. Iroquois identified a single archaeological site during its Phase I
survey. The site is not eligible for listing in the NRHP, and the New York Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation agreed.
We consulted with federally recognized Native American tribes (15 associated with
Constitution’s project and 10 associated with Iroquois’ project) and three tribes that are not federally
recognized to provide them an opportunity to comment on the proposed projects. Several tribes and
organizations requested additional consultation or information, but none have provided comments on the
projects.
To ensure that our responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act are
met, we are recommending that the Applicants not begin construction until any additional required
surveys are completed, survey reports and treatment plans (if necessary) have been reviewed by the
appropriate parties, and we provide written notification to proceed.
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9. Air Quality and Noise
Air quality impacts associated with construction of the projects would include emissions from
fossil-fueled construction equipment and fugitive dust. Such air quality impacts would generally be
temporary and localized, and are not expected to cause or contribute to a violation of applicable air
quality standards.
Emissions generated during operation of Constitution’s project would be minimal, limited to
emissions from maintenance vehicles and equipment and fugitive emissions. Operation of the new
turbines at the compressor transfer station would result in the existing Wright Compressor Station
becoming a “major source” of greenhouse gas emissions requiring a Title V application and permit at
start-up of the new compressors. Because Title V is only required for greenhouse gas emissions, the
proposed turbines would still be permitted and regulated as “minor sources” and “minor modifications”
with regard to emission controls and other requirements.
Most of the project area is in attainment for criteria pollutants. Extensions of the construction
schedule past the estimated 9 months may result in increases in construction emissions that would exceed
the general conformity applicability threshold. Therefore, we are recommending that if such
modifications occur within Schoharie County, then the Applicants would have to provide additional
emissions data to assist in our preparation of a General Conformity assessment.
Noise would be generated during construction of the pipeline and aboveground facilities for both
projects. Construction activities in any one area would typically last from several days to several weeks
on an intermittent basis. Construction equipment would be operated on an as-needed basis during this
period, and would not be expected to exceed the FERC’s noise standard of 55 decibels on a A-weighted
scale – day/night average (dBA-Ldn) at the nearest noise sensitive areas (NSAs). However, we are
recommending that Constitution develop a site-specific noise mitigation plan for a NSA near one of
Constitution’s HDDs.
Some noise would be generated by the operation of Constitution’s M&R Stations and Iroquois’
facility. An acoustical analysis was completed to identify the estimated combined noise impacts on the
nearest NSAs from both the Westfall Road M&R station and Iroquois’ compressor station. The results of
the acoustical analysis demonstrate compliance with the FERC’s noise standard of 55 dBA (Ldn).
However, to ensure that the actual noise levels produced by the compressor station facilities, we are
recommending that Iroquois submit noise surveys and add noise mitigation until noise levels are below
our acceptable thresholds.
Implementation of Constitution’s and Iroquois’ proposed measures such as acoustical enclosures
and absorptive noise barriers as well as our additional recommendations would adequately minimize air
and noise-related impacts associated with the projects.
Reliability and Safety
The pipeline and aboveground facilities associated with the proposed projects would be designed,
constructed, operated, and maintained to meet the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Minimum
Federal Safety Standards in 49 CFR 192 and other applicable federal and state regulations. These
regulations include specifications for material selection and qualification; minimum design requirements;
and protection of the pipeline from internal, external, and atmospheric corrosion.
The Applicants would also perform integrity risk assessments of the facilities, which would be
instrumental in early detection of leaks and would reduce the likelihood for pipeline failure. The
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10. Applicants’ representatives would meet with the emergency services departments of the municipalities
and counties along the proposed pipeline facilities on an ongoing basis as part of their liaison programs.
The Applicants would provide these departments with emergency contact information and verbal, written,
and mapping descriptions of the pipeline systems. This liaison program would identify the appropriate
fire, police, and public officials and the responsibilities of each organization that may respond to a gas
pipeline emergency, and coordinate mutual assistance in responding to emergencies.
We conclude that the Applicants’ implementation of the above measures would protect public
safety and the integrity of the proposed facilities.
Cumulative Impacts
Three types of projects (past, present, and reasonably foreseeable projects) could potentially
contribute to a cumulative impact when considered with the proposed projects. These projects include
Marcellus Shale development (wells and gathering systems); natural gas facilities that are not under the
Commission’s jurisdiction; other FERC jurisdictional natural gas pipelines; and unrelated actions such as
residential or industrial developments, transportation projects, wind farms, and utility lines. The region of
influence for cumulative impacts varied depending on the resource being discussed. Specifically, we
included minor projects located within 0.25 mile of the proposed area for both Constitution and Iroquois’
projects; major projects located within 10 miles of the proposed area for both projects; major projects
located within watersheds crossed by the proposed projects; and projects with potential to result in longer
term impacts on air quality located within an air quality control region crossed by the proposed projects.
We received numerous comments about the cumulative impacts associated with development of
natural gas reserves in the Marcellus Shale and hydraulic fracturing. In Pennsylvania, the permitting of
upstream facilities associated with the development of the Marcellus Shale is under the jurisdiction of the
PADEP Bureau of Oil and Gas Management. The PADEP has developed Best Management Practices
(BMPs) for the construction and operation of upstream oil and gas production facilities. Further, the
PADEP and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission have recently enacted regulations to specifically
protect surface and groundwater resources from potential impacts associated with the unconventional
development of the Marcellus Shale. Development of the Marcellus Shale is expected to continue in
proximity to and during construction and operation of portions of the pipeline project in Pennsylvania
(hydraulic fracturing is currently prohibited in New York).
Impacts associated with the proposed projects in combination with other projects such as
residential developments, wind farms, utility lines, and transportation projects, would be relatively minor
overall. We have included recommendations in the EIS to further reduce the environmental impacts
associated with Constitution’s and Iroquois’ projects, as summarized in section 5.2. Additionally,
Constitution selected a route that collocates with existing rights-of-way where feasible. Therefore, we
conclude that the cumulative impacts associated with the Constitution and Iroquois projects, when
combined with other known or reasonably foreseeable projects, would be effectively limited.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The no-action alternative was considered for the projects. While the no-action alternative would
eliminate the environmental impacts identified in this draft EIS, the user markets would be denied the
projects’ objective of delivering 650,000 Dth/d of natural gas from existing supplies in Susquehanna
County, Pennsylvania to markets in New York and New England. This might result in greater reliance on
alternative fossil fuels, such as coal or fuel oil, or both. We also considered energy conservation and
efficiency, and other energy source alternatives (including renewable energy sources). Other fossil fuels
are not as clean as natural gas, and renewable sources such as solar and wind power are not always
Executive Summary
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11. reliable or available in sufficient quantities to support market requirements. We concluded that the no
action alternative, energy efficiency, and other sources of energy were not viable alternatives to the
proposed projects in the required timeframe.
Any system alternative for the projects would need to be able to transport similar volumes of
natural gas to the vicinity of the existing Wright compressor station or to the ultimate market destinations
of New York and New England. We did not identify any existing pipeline systems that could meet the
purpose and need of the projects without expansion. Based on our knowledge of other systems,
construction and operational impacts associated with system alternatives would be similar to or greater
than those of the proposed projects due to the amount of looping and new construction required to
connect the systems to the projects’ origin and terminus. Consequently, no system alternatives were
identified that are environmentally preferable to the proposed projects.
We evaluated two major route alternatives to the proposed pipeline’s route. Neither of these
major route alternatives offered a significant environmental advantage over the proposed route.
Therefore, we eliminated them from further consideration. We also evaluated 20 minor route alternatives
relative to Constitution’s proposed route. Although they can extend for several miles, minor route
alternatives typically deviate from the proposed route less substantially than major route alternatives.
Minor route alternatives are often designed to avoid larger environmental resources or engineering
constraints, and typically remain within the same general area as the proposed route. Based on
consultations with landowners, resource agencies, municipal governments, field review, and impact
assessment, Constitution fully incorporated nine minor route alternatives and partially incorporated two
additional minor route alternatives into its proposed route as a result of input during both the pre-filing
and certificate application review of its project. These changes were adopted primarily to increase
collocation with existing utilities, avoid or minimize impacts on natural resources, reduce or eliminate
safety and constructability concerns, and/or avoid or minimize conflicts with existing or proposed
residential land uses.
Constitution indicated that it had assessed numerous minor route variations over the course of
project development and that over 50 percent of its proposed route had changed due to incorporation of
alternatives or variations since the project was introduced during the pre-filing process in May 2012.
We also reviewed numerous minor route variations and found that 13 of these variations could
reduce or eliminate impacts on site-specific resources. Therefore, we are recommending that Constitution
provide us with additional information on these alternatives.
We also evaluated the locations of the proposed pipeline’s aboveground facilities to determine
whether environmental impacts would be reduced or mitigated by the use of alternative facility sites. We
did not identify any alternative sites that would offer a significant environmental advantage to the
proposed sites for these facilities. Alternative locations for the proposed compressor transfer station
included six parcels in the vicinity of the existing Wright Compressor Station along Westfall Road or
Barton Hill Road. While these parcels were potentially viable alternative sites, locating the proposed
compressor transfer station within the existing parcel owned by Iroquois and already containing a
compressor facility would have numerous environmental advantages. For these reasons, we concluded
that construction of the compressor transfer station on the existing Iroquois parcel was preferable to
construction on a previously non-developed site.
MAJOR CONCLUSIONS
We determined that construction and operation of the projects would result in limited adverse
environmental impacts. This determination is based on a review of the information provided by
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Executive Summary

12. Constitution and Iroquois and further developed from environmental information requests; field
reconnaissance; scoping; literature research; alternatives analyses; and contacts with federal, state, and
local agencies, and other stakeholders. We conclude that the approval of the projects would have some
adverse environmental impacts, but these impacts would be reduced to less-than-significant levels.
Although many factors were considered in this determination, the principal reasons are:
•
Constitution would minimize impacts on natural and cultural resources during
construction and operation of its project by implementing its Plan and Procedures; Soil
Protection and Subsoil Decompaction Mitigation Plan; HDD Contingency Plan; Special
Crop Productivity Monitoring Procedures; Unanticipated Cultural and Paleontological
Resources and Human Remains Discovery Plan; Seeding, Fertilizing, and Lime
Recommendations for Gas Pipeline Right-of-Way Restoration in Farmlands;
Unanticipated Discovery of Contamination Plan; Spill Plan for Oil and Hazardous
Materials; Blasting Plan; Invasive Species Management Plan; Winter Construction Plan;
Organic Farm Protection Plan; and Karst Mitigation Plan.
•
Iroquois would minimize impacts on natural and cultural resources during construction
and operation of its project by implementing its Plan and Procedures, Spill Prevention,
Containment, and Countermeasure Plan, and Unanticipated Cultural Resource Discovery
Plan.
•
We would complete Endangered Species Act consultations with the FWS prior to
allowing any construction to begin.
•
We would complete the process of complying with Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act and implementing the regulations at 36 CFR 800 prior to allowing any
construction to begin.
•
Constitution would use trenchless crossing methods for several waterbodies and
wetlands, would cross other waterbodies using dry crossing methods, and would be
required to obtain applicable permits and provide mitigation for unavoidable impacts on
waterbodies and wetlands through coordination with the COE, the PADEP, and the
NYSDEC.
•
We are recommending that Constitution develop a forest (and migratory bird) impact
mitigation plan.
•
We are recommending that Constitution develop a property owner insurance tracking and
mitigation plan.
•
Our oversight of an environmental inspection and mitigation monitoring program that
would ensure compliance with all mitigation measures that become conditions of the
FERC authorizations and other approvals.
In addition, we developed site-specific mitigation measures that Constitution should implement to
further reduce the environmental impacts that would otherwise result from construction of its project. We
determined that these measures are necessary to reduce adverse impacts associated with the project, and
in part, are basing our conclusions on implementation of these measures. Therefore, we are
recommending that these mitigation measures be attached as conditions to any authorization issued by the
Commission. These recommended mitigation measures are presented in section 5.2 of the draft EIS.
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