Empire Pipeline Inc., a subsidiary of National Fuel Gas Company, will soon seek approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to construct a natural gas pipeline in Steuben County, N.Y. and Tioga County, P.A., with an interconnect to Empire’s existing Empire Connector Pipeline at the northern end of the project. The new, 16-mile pipeline will bring abundant supplies of domestic, clean-burning natural gas from locally produced Marcellus Shale and Trenton-Black River gas wells to consumers in this region and beyond.

The proposed Tioga County Extension Project includes the construction of approximately 16 miles of a 24-inch pipeline, beginning at the New York/Pennsylvania State Line just west of John Hill Road in Jackson Township, P.A., and ending near the Millennium Pipeline Compressor Station on Quackenbush Hill, just north of West Road in Corning Township, N.Y. Additionally, the Company will also replace approximately 1.3 miles of its existing pipeline system in Victor, N.Y., construct a new interconnection with Tennessee Gas Pipeline in Ontario County, N.Y., and perform miscellaneous modifications at existing measurement and/or compressor stations.

We expect to submit our application to the FERC in August 2010 in anticipation of construction beginning in the spring of 2011 and a targeted completion date in late summer 2011.

Empire Pipeline Inc. has extensive experience and a successful track record of developing, constructing and operating natural gas pipelines and has been requested by local natural gas producers to build this pipeline.

For Landowners

A project meeting was held on October 19, 2009, at the location below, in order to provide more information on the project and how it may affect property owners and others in the area.

Click here to view a copy of the PowerPoint presentation that was given at the meeting above.

Additional project meetings for landowners to dicuss a preferred pipeline route were held on the following dates:

Click here to view a copy of the PowerPoint presentation that was given at the meeting above.

More information about landowners’ rights and ways to become involved in this process can be found on FERC’s website: http://www.ferc.gov/for-citizens/get-involved.asp.

Company representatives are currently surveying the property on the proposed pipeline route.  These surveys will provide us with the data needed to help determine the most suitable route for this pipeline project.  Factors used in making this determination include, but are not limited to: environmental or archeological sensitivity, the presence of threatened and endangered species, pipeline engineering issues, site conditions (including locations of buildings, drain tiles, wells, and other natural and manmade features), geological conditions and cost.

Once the final route is selected, affected property owners will be offered fair compensation for the use of their land and for temporary economic loss caused by construction. Historically, the presence of a natural gas pipeline, which is buried a minimum of three feet underground, has not reduced property values.  In addition, National Fuel is committed to restoring the areas affected during construction to original or better condition, and allowing the continued use of the land for agricultural and recreational purposes.

FERC Filings

In order to access Empire Pipeline's FERC filings, please visit www.FERC.gov and complete the following steps:

1. Click on eLibrary in the upper right-hand corner.
2. Under "Search Options," click on "General Search."
3. Switch the "Date Range" to "All" and type in "PF10-5" in the box that asks for the "Docket Number."