Table of Contents i 

ELBA III PROJECT 

FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................. ES-i

 PROPOSED ACTION.....................................................................................................................................ES-ii

 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT..............................................................................................................................ES-iv 

 PROJECT IMPACTS .....................................................................................................................................ES-vi 

 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED....................................................................................................................ES-vi 

 MAJOR CONCLUSIONS...............................................................................................................................ES-ix 

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

1.1 PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED........................................................................................................ 1-3

1.2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THIS STATEMENT .................................................................................... 1-4

1.2.1 FERC .......................................................................................................................... 1-5

1.2.2 U.S. Coast Guard............................................................................................................ 1-6

1.2.3 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers........................................................................................ 1-8

1.3 PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT.................................................................................................. 1-10

1.4 NON-JURISDICTIONAL FACILITIES ............................................................................................... 1-14

1.5 PERMITS, APPROVALS, AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 1-15

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION .......................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 EXISTING FACILITIES ......................................................................................................................2.1

2.1.1 Terminal Expansion.........................................................................................................2.1

2.1.2 Elba Express Pipeline..................................................................................................... 2-5

2.2 PROPOSED FACILITIES.................................................................................................................... 2-5

2.2.1 Terminal Expansion........................................................................................................ 2-5

2.2.2 Elba Express Pipeline..................................................................................................... 2-7

2.3 LAND REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................... 2-9

2.3.1 Terminal Expansion........................................................................................................ 2-9

2.3.2 Elba Express Pipeline................................................................................................... 2-10

2.3.2.1 ROW and Temporary Workspaces ................................................................. 2-10

 2.3.2.2 Access Roads .................................................................................................. 2-13 

2.3.2.3 Warehouse/Storage Yards ...............................................................................2-13 

 2.3.2.4 Aboveground Facilities ...................................................................................2-13 

2.4 CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE......................................................................................................... .2-13

2.5 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE .................................................................................................. 2-14

2.6 CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES ..................................................................................................... 2-15

2.6.1 Terminal Expansion...................................................................................................... 2-15

2.6.2 Elba Express Pipeline................................................................................................... 2-16

2.6.3 Special Construction Procedures ................................................................................. 2-21

2.7 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ........................................................................... 2-24

2.7.1 Terminal Expansion...................................................................................................... 2-24

2.7.2 Elba Express Pipeline................................................................................................... 2-25

2.8 SAFETY CONTROLS...................................................................................................................... 2-26

2.8.1 Terminal Expansion...................................................................................................... 2-26

2.8.2 Elba Express Pipeline................................................................................................... 2-27

2.9 FUTURE PLANS AND ABANDONMENT .......................................................................................... 2-28

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

3.1 NO ACTION OR POSTPONED ACTION.............................................................................................. 3-1

3.2 LNG TERMINAL FACILITY ALTERNATIVES.................................................................................... 3-4
Table of Contents ii 

3.2.1 Existing LNG Import Terminal Systems ......................................................................... 3-4

3.2.2 LNG Terminal Site Alternatives...................................................................................... 3-7

3.2.3 Offshore Terminal Alternatives ...................................................................................... 3-9

3.2.4 Conclusions of Offshore Berth Alternatives.................................................................. 3-16

3.3 ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE ALTERNATIVES..................................................................................... 3-16

3.3.1 Pipeline System Alternatives......................................................................................... 3-16

3.3.2 Pipeline Route Alternatives ........................................................................................ .3-20

 3.3.2.1 Southern Segment ........................................................................................3-20 

 3.3.2.2 Northern Segment ........................................................................................3-20 

3.3.3 Pipeline Route Variations............................................................................................ 3-25

3.3.4 Other Pipeline Issues.................................................................................................... 3-35

3.3.5 Aboveground Facility Site Alternatives ........................................................................ 3-36

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

4.1 GEOLOGIC RESOURCES ................................................................................................................. 4-1

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

4.1.2 Mineral Resources......................................................................................................... 4-3

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

4.1.4 Paleontology.................................................................................................................. 4-9

4.2 SOILS ............................................................................................................................................ 4-9

4.2.1 Soil Limitations.............................................................................................................. 4-9

4.2.3 Erosion Control Plans ................................................................................................. 4-11

4.2.3 Soil Resources.............................................................................................................. 4-12

4.3 WATER RESOURCES.................................................................................................................... 4-17

4.3.1 Groundwater................................................................................................................ 4-17

4.3.2 Floodplains................................................................................................................... 4-22

4.3.3 Surface Water .............................................................................................................. 4-23

4.3.4 Sediments..................................................................................................................... 4-35

4.4 WETLANDS ................................................................................................................................. 4-35

4.4.1 Affected Wetlands........................................................................................................ 4-36

4.4.2 Wetland Construction Procedures............................................................................... 4-38

4.5 VEGETATION............................................................................................................................... 4-42

4.5.1 Vegetation Resources................................................................................................... 4-42

4.5.2 Noxious Weeds............................................................................................................. 4-45

4.5.3 Vegetation Communities of Special Concern............................................................... 4-46

4.6 WILDLIFE AND AQUATIC RESOURCES......................................................................................... 4-46

4.6.1 Wildlife Habitats.......................................................................................................... 4-46

 4.6.1.1 Managed and Sensitive Wildlife Areas ........................................................4-52 

4.6.2 Aquatic Resources ....................................................................................................... 4-53

 4.6.2.1 Fish and Invertebrate...................................................................................4-55 

 4.6.2.2 Construction Impacts to Aquatic Resources ................................................4-55 

 4.6.2.3 Operational Impacts to Auquatic Resources................................................4-60

4.6.3 Essential Fish Habitat ................................................................................................. 4-64

4.7 THREATENED, ENDANGERED AND OTHER SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES......................................... 4-65

4.7.1 Federally Listed Threatened and Endangered Species................................................ 4-73

4.7.2 State-Listed Threatened, Endangered or Species of Concern...................................... 4-94

4.8 LAND USE, RECREATION, AND VISUAL RESOURCES ................................................................. 4-105

4.8.1 Land Use.................................................................................................................... 4-106

 4.8.1.1 Land Use Requirements .............................................................................4-106 

 4.8.1.2 Land Use Impacts and Mitigation..............................................................4-113

4.8.2 Landowner and Easement Requirements................................................................... 4-117

4.8.3 Proposed Alternative Measures to the FERC Plan.................................................... 4-118

4.8.4 Residences and Planned Developments..................................................................... 4-118

4.8.5 Recreation and Special Interest Areas....................................................................... 4-122

4.8.6 Visual Resources........................................................................................................ 4-126

4.8.7 Coastal Zone Management ........................................................................................ 4-127
Table of Contents iii

4.9 SOCIOECONOMICS..................................................................................................................... 4-129

4.9.1 Population ................................................................................................................. 4-129

4.9.2 Economy and Employment......................................................................................... 4-131

4.9.2.1 Economic Impacts to Forestry ...................................................................4-133

4.9.3 Local Taxes and Government Revenue...................................................................... 4-134

4.9.4 Housing...................................................................................................................... 4-134

4.9.5 Public Services........................................................................................................... 4-137

4.9.6 Transportation ........................................................................................................... 4-138

4.9.6.1 Marine Traffc Impacts ...............................................................................4-139

4.9.7 Environmental Justice ............................................................................................... 4-143

4.10 CULTURAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................................. 4-149

4.10.1 Cultural Resource Surveys......................................................................................... 4-149

4.10.2 Unanticipated Discoveries Plan ................................................................................ 4-151

4.10.3 Native American Consultation................................................................................... 4-152

4.10.4 Compliance with the NHPA....................................................................................... 4-153

4.11 AIR QUALITY AND NOISE.......................................................................................................... 4-154

4.11.1 Air Quality ................................................................................................................. 4-154

4.11.1.1 Regional Climate .......................................................................................4-155

 4.11.1.2 Existing Air Quality ...................................................................................4-155

 4.11.1.3 Existing Facility Emissions........................................................................4-157

 4.11.1.4 Regulatory Requirements for Air Quality ..................................................4-159

 4.11.1.5 Air Emissions Impacts................................................................................4-163 

 4.11.1.6 Mitigation ..................................................................................................4-175

4.11.2 Noise ...................................................................................................................... 4-176

 4.11.2.1 Existing Noise Environment.......................................................................4-178

 4.11.2.2 Construction Noise ....................................................................................4-183

4.11.2.3 Operatoinal Noise......................................................................................4-184

4.12 RELIABILITY AND SAFETY ........................................................................................................ 4-187

4.12.1 LNG Hazards............................................................................................................. 4-189

4.12.2 Cryogenic Design and Technical Review .................................................................. 4-191

4.12.3 Siting Requirements – Thermal and Dispersion Exclusion Zones ............................. 4-196

4.12.4 LNG Vessel Safety...................................................................................................... 4-204

4.12.4.1 History .......................................................................................................4-205

4.12.4.2 LNG Vessel Construction...........................................................................4-206

4.12.4.3 Hazards......................................................................................................4-210

 4.12.4.4 LNG Vessel Transit to the Elba Island Terminal .......................................4-219

4.12.4.5 Requirements for LNG Operations in the Savannah River ........................4-223

4.12.5 Emergency Response and Evacuation Planning........................................................ 4-229

4.12.6 Conclusions on Marine Traffic Safety ....................................................................... 4-231

4.12.7 Terrorism and Security Issues ................................................................................... 4-231

4.12.8 Pipeline Safety Standards .......................................................................................... 4-233

4.12.9 Pipeline Accident Data .............................................................................................. 4-238

4.12.10 Impacts on Public Safety............................................................................................ 4-241

4.13 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ............................................................................................................. 4-242

4.13.1 Geology...................................................................................................................... 4-247

4.13.2 Soils......................... .............................................................................................. 4-248

4.13.3 Water Resources ........................................................................................................ 4-249

4.13.4 Wetlands .................................................................................................................... 4-250

4.13.5 Vegetation and Wildlife ............................................................................................. 4-250

4.13.6 Aquatic Resources ..................................................................................................... 4-251

4.13.7 Special Status Species................................................................................................ 4-251

4.13.8 Land Use and Visual Resources ................................................................................ 4-252

4.13.9 Socioeconomics.......................................................................................................... 4-253

4.13.10 Marine Transportation .............................................................................................. 4-253

4.13.11 Land Transportation.................................................................................................. 4-253

4.13.12 Cultural Resources .................................................................................................... 4-254
Table of Contents iv

4.13.13 Air Quality and Noise ................................................................................................ 4-254

4.13.14 Reliability and Safety................................................................................................. 4-255

4.13.15 Conclusion................................................................................................................. 4-256

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

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

5.2 IMPACT SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................... 5-2

5.3 SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED.................................................................................. 5-12

5.4 SIGNIFICANT UNAVOIDABLE IMPACTS .......................................................................................... 5-13

5.5 FERC STAFF’S RECOMMENDED MITIGATION.............................................................................. 5-13

6.0 PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES ........................................................................................... 6-1
Table of Contents v 

LIST OF APPENDICES 

APPENDIX A DRAFT EIS DISTRIBUTION LIST 

APPENDIX B MAPS OF ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE, ABOVEGROUND FACILITIES, AND 

WAREHOUSE/STORAGE YARD LOCATIONS 

APPENDIX C ACCESS ROADS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ELBA EXPRESS 

PIPELINE 

APPENDIX D SOUTHERN LNG AND EEC’s PROJECT-WIDE SPILL PLAN, WASTE 

MANAGEMENT PLAN, AND CONTAINER MANAGEMENT POLICY 

APPENDIX E EEC’s UPLAND EROSION CONTROL, REVEGETATION AND 

MAINTENANCE PLAN 

APPENDIX F EEC’s WETLAND AND WATERBODY CONSTRUCTION AND MITIGATION 

PROCEDURES 

APPENDIX G PRIVATE WATER WELLS NEAR THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE 

APPENDIX H PERENNIAL AND INTERMITTENT WATERBODIES CROSSED BY THE 

ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE 

APPENDIX I WETLANDS AFFECTED BY CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE 

ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE 

APPENDIX J ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT 

APPENDIX K VESSEL STRIKE AVOIDANCE MEASURES AND INJURED OR DEAD 

PROTECTED SPECIES REPORTING 

APPENDIX L COAST GUARD LETTER OF INTENT AND WATERWAY SUITABILITY 

REPORT 

APPENDIX M EEC MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS FOR COE LANDS 

APPENDIX N REFERENCES 

APPENDIX O LIST OF PREPARERS AND REVIEWERS 

APPENDIX P INDEX 
Table of Contents vi

LIST OF FIGURES 

FIGURE 2.0-1 PROJECT OVERVIEW................................................................................................................... 2-2 

FIGURE 2.0-2 LNG TRANSIT ROUTE TO TERRITORIAL SEA.............................................................................. 2-3 

FIGURE 2.0-3 EXISTING AND PROPOSED EXPANSION TERMINAL FACILITIES................................................... 2-4 

FIGURE 2.2-1 TYPICAL ROW CROSS SECTIONS ADJACENT TO EXISTING PIPELINES.......................................2-11 

FIGURE 2.2-2 TYPICAL ROW CROSS SECTIONS ..............................................................................................2-12 

FIGURE 2.6-1 PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE........................................................................................2-17 

FIGURE 3.2-1 EXISTING LNG SYSTEM TERMINAL ALTERNATIVES .................................................................. 3-6 

FIGURE 3.2-2 OFFSHORE LNG TERMINAL ALTERNATIVE SITE .......................................................................3-12 

FIGURE 3.3-1 ALTERNATIVE A (SYSTEM ALTERNATIVE)................................................................................3-19 

FIGURE 3.3-2 ROUTE ALTERNATIVES B AND C ..............................................................................................3-23 

FIGURE 3.3-3 WEST, MIDWEST, AND EAST ROUTE ALTERNATIVES................................................................3-26 

FIGURE 3.3-4 LITTLE RIVER VARIATION.........................................................................................................3-29 

FIGURE 3.3-5 BEAVERDAM CREEK VARIATION ..............................................................................................3-30 

FIGURE 3.3-6 COLDWATER CREEK VARIATION...............................................................................................3-32 

FIGURE 3.3-7 MIDDLETON AREA VARIATION .................................................................................................3-34 

FIGURE 3.3-8 PROPOSED ELBA EXPRESS COMPRESSOR STATION SITE IN JENKINS COUNTY, GEORGIA ..........3-38 

FIGURE 3.3-9 ALTERNATIVE ELBA EXPRESS COMPRESSOR STATION SITE, SCREVEN COUNTY, GEORGIA......3-39 

FIGURE 4.7-1 INVERTEBRATE, BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN, AND LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLE 

 AREAS WITHIN ZONES OF CONCERN .........................................................................................4-90 

FIGURE 4.7-2 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED BIRDS WITHIN ZONES OF CONCERN .....................................4-91 

FIGURE 4.7-3 FISH SPECIES OF CONCERN WITHIN ZONES OF CONCERN ..........................................................4-92 

FIGURE 4.9-1 CENSUS TRACT LOCATION WITHIN ZONES OF CONCERN 1, 2, AND 3.......................................4-146 

FIGURE 4.11-1 NSA LOCATION MAP FOR PROPOSED TERMINAL EXPANSION PROJECT..................................4-180 

FIGURE 4.11-2 NSA LOCATION MAP FOR ELBA EXPRESS COMPRESSOR STATION .........................................4-182 

FIGURE 4.12-1 TYPICAL DESIGNS FOR AN LNG VESSEL.................................................................................4-207 

FIGURE 4.12-2 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES ALONG LNG TRANSIT ROUTE – ONSHORE PORTION...............4-217 

FIGURE 4.12-3 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES ALONG LNG TRANSIT ROUTE – OFFSHORE PORTION .............4-218 
Table of Contents vii

LIST OF TABLES 

TABLE ES-1 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES FOR THE ELBA III PROJECT..............................ES-vii 

TABLE 1.3-1 ISSUES IDENTIFIED AND COMMENTS RECEIVED DURING THE PUBLIC SCOPING PROCESS 

FOR THE ELBA III PROJECT........................................................................................................1-11 

TABLE 1.5-1 MAJOR PERMITS, APPROVALS, AND CONSULTATIONS...............................................................1-16 

TABLE 2.2-2 ABOVEGROUND PIPELINE FACILITIES......................................................................................... 2-8 

TABLE 2.3-1 LAND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ELBA III PROJECT..................................................................... 2-9 

TABLE 2.7-1 FEDERAL SITING AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR LNG FACILITIES.......................................2-25 

TABLE 3.2-1 ENGINEERING AND ECONOMIC COMPARISON OF THE PROPOSED TERMINAL EXPANSION 

 PROJECT TO OFFSHORE TERMINAL ALTERNATIVES ..................................................................3-13 

TABLE 3.2-2 COMPARISON OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AMONG THE TERMINAL EXPANSION 

 PROJECT AND THE TWO BERTHING ALTERNATIVES ..................................................................3-14 

TABLE 3.3-1 COMPARISON OF SYSTEM ALTERNATIVE TO THE PROPOSED ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE .............3-18 

TABLE 3.3-2 COMPARISON OF ROUTE ALTERNATIVES B AND C TO THE PROPOSED 

 NORTHERN SEGMENT................................................................................................................3-21 

TABLE 3.3-3 LITTLE RIVER VARIATION COMPARISON...................................................................................3-28 

TABLE 3.3-4 BEAVERDAM CREEK VARIATION COMPARISON ........................................................................3-31 

TABLE 3.3-5 COLDWATER CREEK VARIATION COMPARISON ........................................................................3-33 

TABLE 3.3-6 MIDDLETON AREA VARIATION COMPARISON ...........................................................................3-35 

TABLE 4.1-1 SURFICIAL MATERIAL PRESENT AT ELBA ISLAND TERMINAL EXPANSION SITE......................... 4-2 

TABLE 4.2.1-1 SUMMARY OF SOILS LIMITATIONS – ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE .................................................4-10 

TABLE 4.2.1-2 SUMMARY OF SOILS LIMITATIONS – ELBA EXPRESS ABOVEGROUND FACILITIES .....................4-11 

TABLE 4.3-1 HYDROSTATIC TEST WATER VOLUMES FOR THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE ...............................4-34 

TABLE 4.5-1 ESTIMATED IMPACTS ON VEGETATION COMMUNITIES ALONG THE ELBA 

 EXPRESS PIPELINE (ACRES).......................................................................................................4-43 

TABLE 4.6-1 RECREATIONAL FISH SPECIES NEAR THE PROPOSED TERMINAL EXPANSION FACILITIES ..........4-53 

TABLE 4.7-1 FEDERAL AND STATE LISTED SPECIES ELIMINATED FROM DETAILED NEPA ANALYSIS 

FOR THE PROPOSED TERMINAL EXPANSION AND ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE ...............................4-67 

TABLE 4.7-2 FEDERAL AND STATE LISTED SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN THE VICINITY 

OF THE PROPOSED TERMINAL EXPANSION AND ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE .................................4-69 

TABLE 4.7-3 RECORDED OCCURRENCES OF FEDERAL AND STATE LISTED THREATENED AND 

 ENDANGERED SPECIES WITHIN 1,500 FEET OF THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE............................4-72 

TABLE 4.8-1 ACRES OF LAND AFFECTED BY CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE

 PROPOSED PROJECT ................................................................................................................4-107 

TABLE 4.8.2 LAND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ANCILLARY FACILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE 

 ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE .........................................................................................................4-109 

TABLE 4.8-3 ROW CONFIGURATIONS FOR THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE ....................................................4-111 

TABLE 4.8-4 RESIDENCES AND STRUCTURES WITHIN 50 FEET OF THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE 

 CONSTRUCTION ROW.............................................................................................................4-120 

TABLE 4.8-5 PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS CROSSED OR WITHIN 0.25 MILE OF THE ELBA EXPRESS 

 PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION ROW..............................................................................................4-120 

TALBE 4.8-6 RECREATIONAL AND PUBLIC INTEREST AREAS CROSSED OR WITHIN 0.25 MILE OF THE 

 PROPOSED ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE........................................................................................4-123 

TABLE 4.8-7 COE PROJECT AND MITIGATION LANDS CROSSED BY THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE..............4-125 

TABLE 4.9-1 EXISTING SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN THE VICINITY OF THE TERMINAL EXPANSION.....4-130 

TABLE 4.9-2 EXISTING SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN THE VICINITY OF THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE ..4-131 

TABLE 4.9-3 ANNUAL AD VALOREM TAX ESTIMATES BY COUNTY FOR THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE 

 PROJECT..................................................................................................................................4-135 

TABLE 4.9-4 CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATES BY COUNTY FOR THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT ......4-135 

TABLE 4.9-5 2000 HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS IN CHATHAM COUNTY......................................................4-136 

TABLE 4.9-6 SUMMARY OF VESSEL CALLS TO THE PORT TO BE HANDLED BY THE SAVANNAH PILOTS 

ASSOCIATION OVER THE NEXT 50 YEARS...............................................................................4-140 

TABLE 4.9-7 A COMPARISON OF RACIAL/ETHNIC MIX AND INCOME STATISTICS WITHIN THE 

 ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION CORRIDOR..............................................................4-145 
Table of Contents viii

TABLE 4.9-8 DATA ON MINORITIES, INCOME AND POVERTY RATES FOR CENSUS TRACTS CROSSED 

BY THE GREENFIELD PORTION OF THE PIPELINE......................................................................4-148 

TABLE 4.11.1-1 NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS ....................................................................4-156 

TABLE 4.11.1-2 SUMMARY OF AIR EMISSIONS EQUIPMENT..............................................................................4-157 

TABLE 4.11.1-3 SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL EMISSIONS FROM THE EXISTING TERMINAL EQUIPMENT...............4-157 

TABLE 4.11.1-4 SUMMARY OF INDIRECT EMISSIONS DUE TO CURRENT VESSEL OPERATIONS .........................4-158 

TABLE 4.11.1-5 BACT DETERMINATIONS FOR ELBA ISLAND LNG TERMINAL................................................4-160 

TABLE 4.11.1-6 SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION RELATED EMISSIONS FROM TERMINAL EXPANSION PROJECT .4-164 

TABLE 4.11.1-7 CHATHAM COUNTY EMISSIONS INVENTORY (2001)................................................................4-165 

TABLE 4.11.1-8 SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION EMISSIONS FOR THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE.........................4-165 

TABLE 4.11.1-9 SUMMARY OF AIR EMISSIONS EQUIPMENT..............................................................................4-166 

TABLE 4.11.1-10 SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL EMISSIONS FROM THE PROPOSED TERMINAL EXPANSION ..............4-166 

TABLE 4.11.1-11 SUMMARY OF INDIRECT EMISSION FROM THE TERMINAL EXPANSION PROJECT......................4-170 

TABLE 4.11.1-12 CUMULATIVE SUMMARY OF EMISSIONS FROM THE FUTURE ELBA ISLAND LNG TERMINAL .4-171 

TABLE 4.11.1-13 SUMMARY OF MOBILE EMISSIONS WITHIN AND OUTSIDE OF MOORED SECURITY ZONE ........4-172 

TABLE 4.11.1-14 SUMMARY OF MODELED AIR QUALITY IMPACTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO ELBA ISLAND LNG

TERMINAL...............................................................................................................................4-172 

TABLE 4.11.1-15 PROPOSED EQUIPMENT FOR ELBA EXPRESS COMPRESSOR STATION .......................................4-175 

TABLE 4.11.1-16 SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL EMISSIONS FOR ELBA EXPRESS COMPRESSOR STATION.................4-175 

TABLE 4.11.2-1 MEASURED AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS NEAR THE EXISTING TERMINAL FACILITY (DBA).........4-178 

TABLE 4.11.2-2 MEASURED AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS AT CLOSER-IN POSITIONS NEAR THE EXISTING 

 TERMINAL FACILITY (DBA)....................................................................................................4-179 

TABLE 4.11.2-3 CALCULATED NOISE LEVEL DUE TO FULL LOAD LNG OPERATION (DBA) FROM THE 

 EXISTING TERMINAL FACILITY ...............................................................................................4-181 

TABLE 4.11.2-4 EXISTING AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS NEAR THE PROPOSED COMPRESSOR STATION 

 SITE (DBA) .............................................................................................................................4-181 

TABLE 4.11.2-5 MAXIMUM CALCULATED CONSTRUCTION NOISE LEVELS AT NSA 2 BY TERMINAL 

 EXPANSION CONSTRUCTION PHASE (DBA).............................................................................4-183 

TABLE 4.11.2-6 TERMINAL EXPANSION CALCULATED OPERATION NOISE LEVELS SUMMARY (DBA) .............4-184 

TABLE 4.11.2-7 ELBA EXPRESS COMPRESSOR STATION EXISTING AND FUTURE NOISE IMPACTS AT 

NSAS (DBA)...........................................................................................................................4-186 

TABLE 4.12.3-1 IMPOUNDMENT AREAS ............................................................................................................4-200 

TABLE 4.12.3-2 THERMAL EXCLUSION ZONES .................................................................................................4-202 

TABLE 4.12.4-1 TYPICAL LNG VESSEL CHARACTERISTICS..............................................................................4-208 

TABLE 4.12.4-2 MINIMUM STRIKING SPEED TO PENETRATE LNG CARGO TANKS ...........................................4-211 

TABLE 4.12.4-3 LNG SPILLS ON WATER FROM A 140,000 M3 LNG VESSEL (USING THE ABSG MODEL)........4-214 

TABLE 4.12.8-1 PRELIMINARY AREA CLASS LOCATIONS FOR THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT .............4-237 

TABLE 4.12.8-2 NATURAL GAS SERVICE INCIDENTS BY CAUSE .......................................................................4-239 

TABLE 4.12.8-3 OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY: TRANSMISSION PIPELINE INCIDENT SUMMARY BY CAUSE,

1/1/2005-12/31/2005 ..............................................................................................................4-239 

TABLE 4.12.8-4 OUTSIDE FORCES INCIDENTS BY CAUSE (1970-1984)............................................................ 4-240 

TABLE 4.12.8-5 EXTERNAL CORROSION BY LEVEL OF CONTROL (1970-1984)................................................ 4-241 

TABLE 4.12.8-6 ANNUAL AVERAGE FATALITIES – NATURAL GAS TRANSMISSION AND GATHERING 

SYSTEMS .................................................................................................................................4-241 

TABLE 4.12.8-7 NATIONWIDE ACCIDENTAL DEATHS .......................................................................................4-242 

TABLE 4.13-1 EXISTING, APPROVED, OR PROPOSED ACTIVITIES/PROJECTS THAT COULD CONTRIBUTE TO 

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSTRUCTION OF THE ELBA III PROJECT...........4-244 

TABLE 6-1 ORAL COMMENTS ON THE ELBA III PROJECT DRAFT EIS .......................................................... 6-1 

TABLE 6-2 WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT LETTERS ON THE ELBA III PROJECT DRAFT EIS ..........................6-10 
Table of Contents ix

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 

ABSG ABSG Consulting Inc. 

ACHP Advisory Council on Historic Preservation 

AGL Atlanta Gas and Light 

AIS Automated Identification System 

Applicants Southern LNG, EEC, and Southern 

AQCR Air quality control regions 

ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers 

ATM Applied Technology & Management, Inc. 

ATW additional temporary workspace 

BA Biological Assessment 

BACT Best Available Control Technology 

Bcfd billion cubic feet per day 

Bcfe billion cubic feet equivalent 

BEA Bureau of Economic Analysis 

BMP Best Management Practice 

CAA Clear Air Act 

CDF confined disposal facility 

CEII critical energy infrastructure information 

CEMS Continuous Emissions Monitoring System 

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality 

Certificate FERC Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

CO carbon monoxide 

Coast Guard U.S. Coast Guard 

COE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

COTP Captain of the Port 

CWA Clean Water Act 

CZMA Section 307 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 

CZMP Coastal Zone Management Program 

dBA decibels on the A-weighted scale 

DHEC Department of Health and/or Environmental Control 

DOD U.S. Department of Defense 

DOE U.S. Department of Energy 

DOT U.S. Department of Transportation 

EA Environmental Assessment 

EEC Elba Express Company, LLC 

EEC’s Plan Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation and Maintenance Plan 

EEC’s Procedures Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures 

EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone 

EFH essential fish habitat 

EI Environmental Inspector 

EA environmental assessment 

EIS Environmental Impact Statement 

Elba II Project Elba Island Expansion Project 

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
Table of Contents x 

EPAct Energy Policy Act of 2005 

ESA Endangered Species Act of 1973 

ESD emergency shut-down 

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency 

FERC or Commission Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

FGT Florida Gas Transmission Company 

FICA Federal Insurance Contributions Act 

FMP Fisheries Management Plans 

FPC Federal Power Commission 

FSO Facility Security Officer 

FSRU floating storage and regasification units 

FWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

GBS gravity based structures 

GDNR Georgia Department of Natural Resources 

GEPD Georgia Environmental Protection Division 

gpm gallons per minute 

GPS global system positioning system 

GRAQC Georgia’s Rules for Air Quality Control 

GWRC-RR Georgia Woodlands Railroad 

HAP Hazardous Air Pollutant 

H&K Hoover and Keith, Inc. 

HCA high consequence area 

HDD horizontal directional drill 

HFO heavy fuel oil 

hp horsepower 

HRT-RR Hartwell Railroad 

IBA Important Bird Area 

IMO International Maritime Organization 

I-O Regional Input-Output 

ISPS International Ship and Port Facility Security 

Ldn day-night sound level 

Leq(24) equivalent sound level

LFL lower flammability limit 

LNG liquefied natural gas 

LOI Letter of Intent 

LOR Letter of Recommendation 

LPG liquefied petroleum gas 

m3 cubic meter 

MACT Maximum Achievable Control Technology 

MAFMC Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council 

MAOP Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure 

MARSEC Maritime Security 

Memorandum Memorandum of Understanding on Natural Gas 

 Transportation Facilities 

MLV mainline valves 

MLW mean low water 
Table of Contents xi

MMcfd million cubic feet per day 

MMPA Marine Mammal Protection Act 

MP milepost 

mph miles per hour 

MSE mechanically-stabilized earth 

MSFCMA Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 

MSU Marine Safety Unit 

MUID Map Unit Identifiers 

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards 

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 

NESHAPs National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants 

NFPA National Fire Protection Association Standard 

NGA Natural Gas Act 

NGVD National Geodetic Vertical Datum 

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act 

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

NOAA Fisheries NOAA Fisheries 

NMFS NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service 

NOI Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact 

 Statement and U.S. Coast Guard Letter of Recommendation for 

 the Proposed Elba III Project and Request for Comments on 

 Environmental Issues and Notice of Public Comment Meetings 

NO2 nitrogen dioxide 

NOx nitrogen oxide 

NPDES National Pollution Discharge Elimination System 

NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service 

NRHP National Register of Historic Places 

NRI National River Index 

NSA noise sensitive area 

NSPS New Source Performance Standards 

NSR New Source Review 

NS-RR Norfolk Southern Railroad 

NVIC Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 

NWI National Wetland Inventory 

NWR National Wildlife Refuge 

oF fahrenheit 

OEP Office of Energy Projects 

ORV Outstanding Remarkable Values 

OPS Office of Pipeline Safety 

PEM palustrine emergent 

PEMS Predictive Emissions Monitoring System 

PF Pre-Filing 

PFO Palustrine forested 

PHMSA Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 

Project Elba III Project 
Table of Contents xii

project-wide Spill Plan Southern LNG and EEC’s Spill Plan, Waste Plan and 

 Container Management Policy 

PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration 

psi pounds per square inch 

psig pounds per square inch gauge 

PSS Palustrine scrub-shrub 

PTE Potential to Emit 

Quest Quest Consultants, Inc. 

right whale North Atlantic right whale 

RIMS II Regional Input-Output Modeling System 

RNA Regulated Navigation Area 

Ro-Ro roll on-roll off 

ROW right-of-way 

RPT rapid phase transition 

RRCC Robust Redhorse Conservation Commission 

SAFMC South Atlantic Fishery Management Council 

SAIT South Atlantic International Terminal 

SCDNR South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 

SCPC South Carolina Pipeline Company 

SEPCO Savannah Electric and Power Company 

Shell Shell Trading (U.S.) Company 

SHEP Savannah Harbor Expansion Project 

SHPO State Historic Preservation Office 

SIP State Implementation Plan 

SO2 sulfur dioxide 

Southern Southern Natural Gas Company 

Southern LNG Southern LNG Inc. 

Southern LNG’s Plan Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation and Maintenance Plan 

Southern LNG’s Procedures Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures 

SSMP Sensitive Species Mitigation Plan 

STATSGO State Soil Geographic 

Terminal Elba Island LNG Import Terminal and associated facilities 

TEUs twenty foot equivalent containers (units) 

TNT trinitrotoluene 

tpy tons per year 

Transco Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corporation 

U.S. United States 

UG-CVIG University of Georgia, Carl Vinson Institute of Government 

USC United States Code 

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture 

USGS United States Geological Survey 

Vessel Strike Avoidance Policy Vessel Strike Avoidance and Injured/Dead Protected 

VOC volatile organic compounds 

VSO Vessel Security Officer 

WMA Wildlife Management Area 

WSA Waterway Suitability Assessment