20170522-0007 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 05/19/2017

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 2042S

May 19, 2017

OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN

The Honorable Edward J. Markey

United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Markey:

Thank you for your April 18, 2017, letter regarding Tennessee Gas Pipeline
Company L.L.C.'s (TGP's) Connecticut Expansion Project (Docket No. CP14-529-000).

Commission staff performed a thorough, independent evaluation of the

Connecticut Expansion Project and issued an environmental assessment (EA) on October
23, 2015. The Commission carefully considered the findings in the EA and the results of
staff s review of the project's design, market demand, costs, financing, and rates, before
issuing an order authorizing the project on March 11, 2016.

A number of parties filed requests for rehearing of the Commission's order

authorizing the Connecticut Expansion Project. Also, Sandisfield Taxpayers Opposed to
the Pipeline and Northeast Energy Solutions, Inc. each requested a stay of construction.
On March 30, 2016, and April 22, 2016, the Commission denied the requests for stay,
finding that justice did not require a stay, impacts will be adequately minimized or
mitigated, and parties have not demonstrated that they will suffer irreparable harm or
injury in the absence of a stay. On May 9, 2016, the Commission issued a tolling order
granting rehearing for the limited purpose of further consideration of the requests raised.
The tolling order does not deal with the merits of any rehearing requests, but instead
affords time for the Commission to consider the issues raised and ensure that the
rehearing requests are not automatically denied.

With respect to your concerns regarding the Otis State Forest, the EA identifies
that the permanent right-of-way would impact about six acres of the forest, and the
pipeline has been located within or adjacent to the existing cleared rights-of-way to the
extent practicable to minimize impacts on the state forest. TGP also developed a
compensation plan for temporary and permanent impacts on the Otis State Forest, in
collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

In addition to the Commission issued order, TGP has received all applicable
federal authorizations required for construction of the project facilities. Accordngly,
Commission staff authorized TGP to begin uee clearing and construction. TGP is
responsible for its construction activities and ensuring that all activities are adequately
20170522-0007 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 05/19/2017

-2-

mitigated and in compliance with the environmental conditions of the Commission's

order. Commission staff will conduct regular compliance inspections of the project
rights-of-way to ensure TOP's compliance, including in Otis State Forest. Your
comments have been placed in the docket for this proceeding.

If I can be of further assistance in this or any other Commission matter, please let
me know.

Sincerely,

~xH--
Cheryl A. Lapleur
Acting Chairman
20170522-0007 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 05/19/2017
Document Content(s)

14592956.tif..........................................................1-2