What is the Fayetteville Express Pipeline?
The Fayetteville Express Pipeline LLC (FEP) is an approximately 185-mile natural gas pipeline that will originate in Conway County, Arkansas, continue eastward through White County, Arkansas, and terminate at an interconnect with Trunkline Gas Company in Panola County, Mississippi.

Why do we need this pipeline?
The need for clean-burning and efficient natural gas continues to grow. Experts predict that the U.S. demand for natural gas will increase more than 20 percent by 2025. Additional pipeline capacity is needed to deliver natural gas to customers and to help keep prices lower. In addition, events like the recent Gulf Coast hurricanes demonstrate the importance of enhancing our nation’s pipeline infrastructure to better meet the country’s energy demands during and after natural disasters.

What is an easement?
An easement provides a utility with a limited use of property for defined, specific purposes. The acquisition of an easement does not transfer ownership of the land to FEP; it does, however, give us the right of access for construction and maintenance and the safe operations of the pipeline.

What is involved in the easement negotiation process?
Easement negotiations include detailed discussions on payments for the easement and terms/conditions that may be specific to an individual landowner’s needs and land considerations. To be fair and consistent, FEP offered all landowners fair market value for their easement, based on market valuations developed by independent appraisers. If there were any recent sales of like properties nearby that we missed, or other considerations we didn’t take into account in developing the fair market value for an individual property, we worked with the landowner. In addition to the easement compensation, we compensate landowners for use of temporary construction space and the loss of marketable timber and/or row crops in a fair and equitable manner.

How wide will the easement be?
The permanent easement is typically 50 feet in width, with an additional 75 feet of temporary construction workspace required to safely build the pipeline. At the end of construction, the land will be restored, as closely as possible, to pre-construction conditions.

How is the route of the pipeline chosen?
The selection process was designed to minimize the project’s impact on the environment, landowners and communities and conducted in a deliberate and thoughtful manner. As we refined the route during the planning and permitting process, we considered a number of factors including landowner concerns, environmental issues, cultural resources and constructability. Wherever possible, we parallel existing utility easements. We worked closely with interested parties, including our neighbors and local, state and federal agencies in selecting the preferred routing.

How will the pipeline be constructed?
Once all appropriate approvals and permits are received, pipeline construction will occur in phases. We begin by clearing and grading the land. Then crews will string, weld and install the pipe, laying it into a trench and then covering it with soil. Before operations begin, the pipe is carefully inspected and hydrostatically tested by filling it with water at high pressure, as required by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. The entire construction and installation process will be monitored by inspectors and will proceed as quickly and with as little impact as possible to the environment, landowners and the community.

Who oversees the project?
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is the federal government agency that regulates both the construction of interstate natural gas pipelines and the transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce. Other federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), and the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), also will review relevant parts of the project. In addition, a number of local and state agencies have participated in planning and permitting the pipeline.

What measures does the pipeline company take to protect the environment during and after construction?
FEP’s construction and operation are governed by strict state and federal environmental regulations. Routing the pipeline near existing utility right-of-ways reduces the need to clear previously undisturbed land. Where clearing does occur, we will work to minimize any impact to sensitive environmental areas. After the pipeline is in operation, we will continue to adhere to the requirements of environmental permits.

What activity will be seen after the pipeline is placed in service?
Future activities along the pipeline route will consist of visual inspections by personnel flying and walking the pipeline right of way, watching for any natural or manmade conditions that could impact the pipe or affect its safe operation. When pipeline maintenance work is needed, we will contact landowners in advance so that they are aware of the activity.

What steps are taken to ensure the safety of the pipeline?
FEP is committed to safely operating and maintaining our pipeline. Along with our regular visual inspections, we will monitor the pipeline continuously using state-of-the-art equipment in our control center. We mark the pipeline at road crossings, fence lines and other areas and the right of way is maintained so that it is clearly identifiable. Neighbors who live along the right of way also are encouraged to contact us if they have any questions or see or hear anything that concerns them.

What is the safety record of pipelines?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, pipelines are the safest mode of transportation. We are committed to constructing and operating FEP as a safe pipeline system.

What is the schedule for constructing the pipeline and placing it in service?
FEP will initiate the FERC regulatory review process in November 2008. Pending those necessary regulatory approvals, is expected to be in service by early 2011.

How will the pipeline benefit communities through which it passes?
There are multiple benefits for local communities along FEP’s route. Local counties will benefit from the taxes on the pipeline and associated facilities. During the permitting, construction, and operations phases, new jobs will be brought to local communities and local businesses will benefit from increased commerce. Ultimately, the pipeline will benefit communities by enhancing natural gas delivery capability to residents and businesses.

How do I find out more information about Fayetteville Express Pipeline?
We encourage you to continue to monitor this Web site for updates and additional information. Also, please feel free to e-mail us at pipelineinfo@fepipeline.com if you have specific questions and we will promptly respond to your inquiry.