TABLE OF CONTENTS

Constitution Pipeline and Wright Interconnect Projects

Draft Environmental Impact Statement

i Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................ i 

LIST OF APPENDICES .......................................................................................................................... vii 

LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................................... viii

LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................................. xiii 

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................ xiv 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................. ES-1

PROPOSED ACTION ............................................................................................................... ES-1

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ....................................................................................................... ES-2

PROJECT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION .............................................................................. ES-2

Geology and Soils ......................................................................................................... ES-3

Groundwater, Waterbody Crossings, Water Use, and Wetlands .................................. ES-4

Vegetation, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Federally Listed and State-Sensitive Species. ..... ES-5

Land Use and Visual Resources ................................................................................... ES-6

Socioeconomics ............................................................................................................ ES-8

Cultural Resources ........................................................................................................ ES-8

Air Quality and Noise ................................................................................................... ES-9

Reliability and Safety .................................................................................................... ES-9

Cumulative Impacts .................................................................................................... ES-10

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED ......................................................................................... ES-10

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS ....................................................................................................... ES-11

1.0 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED ................................................................................. 1-1

1.2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE EIS ........................................................................... 1-3

1.2.1 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ............................................................ 1-4

1.2.2 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency .............................................................. 1-4

1.2.3 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ........................................................................... 1-5

1.2.4 Federal Highway Administration ........................................................................ 1-5

1.2.5 New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets .................................. 1-5

1.3 PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT ............................................................................ 1-5

1.4 NON-JURISDICTIONAL FACILITIES ....................................................................... 1-11

1.5 PERMITS, APPROVALS, CONSULTATIONS, AND REGULATORY REVIEW ... 1-11

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 PROPOSED FACILITIES ............................................................................................... 2-1

2.1.1 Pipeline Facilities ................................................................................................ 2-1

2.1.2 Aboveground Facilities ....................................................................................... 2-5

2.2 LAND REQUIREMENTS............................................................................................... 2-6

2.2.1 Pipeline Facilities ................................................................................................ 2-7

2.2.1.1 Adjacent Existing Rights-of-Way and Utility Crossings.................... 2-7

2.2.1.2 Right-of-Way Configurations ............................................................. 2-9
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents ii

2.2.1.3 Extra Workspace .............................................................................. 2-10

2.2.2 Aboveground Facilities ..................................................................................... 2-10

2.2.3 Contractor Yards ............................................................................................... 2-11

2.2.4 Access Roads .................................................................................................... 2-11

2.3 CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES .............................................................................. 2-12

2.3.1 General Pipeline Construction Procedures ....................................................... 2-13

2.3.2 Special Construction Techniques ...................................................................... 2-18

2.3.2.1 Wetland Crossings ............................................................................ 2-18

2.3.2.2 Waterbody Crossings ........................................................................ 2-19

2.3.2.3 Drag-Section and Stove-Pipe Specialized Construction Methods .... 2-24

2.3.2.4 Typical Road and Railroad Construction Methods .......................... 2-24

2.3.2.5 Residential Areas .............................................................................. 2-25

2.3.2.6 Winter Construction ......................................................................... 2-25

2.3.2.7 State-owned Lands ........................................................................... 2-26

2.3.2.8 Agricultural Lands ............................................................................ 2-26

2.3.2.9 Rugged Topography ......................................................................... 2-27

2.3.3 Aboveground Facility Construction Procedures ............................................... 2-27

2.4 CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE ................................................................................... 2-28

2.5 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE INSPECTION AND MITIGATION 

MONITORING .............................................................................................................. 2-28

2.5.1 Coordination and Training ................................................................................ 2-28

2.5.2 Environmental Inspection ................................................................................. 2-28

2.5.3 FERC Third-Party Compliance Monitoring ..................................................... 2-30

2.5.4 Post-Approval Variance Process ...................................................................... 2-30

2.5.5 Post-Construction Monitoring .......................................................................... 2-30

2.6 OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND SAFETY CONTROLS ................................. 2-31

2.7 FUTURE PLANS AND ABANDONMENT ................................................................ 2-32

3.0 ALTERNATIVES ....................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1 NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE....................................................................................... 3-2

3.1.1 Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency ...................................................... 3-3

3.1.2 Non-Gas Energy Alternatives ............................................................................. 3-5

3.1.2.1 Nuclear Energy ................................................................................... 3-5

3.1.2.2 Fossil Fuels ......................................................................................... 3-6

3.1.2.3 Renewable Energy .............................................................................. 3-7

3.2 SYSTEM ALTERNATIVES ......................................................................................... 3-12

3.2.1 Existing Transportation System Alternatives ................................................... 3-12

3.2.2 Status of Existing Pipeline Systems .................................................................. 3-15

3.2.3 Modification of Existing Pipeline Systems....................................................... 3-15

3.2.3.1 Tennessee Gas Pipeline .................................................................... 3-16

3.2.3.2 Dominion .......................................................................................... 3-16

3.2.3.3 Other System Alternative Configurations ........................................ 3-19

3.3 COLLOCATION WITH EXISTING PIPELINE SYSTEMS ....................................... 3-19

3.3.1 TGP Collocated Alternative .............................................................................. 3-21

3.3.2 Millennium-Dominion-TGP Collocated Alternative ........................................ 3-21

3.3.3 EmKey-Dominion-TGP 200 Collocated Alternative ........................................ 3-21

3.3.4 Bluestone Pipeline Partially Collocated Alternative ......................................... 3-23

3.4 ROUTE ALTERNATIVES AND MINOR ROUTE VARIATIONS ............................ 3-25

3.4.1 Major Route Alternatives .................................................................................. 3-25

3.4.1.1 Alternative K .................................................................................... 3-25

3.4.1.2 Alternative M.................................................................................... 3-30
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iii Table of Contents

3.4.2 Minor Route Alternatives .................................................................................3-44

3.4.2.1 Minor Route Alternatives Adopted into the Proposed Route...........3-45

3.4.2.2 Minor Route Alternatives Not Adopted into the Proposed Route....3-49

3.4.3 Minor Route Variations....................................................................................3-58

3.4.3.1 Minor Route Variations Reported to Constitution ...........................3-59

3.4.3.2 Minor Route Variations Reported By Stakeholders.........................3-60

3.4.3.3 Minor Route Variations Assessed for Impacts on Agricultural 

Land..................................................................................................3-61

3.5 ABOVEGROUND FACILITY SITE ALTERNATIVES .............................................3-62

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS.............................................................................................4-1

4.1 GEOLOGY ......................................................................................................................4-1

4.1.1 Geologic Setting .................................................................................................4-1

4.1.1.1 Bedrock Geology................................................................................4-4

4.1.1.2 Geotechnical Investigations for the Trenchless Crossings.................4-4

4.1.2 Mineral Resources..............................................................................................4-6

4.1.2.1 Mining ................................................................................................4-7

4.1.3 Geologic Hazards..............................................................................................4-10

4.1.3.1 Seismicity .........................................................................................4-10

4.1.3.2 Faults................................................................................................4-11

4.1.3.3 Soil Liquefaction ..............................................................................4-11

4.1.3.4 Landslides.........................................................................................4-12

4.1.3.5 Flash Flooding..................................................................................4-14

4.1.3.6 Karst Topography.............................................................................4-14

4.1.3.7 Shallow Bedrock ..............................................................................4-15

4.1.3.8 Blasting.............................................................................................4-16

4.1.4 Paleontological Resources................................................................................4-16

4.1.5 General Impacts and Mitigation........................................................................4-17

4.2 SOILS ............................................................................................................................4-20

4.2.1 Existing Conditions...........................................................................................4-20

4.2.1.1 Pipeline.............................................................................................4-20

4.2.1.2 Aboveground Facilities and Access Roads ......................................4-20

4.2.2 Standard Soil Limitations .................................................................................4-20

4.2.2.1 Erosion by Water and Wind .............................................................4-23

4.2.2.2 Shallow Depth to Bedrock and Stony-Rocky Soils..........................4-23

4.2.2.3 Compaction Potential .......................................................................4-23

4.2.2.4 Poor Revegetation Potential .............................................................4-24

4.2.2.5 Poor Drainage...................................................................................4-24

4.2.2.6 Hydric Soils......................................................................................4-24

4.2.2.7 Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance .................4-24

4.2.2.8 Contaminated Soil ............................................................................4-25

4.2.2.9 Ground Heaving ...............................................................................4-25

4.2.3 Aboveground Facilities.....................................................................................4-27

4.2.3.1 M&R Stations, Mainline Valves, and Iroquois’ Project...................4-27

4.2.3.2 Contractor Yards ..............................................................................4-28

4.2.3.3 Access Roads....................................................................................4-28

4.2.3.4 Extra Workspace ..............................................................................4-28

4.2.4 General Impact and Mitigation.........................................................................4-31

4.2.5 Topsoil Segregation ..........................................................................................4-34

4.3 WATER RESOURCES .................................................................................................4-35

4.3.1 Groundwater Resources....................................................................................4-35
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Table of Contents iv

4.3.1.1 Existing Groundwater Resources .....................................................4-35

4.3.1.2 Sole Source Aquifers........................................................................4-37

4.3.1.3 State Designated Aquifers................................................................4-37

4.3.1.4 Wellhead and Aquifer Protection Areas...........................................4-37

4.3.1.5 Water Supply Wells and Springs......................................................4-38

4.3.1.6 Contaminated Groundwater..............................................................4-39

4.3.2 Aboveground Facilities and Contractor Yards .................................................4-40

4.3.2.1 Groundwater General Impact and Mitigation...................................4-40

4.3.3 Surface Water Resources..................................................................................4-43

4.3.3.1 Existing Surface Water Resources ...................................................4-43

4.3.3.2 Public Watersheds............................................................................4-45

4.3.3.3 Water Classifications........................................................................4-47

4.3.3.4 Sensitive Waterbodies......................................................................4-48

4.3.3.5 Waterbody Construction Procedures................................................4-51

4.3.3.6 General Impacts and Mitigation .......................................................4-54

4.3.3.7 Extra Workspaces within 50 Feet of Waterbodies ...........................4-58

4.3.4 Conclusion ........................................................................................................4-58

4.4 WETLANDS .................................................................................................................4-58

4.4.1 Existing Wetland Resources.............................................................................4-59

4.4.1.1 Pipeline Facilities .............................................................................4-59

4.4.1.2 Aboveground Facilities ....................................................................4-59

4.4.1.3 Contractor Yards ..............................................................................4-59

4.4.1.4 Access Roads....................................................................................4-59

4.4.1.5 Wetland Types..................................................................................4-60

4.4.1.6 Palustrine Forested Wetlands...........................................................4-60

4.4.1.7 Palustrine Scrub-Shrub Wetlands.....................................................4-60

4.4.1.8 Palustrine Emergent Wetlands..........................................................4-60

4.4.1.9 State Wetland Classifications...........................................................4-60

4.4.2 Wetland Construction Procedures.....................................................................4-61

4.4.3 General Impacts and Mitigation........................................................................4-62

4.4.4 Alternative Measures........................................................................................4-64

4.4.5 Compensatory Mitigation .................................................................................4-66

4.4.6 Conclusion ........................................................................................................4-67

4.5 VEGETATION..............................................................................................................4-68

4.5.1 Existing Vegetation Conditions........................................................................4-68

4.5.2 Vegetation Communities of Special Concern or Value....................................4-69

4.5.3 Interior Forest Habitat.......................................................................................4-70

4.5.4 Noxious Weeds and Other Invasive Plant Species...........................................4-71

4.5.5 General Impacts and Mitigation........................................................................4-72

4.5.6 Conclusion ........................................................................................................4-76

4.6 WILDLIFE AND AQUATIC RESOURCES................................................................4-77

4.6.1 Wildlife .............................................................................................................4-77

4.6.1.1 Existing Wildlife Resources.............................................................4-77

4.6.1.2 Sensitive or Managed Wildlife Habitats...........................................4-77

4.6.1.3 Migratory Birds................................................................................4-80

4.6.1.4 General Impacts and Mitigation .......................................................4-83

4.6.1.5 Conclusion........................................................................................4-87

4.6.2 Aquatic Resources............................................................................................4-87

4.6.2.1 Existing Aquatic Resources..............................................................4-87

4.6.2.2 Fisheries of Special Concern ............................................................4-88

4.6.2.3 General Impacts and Mitigation .......................................................4-90
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v Table of Contents

4.6.2.4 Conclusion........................................................................................4-93

4.7 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES.......................................................................................4-93

4.7.1 Regulatory Requirements and Species Identification.......................................4-94

4.7.2 Federally Listed Species...................................................................................4-95

4.7.3 State-listed Species...........................................................................................4-98

4.7.4 Conclusion ......................................................................................................4-105

4.8 LAND USE, RECREATION, SPECIAL INTEREST AREAS, AND VISUAL 

RESOURCES ..............................................................................................................4-105

4.8.1 Land Use.........................................................................................................4-105

4.8.1.1 Environmental Setting....................................................................4-105

4.8.1.2 Pipeline Facilities ...........................................................................4-109

4.8.1.3 Aboveground Facilities ..................................................................4-113

4.8.1.4 Project Contractor Yards................................................................4-114

4.8.1.5 Access Roads..................................................................................4-114

4.8.2 Landownership and Easement Requirements.................................................4-114

4.8.3 Existing Residences, Commercial and Industrial Facilities, and Planned 

Developments.................................................................................................4-115

4.8.3.1 Existing Residences; Commercial and Industrial Facilities...........4-116

4.8.3.2 Planned Developments...................................................................4-119

4.8.4 Recreation and Special Interest Areas............................................................4-120

4.8.4.1 State Forests....................................................................................4-122

4.8.4.2 Organic Farm Lands and Specialty Crops......................................4-122

4.8.4.3 Conservation and Other Special Use Lands...................................4-126

4.8.5 Hazardous Waste Sites....................................................................................4-130

4.8.6 Visual Resources.............................................................................................4-130

4.8.6.1 Pipeline...........................................................................................4-130

4.8.6.2 Aboveground Facilities ..................................................................4-131

4.8.6.3 Contractor Yards ............................................................................4-132

4.8.6.4 Access Roads..................................................................................4-132

4.8.6.5 Scenic Byways................................................................................4-132

4.8.6.6 Agricultural Lands and Open Land ................................................4-133

4.8.6.7 Forested Land .................................................................................4-133

4.9 SOCIOECONOMICS..................................................................................................4-133

4.9.1 Population and Employment...........................................................................4-133

4.9.2 Housing...........................................................................................................4-136

4.9.3 Public Services................................................................................................4-138

4.9.4 Transportation and Traffic ..............................................................................4-139

4.9.4.1 Construction Across and Within Roadways and Railroads............4-140

4.9.5 Property Values and Mortgages......................................................................4-141

4.9.6 Insurance.........................................................................................................4-142

4.9.7 Economy and Tax Revenues...........................................................................4-143

4.9.8 Environmental Justice.....................................................................................4-145

4.10 CULTURAL RESOURCES........................................................................................4-147

4.10.1 Constitution Pipeline Project ..........................................................................4-148

4.10.1.1 Cultural Resources Investigations..................................................4-148

4.10.1.2 Results of Cultural Resource Investigations in Pennsylvania ........4-148

4.10.1.3 Results of Cultural Resource Investigations in New York.............4-150

4.10.1.4 Native American Consultation .......................................................4-154

4.10.2 Wright Interconnect Project............................................................................4-155

4.10.2.1 Cultural Resources Investigations..................................................4-155

4.10.2.2 Results of Cultural Resource Investigations...................................4-155
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents vi

4.10.2.3 Native American Consultation .......................................................4-156

4.10.3 Unanticipated Discovery Plans.......................................................................4-156

4.10.4 General Impacts and Mitigation......................................................................4-156

4.11 AIR QUALITY AND NOISE .....................................................................................4-157

4.11.1 Air Quality......................................................................................................4-157

4.11.1.1 Existing Air Quality .......................................................................4-157

4.11.1.2 Air Quality Regulatory Requirements............................................4-161

4.11.1.3 Air Emission Impacts and Mitigation.............................................4-167

4.11.1.4 Radon Exposure..............................................................................4-173

4.11.2 Noise ...............................................................................................................4-174

4.11.2.1 Existing Noise Levels.....................................................................4-174

4.11.2.2 Noise Regulatory Requirements.....................................................4-179

4.11.2.3 Noise Level Impacts and Mitigation ..............................................4-181

4.12 RELIABILITY AND SAFETY...................................................................................4-189

4.12.1 Safety Standards .............................................................................................4-190

4.13 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS.........................................................................................4-202

4.13.1 Marcellus Shale Development........................................................................4-214

4.13.1.1 Background.....................................................................................4-214

4.13.1.2 Wells...............................................................................................4-214

4.13.1.3 Pipeline Gathering Systems............................................................4-215

4.13.2 Non-jurisdictional Project-related Facilities...................................................4-215

4.13.3 FERC-Jurisdictional Natural Gas Pipeline Projects........................................4-216

4.13.4 Other Projects .................................................................................................4-217

4.13.5 Potential Cumulative Impacts of the Proposed Action...................................4-219

4.13.5.1 Geology and Soils...........................................................................4-219

4.13.5.2 Water Resources.............................................................................4-220

4.13.5.3 Vegetation.......................................................................................4-223

4.13.5.4 Wildlife...........................................................................................4-223

4.13.5.5 Fisheries and Aquatic Resources....................................................4-224

4.13.5.6 Special Status Species ....................................................................4-225

4.13.5.7 Land Use, Recreation, Special Interest Areas, and Visual 

Resources .......................................................................................4-225

4.13.5.8 Socioeconomics..............................................................................4-227

4.13.5.9 Cultural Resources..........................................................................4-228

4.13.5.10 Air Quality and Noise.....................................................................4-229

4.13.5.11 Reliability and Safety .....................................................................4-232

4.13.6 Conclusion ......................................................................................................4-232

5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS....................................................................5-1

5.1 CONCLUSIONS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS ......................................5-1

5.1.1 Geology and Paleontological Resources.............................................................5-1

5.1.2 Soils ....................................................................................................................5-2

5.1.3 Water Resources.................................................................................................5-2

5.1.4 Wetlands.............................................................................................................5-4

5.1.5 Vegetation...........................................................................................................5-5

5.1.6 Wildlife and Aquatic Resources.........................................................................5-6

5.1.7 Special Status Species.........................................................................................5-8

5.1.8 Land Use, Recreation, Special Interest Areas, and Visual Resources................5-9

5.1.9 Socioeconomics................................................................................................5-11

5.1.10 Cultural Resources............................................................................................5-11

5.1.11 Air Quality and Noise.......................................................................................5-12
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vii Table of Contents

5.1.12 Reliability and Safety........................................................................................5-14

5.1.13 Cumulative Impacts..........................................................................................5-15

5.1.14 Alternatives.......................................................................................................5-16

5.2 FERC STAFF’S RECOMMENDED MITIGATION....................................................5-17
LIST OF APPENDICES

Table of Contents viii

APPENDIX A Distribution List

APPENDIX B Project Overview Maps

APPENDIX C Typical Right-of-Way Configurations

APPENDIX D Extra Workspaces Associated with Construction of the Constitution 

Pipeline Project

APPENDIX E Private Access Roads Associated with the Constitution Pipeline Project

APPENDIX F Roadways and Railroads Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline Project

APPENDIX F-1 Roadways Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline Project

APPENDIX F-2 Railroads Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline Project

APPENDIX G Steep Slopes and Side Slopes Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline 

Project

APPENDIX G-1 Steep Slopes (15% to 30%) Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline 

Project

APPENDIX G-2 Steep Slopes (> 30%) Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline 

Project

APPENDIX G-3 Steep Side Slopes (15% to 30%) Crossed by the Constitution 

Pipeline Project

APPENDIX G-4 Steep Side Slopes (> 30%) Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline 

Project

APPENDIX H Status of Minor Route Variations

APPENDIX H-1 Status of Minor Route Variations Reported to Constitution

APPENDIX H-2 Status of Minor Route Variations Reported by Stakeholders

APPENDIX H-3 Status of Minor Route Variations Assessed for Impacts on 

Agricultural Lands

APPENDIX H-4 Status of Minor Route Variations Assessed for Impacts on Water 

Resources

APPENDIX I Areas of Shallow Depth to Bedrock Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline 

Project

APPENDIX J Soil Limitations Crossed by for the Constitution Pipeline Project

APPENDIX J-1 Potential Soil Limitations Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline 

Project

APPENDIX J-2 Potential Soil Limitations at the Turnpike Road M&R Station, 

Westfall Road M&R Station, MLVs, and Contractor Yards

APPENDIX J-3 Potential Soil Limitations Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline 

Project Extra Workspaces

APPENDIX J-4 Potential Soil Limitations Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline 

Project Access Roads

APPENDIX K Waterbodies Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline Project

APPENDIX K-1 Waterbodies Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline Project –

Pennsylvania

APPENDIX K-2 Waterbodies Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline Project – New 

York
TABLE OF CONTENTS

ix Table of Contents

APPENDIX L Wetlands Affected by the Constitution Pipeline Project

APPENDIX L-1 Wetlands Affected by the Constitution Pipeline Project –

Pennsylvania

APPENDIX L-2 Wetlands Affected by the Constitution Pipeline Project – New 

York

APPENDIX M Interior Forests Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline Project

APPENDIX N Waterbodies Containing Sensitive Fisheries Crossed by the Proposed 

Constitution Pipeline Project

APPENDIX O Residential Construction Plans for the Constitution Pipeline Project

APPENDIX P Clean and Green Program Properties Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline 

Project

APPENDIX Q References 

APPENDIX R List of Preparers 
LIST OF TABLES

Table of Contents x

Table Title Page

Table 1.1-1 Constitution Pipeline Project Precedent Agreements......................................... 1-3

Table 1.3-1 Issues Identified and Comments Received During the Scoping Process 

for the Proposed Projects.................................................................................... 1-8

Table 1.5-1 Major Permits, Approvals, and Consultations Applicable to the Proposed 

Projects............................................................................................................. 1-12

Table 2.1.1-1 Pipeline Facilities Associated with the Constitution Pipeline Project................ 2-4

Table 2.1.2-1 Aboveground Facilities for the Constitution Pipeline and Wright 

Interconnect Projects.......................................................................................... 2-5

Table 2.2-1 Summary of Land Requirements Associated with the Constitution and 

Iroquois Project Facilities................................................................................... 2-7

Table 2.2.1-1 Summary of Pipeline Collocated with Existing Rights-of-Way ........................ 2-8

Table 2.3-1 Summary of Proposed Modifications to the FERC’s Plan and Procedures ..... 2-13

Table 2.3.1-1 Constitution’s Proposed Minimum Specifications for Depth of Cover ........... 2-15

Table 2.6-1 Maximum Scheduled Intervals Between Patrols for the Proposed 

Constitution Pipeline Project............................................................................ 2-31

Table 3.4.1-1 Comparison of Proposed Route to Alternative K............................................. 3-27

Table 3.4.1-2 Comparison of Proposed Route Segment 1 to Alternative M Segment 1 ........ 3-34

Table 3.4.1-3 Comparison of Proposed Route Segment 3 to Alternative M Segment 3 ........ 3-36

Table 3.4.1-4 Comparison of Proposed Route Segment 5/6 to Alternative M Segment 

5/6..................................................................................................................... 3-38

Table 3.4.1-5 Comparison of Proposed Route to 

Alternative Route M Segment 5, Bridge 1, Proposed Route Segment 6.......... 3-40

Table 3.4.1-6 Comparison of Proposed Route to Proposed Route 

Segment 5, Bridge 2, Alternative Route M Segment 6 .................................... 3-43

Table 3.4.2-1 Minor Route Alternatives Adopted into the Proposed Pipeline Route............. 3-45

Table 3.4.2-2 Comparison of the Proposed Pipeline Route to Alternative C and D .............. 3-51

Table 3.4.2-3 Comparison of the Proposed Pipeline Route to Alternative E1 ....................... 3-53

Table 3.4.2-4 Comparison of the Proposed Pipeline Route to Alternative G......................... 3-55

Table 3.4.2-5 Comparison of the Proposed Pipeline Route to Alternative P.......................... 3-57

Table 3.4.3-1 Status of Minor Route Variations Reported to Stakeholders ........................... 3-61

Table 3.4.3-2 Status of Minor Route Variations Assessed for Impacts on Agricultural 

Lands................................................................................................................ 3-62

Table 4.1.1-1 Physiographic Section and Geologic Formation along the Proposed 

Projects............................................................................................................... 4-2

Table 4.1.1-2 Surficial Geology Crossed by the Proposed Pipeline......................................... 4-3

Table 4.1.1-3 Summary of Geotechnical Investigations for Trenchless Construction 

Methods Along the Proposed Pipeline Route.................................................... 4-5

Table 4.1.2-1 Mineral Resources within 0.25 miles of the Constitution’s Project................... 4-7

Table 4.1.3-1 Landslide Potential in the Project Area............................................................ 4-12

Table 4.1.3-2 Identified Measures for Steep Slopes Associated with the Constitution 

Pipeline Project ................................................................................................ 4-13

Table 4.1.3-3 Karst Features in Proximity to the Proposed Pipeline...................................... 4-15

Table 4.2.2-1 Potential Soil Limitations (in acres) for the Constitution Pipeline Project ...... 4-21

Table 4.2.2-2 Impacts on Prime Farmlands and Farmlands of Statewide Importance (in 

acres) for the Proposed Constitution Pipeline Project...................................... 4-26

Table 4.2.2-3 Vulnerable Soils (in miles) Along the Proposed Constitution Pipeline 

Route ................................................................................................................ 4-27

Table 4.2.3-1 Soil Limitations (in acres) for Access Roads for the Constitution Pipeline 

Project............................................................................................................... 4-29
LIST OF TABLES (CONTINUED)

xi Table of Contents

Table 4.2.3-2 Soil Limitations (in acres) for Additional Temporary Workspaces for the 

Constitution Pipeline Project............................................................................ 4-30

Table 4.3.1-1 Aquifers Crossed by the Proposed Projects...................................................... 4-36

Table 4.3.1-2 Private Water Supply and Monitoring Wells and Springs Within 150 feet 

of the Proposed Projects................................................................................... 4-39

Table 4.3.3-1 Watersheds Crossed by the Proposed Projects................................................. 4-44

Table 4.3.3-2 Public Water Supply Watersheds Crossed by the Proposed Pipeline .............. 4-46

Table 4.3.3-3 Water Quality Sensitive Surface Waters Crossed by the Constitution’s 

Project............................................................................................................... 4-48

Table 4.3.3-4 FEMA Flood Hazard Zones Crossed by the Proposed Pipeline Facilities....... 4-51

Table 4.3.3-5 Proposed Hydrostatic Test Water Sources and Discharge Locations for 

the Proposed Projects....................................................................................... 4-53

Table 4.3.3-6 Proposed Hydrostatic Test Water Segments for the Pipeline Facilities........... 4-53

Table 4.4.3-1 Wetland Acreages Affected by the Construction and Operation of the 

Proposed Pipeline Project................................................................................. 4-62

Table 4.4.4-1 Areas Where Constitution Requested a Right-of-Way Greater than 75-

feet-wide in Wetlands....................................................................................... 4-65

Table 4.5.2-1 Special Vegetation Communities Crossed by the Proposed Pipeline............... 4-70

Table 4.5.5-1 Vegetation Types and Acres Impacted by Construction and Operation of 

the Projects....................................................................................................... 4-73

Table 4.6.1-1 Sensitive Wildlife Habitats Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline Project....... 4-77

Table 4.6.2-1 Construction Timing Restrictions for Waterbodies Containing Sensitive 

Fisheries Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline Project................................... 4-89

Table 4.7.2-1 Federally Listed Species Potentially Occurring in the Constitution 

Pipeline Project Area........................................................................................ 4-95

Table 4.7.3-1 State-Listed Species Potentially Occurring in the Constitution Pipeline 

Project Area...................................................................................................... 4-99

Table 4.7.3-2 Flowering Periods and Habitat Associations of State-Listed Plants.............. 4-103

Table 4.8.1-1 Acreage Affected by Construction and Operation of the Proposed 

Projects........................................................................................................... 4-106

Table 4.8.1-2 Land Uses Crossed by the Proposed Pipeline Facilities for the 

Constitution Pipeline Project (miles) ............................................................. 4-110

Table 4.8.1-3 Agricultural Drain Tiles or Irrigation Systems Crossed by the Proposed 

Constitution Pipeline Project.......................................................................... 4-112

Table 4.8.3-1 Residences and Other Structures Within 50 feet of the Construction 

Work Area for the Constitution Pipeline Project ........................................... 4-116

Table 4.8.3-2 Planned Developments Within 0.5 Mile of the Construction Work Area 

for the Constitution Pipeline Project .............................................................. 4-119

Table 4.8.4-1 Federal, State, Recreation, and Conservation Lands Located Within 0.25 

Mile of the Constitution Pipeline Project....................................................... 4-121

Table 4.8.4-2 Organic and Specialty Crops Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline 

Project in New York....................................................................................... 4-123

Table 4.8.4-3 Agricultural Districts Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline Project in 

New York ....................................................................................................... 4-123

Table 4.8.4-4 Potential Farm Service Agency Program Enrolled Lands Crossed by the 

Constitution Pipeline Project.......................................................................... 4-127

Table 4.8.4-5 480/480a Properties Crossed by the Constitution Pipeline Project in New 

York................................................................................................................ 4-128

Table 4.9.1-1 Existing Economic Conditions for the Area Surrounding the Projects.......... 4-134

Table 4.9.1-2 Estimated Workforce and Work Schedule for the Projects............................ 4-135

Table 4.9.2-1 Housing Statistics by County in the Vicinity of the Projects......................... 4-137
LIST OF TABLES (CONTINUED)

Table of Contents xii

Table 4.9.3-1 Public Service Infrastructure for the Projects................................................. 4-138

Table 4.9.7-1 Socioeconomic Impact Resulting from Construction and Operation of the 

Constitution Pipeline Project.......................................................................... 4-144

Table 4.9.8-1 Racial/Ethnic Statistics for the Area Surrounding the Projects...................... 4-146

Table 4.9.8-2 Economic Statistics for the Area Surrounding the Projects (Five-year 

Average: 2007-2011)...................................................................................... 4-146

Table 4.10.1-1 Archaeological Sites Within the Proposed Area of Direct Impact in 

Pennsylvania................................................................................................... 4-149

Table 4.10.1-2 Archaeological Sites Within the Proposed Area of Direct Impact in New 

York................................................................................................................ 4-151

Table 4.10.1-3 NRHP-Eligible Historic Aboveground Resources Within the Proposed 

Area of Impact in New York.......................................................................... 4-154

Table 4.11.1-1 National Ambient Air Quality Standards....................................................... 4-158

Table 4.11.1-2 Wright Compressor Station Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Data .............. 4-160

Table 4.11.1-3 General Conformity Applicability Thresholds............................................... 4-165

Table 4.11.1-4 Schoharie County Construction Emissions and General Conformity 

Thresholds for the Projects............................................................................. 4-165

Table 4.11.1-5 Estimated Construction Emissions (tons)....................................................... 4-168

Table 4.11.1-6 Combined Existing Wright Compressor Station and Proposed 

Compressor Station Operations Emissions (tpy)............................................ 4-169

Table 4.11.1-7 Air Dispersion Modeling Results for Wright Compressor Station 

Modification................................................................................................... 4-171

Table 4.11.1-8 Air Dispersion Modeling Results for Cumulative Impacts – Wright 

Compressor Station Modification .................................................................. 4-171

Table 4.11.2-1 Background Noise Levels at the Nearest NSAs to the Proposed 

Aboveground Facilities and Drill Sites.......................................................... 4-175

Table 4.11.2-2 Background Noise Levels at the Nearest NSAs to the Existing Wright 

Compressor Station ........................................................................................ 4-179

Table 4.11.2-3 Calculated HDD and Direct Pipe Noise Levels at the Nearest NSAs............ 4-182

Table 4.11.2-4 Calculated Operational Noise Levels at the Nearest NSAs to the 

Proposed Constitution Pipeline M&R Station and Mainline Valve Sites...... 4-185

Table 4.11.2-5 Calculated Operational Noise Levels at the Nearest NSA to Iroquois’ 

Project............................................................................................................. 4-187

Table 4.11.2-6 Calculated Operational Noise Levels for the Westfall Road M&R 

Station, Iroquois’ Compressor Facilities, and the Existing Wright 

Compressor Station ........................................................................................ 4-188

Table 4.12.1-1 Area Classifications along Constitution’s Project.......................................... 4-192

Table 4.12.1-2 Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Significant Incidents by Cause (1993-

2012)............................................................................................................... 4-198

Table 4.12.1-3 Outside Forces Incidents by Cause (1993-2012)............................................ 4-199

Table 4.12.1-4 Annual Average Fatalities - Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines ................. 4-200

Table 4.12.1-5 Nationwide Accidental Deaths....................................................................... 4-201

Table 4.13-1 Existing or Proposed Projects Evaluated for Potential Cumulative 

Impacts........................................................................................................... 4-204
LIST OF FIGURES

xiii Table of Contents

Figure Title Page

Figure 2.1-1 Project Overview Map........................................................................................ 2-2

Figure 2.1-2 Wright Interconnect Project Compressor Station Map ...................................... 2-3

Figure 3.2.1-1 Overview of the proposed Constitution Pipeline Project and Relative 

Location of other Interstate Pipelines in the Project Area................................ 3-14

Figure 3.2.3-1 Tennessee (TGP300) – Tennessee (TGP 200) ................................................. 3-17

Figure 3.2.3-2 Dominion Alternative....................................................................................... 3-18

Figure 3.3-1 EmKey and Bluestone Pipeline Collocated Alternatives Map......................... 3-20

Figure 3.3.2-1 Millennium – Dominion – Tennessee (TGP 200)............................................ 3-22

Figure 3.3.3-1 EmKey – Dominion – Tennessee (TGP 200)................................................... 3-24

Figure 3.4-1-1 Major Route Alternatives................................................................................. 3-26

Figure 3.4.1-2 Alternative M Segments................................................................................... 3-33

Figure 3.4.2-1 Adopted Minor Route Alternatives and Corresponding Non-adopted 

Segments .......................................................................................................... 3-48

Figure 3.4.2-2 Minor Route Alternatives Not Adopted ........................................................... 3-50

Figure 3.5-1 Compressor Station Alternatives...................................................................... 3-64

Figure 4.11.2-1 NSAs nearest to Turnpike Road M&R Station .............................................. 4-177

Figure 4.11.2-2 NSAs nearest to Westfall Road M&R Station ............................................... 4-178

Figure 4.11.2-3 NSAs nearest to Wright Interconnect Project ................................................ 4-180
TECHNICAL ACRONYMS 

Table of Contents xiv

μg/m3 micrograms per cubic meter

ACHP Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

AQCR air quality control regions

BA Biological Assessment

BACT Best Available Control Technology

BCC Birds of Conservation Concern

BMP best management practices

CAA Clean Air Act

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CH4 methane

CHP combined heat and power

Class I Mandatory Federal Class I Areas

CO carbon monoxide

CO2 carbon dioxide

CO2e carbon dioxide equivalents

COE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Contamination Plan Unanticipated Discovery of Contamination Plan

CWA Clean Water Act

CWF coldwater fisheries

dB decibel

dBA decibels on the A-weighted scale

Discovery Plan Unanticipated Cultural and Paleontological Resources and Human Remains 

Discovery Plan

DOE U.S. Department of Energy

DOT U.S. Department of Transportation

DRBC Delaware River Basin Commission

DTE DTE Energy

Dth/d dekatherms per day

ECP Environmental Construction Plan

EI Environmental Inspector

EIA Energy Information Administration

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

ESA Endangered Species Act of 1973

EV Exceptional Value (waterbody)
TECHNICAL ACRONYMS 

xv Table of Contents

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commisssion

FHWA Federal Highway Administration

fracking hydraulic fracturing

FWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

GHG greenhouse gas

GWP global warming potential

HAP hazardous air pollutant

HCA high consequence area

HDD horizontal directional drill

HQ High-Quality (waterbody)

IBA Important Bird Areas

kV kilovolt

Ldn day-night sound level

Leq equivalent sound level

LNG liquefied natural gas

LPG liquefied petroleum gas

M&R meter and regulation

MAOP maximum allowable operating pressure

MLV mainline valves

MP milepost

MW megawatt

N2O nitrous oxide

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act

NESHAPS National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants

NGA Natural Gas Act

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

NNSR Nonattainment New Source Review

NO2 nitrogen dioxide

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOAA Fisheries National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine 

Fisheries Service

NOx nitrogen oxides

NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service
TECHNICAL ACRONYMS 

Table of Contents xvi

NRHP National Register of Historic Places

NSA noise sensitive area

NSR New Source Review

NWI National Wetlands Inventory

NYCDEP New York City Department of Environmental Protection

NYCRR New York Codes, Rules and Regulations

NYCWSW New York City Water Supply Watershed

NYISO New York Independent System Operator

NYPA New York Power Authority

NYSDAM New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

NYSDEC New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

NYSDOH New York State Department of Health

NYSDOT New York State Department of Transportation

O3 ozone

OPRHP Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

PADCNR Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

PEM palustrine emergent

PennDOT Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

PFBC Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

PGC Pennsylvania Game Commission

PHMC Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

PHMSA Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

Plan Constitution's Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation, and Maintenance Plan

PM particulate matter

PM10 particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns or less

PM2.5 particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less

ppb parts per billion by volume

ppm parts per million by volume

Procedures Constitution's Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation 

Procedures

PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration

psig pounds per square inch

PSS palustrine scrub-shrub

PTE potential-to-emit

PVR PVR Partners
TECHNICAL ACRONYMS 

xvii Table of Contents

RPS renewable portfolio standard

SFHA Special Flood Hazard Area

SHPO State Historic Preservation Office

SIL Significant Impact Level

SIP State Implementation Plan

SO2 sulfur dioxide

SPCC Plan Iroquois’ Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan

Spill Plan Constitution’s Spill Plan for Oil and Hazardous Materials

SRBC Susquehanna River Basin Commission

SSA sole source aquifer

SSURGO Soil Survey Geographic Database

tcf trillion cubic feet

TDS total dissolved solids

TGP Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, LLC

tpy tons per year

USC United States Code

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

USGCRP U.S. Global Change Research Program

USGS U.S. Geological Survey

VOC volatile organic compounds

WHPA wellhead protection areas

Williams Williams Field Services Company