Roadrunner Gas Transmission Pipeline. Frequently Asked Questions Summer 2015

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Roadrunner Gas Transmission Pipeline. Frequently Asked Questions Summer 2015"

Sabrina Wilkerson
6 years ago
Views:

1 Roadrunner Gas Transmission Pipeline Frequently Asked Questions Summer 2015

2 Will the pipeline provide gas service to communities along the route? No. The Roadrunner pipeline is a natural gas transmission pipeline designed to transport natural gas at high pressures. Local natural gas distribution companies will have the opportunity to connect with the transmission pipeline and provide low-pressure service to their customers. ONEOK Partners is not a local natural gas distribution company. Do you expect to create temporary or permanent jobs for area residents (more than two years)? Yes. Roadrunner will engage various contractors with the necessary expertise to construct the pipeline. We anticipate that these contractors will need to fill a number of positions to complete construction. Following construction, we anticipate Roadrunner will utilize a combination of existing employees and two new permanent positions planned for the El Paso area, to operate the facilities. Are you willing and able to publish a current map, at a reasonable level of detail/scale, or provide a set of GPS waypoints, either in UTM or Latitude/Longitude format, that reflects the proposed/preliminary route of the pipeline from origin of the pipeline to the San Elizario/southern terminus, and periodically produce updated versions of the map and/or route waypoint coordinates as the information is updated based on survey results? Yes, project information is available at and will be updated periodically. Whose jurisdiction does the pipeline fall under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) or the Texas Railroad Commission? Roadrunner is an intrastate natural gas pipeline, subject to the jurisdiction of the Texas Railroad Commission. Roadrunner will connect at the U.S./Mexico border with a Mexico pipeline, the Tarahumara Pipeline. To enable this interconnection, Roadrunner will construct facilities, commonly referred to as border crossing facilities, on the U.S. side of the border. FERC has jurisdiction over the construction and operation of these border crossing facilities. There are a number of other federal, state and local agencies that will issue permits or approvals in connection with the construction of the pipeline. What, if any, environmental or cultural resource studies have been undertaken, or do you plan to undertake, before the construction of the pipeline commences? Has the project followed state and federal guidelines for an Environmental Impact Statement? Roadrunner s consultants have conducted field studies to identify wetlands, waterbodies, cultural resources and other sensitive resources. Roadrunner is undertaking an extensive environmental review in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations to select the best route to minimize impacts on stakeholders and the environment. Is there a bi-directional nature of this pipeline? No. The Roadrunner pipeline is not bi-directional. 2

3 Will you pursue eminent domain with landowners who do not comply with the request for easement? As a Gas Utility under the laws of the State of Texas, Roadrunner has the right of eminent domain. However, we firmly believe it is important to have and maintain good relationships within the communities where Roadrunner does business, and our strong preference is to obtain all necessary easements voluntarily from the affected landowners. There are certain circumstances where an eminent domain proceeding may be necessary, despite our good faith efforts to obtain an easement. In these circumstances, Roadrunner must comply with all applicable Texas eminent domain statutes. CEO of ONEOK Partners, Terry K. Spencer stated, We are pleased to partner with Fermaca on this strategic pipeline project and about the opportunity to add to our extensive 36,000-mile integrated network of natural gas and natural gas liquids pipelines. Will this project include the transferring of natural gas liquids? No. The Roadrunner pipeline is a natural gas pipeline. Will there be any compression stations along the length of the pipeline? If so, please provide expected locations and/or line intervals and expected horsepower requirements for compression stations between the pipeline origin and the pipeline terminus in San Elizario. Yes. A compressor station is planned at the origin of the intrastate pipeline near Coyanosa, Texas in Pecos County. The design and the total horsepower of the compressor has not been completed, however, the compressor station will be permitted, designed, constructed and operated in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Who will be responsible in the event of an accident, especially an explosion/fire? Will our local (mainly volunteer) first responders need to receive special training? Will they be adequately equipped/compensated by Roadrunner Gas Transmission Pipeline? As the operator of the pipeline, ONEOK Partners will meet with local emergency response organizations to discuss the Emergency Response Plan for Roadrunner and coordinate training exercises to promote a prompt and effective response in the event of an incident. ONEOK Partners goes to great lengths in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of its pipeline systems to maintain safety and reliability. ONEOK Partners is an experienced operator of multiple natural gas pipelines, and it strives to operate and maintain its pipeline systems in a manner that promotes safety and reliability. 3

4 GENERAL Whom will the pipeline serve and how? Will locals be able to tap into the line as a cheap source of natural gas for household use? Currently, there are three shippers committed to the Roadrunner Pipeline: Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), Fermaca and ONEOK WesTex, which serve different customer regions. Additional shippers have the opportunity to contract with Roadrunner Pipeline for capacity, which could be used for other industrial customers or local natural gas distribution. What is the gas to be used for? Is it destined for a particular plant or plants in Mexico (e.g. steel plant) or simply to feed into their natural gas trunk system? Roadrunner is not responsible for any end use, or subsequent redelivery, of the natural gas. However, these assets will provide markets in El Paso and Mexico access to upstream supply basins in West Texas and the Mid-Continent. It is our understanding that the CFE will utilize natural gas to replace fuel oil-based power plants with natural gas-fueled power plants which is better for the environment. Public Cost/Benefit Analysis: What are the total combined costs (in all areas) the public will incur versus the total public benefit? Roadrunner is not using public funds to construct the pipeline. However, the public will receive the potential economic benefit of job creation, and the communities where the line is located will receive additional ad valorem tax benefits. What information can you provide to assure us that this pipeline, its construction and its maintenance will be conducted in an economically, ecologically and socially responsible manner? ONEOK Partners, as operator of the Roadrunner pipeline, is committed to safeguarding our employees, communities and the environment in which we operate. The Roadrunner project is being designed and constructed to meet or exceed applicable government and industry standards. Roadrunner has consulted with environmental agencies and conducted extensive environmental studies to identify environmental resources and will implement measures during construction to minimize environmental impacts. During operation, trained technicians will monitor and control the pipeline around the clock using a combination of highly sophisticated sensors, computers and communications technology, and trained operators will perform periodic on-the-ground inspections. As operator, ONEOK Partners is committed to operating safely, reliably and environmentally responsibly, and improving the communities where we operate. 4

5 How many months will it take to complete construction of the pipeline? What efforts will be made to cooperate with local residents during that time? Construction is scheduled to begin soon and completion is currently anticipated in late While landowners could experience temporary disturbances during construction, Roadrunner will attempt to minimize any disturbances and inconveniences to impacted parties. Construction equipment and personnel will work within the right of way and other needed temporary work space areas as specified in the easement agreements. After the pipeline is installed, Roadrunner will restore the right of way and temporary work spaces. Right-of-way agents will be available to landowners to address questions and concerns throughout construction and restoration. What will be the composition of the gas in the line? Is it to vary over time? Pipeline quality natural gas meeting tariff requirements will flow in the pipeline. Roadrunner s general terms and conditions of service, which apply to all shippers on the pipeline, contain specifications for natural gas quality that are consistent with those throughout the industry. What will be your maintenance program? Is there any H2S, for example, or any other specific heavy fractions or corrosion-causing moisture that will require more pigging and monitoring than usual? Pipeline quality natural gas meeting tariff requirements will flow in the pipeline. The tariff includes requirements limiting H2S, heavy hydrocarbons and moisture. Roadrunner will maintain the pipeline using periodic pigging, including cleaning pigs and in-line inspection tools. What is the wall thickness and which steel is being used? The pipe itself will be made from high-strength steel and designed in accordance with current pipeline manufacturing codes and standards. The Roadrunner pipeline is designed using inch mainline pipe. Thicker wall pipe will be used according to industry codes and standards in certain locations. The pipe will have an epoxy coating and will be protected by a cathodic protection system to prevent corrosion. Roadrunner also will monitor and maintain the integrity of the pipeline during operation. What chemical compounds are emitted in compression or transportation of the pipeline contents, and where will the emission occur? The pipeline will be transporting natural gas (methane). During operations, compression facilities are the primary source of air emissions. Roadrunner s proposed compressor station near Coyanosa, Texas, will be designed and operated according to applicable regulations. What is the vegetation remediation program, once the trench with the pipeline is filled? Roadrunner will use recognized management practices to restore properties as near as practical to their original condition. Roadrunner also will monitor restoration to confirm compliance with landowner agreements. 5

6 COMPRESSION STATIONS What is the expected pipeline blow-down interval for routine maintenance activities? Do you foresee being able to provide advance notification to land/property owners nearby the blow-down equipment on the line or at the compression/compressor stations? The blowing down of a pipeline segment is a rare event, but sometimes it does occur. When a blow-down event is planned, Roadrunner will notify local officials in advance. What is the range of flows expected, and is there a compressor revamp in the plan at some future date, to accommodate changing volumes or compositions? The flows on the pipeline are dependent upon the natural gas delivered by shippers to the pipeline. Based on the current volumes, no additional compression is proposed at this time. If shippers request additional transportation services in the future, additional compression may be added to the system. Any addition of compression is subject to applicable regulatory requirements and approvals. ROUTE OF PIPELINE Do you know for sure that the pipeline will be 200 miles long? Based on the current proposed route, the pipeline is approximately 206 miles long. The current proposed route of the Roadrunner pipeline is in an area in which there are existing lines (natural gas, gasoline, propane/butane), several schools and high population density. What are the chances of moving the line to an area where so many factors will not increase your projects risk for incidents and/or accidents, which in turn, increase your risk of potential litigation, loss in profit and possible penalties? Roadrunner is committed to working with property owners, communities, regulatory authorities and other interested stakeholders to identify and evaluate potential locations that will minimize Roadrunner s impact on the community and the environment. JOB/WORKERS/MAN CAMPS Where is the expected location of the construction crew man-camp /equipment staging yard, and how many residents is this location being sized to house? Contractors engaged by Roadrunner will determine the use and location of any temporary housing or staging yards. Roadrunner is committed to working with the construction contractor to ensure it identifies, evaluates and selects potential locations that will minimize impact on the community and environment. 6

7 What impacts on the community might we expect from the presence of a man-camp? Roadrunner anticipates that any temporary work crews needed for the construction of the pipeline will have a positive economic impact in terms of the goods and services being procured from the local community. Will the pipeline construction run a single, double or triple shift? What are the expected shift hours? What days of the week will construction activities take place? How will crews be transported to/from the pipeline route and active working sites? The majority of construction is anticipated for single, daytime shifts of 10-hour days, Monday through Saturday. Crew transportation to and from the worksite will be at the contractor s discretion, subject to Roadrunner s approval. POTENTIAL BENEFITS In what ways will the pipeline directly benefit our community? Can you describe, at least at a summary level, the expected economic, quality of life and other benefits the Roadrunner Pipeline will bring to the east El Paso County region? Roadrunner anticipates that there will be a positive economic impact in the form of payments made to landowners for easements and for the procurement of goods and services during the construction. Long-term benefits include the addition of some permanent jobs and taxes contributed to local taxing authorities. In what way will this project benefit the people of Mexico? Roadrunner is not responsible for any end use, or subsequent redelivery, of the natural gas. However, these assets will provide markets in Mexico access to upstream supply basins in West Texas and the Mid-Continent. It is our understanding that the CFE will utilize natural gas to replace fuel oil-based power plants with natural gas-fueled power plants. Replacing oil-based power plants with natural gas-fueled power plants provides a cleaner and more environmentally friendly source of fuel to generate electricity. How will this project affect property tax valuations? Natural gas pipeline easements historically have had no measureable impact on property values. Previous studies have revealed no significant impact on property sales located along natural gas pipelines. These studies also revealed there were no significant impacts on demand for properties within the geographically diverse areas and that the presence of a pipeline did not impede development of the surrounding properties. Will the company be paying taxes in any of the counties to account for use of county infrastructure like roads, water, air, rental property, etc.? Yes. Roadrunner will pay applicable ad valorem or other taxes assessed on its pipeline assets. 7

8 What are your long-term contract terms, e.g., what is the price(s), how long is it guaranteed, how much of this line is in Mexico? The transportation agreements with CFE and Fermaca are both for terms of 25 years. The rate each will pay is nonpublic, commercial information. The Roadrunner Pipeline is a U.S. pipeline that will stop at the U.S. and Mexico border where it will interconnect with a Mexico pipeline, the Tarahumara Pipeline. SAFETY/ACCIDENTS What kind of leak protection system will be used (an electronic system that continuously compares flows, so that any mass flow outside of containment is quickly detected and the line shut down)? Trained technicians will monitor and control the pipeline 24 hours a day using a combination of highly sophisticated electronic sensors, computers and communications technology. Roadrunner will also perform periodic on-the-ground inspections. Will there be 24-hour manual monitoring? Yes. Trained technicians will monitor and control the pipeline 24 hours a day using a combination of highly sophisticated electronic sensors, computers and communications technology. What are the safety and environmental protocols guidelines for the response to a break/leak? Roadrunner will electronically monitor pipeline pressures and flows 24 hours per day by qualified pipeline controllers. In the event of a release, controllers would quickly contact field technicians located near the facility to isolate the segment of pipe where the event occurred. Roadrunner would also engage management, field technicians, safety, environmental, pipeline integrity, regulatory, communications and engineering personnel to manage the event. What is the blast zone radius around the pipeline? The potential impact radius of a pipeline is defined as the radius of a circle within which a potential failure of a pipeline could have significant impact on people or property. As the operator of the pipeline, ONEOK Partners will meet with local emergency response organizations to discuss Emergency Response Plans for Roadrunner and coordinate training exercises to promote a prompt and effective response in the event of an incident. ONEOK Partners is an experienced operator of multiple natural gas pipelines, and it strives to operate and maintain its pipeline systems in a manner that promotes safety and reliability. 8

9 What is the statistical probability of a 30-inch pipeline failure resulting in damage to people, land, and private property? The statistical probability of a pipeline failure resulting in such damage is very low. In addition, Roadrunner will participate in the Call Before You Dig program which provides free preconstruction information to homeowners and third-party contractors on the underground location of its pipelines prior to any planned excavation in their vicinity. USE OF RAILROAD LINES Are there plans to use any existing RR lines for the pipeline route? The current proposed route does not parallel railroad lines to any significant extent. However, a large portion of the pipeline will be constructed adjacent to existing utility corridors. Are there plans to transport chemicals or gas by train and/or truck traffic along the pipeline route? No. The Roadrunner pipeline will be underground. The transmission of natural gas will not involve above-ground transportation. BORDER ISSUES Who will be responsible for cross border transparency? Roadrunner ends at an interconnection at the U.S. and Mexico border. We are coordinating with the U.S. Border Patrol to discuss protocols and logistics required for the Roadrunner project at the border. Roadrunner has prepared and submitted a Project Coordination Plan to the U.S. Border Patrol to ensure coordination of activities and communication during construction. How will Texas and U.S. officials and inspectors enforce state and federal regulations and requirements with an international pipeline? The Roadrunner Pipeline is an intrastate natural gas pipeline regulated by the Texas Railroad Commission. Who will oversee that the Mexican side of the pipeline is being managed responsibly? Roadrunner ends at an interconnection at the U.S. and Mexico border. The pipeline operator(s) in Mexico are responsible for operating their pipeline in compliance with all local, regional and national laws, rules and regulations. Is there an international or third-party entity that oversees that the project respects human, environment and safety issues across borders? Yes. The entity is the Comision Reguladora de Energia Estados Unidos Mexicanos (CRE) 9

10 How is the Department of Homeland Security involved in the development of this project? Will the development of this project require increased presence of agents? With the number of existing lines (natural gas, gasoline, propane/butane) and other proposed natural gas lines in the works for a relatively small land area at the border, how are you taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of the transfer point from potential national security incidents? (i.e. terrorism, underground tunnels and the potential damage they may cause). The Department of Homeland Security is not involved with this project. However, Roadrunner is coordinating with the U.S. Border Patrol to discuss protocols and logistics required for the Roadrunner project at the U.S. and Mexico international border. Roadrunner has prepared and submitted a Project Coordination Plan to the U.S. Border Patrol to ensure coordination of activities and communication during construction. In addition, Roadrunner s operator, ONEOK Partners, has operated a pipeline and border-crossing facility near El Paso since During this 12-year period, the pipeline has experienced no issues related to the safety and security of its pipeline facilities or its personnel. Where will the pipeline cross the international border? The Roadrunner pipeline extends from an existing ONEOK Partners natural gas pipeline system near Coyanosa, Texas, west to a new international border-crossing connection at the U.S. and Mexico border near San Elizario, Texas. The border-crossing facilities will consist of approximately 900 feet of 30-inch-diameter pipeline, as measured from the international boundary at the center of the Rio Grande River to the entry point of the horizontal directional drill in El Paso County, Texas. How is custody transfer done at the border- is the meter in the U.S. or Mexico, or both? Roadrunner will locate its custody transfer meter on the U.S. side of the border crossing facility. 10

11 Additional Information and Contacts: Toll-free telephone number: (855) ONEOK Partners Contacts: Brad Borror, Corporate Communications (918) office, (918) cell bborror@oneok.com Stephanie Higgins, Corporate Communications (918) , (918) cell shiggins@oneok.com Anne Billingsley, Government Relations (512) office, (512) cell abillingsley@oneok.com Steve Johnson, Government Relations (785) office, (785) cell sjohnson@oneok.com 11

MOUNTAINEER XPRESS. Columbia Pipeline Group

MOUNTAINEER XPRESS. Columbia Pipeline Group MOUNTAINEER XPRESS Columbia Pipeline Group C169566.indd 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS CPG AT A GLANCE THE PLAN/PROJECT COMPONENTS COMMITMENT TO KEEPING YOU INFORMED PROJECT BENEFITS SAFETY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS