i Table of Contents

DOWNEAST LNG PROJECT

FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ES-1

PROJECT BACKGROUND ............................................................................................ES-1

PROPOSED ACTION......................................................................................................ES-2

PUBLIC OUTREACH AND COMMENTS ....................................................................ES-2

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATIONS.................................................ES-4

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...........................................................ES-8

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

LIST OF APPENDICES ............................................................................................................. vi

LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................... vii

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

TECHNICAL ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS......................................................... xiii

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

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

1.2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THIS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 

STATEMENT...................................................................................................... 1-5

1.3 PERMITS, APPROVALS, AND REGULATORY REVIEWS.......................... 1-6

1.4 PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT.............................................................. 1-12

1.5 CORRESPONDENCE WITH CANADIAN GOVERNMENT........................ 1-17

1.6 NONJURISDICTIONAL FACILITIES ............................................................ 1-21

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

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

2.1.1 LNG Terminal Facilities.......................................................................... 2-1

2.1.2 Downeast Sendout Pipeline ................................................................... 2-17

2.2 LAND REQUIREMENTS................................................................................. 2-17

2.2.1 LNG Terminal Facilities........................................................................ 2-17

2.2.2 Downeast Sendout Pipeline ................................................................... 2-17

2.3 CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES.................................................................. 2-24

2.3.1 LNG Terminal Facilities........................................................................ 2-25

2.3.2 Pipeline and Associated Aboveground Facilities .................................. 2-28
TABLE OF CONTENTS – Cont’d

Table of Contents ii

2.4 CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE....................................................................... 2-33

2.5 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND MONITORING ......................... 2-33

2.6 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE............................................................. 2-33

2.6.1 LNG Terminal Facilities........................................................................ 2-33

2.6.2 Pipeline and Associated Aboveground Facilities .................................. 2-34

2.7 SAFETY CONTROLS ...................................................................................... 2-35

2.7.1 LNG Terminal Facilities........................................................................ 2-35

2.7.2 Pipeline and Associated Aboveground Facilities .................................. 2-38

2.8 FUTURE PLANS AND ABANDONMENT .................................................... 2-39

2.9 NONJURISDICTIONAL FACILITIES ............................................................ 2-39

2.9.1 Summary of Environmental Impacts..................................................... 2-40

2.9.2 Conclusion ............................................................................................. 2-42

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

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

3.2 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES.............................................................. 3-3

3.3 SYSTEM ALTERNATIVES............................................................................... 3-6

3.3.1 Pipeline System Alternatives................................................................... 3-6

3.3.2 LNG Terminal System Alternatives ...................................................... 3-10

3.4 LNG TERMINAL SITE ALTERNATIVES ..................................................... 3-22

3.4.1 Regional Review.................................................................................... 3-22

3.4.2 Local LNG Terminal Site Location Alternatives................................... 3-26

3.5 MARINE FACILITY ALTERNATIVES.......................................................... 3-31

3.5.1 Long Trestle – Straight Alignment (Proposed Design) ......................... 3-31

3.5.2 Long Trestle – Bent Alignment ............................................................. 3-32

3.5.3 Short Trestle with Dredging................................................................... 3-33

3.5.4 Sea Island with Submarine Pipelines..................................................... 3-34

3.5.5 Sea Island with Pipelines in Directionally Drilled Tunnel .................... 3-35

3.6 LNG VAPORIZATION ALTERNATIVES...................................................... 3-36

3.6.1 Submerged Combustion Vaporizers (Proposed Vaporization).............. 3-36

3.6.2 Open Rack Vaporizers........................................................................... 3-37

3.6.3 Combined Loop (SCVs and ORVs)....................................................... 3-37

3.6.4 Heat Integrated Ambient Air Vaporizers............................................... 3-37

3.6.5 Shell and Tube Vaporizers..................................................................... 3-38

3.7 LNG VESSEL DESIGN ALTERNATIVES TO REDUCE WATER 

USAGE .............................................................................................................. 3-38

3.8 PIPELINE LOCATION ALTERNATIVES...................................................... 3-39
TABLE OF CONTENTS – Cont’d

Table of Contents iii

3.8.1 Pipeline Route Alternatives ................................................................... 3-39

3.8.2 Pipeline Route Variations...................................................................... 3-41

3.8.3 Single or Collocated Sendout Pipelines................................................. 3-43

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

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

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

4.1.2 Mineral Resources ................................................................................... 4-7

4.1.3 Paleontological Resources....................................................................... 4-8

4.1.4 Geologic Hazards..................................................................................... 4-8

4.1.5 Flooding and Storm Surge ..................................................................... 4-14

4.2 SOILS AND SEDIMENTS ............................................................................... 4-16

4.2.1 Soil Composition and Limitations......................................................... 4-16

4.2.2 Prime Farmland...................................................................................... 4-20

4.2.3 Hydric Soils ........................................................................................... 4-22

4.2.4 Erosion Potential.................................................................................... 4-23

4.2.5 Revegetation Potential ........................................................................... 4-24

4.2.6 Compaction Potential............................................................................. 4-25

4.2.7 Contaminated Soils................................................................................ 4-26

4.2.8 Contaminated Sediments ....................................................................... 4-28

4.3 WATER RESOURCES ..................................................................................... 4-30

4.3.1 Groundwater .......................................................................................... 4-30

4.3.2 Surface Water......................................................................................... 4-38

4.4 WETLANDS AND VEGETATION ................................................................. 4-53

4.4.1 Wetlands ................................................................................................ 4-53

4.4.2 Vegetation.............................................................................................. 4-68

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

4.5.1 Terrestrial Wildlife................................................................................. 4-77

4.5.2 Aquatic Resources ................................................................................. 4-94

4.5.3 Essential Fish Habitat .......................................................................... 4-136

4.6 THREATENED, ENDANGERED, AND OTHER SPECIAL STATUS 

SPECIES.......................................................................................................... 4-140

4.6.1 Current Status of Species..................................................................... 4-143

4.6.2 Impacts and Mitigation ........................................................................ 4-153

4.6.3 Conclusions and Recommendations for Threatened, Endangered, 

and Other Special Status Species......................................................... 4-169

4.7 LAND USE, RECREATION, AND VISUAL RESOURCES........................ 4-170

4.7.1 Land Use .............................................................................................. 4-170

4.7.2 Existing and Planned Residences and Structures................................. 4-175

4.7.3 Existing Public, Recreation, and Special Land Uses........................... 4-178
TABLE OF CONTENTS – Cont’d

Table of Contents iv

4.7.4 Visual Resources.................................................................................. 4-185

4.7.5 Coastal Zone Management .................................................................. 4-204

4.7.6 Hazardous Waste Sites......................................................................... 4-207

4.8 SOCIOECONOMICS...................................................................................... 4-208

4.8.1 Population ............................................................................................ 4-208

4.8.2 Economy .............................................................................................. 4-210

4.8.3 Housing................................................................................................ 4-222

4.8.4 Tax Revenues....................................................................................... 4-224

4.8.5 Public Services and Infrastructure ....................................................... 4-227

4.8.6 Environmental Justice.......................................................................... 4-230

4.9 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC........................................................... 4-233

4.9.1 Land Transportation............................................................................. 4-233

4.9.2 Marine Transportation ......................................................................... 4-236

4.10 CULTURAL RESOURCES............................................................................ 4-237

4.10.1 Consultations........................................................................................ 4-237

4.10.2 Cultural Resources Overviews and Inventories................................... 4-243

4.10.3 Unanticipated Discoveries................................................................... 4-247

4.10.4 Compliance with the NHPA ................................................................ 4-247

4.11 AIR QUALITY AND NOISE ......................................................................... 4-249

4.11.1 Air Quality ........................................................................................... 4-249

4.11.2 Noise .................................................................................................... 4-278

4.12 RELIABILITY AND SAFETY....................................................................... 4-297

4.12.1 Regulatory Agencies............................................................................ 4-297

4.12.2 Hazards ................................................................................................ 4-298

4.12.3 Technical Review of the Preliminary Engineering Design.................. 4-305

4.12.4 Siting Requirements............................................................................. 4-317

4.12.5 Siting Analysis..................................................................................... 4-320

4.12.6 Facility Security................................................................................... 4-338

4.12.7 LNG Carriers ....................................................................................... 4-339

4.12.8 Emergency Response and Evacuation Planning.................................. 4-357

4.12.9 Conclusions on Facility Reliability and Safety.................................... 4-359

4.12.10 Pipeline Safety Standards.................................................................. 4-360

4.12.11 Pipeline Accident Data ...................................................................... 4-364

4.12.12 Impact on Public Safety..................................................................... 4-366

4.13 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS............................................................................. 4-368

4.13.1 Water Resources .................................................................................. 4-373

4.13.2 Wetlands .............................................................................................. 4-374

4.13.3 Special Status Species.......................................................................... 4-375

4.13.4 Fisheries and Aquatic Resources......................................................... 4-375

4.13.5 Terrestrial Resources ........................................................................... 4-376
TABLE OF CONTENTS – Cont’d

v Table of Contents

4.13.6 Air Quality and Noise .......................................................................... 4-377

4.13.7 Climate Change.................................................................................... 4-378

4.13.8 Cultural Resources............................................................................... 4-380

4.13.9 Socioeconomics and Environmental Justice........................................ 4-380

4.13.10 Land Use, Recreation, and Visual Resources.................................... 4-381

4.13.11 Safety................................................................................................. 4-382

4.13.12 Indirect Impacts................................................................................. 4-383

4.13.13 Conclusions About Cumulative Impacts........................................... 4-385

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

5.1 SUMMARY OF THE STAFF'S ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS.................. 5-1

5.1.1 Geology.................................................................................................... 5-1

5.1.2 Soils and Sediments................................................................................. 5-2

5.1.3 Water Resources ...................................................................................... 5-3

5.1.4 Wetlands and Vegetation ......................................................................... 5-6

5.1.5 Wildlife and Aquatic Resources .............................................................. 5-8

5.1.6 Land Use, Recreation, and Visual Resources........................................ 5-14

5.1.7 Socioeconomics ..................................................................................... 5-16

5.1.8 Transportation........................................................................................ 5-17

5.1.9 Cultural Resources................................................................................. 5-18

5.1.10 Air Quality and Noise ............................................................................ 5-19

5.1.11 Reliability and Safety............................................................................. 5-21

5.1.12 Cumulative Impacts............................................................................... 5-22

5.1.13 Alternatives............................................................................................ 5-23

5.2 FERC STAFF’S RECOMMENDED MITIGATION........................................ 5-25
vi Table of Contents

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A Final EIS Distribution List

Appendix B U.S. Coast Guard Waterway Suitability Report

Appendix C Biological Assessment

Appendix D FERC’s Response to Maine’s SPO Advisory Report

Appendix E Detailed Sendout Pipeline Route Maps and HDD Plans

Appendix F Waterway for LNG Marine Traffic

Appendix G Essential Fish Habitat Assessment

Appendix H M&NE Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines

Appendix I Proposed EMEC Transmission Line and Substation

Appendix J Downeast Regional Site Selection Study

Appendix K Sendout Pipeline Route Alternatives

Appendix L Soil Types and Associated Limitations for the Sendout Pipeline

Appendix M Significant Wildlife Habitat

Appendix N Shorebird Mitigation Plan and Adaptive Management Plan

Appendix O Ichthyoplankton and Zooplankton Sampling and CORMIX Modeling Results

Appendix P Site-Specific Residential Plans

Appendix Q Noise Contour Maps

Appendix R HDD Noise Sensitive Areas Maps

Appendix S Response to Comments on the Draft EIS

Appendix T Response to Comments on the Supplemental Draft EIS

Appendix U References and Contacts

Appendix V List of Preparers

Appendix W Subject Index
vii Table of Contents

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1-1 General Project Location Map................................................................. 1-3

Figure 2.1-1 LNG Terminal Location Map .................................................................. 2-2

Figure 2.1-2 LNG Terminal Plot Plan .......................................................................... 2-3

Figure 2.1-3a Typical Spherical LNG Vessel ................................................................ 2-7

Figure 2.1-3b Typical Membrane LNG Vessel .............................................................. 2-8

Figure 2.1-4 Typical Full Containment Storage Tank................................................ 2-15

Figure 2.2-1 Typical Sendout Pipeline Right-of-Way Cross Section......................... 2-19

Figure 2.3-1 Typical Pipeline Construction Sequence ............................................... 2-29

Figure 3.3-1 Existing Interstate Pipeline Systems Considered as Potential 

System Alternatives................................................................................. 3-7

Figure 3.3-2 Existing and Proposed LNG Terminals in Coastal New England 

and Canada............................................................................................. 3-11

Figure 3.4-1 Potential Non-Maine LNG Sites Evaluated in Coastal New 

England .................................................................................................. 3-24

Figure 3.4-2 Potential LNG Terminals in Maine........................................................ 3-25

Figure 4.3-1 Significant Sand and Gravel Aquifers in the Vicinity of the 

Sendout Pipeline Route.......................................................................... 4-33

Figure 4.3-2 Public Water Supply Wells and Wellhead Protection Areas................. 4-34

Figure 4.3-3 Passamaquoddy Bay and Fundy Isles.................................................... 4-39

Figure 4.4-1 LNG Terminal Wetlands........................................................................ 4-56

Figure 4.4-2 Mapped Eelgrass at LNG Terminal ....................................................... 4-71

Figure 4.5-1 Mill Cove Lobster Survey Area........................................................... 4-110

Figure 4.7-1 Terminal Location Map ....................................................................... 4-187

Figure 4.7-2 Photo Simulation from Mill Cove: Sheet 1 of 3 .................................. 4-190

Figure 4.7-2 Photo Simulation from Mill Cove: Sheet 2 of 3 .................................. 4-191

Figure 4.7-2 Photo Simulation from Mill Cove: Sheet 3 of 3 .................................. 4-192

Figure 4.7-3 Photo Simulation from Liberty Point: Sheet 1 of 3 ............................. 4-193

Figure 4.7-3 Photo Simulation from Liberty Point: Sheet 2 of 3 ............................. 4-194

Figure 4.7-3 Photo Simulation from Liberty Point: Sheet 3 of 3 ............................. 4-195

Figure 4.7-4 Photo Simulation from Trimble Mountain: Sheet 1 of 1 ..................... 4-196

Figure 4.7-5 Photo Simulation from St. Andrews: Sheet 1 of 2............................... 4-197

Figure 4.7-5 Photo Simulation from St. Andrews: Sheet 2 of 2............................... 4-198

Figure 4.7-6 Photo Simulation from Interpretive Center: Sheet 1 of 3 .................... 4-199

Figure 4.7-6 Photo Simulation from Interpretive Center: Sheet 2 of 3 .................... 4-200

Figure 4.7-6 Photo Simulation from Interpretive Center: Sheet 3 of 3 .................... 4-201

Figure 4.11-1 Vicinity Site Map................................................................................. 4-282

Figure 4.12.5-1 Vapor Fences Proposed at Downeast Onshore Facilities .................... 4-329

Figure 4.12.5-2 Vapor Dispersion Exclusion Zones ..................................................... 4-330

Figure 4.12.5-3 Thermal Radiation Exclusion Zones for Storage Tanks...................... 4-335

Figure 4.12.5-4 Thermal Radiation Exclusion Zones for Impoundment Basins........... 4-335

Figure 4.12.7-1 Hazard Zones Along LNG Carrier Route ............................................ 4-352
Table of Contents viii

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.3-1 Major Permits, Approvals, and Consultations for the Downeast 

LNG Project........................................................................................... 1-10

Table 1.4-1 Issues Identified and Comments Received During the Public 

Scoping Process for the Downeast LNG Project ................................... 1-15

Table 2.1.1.1-1 Typical LNG Vessel Characteristics...................................................... 2-13

Table 2.2.1-1 Summary of Land Requirements for the Proposed LNG Terminal 

Facilities................................................................................................. 2-17

Table 2.2.2-1 Summary of Land Requirements for the Proposed Pipeline 

Facilities................................................................................................. 2-18

Table 2.2.2.1-1 Additional Temporary Workspace and Laydown Areas for the 

Downeast LNG Terminal and Sendout Pipeline.................................... 2-20

Table 2.2.2.1-2 Locations Where the Downeast Sendout Pipeline Would Parallel 

Existing Rights-of-Way ......................................................................... 2-23

Table 2.2.2.3-1 Access Roads Associated with the Proposed Pipeline........................... 2-24

Table 2.7.1-1 Federal Siting and Design Requirements for LNG Facilities................ 2-36

Table 3.2-1 Comparison of Air Emissions from Burning Fossil Fuels a/................... 3-5

Table 3.3.2-1 Existing and Potential New LNG Terminals Considered as 

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

Table 3.8.1.5-1 Comparison of the Western Alternative with the Corresponding 

Segment of Proposed Route................................................................... 3-40

Table 4.1.1.2.3-1 Locations of Shallow Bedrock (Less Than 5 Feet Below Ground 

Surface) Along the Proposed Downeast Pipeline .................................... 4-5

Table 4.1.1.2.3-2 Locations of Unknown Depth to Bedrock Along the Proposed 

Downeast Pipeline ................................................................................... 4-6

Table 4.1.5.3-1 Flood Zone Determinations Along the Sendout Pipeline ...................... 4-15

Table 4.2.1.1-1 Soil Types and Associated Limitations for the Downeast LNG 

Terminal and Associated Laydown Yards............................................. 4-16

Table 4.2.1.2-1 Summary of Soil Limitations Along the Proposed Sendout Pipeline 

and Pipeline Components ...................................................................... 4-18

Table 4.2.7.2-1 EPA Recordable Potential Affected Soils Areas Within 0.25 and 

0.50 Mile of the Sendout Pipeline Route Centerline ............................. 4-27

Table 4.2.7.2-2 Maine DEP Recordable Potential Affected Soils Areas Within 0.25 

and 0.50 Mile of the Sendout Pipeline Route Centerline....................... 4-28

Table 4.3.2.2-1 Waterbodies Crossed by the Pipeline Route.......................................... 4-46

Table 4.4.1.2-1 Summary of Wetlands Affected by Construction and Operation .......... 4-57

Table 4.4.1.3-1 Vernal Pool Locations and Loss of Forested Land (acres) 

Associated with the Sendout Pipeline.................................................... 4-64

Table 4.5.1.2-1 Summary of Mill Cove Shorebird Observations ................................... 4-81

Table 4.5.1.2-2 Acres of Impact on Terrestrial Wildlife Habitats by Construction 

and Operation of the LNG Terminal...................................................... 4-81

Table 4.5.1.3-1 Acres of Impact on Terrestrial Wildlife Habitats by Construction 

and Operation of the Sendout Pipeline .................................................. 4-88

Table 4.5.1.3-2 Inland Waterfowl and Wading Bird Habitat Impacts Along the 

Sendout Pipeline .................................................................................... 4-92
LIST OF TABLES – Cont’d

ix Table of Contents

Table 4.5.2.1-1 Marine Mammals Expected to Occur Along the LNG Marine 

Traffic Route and LNG Terminal .......................................................... 4-95

Table 4.5.2.1-2 Hearing in Marine Mammals................................................................. 4-99

Table 4.5.2.2-1 Substrates/Benthic Community Types Observed at the Mill Cove 

Study Area (7-11 November 2005) and Associated Maine DEP 

Rankings .............................................................................................. 4-103

Table 4.5.2.2-2 Representative Finfish and Invertebrate Species Known to Occur 

in the Project Area ............................................................................... 4-106

Table 4.5.2.2-3 Lobster Catch Data and Indices for Mill Cove with Comparison 

Catch Data from Casco Bay................................................................. 4-112

Table 4.5.2.2-4 Vessel Seawater Usage Impacts on Fish Eggs, Fish Larvae, and 

Zooplankton per Visit Based on Worst Case Densities....................... 4-126

Table 4.5.2.2-5 Fire Suppression Seawater Usage Impacts on Fish Eggs, Fish 

Larvae, and Zooplankton per Visit Based on Worst Case Densities... 4-127

Table 4.5.2.2-6 Annual Vessel Seawater Usage Adult Equivalency Fish .................... 4-128

Table 4.5.2.3-1 Estimates of Impact on Riffle Pool Habitat ......................................... 4-131

Table 4.5.3.1-1 Essential Fish Habitat Designated by NEFMC for Species 

Identified as Occurring in the Waters of Passamaquoddy Bay, 

Maine, Eliminated from Further Consideration for the Downeast 

LNG Project......................................................................................... 4-137

Table 4.5.3.1-2 Essential Fish Habitat Designated by NEFMC for Species 

Identified as Occurring or Having the Potential of Occurring, With 

Relative Abundance Estimates for Saltwater Salinity Zones, 

Within the Project Area in the Waters of Passamaquoddy Bay, 

Maine ................................................................................................... 4-139

Table 4.6-1 Federally and State-Listed Endangered and Threatened Species or 

Critical Habitats Eliminated From Further Consideration for the 

Downeast LNG Project........................................................................ 4-141

Table 4.6-2 Federally and State-Listed Wildlife and Plant Species and 

Designated Critical Habitats that Potentially Occur Near the 

Downeast LNG Project........................................................................ 4-143

Table 4.6.1.1-1 Subset of Shortnose Sturgeon Distinct Population Segments in the 

Northeast.............................................................................................. 4-147

Table 4.6.2.1-1 Analysis of Whale Mortality and Serious Injury Reports 

Associated with Vessel Strikes from the Period 1905 – 2008............. 4-155

Table 4.6.2.1-2 Identified Ship Strikes of North Atlantic Right Whales Near Gulf 

of Maine and Bay of Fundy ................................................................. 4-156

Table 4.7.1-1 Acres of Land Affected by Construction and Operation of the 

Proposed Downeast LNG Project ........................................................ 4-171

Table 4.7.2.3-1 Residences within 50 Feet of the Construction Right-of-way for 

the Proposed Downeast Sendout Pipeline............................................ 4-176

Table 4.7.3.1-1 Parks and State-Owned Land Along the Waterway for LNG 

Marine Traffic...................................................................................... 4-179

Table 4.7.5.1-1 Maine Coastal Laws and Regulations.................................................. 4-205
LIST OF TABLES – Cont’d

Table of Contents x

Table 4.8.1-1 Population Trends, Downeast LNG Project Area and Comparison 

Regions ................................................................................................ 4-209

Table 4.8.2.2-1 Commercial Vessel Traffic, Port of Eastport, Maine, 2006-2010 ....... 4-211

Table 4.8.3-1 Number and Density of Housing Units in the Project Area................. 4-223

Table 4.8.4.2-1 Estimated Property Tax Revenues from Sendout Pipeline for Year 

1............................................................................................................ 4-227

Table 4.8.5.1-1 Enrollment and Capacity in Project Area Schools............................... 4-228

Table 4.8.6-1 Ethnic and Poverty Statistics, Proposed Project Area and 

Comparison Areas................................................................................ 4-231

Table 4.11.1.2-1 National and State Ambient Air Quality Standards............................. 4-250

Table 4.11.1.2-2 Canadian and New Brunswick National Ambient Air Quality 

Objectives (and Acceptable Levels) .................................................... 4-251

Table 4.11.1.2-3 Existing Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Data Representative for 

the Project Area.................................................................................... 4-253

Table 4.11.1.3-1 Distance from Downeast LNG Site to Nearby Federal Class I 

Areas.................................................................................................... 4-255

Table 4.11.1.5.1-1 Criteria Pollutant and Greenhouse Gas Emissions due to Vessel 

Activity Associated with Terminal Operations (tons per year) ........... 4-261

Table 4.11.1.5.2-1 Estimated Criteria and HAP Emissions from LNG Terminal 

Construction......................................................................................... 4-264

Table 4.11.1.5.2-2 Estimated Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Terminal Construction... 4-265

Table 4.11.1.5.2-3 Criteria Pollutant Emissions due to LNG Terminal Operations 

(Stationary Sources Only).................................................................... 4-265

Table 4.11.1.5.2-4 Estimated Greenhouse Gas Emissions due to LNG Terminal 

Operations (Stationary Sources Only) ................................................. 4-265

Table 4.11.1.5.3-1 Estimated Emissions from Construction of Sendout Pipeline in 

Washington County, Maine ................................................................. 4-267

Table 4.11.1.5.3-2 Estimated Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Pipeline Construction 

Activities (tons).................................................................................... 4-267

Table 4.11.1.5.5-1 Estimated Annual Emissions from Downeast LNG Terminal 

Operations and Associated Vessel Activities ...................................... 4-268

Table 4.11.1.5.5-2 Estimated Annual Emissions from Calais LNG Terminal 

Operations and Associated Vessel Activities ...................................... 4-269

Table 4.11.1.5.5-3 Estimated Annual Emissions from Domtar Operations....................... 4-269

Table 4.11.1.5.5-4 Significant Impact Levels (μg/m3)....................................................... 4-269

Table 4.11.1.5.5-5 Air Quality Impacts to Class II Areas Based on Emissions from 

Downeast LNG Terminal Operations and Associated Vessel 

Activities.............................................................................................. 4-270

Table 4.11.1.5.5-6 Comparison of Air Quality Impacts to SILs for Nearby Class I 

Areas Based on Emissions from Downeast LNG Terminal 

Operations and Associated Vessel Activities ...................................... 4-271

Table 4.11.1.5.5-7 Deposition Impacts at Nearby Class I Areas Attributable to 

Downeast LNG Terminal Operations and Associated Vessel 

Activities.............................................................................................. 4-272
LIST OF TABLES – Cont’d

xi Table of Contents

Table 4.11.1.5.5-8 Visibility Impacts at Nearby Class I Areas Attributable to 

Downeast LNG Terminal Operations and Associated Vessel 

Activities.............................................................................................. 4-272

Table 4.11.1.5.5-9 Maximum Air Quality Impacts Based on Emissions from All 

Regional Sources (Downeast LNG, Calais LNG, Domtar)................. 4-272

Table 4.11.1.5.5-10 Maximum Air Quality Impacts at the MWABU Based on 

Emissions from All Regional Sources (Downeast LNG, Calais 

LNG, Domtar)...................................................................................... 4-273

Table 4.11.1.5.5-11 Maximum Air Quality Impacts at the MWAEU Based on 

Emissions from All Regional Sources (Downeast LNG, Calais 

LNG, Domtar)...................................................................................... 4-274

Table 4.11.1.5.5-12 Maximum Air Quality Impacts at the RCIP Based on Emissions 

from All Regional Sources (Downeast LNG, Calais LNG, Domtar) .. 4-274

Table 4.11.1.5.5-13 Maximum Air Quality Impacts at the St. Croix Island Based on 

Emissions from All Regional Sources (Downeast LNG, Calais 

LNG, Domtar)...................................................................................... 4-275

Table 4.11.1.5.5-14 Deposition Impacts at Nearby Class I Areas Based on Emissions 

from All Regional Sources (Downeast LNG, Calais LNG, Domtar) .. 4-275

Table 4.11.1.5.5-15 Visibility Impacts at Nearby Class I Areas Attributable to Calais 

LNG Terminal Operations and Associated Vessel Activities.............. 4-276

Table 4.11.1.5.5-16 Visibility Impacts at Nearby Class I Areas Attributable to Domtar 

Operations............................................................................................ 4-276

Table 4.11.1.5.5-17 Cumulative Visibility Impacts at MWAEU and RCIP........................ 4-276

Table 4.11.2.1-1 Summary of Applicable Sound Requirements by Agency, 

Criterion, and Associated Metric ......................................................... 4-279

Table 4.11.2.2-1 Sound Level Estimates During LNG Vessel Transit ........................... 4-280

Table 4.11.2.3-1 Existing Sound Levels and Noise Limits............................................. 4-281

Table 4.11.2.3-2 Radius of Underwater Noise Levels During Construction .................. 4-285

Table 4.11.2.3-3 Sound Level Estimates for LNG Terminal Construction Activity ...... 4-287

Table 4.11.2.3-4 Sound Level Estimates During LNG Vessel Berthing ........................ 4-288

Table 4.11.2.3-5 Radius of Underwater Noise Levels During Operation....................... 4-290

Table 4.11.2.3-6 Sound Level Estimates and Limit Comparison for Peak Sendout at 

625 MMscfd......................................................................................... 4-291

Table 4.11.2.4-1 Location, Estimated Length, and Estimated Duration of HDD 

Crossings.............................................................................................. 4-293

Table 4.11.2.4-2 Estimated HDD Sound Levels at the Nearest NSA and Moosehorn 

NWR.................................................................................................... 4-294

Table 4.12.5-1 Impoundment Area Sizing ................................................................... 4-322

Table 4.12.5-2 Equipment Failure Rates...................................................................... 4-323

Table 4.12.5-3 LNG Design Spills............................................................................... 4-329

Table 4.12.5-4 Thermal Radiation Exclusion Zones for Impoundment Basins........... 4-334

Table 4.12.7.2-1 Minimum Striking Speed to Penetrate LNG Cargo Tanks.................. 4-343

Table 4.12.9-1 Locations of High Consequence Areas................................................ 4-363

Table 4.12.11-1 Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Serious Incidents by Cause 

(1994-2013).......................................................................................... 4-365
LIST OF TABLES – Cont’d

Table of Contents xii

Table 4.12.11-2 Outside Forces Incidents by Cause (1994-2013)................................. 4-366

Table 4.12.12-1 Injuries and Fatalities - Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines.............. 4-366

Table 4.12.12-2 Nationwide Accidental Deaths ............................................................ 4-367

Table 4.13-1 Cumulative Impacts of the Downeast LNG Project and Other 

Projects in the Downeast Project Area................................................. 4-373

Table 4.13.6-1 Comparison of Project Emissions with Washington County 

Emissions............................................................................................. 4-377
xiii Acronyms and Abbreviations

TECHNICAL ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

μg/kg micrograms per kilogram 

AAQS ambient air quality standards

ACEEE American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

ACHP Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

Algonquin Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC

APE area of potential effect

API American Petroleum Institute

AQCRs Air Quality Control Regions

AQRV Air Quality Related Values

ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers

ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASMFC Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

ATBA Area to be Avoided

ATV all-terrain vehicle

ATWS additional temporary workspace 

AZMP Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program

BA Biological Assessment

BACT Best Available Control Technology

BAQ Bureau of Air Quality

Bcf billion cubic feet

Bcfd billion cubic feet per day

BEA U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

bgs below ground surface

BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs

BLEVE Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion

BMPs Best Management Practices

BOG boil-off gas

Btu British thermal units

Btu/hr-ft2 British thermal units per square foot per hour

BUD Baileyville Utility District 

°C degrees Celsius

CAA Clean Air Act

Calais LNG Calais LNG Project Company LLC 

Canadian Study A Study of the Anticipated Impacts from the Development of Liquefied 

Natural Gas Terminals on Passamaquoddy Bay

CCME Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment 

CEII critical energy infrastructure information

CEPA Canadian Environmental Protection Act

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality

Certificate Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CI compression ignition

CMP Central Maine Power

CO carbon monoxide
TECHNICAL ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS – Cont’d

Acronyms and Abbreviations xiv

CO2 carbon dioxide

Coast Guard U.S. Coast Guard

COC Certificate of Compliance

COE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

COI Certificate of Inspection

CORMIX Cornell Mixing Zone Expert System

COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

COTP Captain of the Port

CSA Canadian Standards Association

CWA Clean Water Act 

CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act

CZMP Coastal Zone Management Program

DAT Deposition Analysis Threshold

dB decibel

dBA decibels on the A-weighted scale

dBL decibels on the L-weighted scale

DCS Distributed Control System

DE Design Earthquake

DFO Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans

DMA dynamically managed area 

DOD U.S. Department of Defense

DOT U.S. Department of Transportation 

DPS Distinct Population Segment

Dth/d dekatherms per day

DWA deer wintering areas

ECA Emission Control Area

ECP Environmental Control Plan

EEZ economic exclusion zone

EFH essential fish habitat

EGAD Environmental and Groundwater Analysis Database

EI Environmental Inspector

EIA Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

El Elevation

EMEC Eastern Maine Electric Cooperative

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

EPAct Energy Policy Act

ESA Endangered Species Act

ESD emergency shutdown

ERP Emergency Response Plan

°F degrees Fahrenheit

FDS Fire Dynamics Simulator

FEED Front-End Engineering Design

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FLAG Federal Land Managers Air Quality Related Values Workgroup
TECHNICAL ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS – Cont’d

xv Acronyms and Abbreviations

FMC Fisheries Management Council

FMP fisheries management plan

FMSC Federal Maritime Security Coordinator

FPRF Fire Protection Research Foundation

FR Federal Register

FSO Facility Security Officer

FSP Facility Security Plan

FWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

GAO U.S. Government Accountability Office

GHG Greenhouse gases

GIS Geographic Information Systems

gpm gallons per minute

HAP hazardous air pollutant

HAZOP hazard and operability

HC hydrocarbon

HCA high consequence area

HDD horizontal directional drill

HDMS Hazard Detection and Mitigation System

HFO heavy fuel oil

HIAAV heat integrated ambient air vaporizers

HID high-intensity discharge

HMSC Huntsman Marine Science Center

hp horse power

HTF heat transfer fluid

Hz hertz

IALA International Association of Lighthouse Authorities

IBC International Building Code

ICE internal combustion engines

IGC Code International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships 

Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk

IMO International Maritime Organization 

Irving Irving Oil Limited

ISA International Society of Automation

ISPS International Ship and Port Facility Security

IUCN World Conservation Union 

IWWH inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat

JCR jetty control room 

kV kilovolt

Ldn day-night sound level

Leq(24) 24-hour equivalent sound level

LFL lower flammability limit

LNG liquefied natural gas

LOI Letter of Intent

LOR Letter of Recommendation

LOS Level of Service
TECHNICAL ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS – Cont’d

Acronyms and Abbreviations xvi

M&NE Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline L.L.C.

m/s meter per second

m3 cubic meters

m3/hr cubic meters per hour

MACT Maximum Available Control Technology

Maine ASC Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission

Maine BEP Maine Board of Environmental Protection 

Maine DECD Maine Department of Economic and Community Development

Maine DEP Maine Department of Environmental Protection

Maine DIFW Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife 

Maine DMR Maine Department of Marine Resources

Maine DOT Maine Department of Transportation

Maine DWP Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Division of 

Environmental Health, Drinking Water Program

Maine NAP Maine Natural Areas Program

Maine PDES Maine Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

Maine PUC Maine Public Utilities Commission

Maine SPO Maine State Planning Office

MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships

MBCA Migratory Birds Convention Act

MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act

MCE Maximum Considered Earthquake 

MCL Maximum Contaminant Level

MCR main control room

MDL method detection limit

MEG Maximum Exposure Guidelines

Memorandum Memorandum of Understanding on Natural Gas Transportation 

Facilities

MEPC 59 59th session of the Marine Environmental Protection Committee

mgd million gallons per day

MGS Maine Geological Survey

MLLW mean lower low water

MLV mainline valves

MMBtuh million British thermal units per hour

MMcfd million cubic feet per day

MMI Modified Mercalli Intensity

MMPA Marine Mammal Protection Act

Moosehorn NWR Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge

MOPU mobile offshore production unit

MP milepost

mph miles per hour

MRSA Maine Revised Statute Annotated

MSA Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act

MSL mean sea level

MTSA Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002
TECHNICAL ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS – Cont’d

xvii Acronyms and Abbreviations

N2O nitrous oxide 

NAAQS national ambient air quality standards

NARWC North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium

NAVD88 North American Vertical Datum of 1988

NAVTEX Navigational Telex

NCA National Climate Assessment

NEC National Electrical Code

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

NESHAPs National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants

NFPA National Fire Protection Association

NGA Natural Gas Act

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology

NOA Notice of Availability

NOAA Fisheries National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine 

Fisheries Service

NOI Notice of Intent

Northeast Gateway Northeast Gateway Energy Bridge 

NOx nitrogen oxides

NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

NPS National Park Service

NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service

NRHP National Register of Historic Places

NRI National Rivers Inventory

NRPA Maine Natural Resources Protection Act

NSA noise sensitive area

NSPS New Source Performance Standards

NSR New Source Review

NVIC Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular

NWI National Wetlands Inventory

O3 ozone

OBE operating basis earthquake

OBIS Ocean Biogeography Information System

OEP FERC Office of Energy Projects

OPS Office of Pipeline Safety

ORPC Ocean Renewable Power Company

ORV open rack vaporizer

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OTR Ozone Transport Region

P&ID piping and instrumentation diagrams

PAH polyaromatic hydrocarbon

PAWSA Ports and Waterways Safety Assessment

Pb lead

PCB polychlorinated biphenyl

PCDD polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin
TECHNICAL ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS – Cont’d

Acronyms and Abbreviations xviii

PCDF polychlorinated dibenzofuran

PFD process flow diagram

PHMSA Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

PI Point of Inflection

PIC person in charge

Plan Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation and Maintenance Plan

PM particulate matter

PM10 particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 microns

PM2.5 particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 microns

PNGTS Portland Natural Gas Transmission System

ppm parts per million

Procedures Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures

PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration

psi pounds per square inch

psig pounds per square inch gauge

PTE potential to emit

QA/QC quality assurance/quality control

Quest Quest Consultants, Inc.

RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Repsol Repsol Energy North America Corporation

RMP Risk Management Plan

RMS root mean square

RO reverse osmosis

Roadmap LNG Regulatory Roadmap

RPT rapid phase transition

RSS Regional Site Selection

Sandia Sandia National Laboratories

SARA Species at Risk Act 

SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

SCV submerged combustion vaporizer

SHPO Maine State Historic Preservation Office

SILs Significant Impact Levels

SIP State Implementation Plan

SIS Safety Instrumentation System

SO2 sulfur dioxide

SOLAS International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea

SOPEP Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan

SPA Saguenay Port Authority

SPCC Plan Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan

SRV shuttle regasification vessel

SSE safe shutdown earthquake

SSURGO Soil Survey Geographic (NRCS)

STCW International Convention Standards of Training, Certification and 

Watch Keeping for Seafarers

STV shell and tube vaporizer
TECHNICAL ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS – Cont’d

xix Acronyms and Abbreviations

SVOC semivolatile organic compound

SVP significant vernal pools

SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

Tennessee Gas Tennessee Gas Pipeline

THPO Tribal Historic Preservation Officer

Tidewalker Tidewalker Tidal Energy Project

TKN total Kjeldahl nitrogen

TMP Transit Management Plan

TNA Three Nation Alliance

tpy tons per year

TQM Trans Quebec and Maritimes

Tractabel Tractabel LNG North America, L.L.C.

TWWH tidal waterfowl and wading bird habitat

UFL upper flammability limit

USCB U.S. Census Bureau

USC United States Code

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDOI U.S. Department of Interior

USGCRP United States Global Change Research Program

VGP Vessel General Permit

USGS United States Geological Survey

VOC volatile organic compound

VTS Vessel Traffic Scheme

WPA wellhead protection area

WSA Waterway Suitability Assessment

WSR Waterway Suitability Report

μPa micro-Pascal