Frequently Asked Questions about Atlanta Gas Light’s Eastside Pipeline
Who is Atlanta Gas Light?
Atlanta Gas Light delivers natural gas on behalf of approved gas marketers to residences and businesses in your community. We safely operate and maintain a natural gas pipeline system over 55,000 miles long that delivers reliable, environmentally friendly natural gas to more than 1.5 million customers across Georgia.
Why is Atlanta Gas Light working in my area?
The Pipeline Replacement Program (PRP) is a 15-year project which began in 1998 to replace more than 2,600 miles of bare, or unprotected, steel and cast iron natural gas pipeline in Georgia. To ensure the safety and reliability of Atlanta Gas Light’s natural gas pipeline system, older pipes are being replaced with state-of-the-art plastic and steel pipes. The program will be completed in 2013. Atlanta Gas Light was one of the first gas utilities in the nation to begin a comprehensive pipeline replacement program. The company’s program has since become a model for other gas companies. PRP is just one of many initiatives undertaken by Atlanta Gas Light during its 155-year history as we work to bring you and your neighbor’s environmentally friendly natural gas.
What are the benefits of the Eastside Pipeline?
The Eastside Pipeline will replace a pipeline that dates back to the 1950s. By taking the old line out of service and putting in a new coated steel pipeline, Atlanta Gas Light will help ensure the continuing safe operation of our system which serves homes and businesses with natural gas. The Eastside Pipeline, along with other PRP and pipeline installation projects, will contribute to the reliability and integrity of the overall system.
What is the route for the Eastside Pipeline?
The 24-inch pipeline will run approximately 28 miles from our Riverdale LNG (liquefied natural gas) plant in Clayton County to a connection point in our transmission system near the intersection of Buford Highway and Clairmont Road in DeKalb County. Construction will include several interstate and railroad crossings. The route primarily follows existing Atlanta Gas Light easements and public right-of-way, and was selected to help minimize disruptions where possible in local communities.
What is an easement?
An easement or right-of-way is a contract made between parties to give an individual, a company, utility or government entity the right to use a landowner’s property for a particular purpose; in this case, Atlanta Gas Light’s right to operate, maintain and, if necessary, replace or add a natural gas pipeline. In granting rights, an easement has the effect of partially restricting a landowner’s use of that part of the land affected by the easement. Easements are recorded in the county land records and remain in place even if the land is bought and sold. These pipeline easements are permanent in nature. While the pipeline may be maintained or installed within the permanent easement itself, Atlanta Gas Light may temporarily require additional work space in order to perform the work and accommodate heavy equipment. For these short-term uses, Atlanta Gas Light will acquire from the landowner a temporary construction easement. While these easements are also recorded in the land records, they are limited to a specific period of time. After construction has been completed, the term of the temporary construction easement would expire and crews would restore the utilized property.
What does the pipeline installation mean for me?
Before construction can get underway, Atlanta Gas Light will complete a number of pre-construction activities, such as surveying the route and conducting environmental studies according to state and federal requirements. We will also contact property owners along this route prior to these activities so they will understand what to expect during pre-construction and construction. We typically contract independent surveyors to complete the field work; these surveyors will have Atlanta Gas Light identification.
As with all of our construction projects, safety is our top priority. Great care will be taken in all phases of the project from beginning to end in each neighborhood. We will make every effort to minimize inconveniences to property owners along the route.
When will pre-construction activities begin?
Surveying is scheduled to begin in late Summer/early Fall 2011. The construction schedule for the Eastside Pipeline will be determined once the survey is complete. Construction will not begin before 2012.
Generally speaking, pipeline construction involves the following steps:
- surveying the right-of-way
- clearing the right-of-way
- transporting the pipe to the right-of-way
- welding the pipe
- digging a trench for the pipe
- lowering the pipe into the trench
- back-filling the trench
- pressure testing the pipe
- restoring the right-of-way to its pre-construction condition.
How will I be notified about construction?
Property owners along the pipeline route will receive a letter from the company before construction begins. If you have any questions that are not answered in this document or future communications from the company, you may contact us directly at 404-584-3130 or eastsidepipeline@aglresources.com.
Additionally, Atlanta Gas Light is meeting with community leaders and groups, fire and police officials, and others to ensure that they are well-informed about our project and what to expect during construction.
How can I get more information about the Eastside Pipeline project?
A representative from the survey company will be on-site throughout pre-construction activities if you have any questions about our replacement project. You also may contact Atlanta Gas Light directly 404-584-3130.
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