williams request for pre-filing review on transco northeast supply enhancement project

Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC 2800 Post Oak Boulevard (77056) P.O. Box 1396 Houston, Texas 77251-1396 713-215-2000 May 9, 2016 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20426 Attention: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary Reference: Request for Pre-Filing Review

Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC Northeast Supply Enhancement Project Docket No. PF16- Ladies and Gentlemen: Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (“Transco”) respectfully requests that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) Staff initiate a pre-filing review of Transco’s proposed Northeast Supply Enhancement Project (sometimes referred to herein as the “Project”). The Project is an expansion of Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system that will enable Transco to provide incremental firm transportation capacity to meet National Grid’s long-term supply and reliability needs beginning with the 2019/2020 heating season. The target in-service date is September 15, 2019. As requested by National Grid, the Project will be designed to provide 400,000 dt/d of firm transportation from Transco’s Compressor Station 195 in York County, Pennsylvania to the Rockaway Transfer Point, an existing interconnection between the Lower New York Bay Lateral and the Rockaway Delivery Lateral in New York State waters. The Project is fully subscribed and Transco has precedent agreements in place to provide 188,700 dt/day of incremental firm transportation service to The Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid NY and 211,300 dt/day of incremental firm transportation service to KeySpan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid (collectively “National Grid”).

Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission May 9, 2016 In accordance with Section 157.21(d) of the Commission’s regulations, Transco submits the following:

1. A description of the schedule desired for the project including the expected

application filing date and the desired date for Commission approval.

Transco requests approval to commence the pre-filing process by May 16, 2016. During the pre-filing process, Transco will conduct field surveys for environmental and cultural resources to identify and address relevant issues, and will meet with regulatory agencies and seek landowner input. Transco will coordinate with Commission Staff in order to develop complete Resource Reports and expects to use a third-party contractor to prepare a draft environmental document.

Transco expects to submit a complete draft of Resource Report 1, a list of alternatives, and a list of affected landowners in June 2016. Transco anticipates filing its NGA Section 7(c) certificate application in March 2017. The application will request that the Commission approve the Project by May 2018 with a target in-service date of September 15, 2019.

To summarize, the proposed Project timeline is as follows:

May 2016 Pre-filing process begins June 2016 Open Houses March 2017 Submit 7(c) Application May 2018 Requested Date for FERC Order June 2018 Anticipated Construction Start September 15, 2019 Target In-Service

Transco is seeking to use the Commission-approved pre-filing process in order to develop

its certificate application and obtain timely processing of the certificate application. In that regard, Transco will provide to Commission Staff the information set forth in Section 157.21(f) of the Commission’s regulations. Transco anticipates resolving issues raised during the scoping process and submitting a complete application.

2. For LNG terminal facilities, a description of the zoning and availability of the

proposed site and marine facility location.

There are no LNG terminal facilities related to or proposed as part of the Project.

3. For natural gas facilities other than LNG terminal facilities and related jurisdictional natural gas facilities, an explanation of why the prospective applicant is requesting to use the pre-filing process under this section.

The Commission Staff’s early review of the environmental document and its involvement in Transco’s public participation plan will allow Transco, interested stakeholders, and the

Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission May 9, 2016

Commission Staff to discuss and address routing, siting, and other environmental issues before developing and filing the certificate application for the Project. In particular, Transco believes that the pre-filing process will be beneficial in the following ways:

Facilitating issue identification, study needs, and issue resolution; Conducting site visits, examining alternatives, meeting with agencies and

stakeholders, and participating in the public information meetings (open houses);

Issuing a scoping notice and conducting scoping for the Project; and Assisting in the review and comment on the Resource Reports comprising

Transco’s draft Environmental Reports prior to filing, to ensure that the Commission’s filing requirements are satisfied and that all of the information needed to complete the environmental document is included.

4. A detailed description of the project, including location maps and plot plans to scale

showing all major plant components, that will serve as the initial discussion point for stakeholder review.

Transco executed binding precedent agreements with National Grid in February 2016. An Open Season for the Project will be held in mid-May 2016. National Grid has agreed to reduce its commitment in the event that other shippers elect to participate in the Project through the Open Season process. Transco does not anticipate that the project scope will change based on the outcome of the Open Season.

The Project facilities currently under review include the following (all mileages are

approximate):

A 10-mile, 42-inch loop of Mainline D in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; The addition of a 21,000 horsepower electric motor-driven compressor unit at

Transco’s existing Compressor Station 200 in Chester County, Pennsylvania; A greenfield 32,000 horsepower Compressor Station 206 in Somerset County,

New Jersey near Transco’s mainline, consisting of two turbine-driven compressor units;

A 3.4-mile, 26-inch loop of the Lower New York Bay Lateral from Compressor Station 207 downstream to the Morgan M&R Station in Middlesex County, New Jersey (onshore);

A 22-mile, 26-inch loop of the Lower New York Bay Lateral from the Morgan M&R Station in Middlesex County, New Jersey to the Rockaway Transfer Point in New York State waters (offshore); and

Appurtenant underground and aboveground facilities. The general location of the proposed facilities is illustrated on the attached map.

Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission May 9, 2016 5. A list of the relevant federal and state agencies in the project area with permitting

requirements. For LNG terminal facilities, the list shall identify the agency designated by the governor of the state in which the project will be located to consult with the Commission regarding state and local safety considerations. The filing shall include a statement indicating: (i) That those agencies are aware of the prospective applicant's intention to use

the pre-filing process (including contact names and telephone numbers); (ii) Whether the agencies have agreed to participate in the process; (iii) How the applicant has accounted for agency schedules for issuance of federal

authorizations; and (iv) When the applicant proposes to file with these agencies for their respective

permits or other authorizations. Transco has begun contacting and meeting with federal and state agencies to discuss the Project and the Commission’s pre-filing process, and to ask the agencies to participate in that process. The attached Initial Regulatory Contacts table identifies the agencies that have been contacted and the results of those consultations. Transco plans to request and receive guidance on agency procedures for the submission of permit applications, consultation requests, and the agencies’ typical permit review schedules. Transco will continue to follow-up with these agencies by e-mail, letter, telephone, or in-person meetings throughout the pre-filing review process. Transco plans to provide required information and to respond in a timely manner to requests for information from federal and state permitting agencies. Transco understands that the Commission will be the lead federal agency conducting the environmental review. Transco has incorporated into its overall project schedule the agency-specific schedules for issuance of required federal and state authorizations. Transco expects to file applications for all necessary federal permits concurrent with the filing of the Section 7(c) certificate application. The proposed 14-month processing time, from the date of filing of the 7(c) certificate application to the requested date for the Commission Order, should provide sufficient time for relevant agencies to issue the associated authorizations required. Transco anticipates that the agencies will issue their respective authorizations for the Project in accordance with the schedule set by the Commission pursuant to 18 CFR § 157.9. To the extent that other agency permits are not issued prior to Commission authorization of the Project, Transco assumes that Commission authorization to proceed with construction would be conditioned on obtaining such permits prior to starting construction.

6. A list and description of the interest of other persons and organizations who have been contacted about the project (including contact names and telephone numbers).

Transco has begun meeting with various stakeholders, including landowners and local, state, and federal authorities, to identify and address their concerns. In April 2016, Transco began contacting interested stakeholders, including state legislative, county, and municipal government officials. In the coming months, Transco will contact all U.S. congressional


representatives whose districts will be affected by the Project. A list of stakeholders who have been contacted about the Project will be provided under separate cover.

7. A description of what work has already been done, e.g., contacting stakeholders, agency consultations, project engineering, route planning, environmental and engineering contractor engagement, environmental surveys/studies, and open houses. This description shall also include the identification of the environmental and engineering firms and sub-contractors under contract to develop the project.

Hydraulic modeling simulations were completed to identify the Project facilities, and existing mapping resources and aerial photography depicting current land use were used for preliminary pipeline routing and compressor station siting. After notifying landowners in April 2016, Transco’s engineering personnel began conducting ground surveys to identify various constraints, including residential neighborhoods, businesses, other pipelines, high tension power lines, and significant environmental features, to further refine the Project route. Assuming landowner permission is acquired, onshore civil surveys, biological surveys, and cultural resource surveys are expected to commence in May/June 2016 as soon as weather conditions allow; these surveys are expected to be completed in the fall of 2016. Offshore surveys commenced in April 2016 and are expected to be completed in the fall of 2016. The drawings identifying the route and construction workspace are scheduled for completion prior to filing the Section 7(c) certificate application. Transco will select a preferred route for the Project that takes into consideration impacts on the community and the environment. In order to reduce potential impacts, the proposed Project corridor for the onshore looping has been entirely co-located within or adjacent to Transco’s existing pipeline right-of-way. To further reduce impacts, Transco has designed the offshore looping of the Lower New York Bay Lateral to include a shore-to-water HDD of the shoreline and a water-to-water HDD crossing of the Ambrose Channel. Transco has already contacted numerous federal and state agencies to initiate consultation regarding potential impacts to resources. As noted on the attached Initial Regulatory Contacts table, Transco is attempting to schedule meetings with all of these federal and state agencies. Transco has contracted with various consulting engineering and environmental firms to complete the surveys, studies, and drawings needed to support the filing of the permits and clearances required for the Project. These include:

Pipeline Engineering – Mustang Engineering, L.P. (onshore) Wetland Surveys and Resource Report Preparation – Ecology &

Environment, Inc. Cultural Resource Surveys – Pending contractor selection


Transco is in the process of selecting contractors for offshore pipeline engineering, compressor station, meter station, and valve site engineering.

8. For LNG terminal projects, proposals for at least three prospective third-party

contractors from which Commission staff may make a selection to assist in the preparation of the requisite NEPA document. There are no LNG terminal facilities related to or proposed as part of the Project.

9. For natural gas facilities other than LNG terminal facilities and related jurisdictional natural gas facilities, proposals for at least three prospective third-party contractors from which Commission staff may make a selection to assist in the preparation of the requisite NEPA document, or a proposal for the submission of an applicant-prepared draft Environmental Assessment as determined during the initial consultation described in paragraph (c) of this section. Transco prepared a Request for Proposal (“RFP”) for a third party contractor to prepare environmental documents. The draft RFP was reviewed by FERC Staff and issued to four prospective contractors. Transco is submitting to Staff under separate cover copies of three proposals and its comments on the proposals.

10. Acknowledgement that a complete Environmental Report and complete application are required at the time of filing. Transco acknowledges that a complete Environmental Report and a complete application under Section 7(c) of the NGA will be required at the time of filing. Transco anticipates submitting the report and application to the Commission by March 2017.

11. A description of a Public Participation Plan which identifies specific tools and actions

to facilitate stakeholder communications and public information, including a project website and a single point of contact. This plan shall also describe how the applicant intends to respond to requests for information from federal and state permitting agencies, including, if applicable, the governor's designated agency for consultation regarding state and local safety considerations with respect to LNG facilities.

Transco’s commitment to stakeholder communications and effective public outreach on the Project is set forth in the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project – Stakeholder Outreach Plan, a copy of which is attached. Transco will respond to requests for information from participating federal and state agencies in a timely manner. Transco plans to host open houses in June 2016 at locations near the proposed facilities. For stakeholder communications, Transco has established a toll-free information telephone line at (866) 455-9103 as well as an e-mail address at [email protected]. Transco’s land agents will serve as points of contacts with landowners; they will also assist, as necessary, in public outreach efforts with local constituents affected by the Project.


In addition, Transco has established a public website for the Project at http://www.williams.com/NESE. Items on the website include:

Project overview; Project location maps; Route selection process; Answers to frequently-asked questions; Regulatory overview, with links to the Commission website; Construction procedures; Pipeline safety; News; and Contact information.

This website will be maintained throughout the Project. In order to further inform interested parties, Transco will periodically distribute Project Update newsletters to interested stakeholders.

12. Certification that a Letter of Intent and a Preliminary WSA have been submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard or, for modifications to an existing or approved LNG terminal, that the U.S. Coast Guard did not require such information. There are no LNG terminal facilities related to or proposed as part of the Project.

Accordingly, Transco hereby requests that the Commission Staff initiate a pre-filing review of the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project.

Respectfully submitted, TRANSCONTINENTAL GAS PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC

By: William H. Hammons Regulatory Analyst, Lead Rates and Regulatory 713-215-2130 713-215-3483 (fax) Enclosures cc: Rich McGuire, Director, Division of Gas – Environment and Engineering

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EXISTING TRANSCO PIPELINE

PROPOSED PIPELINE

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Initial Regulatory Contacts Northeast Supply Enhancement Project

Agency Contacted Contact Person Method of Contact

Date Comments Participate in Pre‐File

Federal Agencies

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Long Island Field Office ‐ Steve Sinkevich Biologist 340 Smith Road Shirley, NY 11967 Ph: 631‐286‐0485 Pennsylvania Field Office – Pamela Shellenberger Endangered Species Biologist 110 Radnor Rd. Suite 101 State College, PA 16801 Ph: 814‐234‐4090 New Jersey Field Office – Eric Schrading Field Office Supervisor Atlantic Professional Park 4 East Jimmie Leeds Road Galloway, NJ 08205 Ph: 609‐646‐9310

Pending TBD

2

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

New York District – Stephan Ryba Chief Regulatory Branch 26 Federal Plaza, Room 1937 New York, NY 10278 Ph: 917‐790‐8511 Baltimore District – Pat Strong 10 S. Howard Street Baltimore, MD 21203 Ph: 410‐962‐1847

In Progress Meeting scheduled for May 19, 2016 with USACE – New York District. Baltimore District is pending.

TBD

U.S. Coast Guard Jeff Yunker Waterways Management Coordinator ‐ New York Sector 212 Coast Guard Drive Staten Island, NY 10305 Ph: 718‐354‐4195

In progress Meeting scheduled for May 19, 2016 with U.S. Coast Guard.

TBD

NOAA Fisheries Service Sandy Hook (NJ) Field Office ‐ Karen Greene Mid‐Atlantic Field Office Supervisor James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory 74 Magruder Road Highlands, NJ 07732 Ph: 732‐872‐3023 Julia (Jolie) M. Harrison Chief Office of Protected Resources Permits and Conservation

In progress Meeting scheduled for May 19, 2016 with NOAA Fisheries Service.

TBD

3

Division 1315 East‐West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910‐3225 Ph: 301‐427‐8401 Mark Murray‐Brown Protected Resources Division Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office 55 Great Republic Drive, Suite 04‐400 Gloucester, MA 01930 Ph: 978‐281‐9306

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Lingard Knutson Environmental Scientist Region 2 290 Broadway New York, NY 10007 Ph: 212‐637‐3747

Pending TBD

Pennsylvania Agencies

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Lynn Langer Regional Director South‐central Regional Office 909 Elmerton Avenue Harrisburg, PA 17110 Ph: 717‐705‐4700

Pending TBD

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Greg Podniesinski Section Chief Bureau of Forestry Natural Heritage Section P.O. Box 8552 Harrisburg, PA 17015‐8552 Ph: 717‐787‐3444

Pending TBD

4

Pennsylvania Game Commission

Nathan Havens Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management Division of Environmental Planning & Habitat Protection 2001 Elmerton Avenue Harrisburg, PA 17110 Ph: 717‐787‐4250

Pending TBD

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

Chris Urban Chief of Natural Diversity Section‐ Environmental Services Division 450 Robinson Lane Bellefonte, PA 16823 Ph: 814‐359‐5129

Pending TBD

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Andrea MacDonald Acting Bureau Director/Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Division of Archaeology and Protection Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Bureau for Historic Preservation Commonwealth Keystone Building, 2nd Floor 400 North Street Harrisburg, PA 17120‐0093 Ph: (717) 783‐8946

Pending TBD

5

Lancaster County Conservation District

Christopher Thompson District Manager 1383 Arcadia Road Room 200 Lancaster, PA 17601 Ph: 717‐299‐5361

Pending TBD

New Jersey Agencies

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Office of Permit Coordination (OPC)

Megan Brunatti Environmental Specialist 401 East State Street Mail code: 401‐07J P.O. Box 420 Trenton, NJ 08625 Ph: 609‐633‐7660

In Progress Transco met with Megan Brunatti and John Gray on April 8, 2016. Meeting scheduled on May 19, 2016 with Megan Kelly.

TBD

NJDEP Natural Heritage Program of New Jersey Office of Natural Lands Management

OPC will provide contact Pending TBD

NJDEP Coastal Management Program


NJDEP Land Use Regulation Program (LURP)


NJDEP Division of Water Quality


NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife, Endangered and Nongame Species Program


NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Shellfisheries


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NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Marine Fisheries


NJDEP LURP Division of Land Use Regulation


NJDEP Division of Water Supply


NJDEP Division of Air Resources


New Jersey Historic Preservation Office

Daniel Saunders Mail Code 501‐04B PO Box 420 Trenton, NJ 08625‐0420 Ph: 609‐633‐2397

Pending TBD

Middlesex County Conservation District

Ines Zimmerman District Manager 4000 Kozlowski Road P.O. Box 5033 Freehold, NJ 07728‐5033 Ph: 732‐683‐8500

Pending TBD

Somerset County Conservation District

Frank Calo District Manager Somerset County 4‐H Center 308 Milltown Road Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Ph: 908‐526‐2701

Pending TBD

New York Agencies

New York State Department of State

Matt Maraglio Coastal Resources Specialist Office of Planning and Development Coastal Management Program Consistency Review Unit

In progress Meeting scheduled for May 19, 2016 with New York State Department of State.

TBD

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99 Washington Avenue Suite 1010 Albany, NY 12231 Ph: 518‐473‐3371

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Christopher Hogan Section Chief Division of Environmental Permits 625 Broadway, 4th Floor Albany, NY 12233 Ph: 518‐402‐9151

In progress Meeting scheduled for May 19, 2016 with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

TBD

New York State Office of General Services

Ralph Hill 26th Floor Corning Tower Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12242 Ph: 518‐474‐2195

Pending TBD

New York State Historic Preservation Office

Ruth Pierpont Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation/Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Peebles Island State Park P.O. Box 189 Waterford, NY 12188‐0189 Ph: 518‐237‐8643

Pending TBD

New York Natural Heritage Program

Andrea Chaloux Environmental Review Specialist 625 Broadway, 5th Floor Albany, NY 12233‐4757 Ph: 518‐402‐8927

Pending TBD

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Native American Tribal Consultations

Cayuga Nation of New York

2540 NY‐89 Seneca Falls, NY 13148 Ph: 315‐568‐0750

Pending TBD

Oneida Nation of New York

2037 Dreamcatcher Plaza Oneida, NY 13421 Ph: 315‐829‐8900

Pending TBD

Onondaga Nation of New York

3951 US‐11 Nedrow, NY 13120 Ph: 315‐378‐0165

Pending TBD

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

25 Route 37 Hogansburg, NY 13655 Ph: 518‐358‐2986

Pending TBD

Seneca Nation of New York

135 Delaware Ave #300 Buffalo, NY 14202 Ph: 716‐845‐6304

Pending TBD

Shinnecock Indian Nation

100 Church Street Southampton, NY 11968 Ph: 631‐283‐6143

Pending TBD

Tonawanda Band of Seneca Indians of New York

7027 Meadville Road Basom, NY 14013 Ph: 716‐542‐4244

Pending TBD

Tuscarora Nation of New York

5616 Walmore Road Lewiston, NY 14092 Ph: 716‐297‐4990

Pending TBD

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Northeast Supply Enhancement Project

External Communications Plan May 2016

Public Outreach Overview Public outreach is the first step on the critical path for project management and execution and requires collaboration with every discipline needed to plan, design, build, operate and maintain pipeline facilities.

Both the company and FERC believe that early involvement from stakeholders can help develop better overall project solutions. Stakeholders include any formal or informal group, organization, agency, elected official, community leader, and landowner or identified individual who has a direct interest and/or involvement in the regulatory process and outcome of the project. An effective public outreach program can help neutralize opposition before, during and after the construction of a pipeline project.

To that end, the FERC pre‐filing process and our project management strategies are directed toward engaging stakeholders early in the pipeline expansion project process. The company’s guiding principal is that stakeholders should hear about our projects from the company first and they should hear from us often.

Public outreach strategy includes:

Early contact Frequent communication Listening and learning Being flexible when possible

Public outreach is much more than mere notification. It is an opportunity to educate and provide information regarding the project and to develop active support wherever possible. A strong and credible outreach program requires building integrity and trust with members of the public who live and work in the project area as well as maintaining an effective coordinated communication effort between all disciplines needed to successfully execute the project.

Operating objective Our primary objective is to build credibility and trust by positioning Williams as:

A developer of critical infrastructure necessary to connect abundant, domestic gas supply with the growing NYC market, including allowing National Grid to help NYC meet its clean air goals

An established, environmental‐responsible pipeline operator that has been safely transporting natural gas in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for decades

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A communicative company that is responsive to public concerns.

Committed to working with landowners, as well as local, state and federal agencies, to design and construct the project in a manner that minimizes environmental and landowner impacts.

Additionally, we must:

Effectively articulate the importance of the project to the region, and communicate the vital role Transco plays by transporting much needed natural gas supply to northeastern markets.

Communicate how the local economies will benefit from economic activity associated with construction and operation of the proposed facilities.

Communicate why this additional supply is so important to New York City and how it will help support New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s aggressive climate change goals.

Work with communities and stakeholders to educate them about our company, the proposed project and the regulatory process.

Educate communities where existing facilities are located to help them understand that co‐locations minimize impact to landowners and communities.

Attempt to achieve win‐win solutions to issues and concerns.

Before the FERC Pre‐filing Process Public Outreach will begin outreach activities prior to any other activity in the project area. Local

and county officials, business and community leaders and emergency responders need to receive a “heads up” about the initial activities that will be undertaken before we formally initiate our regulatory process including land and survey activities that will impact local landowners and other constituents.

Target audiences A complete listing of impacted communities and key stakeholders is available on the NYSE Project Stakeholder List.

Local Public Officials, Town/Township Administrators, Emergency Responders, Law Enforcement, Planning Commissions, etc.

Lancaster County, PA

Drumore Township East Drumore Township Eden Township

Somerset County, NJ

Franklin Township

Middlesex County, NJ

Old Bridge Township

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Sayreville Township South Amboy

Queens County, NY

Far Rockaway

State & Federal Officials Pennsylvania

U.S. Senators

U.S. Representatives

State Senators

State Representatives

New Jersey

U.S. Senators

U.S. Representatives

State Senators

State Representatives

Media

County Outlet

Lancaster County, PA

Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era Lancaster, PA http://lancasteronline.com 717‐291‐8622

Republican Herald Pottsville, PA http://republicanherald.com 570‐622‐3456

Central Pennsylvania Business Journal Mountville, PA http://www.cpbj.com 717‐285‐9585

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The Southern Lancaster Chronicle Quarryville, PA www.heraldandchronicle.com 410‐658‐5740

Middlesex County, NJ

Home News Tribune Bridgewater, NJ http://www.mycentraljersey.com/news/home‐news‐tribune 732‐246‐5500

Courier‐News Somerville, NJ http://www.mycentraljersey.com/news/courier‐news 908‐243‐6600

Star‐Ledger Newark, NJ http://www.nj.com/starledger 888‐782‐7533

Somerset County, NJ

Home News Tribune Bridgewater, NJ http://www.mycentraljersey.com/news/home‐news‐tribune 732‐246‐5500

Star‐Ledger Newark, NJ http://www.nj.com/starledger/ 888‐782‐7533

NJBIZ Somerset, NJ http://www.njbiz.com 732‐246‐7677

Queens County, NY

Rockaway Wave Far Rockaway, NY http://www.rockawave.com (718) 634‐4000

Key messages

Audience Message

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Federal / State Officials / Public Officials & Community Stakeholders

Purpose and need for the project— the need to keep up with New York City’s projected gas demand needs to meet its ambitious clean air goals

Seek early input from citizens, governmental entities and other interested parties to identify and address potential issues.

Educate communities about the FERC process and public input opportunities.

NJ/NY Stakeholders

Purpose and need for the project— the need to keep up with New York City’s projected gas demand needs to meet its ambitious clean air goals

In April 2015 NY Mayor de Blasio released OneNYC, the four‐year update to PlaNYC, which set sweeping goals to curb city emissions 80 percent by 2050.

60% of New York City’s energy is fueled by natural gas

As New York City’s dependence on natural gas increases, the reliability of the associated energy infrastructure becomes even more critical.

The Transco pipeline has reliably served the New York City area for more than 60 years; Transco provides half of the gas consumed in NYC

The historic low price of natural gas is generating greater demand. Low gas prices and increasing environmental regulations have fueled the growing popularity of gas.

PA stakeholders Purpose and need for the project— the project supports PA gas industry by expanding existing infrastructure to move more PA gas to market

Project maximizes existing utility corridors, which reduces environmental impact

Project will result in construction economic benefits

Natural gas prices have plummeted to all‐time lows, making natural gas an economical fuel choice for consumers.

The Transco pipeline has safely and reliably operated in Lancaster County, Pa., for decades

We plan to design the project to exceed stringent federal pipeline safety requirements

We will work with local agricultural experts to ensure we have a comprehensive understanding of the agricultural lands in the area; we

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will utilize construction techniques and restoration methods appropriate for the area’s soils, crops and farming practices.

Landowners

Request early input from landowners to identify and address potential issues.

Invitations to attend open houses.

Upfront information about field activities and FERC process.

Fair compensation to landowners.

Prompt payment to landowners.

Advance notice of construction activities.

Landowner still retains ownership of land.

Communications Timeline

Date Task

March 2016 Began to identify stakeholders

Develop stakeholder list

April – May 2016 Begin requesting survey permission from landowners

April – May 2016 Notify PA state officials

April – May 2016 Begin notifying local stakeholders about project and upcoming field activities

Township administrators, county commissioners, emergency responders,

etc.

May 2016 Request FERC pre‐filing

May 2016 Website available

May 2016 Notifications to stakeholders and landowners of FERC pre‐filing process

Landowner newsletter

June 2016 Newspaper ads and invitations to open houses

Open houses (4)

March 2017 FERC filing

Notification of 7c filing to stakeholders and landowners

Landowner newsletter

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June 2018 Proposed start of construction

Fall 2019 Proposed in‐service

Tactics & Approach Personalize the company. In order to carry out community outreach activities in the pre‐siting stage, Williams needs to work with potentially impacted communities and local officials to communicate with them on a personal level.

Build relationships. Develop a list of key stakeholder contacts. An essential key to managing the flow of information to relevant parties is to first define which individuals, groups or opinion leaders are important in the siting process. Conduct early meetings with key stakeholders so that they are not confronted with “surprises.” Listen to the stakeholders’ thoughts, questions or concerns and proactively work with them to reach win‐win solutions.

Educate stakeholders. Educate stakeholders about the “big picture.” It’s critical that stakeholders understand (1) the FERC process and (2) how our expansion can help them maintain – or enhance – their quality of life. Also, identify direct economic benefits that will accrue to the local community as a result of the project.

Maintain openness. Williams should go out of its way to demonstrate it has nothing to hide. By making stakeholders aware of new developments and providing them with timely information, they will begin to perceive Williams as an important information source. The absence of information from the company opens the door to speculation and misinformation.

Build third‐party endorsement. Third‐party support is vital to building credibility. Earning endorsements from third parties lends credibility to the pipeline company and its key messages. In addition, the effectiveness of project key messages is greatly increased when delivered by a third‐party. This support gives a pipeline project the support it needs to survive the battle of public opinion.

Training the Project Team Everyone who “touches the right of way” or speaks on behalf of the company and/or project will be properly trained how to conduct public meetings, deal with difficult people, target messages to specific audiences and other training as necessary. Project team members will be expected to adhere to INGAA’s Commitment to Landowners.

Risk evaluation If stakeholder concerns are not identified and addressed early in the project, then those

concerns will likely lead to public and political opposition.

Expectations must be managed properly. Premature communication will frustrate stakeholders who expect more solidified answers to siting questions.

Credibility will be permanently damaged if commitments are made, but not followed through.

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Communication vehicles The most effective way to communicate and build relationships is face‐to‐face meetings.

Additionally, we should rely on other proven communication vehicles including:

Website www.williams.com/NESE

Social Media ‐ twitter\NESupplyEnhancement

Toll‐free hotline (866‐455‐9103) / (844‐785‐0455)

E‐mail address: [email protected]

Newsletter

Landowner Information brochure

E‐mail updates

Letters/Correspondence

Table top presentations

Open Houses

Informational briefing handouts for local officials and stakeholders

Fact Sheets

o Project overview

o Safety

o FERC process

Maps

o High‐level county maps for general distribution

o More detailed maps for public officials / open house

williams request for pre-filing review on transco northeast supply enhancement project

News & Politics