Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the HubLine/East to West Project Necessary?
In the northeastern United States, demand for natural gas continues to increase significantly. To help meet the growing demand and transport new supplies of natural gas to markets in the region, Algonquin is seeking to expand its existing facilities.
Algonquin completed an Open Season for the Project on March 20, 2007. The Open Season began on March 7 and was held in response to shippers who want to move new supplies of natural gas to customers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New England and other Northeast markets. Transportation customers who responded to Algonquin’s Open Season expressed strong interest in well over 1.0 billion cubic feet a day (Bcf/d) of new natural gas pipeline capacity to meet the demands of the growing Northeast market.
What new facilities are being proposed?
Algonquin is proposing the expansion of existing facilities along its existing pipeline system to satisfy the goals of the HubLine/East to West Project including, modifications to one existing compressor station in New Jersey and the replacement of approximately 2.56 miles of existing pipeline in Connecticut.
What does a compressor station do?
A compressor station is necessary to move natural gas through the pipeline. Located at strategic points along the system, compressor stations maintain the pressure and velocity of the natural gas as it travels long distances through the pipeline.
What is lift and replace?
The majority of the pipeline segments along the E-3 System will involve replacing the existing pipeline with a larger diameter pipeline by either the lift-and-replace or the same-ditch-replacement methods. These methods involve involve excavating a trench to remove the existing pipe; widening and deepening the trench (as appropriate) in order to accommodate the new, larger diameter pipeline; and installing the replacement pipe in approximately the same location as the old pipe using the standard cross-country construction methods discussed below. Alternatively, the trench may be backfilled and compacted after the existing pipe has been removed, and then retrenched for the installation of the new pipe.
How does this Expansion benefit the Northeast?
The need for additional energy supply continues to increase and the demand for natural gas continues to grow in New England and the Northeastern United States. The HubLine/East to West Project will provide extensive benefits to the region by:
- Developing the necessary pipeline infrastructure to transport new volumes of natural gas to these energy markets;
- Delivering a new long-term source of natural gas within the earliest possible timeframe;
- Increasing the availability and reliability of the supply of natural gas to the region, resulting in a more efficient, flexible and cost-effective pipeline system; and
- Improving air quality for residents of New England by increasing the use of cleaner burning natural gas for electric generation and other industrial purposes.
In addition, the HubLine/East to West Project will stimulate local economies through construction and related activities, with the creation of a temporary workforce and with contractors utilizing the services of local businesses.
How can I become involved in FERC’s review of the application?
Interested persons and organizations may file for intervenor status with FERC. As an intervenor, you will receive copies of all correspondence filed in this proceeding and you will be required to serve all the other intervening parties with correspondence you intend to file. For more information on how to become an intervenor, you can view and/or download the FERC publication An Interstate Natural Gas Facility On My Land?
