The Leidy South Project is natural gas pipeline proposed by Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (Transco), a subsidiary of The Williams Companies, Inc. The proposed project includes three discontinuous loops totaling 12.2 miles of pipeline along Transco's existing Leidy Line, as well as upgrades to two existing compressor stations and the addition of two new compressor stations. The entire project will include construction or upgrades in six counties in northcentral and northeastern Pennsylvania.
Below is information on DEP's review and approval of the permit applications and other useful project information.
The material is presented here to enable the public to readily review the application material, any noted technical deficiencies and the company's responses to the technical deficiencies. Additional materials will be added to the site as the Department continues with its review of the permit applications. Persons wishing to review the entire file for this application should contact the Department's Regional Permit Coordination Office File Review Coordinator at 717-772-5987 to schedule a file review.
For those unfamiliar with DEP's regulatory jurisdiction, DEP has the authority to review and make decisions on permit applications pursuant to environmental regulations such as:
Chapter 102, Erosion and Sediment Control which regulates erosion and sedimentation resulting from earthmoving activities and the stability of projects. A pipeline project that exceeds five acres of total earth disturbance must obtain an Erosion Control Permit with plans and practices to control stormwater runoff both during and following earthmoving activities;
Chapter 105, Dam Safety and Waterway Management which regulates water obstructions and encroachments focused on activities located in, along, or across wetlands, lakes, streams and floodways;
For some pipeline projects, DEP also processes a State Water Quality Certification. Pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act, DEP will ensure that activities associated with proposed interstate natural gas transmission pipeline projects regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) comply with state water quality standards. This certification is often authorized conditionally and serves as an index for all DEP water-related permits/approvals that may be required for a pipeline project to demonstrate compliance with state water quality standards.
Pipeline projects may also involve other permit applications including DEP's Clean Water (NPDES Permitting for Discharges from Hydrostatic Testing), Air Quality (Air Quality Permitting), Solid Waste Management, Oil and Gas Management, and Bureau of Mining Programs. DEP may also coordinate the review of these permit applications with other resource agencies such as County Conservation Districts, the PA Fish and Boat Commission, the PA Game Commission, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the PA Department of Agriculture, the PA Historical and Museum Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the River Basin Commissions.
DEP's permitting authority does not cover the determination of the overall pipeline route or property rights. Other agencies also have jurisdiction over pipelines, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).
Leidy South Project Overview Information Sheet
This
information sheet (PDF) provides a summary of the project.
Public Participation Information
State Water Quality Certification
On November 7, 2020 the State Water Quality Certification was published in the
Pennsylvania Bulletin.
On August 20, 2020, DEP issued a conditional State Water Quality Certification to Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Project, LLC for the Leidy South Project.
On May 29, 2020, DEP received a revised application for State Water Quality Certification.
On April 3, 2020, DEP sent a technical deficiency letter for the State Water Quality Certification.
On September 13, 2019, DEP considered the State Water Quality Certification permit application complete and commenced its technical review. The following completeness review letter was sent to the Applicant.
On August 23, 2019, DEP received an application for a state water quality certification.
The request for State Water Quality Certification was published in the
Pennsylvania Bulletin on September 28, 2019. Public comments will be accepted by DEP until October 28, 2019.
Chapter 102 and 105 Permit Applications Received
On November 7, 2020 the Chapter 105 Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permits and the Chapter 102 Erosion and Sediment Control General Permit (ESCGP) permits were published in the
Pennsylvania Bulletin.
On October 21, 2020 DEP issued the Chapter 105 Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permits and the Chapter 102 Erosion and Sediment Control General Permit (ESCGP) permit.
On August 17, 2020 DEP received revised Chapter 105 and Chapter 102 permit applications.
- Chapter 102, ESCGP-3 - Counties: Clinton, Columbia, Luzerne, Lycoming and Schuylkill
- Chapter 105, Permit Submission – Clinton County
On August 6, 2020 DEP sent technical deficiency letters for Chapter 102 and Chapter 105 to Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Company, LLC.
On June 1, 2020, DEP received revised Chapter 102 and Chapter 105 permit applications.
On April 3, 2020, DEP sent technical deficiency letters for Chapter 105 and Chapter 102 to Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Company, LLC.
On December 13, 2019, DEP considered the Chapter 105 and Chapter 102 permit applications complete and commenced its technical review. The following completeness review letters were sent to Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Company, LLC.
On September 27, 2019, DEP received the following Chapter 105 and 102 permit applications.