i Table of Contents 

ELBA III PROJECT 

DRAFT 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-VIII

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS.............................................................................................................................. ES-IX

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

1.1 PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED........................................................................................................ 1-4

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.................................................................................................... 1-9

1.4 NON-JURISDICTIONAL FACILITIES ............................................................................................... 1-13

1.5 PERMITS, APPROVALS, AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 1-14

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 ................................................................................................................... 2-8

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

2.3.2 Elba Express Pipeline..................................................................................................... 2-9

2.3.2.1 ROW and Temporary Workspaces .......................................................................2-12

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 .................................................................................................. 2-13

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................................................................................................... 2-24

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

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

2.8.2 Elba Express Pipeline................................................................................................... 2-26

2.9 FUTURE PLANS AND ABANDONMENT .......................................................................................... 2-27

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

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

3.2 LNG TERMINAL FACILITY ALTERNATIVES.................................................................................... 3-4

3.2.1 Existing LNG Import Terminal Systems ......................................................................... 3-4
ii Table of Contents 

3.2.2 LNG Terminal Site Alternatives...................................................................................... 3-6

3.2.3 Offshore Terminal Alternatives ...................................................................................... 3-8

3.2.4 Conclusions of Offshore Berth Alternatives.................................................................. 3-15

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

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

3.3.2 Pipeline Route Alternatives .......................................................................................... 3-16

3.3.2.1 Southern Segment.................................................................................................3-16

3.3.2.2 Northern Segment.................................................................................................3-17

3.3.3 Pipeline Route Variations............................................................................................. 3-24

3.3.4 Other Pipeline Issues.................................................................................................... 3-30

3.3.5 Aboveground Facility Site Alternatives ........................................................................ 3-31

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................................................................................................................... 4-8

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

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

4.2.2 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...................................................................................................................... 4-34

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

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

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

4.5 VEGETATION................................................................................................................................ 4-41

4.5.1 Vegetation Resources.................................................................................................... 4-41

4.5.2 Noxious Weeds.............................................................................................................. 4-44

4.5.3 Vegetation Communities of Special Concern................................................................ 4-45

4.6 WILDLIFE AND AQUATIC RESOURCES.......................................................................................... 4-45

4.6.1 Wildlife Habitats........................................................................................................... 4-45

4.6.1.1 Managed and Sensitive Wildlife Areas.................................................................4-51

4.6.2 Aquatic Resources ........................................................................................................ 4-52

4.6.2.1 Fish and Invertebrates...........................................................................................4-54

4.6.2.2 Construction Impacts to Aquatic Resources .........................................................4-54

4.6.2.3 Operational Impacts to Aquatic Resources...........................................................4-58

4.6.3 Essential Fish Habitat .................................................................................................. 4-61

4.7 THREATENED, ENDANGERED AND OTHER SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES .......................................... 4-62

4.7.1 Federally Listed Threatened and Endangered Species................................................. 4-64

4.7.2 State-Listed Threatened, Endangered or Species of Concern....................................... 4-90

4.8 LAND USE, RECREATION, AND VISUAL RESOURCES ................................................................. 4-99

4.8.1 Land Use....................................................................................................................... 4-99

4.8.1.1 Land Use Requirements........................................................................................4-99

4.8.1.2 Land Use Impacts and Mitigation.......................................................................4-107

4.8.2 Landowner and Easement Requirements.................................................................... 4-110

4.8.3 Proposed Alternative Measures to the FERC Plan..................................................... 4-111

4.8.4 Residences and Planned Developments...................................................................... 4-111

4.8.5 Recreation and Special Interest Areas........................................................................ 4-115

4.8.6 Visual Resources......................................................................................................... 4-119

4.8.7 Coastal Zone Management ......................................................................................... 4-120

4.9 SOCIOECONOMICS...................................................................................................................... 4-122

4.9.1 Population .................................................................................................................. 4-122
iii Table of Contents 

4.9.2 Economy and Employment.......................................................................................... 4-124

4.9.2.1 Economic Impacts to Forestry ............................................................................4-126

4.9.3 Local Taxes and Government Revenue....................................................................... 4-127

4.9.4 Housing....................................................................................................................... 4-127

4.9.5 Public Services............................................................................................................ 4-128

4.9.6 Transportation ............................................................................................................ 4-129

4.9.6.1 Marine Traffic Impacts .......................................................................................4-130

4.9.7 Environmental Justice ................................................................................................ 4-134

4.10 CULTURAL RESOURCES...................................................................................................... 4-137

4.10.1 Cultural Resource Surveys.......................................................................................... 4-138

4.10.2 Unanticipated Discoveries Plan ................................................................................. 4-140

4.10.3 Native American Consultation.................................................................................... 4-140

4.10.4 Compliance with the NHPA........................................................................................ 4-141

4.11 AIR QUALITY AND NOISE .......................................................................................................... 4-142

4.11.1 Air Quality .................................................................................................................. 4-142

4.11.1.1 Regional Climate ................................................................................................4-142

4.11.1.2 Existing Air Quality............................................................................................4-142

4.11.1.3 Existing Facility Emissions ................................................................................4-145

4.11.1.4 Regulatory Requirements for Air Quality...........................................................4-147

4.11.1.5 Air Emissions Impacts........................................................................................4-152

4.11.1.6 Mitigation ...........................................................................................................4-163

4.11.2 Noise ........................................................................................................................... 4-164

4.11.2.1 Existing Noise Environment...............................................................................4-165

4.11.2.2 Construction Noise .............................................................................................4-168

4.11.2.3 Operational Noise ...............................................................................................4-171

4.12 RELIABILITY AND SAFETY......................................................................................................... 4-174

4.12.1 LNG Hazards.............................................................................................................. 4-175

4.12.2 Cryogenic Design and Technical Review ................................................................... 4-177

4.12.3 Siting Requirements – Thermal and Dispersion Exclusion Zones .............................. 4-183

4.12.4 LNG Carrier Safety..................................................................................................... 4-191

4.12.4.1 History ................................................................................................................4-192

4.12.4.2 LNG Carrier Construction ..................................................................................4-193

4.12.4.3 Hazards...............................................................................................................4-195

4.12.4.4 LNG Carrier Transit to the Elba Island Terminal ...............................................4-205

4.12.4.5 Requirements for LNG Operations in the Savannah River.................................4-209

4.12.5 Emergency Response and Evacuation Planning......................................................... 4-215

4.12.6 Conclusions on Marine Traffic Safety ........................................................................ 4-216

4.12.7 Terrorism and Security Issues .................................................................................... 4-216

4.12.8 Pipeline Safety Standards ........................................................................................... 4-218

4.12.9 Pipeline Accident Data ............................................................................................... 4-223

4.12.10 Impacts on Public Safety............................................................................................. 4-226

4.13 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS .............................................................................................................. 4-228

4.13.1 Geology....................................................................................................................... 4-233

4.13.2 Soils ............................................................................................................................ 4-233

4.13.3 Water Resources ......................................................................................................... 4-234

4.13.4 Wetlands ..................................................................................................................... 4-235

4.13.5 Vegetation and Wildlife .............................................................................................. 4-236

4.13.6 Aquatic Resources ...................................................................................................... 4-236

4.13.7 Special Status Species................................................................................................. 4-237

4.13.8 Land Use and Visual Resources ................................................................................. 4-237

4.13.9 Socioeconomics........................................................................................................... 4-238

4.13.10 Marine Transportation ............................................................................................... 4-238

4.13.11 Land Transportation................................................................................................... 4-239

4.13.12 Cultural Resources ..................................................................................................... 4-239

4.13.13 Air Quality and Noise ................................................................................................. 4-239

4.13.14 Reliability and Safety.................................................................................................. 4-240

4.13.15 Conclusion.................................................................................................................. 4-241
iv Table of Contents 

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.................................................................... 5-9

5.4 SIGNIFICANT UNAVOIDABLE IMPACTS............................................................................ 5-10

5.5 FERC STAFF’S RECOMMENDED MITIGATION.............................................................................. 5-11
v Table of Contents 

LIST OF APPENDICES 

APPENDIX A DRAFT EIS DISTRIBUTION LIST 

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

WAREHOUSE/STORAGE YARD LOCATIONS 

APPENDIX C LIST OF EXISTING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE TEMPORARY ACCESS ROADS 

FOR 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 LIST OF PRIVATE WATER WELLS WITHIN 150 FEET OF THE ELBA 

EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT 

APPENDIX H LIST OF WATERBODIES AFFECTED BY THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE 

PROJECT 

APPENDIX I LIST OF WETLANDS AFFECTED BY THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE 

PROJECT 

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 REFERENCES 

APPENDIX N LIST OF PREPARERS AND REVIEWERS 
vi Table of Contents 

LIST OF TABLES 

TABLE ES-1 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE 

ELBA III PROJECT.................................................................................................................... ES-VI

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.............................................................. 1-15

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 ................................................................. 3-12

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

AND THE TWO BERTHING ALTERNATIVES............................................................................... 3-13

TABLE 3.3-1 COMPARISON OF MAJOR ROUTE ALTERNATIVES FOR THE NORTHERN SEGMENT OF THE 

ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE .......................................................................................................... 3-17

TABLE 3.3-2 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPARISON OF PARTIAL COLLOCATION ROUTE ALTERNATIVES TO 

THE PROPOSED ROUTE ............................................................................................................. 3-22

TABLE 3.3-3 LITTLE RIVER VARIATION COMPARISON.................................................................................. 3-25

TABLE 3.3-4 BEAVERDAM CREEK VARIATION COMPARISON ....................................................................... 3-28

TABLE 3.3-5 COLDWATER CREEK VARIATION COMPARISON ....................................................................... 3-30

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 .............................. 4-33

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

PIPELINE (ACRES)..................................................................................................................... 4-42

TABLE 4.6-1 RECREATIONAL FISH SPECIES NEAR THE PROPOSED TERMINAL EXPANSION FACILITIES ......... 4-52

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

FOR THE PROPOSED TERMINAL EXPANSION AND ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE .............................. 4-65

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

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

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

ENDANGERED SPECIES WITHIN 1,500 FEET OF THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE........................... 4-70

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

PROJECT................................................................................................................................. 4-100

TABLE 4.8.2 LAND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ANCILLARY FACILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELBA 

EXPRESS PIPELINE.................................................................................................................. 4-102

TABLE 4.8-3 ROW CONFIGURATIONS FOR THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE ................................................... 4-105

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

CONSTRUCTION ROW............................................................................................................ 4-113

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

PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION ROW............................................................................................. 4-114

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

PROPOSED ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE....................................................................................... 4-117

TABLE 4.8-7 COE PROJECT AND MITIGATION LANDS CROSSED BY THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE............. 4-118

TABLE 4.9-1 EXISTING SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN THE VICINITY OF THE TERMINAL EXPANSION.... 4-123

TABLE 4.9-2 EXISTING SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN THE VICINITY OF THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE . 4-124

TABLE 4.9-3 2000 HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS IN CHATHAM COUNTY..................................................... 4-128

TABLE 4.9-4 SUMMARY OF VESSEL CALLS TO THE PORT TO BE HANDLED BY THE SAVANNAH PILOTS 

ASSOCIATION OVER THE NEXT 50 YEARS.............................................................................. 4-131

TABLE 4.9-5 A COMPARISON OF RACIAL/ETHNIC MIX AND INCOME STATISTICS FOR CHATHAM 

COUNTY ................................................................................................................................. 4-135

TABLE 4.9-6 A COMPARISON OF RACIAL/ETHNIC MIX AND INCOME STATISTICS WITHIN THE ELBA 

EXPRESS PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION CORRIDOR ...................................................................... 4-137
vii Table of Contents 

TABLE 4.11.1-1 NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS ................................................................... 4-144

TABLE 4.11.1-2 SUMMARY OF AIR EMISSIONS EQUIPMENT............................................................................. 4-145

TABLE 4.11.1-3 SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL EMISSIONS FROM THE EXISTING TERMINAL EQUIPMENT.............. 4-146

TABLE 4.11.1-4 SUMMARY OF INDIRECT EMISSIONS DUE TO CURRENT VESSEL OPERATIONS ........................ 4-147

TABLE 4.11.1-5 BACT DETERMINATIONS FOR ELBA ISLAND LNG TERMINAL............................................... 4-148

TABLE 4.11.1-6 SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION RELATED EMISSIONS FROM TERMINAL EXPANSION 

PROJECT................................................................................................................................. 4-153

TABLE 4.11.1-7 SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION EMISSIONS FOR THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE........................ 4-154

TABLE 4.11.1-8 SUMMARY OF AIR EMISSIONS EQUIPMENT............................................................................. 4-154

TABLE 4.11.1-9 SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL EMISSIONS FROM THE PROPOSED TERMINAL EXPANSION............ 4-155

TABLE 4.11.1-10 SUMMARY OF INDIRECT EMISSIONS DUE TO CURRENT OPERATIONS .................................... 4-159

TABLE 4.11.1-11 SUMMARY OF INDIRECT EMISSION FROM THE TERMINAL EXPANSION PROJECT .................... 4-160

TABLE 4.11.1-12 CUMULATIVE SECONDARY AND INDIRECT EMISSIONS FROM THE TERMINAL EXPANSION 

PROJECT................................................................................................................................. 4-160

TABLE 4.11.1-13 PROPOSED EQUIPMENT FOR ELBA EXPRESS COMPRESSOR STATION ...................................... 4-162

TABLE 4.11.1-14 SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL EMISSIONS FOR ELBA EXPRESS COMPRESSOR STATION............... 4-162

TABLE 4.11.2-1 MEASURED AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS NEAR THE EXISTING TERMINAL FACILITY (DBA)........ 4-165

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

TERMINAL FACILITY (DBA)................................................................................................... 4-167

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

EXISING TERMINAL FACILITY ................................................................................................ 4-167

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

SITE (DBA) ............................................................................................................................ 4-168

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

EXPANSION CONSTRUCTION PHASE (DBA)............................................................................ 4-170

TABLE 4.11.2-6 TERMINAL EXPANSION CALCULATED OPERATION NOISE LEVELS SUMMARY (DBA) ............ 4-171

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

NSAS (DBA).......................................................................................................................... 4-173

TABLE 4.12.3-1 IMPOUNDMENT AREAS ........................................................................................................... 4-187

TABLE 4.12.3-2 THERMAL EXCLUSION ZONES ................................................................................................ 4-189

TABLE 4.12.4-1 TYPICAL LNG SHIP CHARACTERISTICS.................................................................................. 4-193

TABLE 4.12.4-2 MINIMUM STRIKING SPEED TO PENETRATE LNG CARGO TANKS .......................................... 4-197

TABLE 4.12.4-3 LNG SPILLS ON WATER FROM A 140,000 M3 LNG CARRIER (USING THE ABSG MODEL)...... 4-200

TABLE 4.12.8-1 PRELIMINARY AREA CLASS LOCATIONS FOR THE ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT ............ 4-222

TABLE 4.12.8-2 NATURAL GAS SERVICE INCIDENTS BY CAUSE ...................................................................... 4-224

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

1/1/2005-12/31/2005 ............................................................................................................. 4-225

TABLE 4.12.8-4 OUTSIDE FORCES INCIDENTS BY CAUSE (1970-1984)............................................................ 4-225

TABLE 4.12.8-5 EXTERNAL CORROSION BY LEVEL OF CONTROL (1970-1984)................................................ 4-226

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

SYSTEMS ................................................................................................................................ 4-227

TABLE 4.12.8-7 NATIONWIDE ACCIDENTAL DEATHS A/ .................................................................................. 4-227

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

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSTRUCTION OF THE ELBA III PROJECT.......... 4-229
viii Table of Contents 

LIST OF FIGURES 

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

FIGURE 2.0-2 LNG TRANSIT ROUTE TO TERRITORIAL SEAS ............................................................................ 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...................................... 2-10

FIGURE 2.2-2 TYPICAL ROW CROSS SECTIONS ............................................................................................. 2-11

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

FIGURE 3.2-1 EXISTING LNG SYSTEM TERMINAL ALTERNATIVES .................................................................. 3-5

FIGURE 3.2-2 OFFSHORE LNG TERMINAL ALTERNATIVE SITE ...................................................................... 3-11

FIGURE 3.3-1 MAJOR ROUTE ALTERNATIVES A AND B ................................................................................. 3-18

FIGURE 3.3-2 WEST, MIDWEST, AND EAST ROUTE ALTERNATIVES ............................................................... 3-21

FIGURE 3.3-3 LITTLE RIVER VARIATION........................................................................................................ 3-26

FIGURE 3.3-4 BEAVERDAM CREEK VARIATION ............................................................................................. 3-27

FIGURE 3.3-5 COLDWATER CREEK VARIATION.............................................................................................. 3-29

FIGURE 3.3-6 PROPOSED COMPRESSOR STATION SITE IN JENKINS COUNTY, GEORGIA.................................. 3-33

FIGURE 3.3-7 ALTERNATIVE COMPRESSOR STATION SITE IN SCREVEN COUNTY, GEORGIA .......................... 3-34

FIGURE 4.7-1 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES ALONG THE LNG TRANSIT ROUTE........................ 4-88

FIGURE 4.11-1 NSA LOCATION MAP FOR PROPOSED TERMINAL EXPANSION PROJECT................................. 4-166

FIGURE 4.11-2 NSA LOCATION MAP FOR ELBA EXPRESS COMPRESSOR STATION ........................................ 4-169

FIGURE 4.12-1 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES ALONG LNG TRANSIT ROUTE –ONSHORE PORTION.............. 4-203

FIGURE 4.12-2 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES ALONG LNG TRANSIT ROUTE – OFFSHORE PORTION............ 4-204
ix Table of Contents 

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 

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 
x Table of Contents 

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 

MMcfd million cubic feet per day 
xi Table of Contents 

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 
xii Table of Contents 

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 

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