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Sabal Trail moves forward with FERC Pre-Filing Application
By Ed Pantaleon, Esquire
Oct. 17, 2013

Recently, the Sabal Trail gas company submitted a “pre-filing” application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”).  The pre-filing application process is the preliminary stage of seeking comments and input from FERC for the proposed gas pipeline project.  Specifically, it is the time when the gas company submits information to FERC regarding: the proposed routing of the pipeline; stakeholders and affected parties along the proposed route; and limited study information on environmental and cultural issues.   The term “stakeholders” includes landowners who will be affected by the project along the proposed route and all agencies that have involvement or ownership along the pipeline corridor.

During the pre-filing process, Sabal Trail will conduct field studies along the route, so landowners should expect increased activity from their representatives.   Landowners can anticipate surveys for establishing the pipeline route and for gathering information on environmental and cultural resources.  Consult with your attorney on how to manage these activities and prevent disruption to your daily routine.

As part of the pre-filing application process, Sabal Trail recently began holding public informational meetings.  The format for the informational meeting is an open-house format where the gas company sets up exhibits that show the proposed location of the pipeline.  Sabal Trail representatives are available at the meetings to discuss questions that landowners may have regarding the project.

It is important that landowners attend the meeting for the purpose of gathering information about the project rather than providing information to the gas company.  There will ample opportunity for Sabal Trail to learn about the properties along the route once the final alignment has been selected and approved by FERC.  Of particular note about the informational meetings is that Sabal Trail is not taking open-forum comments from the public.  Instead of providing an open-forum for questions and answers or allowing the public to give input, Sabal Trail has decided to direct landowners to consult on a “one on one” basis with the representatives at the meeting.

Once the pre-filing application process is completed Sabal Trail will file a formal application with FERC.