CONCORD, Mass. – Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC, is seeking a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District to conduct work in waters of the U.S. for work on its pipeline system in the town of Warren, Rhode Island. This work is proposed in tidal wetlands adjacent to Belcher Cove, located near Brown Street in the town of Warren, Bristol County, Rhode Island.
Algonquin is responsible for maintaining the safety and reliability of its high-pressure natural gas pipeline systems, which includes providing adequate cathodic protection (CP) of its existing pipeline through the installation of CP ground beds. Recent close interval surveys conducted along Algonquin's existing Line G-6 pipeline system in the town of Warren indicate that additional CP is required because the original system has become depleted and is no longer functional.
This proposed work involves the in-kind replacement of 10 new anodes and electric header cable over a distance of approximately 770 feet. Specifically, the 10 replacement anodes will be drilled to a depth of 10 feet using a lightweight, low ground pressure hollow stem drill coring machine. Each anode is connected with a header cable that will run back to an existing rectifier to power the system. The header cable will be installed in a trench that will be excavated by hand. All work will be limited to the existing 20-foot wide cathodic protection (CP) easement. This work will involve temporary impacts in the form of fill material within 3,775 square feet of a salt marsh adjacent to Belcher Cove. The salt marsh will be restored to existing conditions and stabilized following the completion of construction.
This project will temporarily impact 3,775 square feet (0.09 acre) of Essential Fish Habitat (EFH). This habitat consists of tidal salt marsh. Loss of this habitat may adversely affect species that use these waters and substrate. However, the Corps has made a preliminary determination that the site-specific adverse effect will not be substantial. Further consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding EFH conservation recommendations is being conducted and will be concluded prior to the final permit decision.
The application for the federal permit was filed with the Corps in compliance with Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, which provides for federal regulation of any work in, or affecting navigable waters of the U.S.; and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, which regulates the discharge or fill of material in U.S. waters, including wetlands. The public notice, with more specifics on the proposed work by the Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC, can be viewed on the Corps website at www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/PublicNotices.aspx.
Public comments on this work proposed by the Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC (file # NAE-2017-01974) should be forwarded no later than Nov. 1, 2017 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, Regulatory Division (ATTN: Daniel Breen), 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742-2751. Additional information is available from Permit Project Manager Daniel Breen at 978-318-8732 or toll free 800-343-4789 or 800-362-4367 (if calling from within Massachusetts) or by email to: daniel.b.breen@usace.army.mil.