STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The proposed Sabal Trail underground natural gas pipeline project originates in Alabama, stretches through Georgia, and terminates in Florida. The pipeline will consist of roughly 472 miles of 36-inch diameter pipeline and 24 miles of 24-inch diameter pipeline.
The pipeline would cover approximately 158 miles across Georgia. The current study corridor affects 9 counties in Georgia, including Stewart, Webster, Lee, Dougherty, Mitchell, Colquitt, Lowndes and Brooks Counties. Based on preliminary review, the portion of the pipeline in Georgia would affect approximately 10.7 miles of wetlands.
The project is associated with two other projects. These projects are the Transco Hillabee Expansion Project in Alabama and the Florida Southeast Connection Project in Florida. All three projects would be covered in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) being prepared for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). However, each would be permitted separately.
BACKGROUND: Sabal Trail Transmission, LLC (“Sabal Trail”), a joint venture of Spectra Energy Corp and NextEra Energy, Inc. has been awarded a 474-mile interstate natural gas pipeline project by Florida Power & Light Company to provide transportation services for their power generation needs beginning in May 2017.
In October of 2013, Spectra Energy began the pre-filing process with FERC for the proposed Sabal Trail Transmission Project. This was followed by Spectra Energy conducting open houses and FERC Scoping Meetings for the proposed project.
In November 2013, a conference call was held which included representatives of FERC, Jacksonville District, Savannah District, Mobile District, Sabal Trail, and TRC Environmental to discuss timing of submittal their application for a Department of the Army permit pursuant to Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
Again, in January 2014, a conference call was held, which included representatives of each district involved, to discuss how the submittal would be processed once submitted. Additional information about the proposed project can be found at http://www.sabaltrailtransmission.com/georgia.
CURRENT STATUS: Currently, the Savannah District is waiting on the submittal of an application for the proposed project.
DISTRICT POCs: Terry Kobs, Coastal Branch, Regulatory Division, (229) 430-8567