FAQs - Construction
Approximately how many residential/business properties were impacted during the installation process?
There are approximately 340 properties along the route. Of these, approximately 204 are residential lots, 118 are business parcels and 19 are government lots.
Other than land disturbances, does the pipeline cross a body of water?
Yes. The route for the pipeline to Plant McDonough crosses the Chattahoochee River and several creeks. Environmental, cost, design and safety issues associated with constructing and building the pipeline were coordinated with state and environmental agencies and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Are there any other pipelines that cross the Chattahoochee River?
Yes. Georgia Power currently owns a natural gas pipeline that is installed under the Chattahoochee River in order to provide natural gas to Plant Wansley. Additionally, the Southern Natural Gas interstate gas pipeline system crosses the Chattahoochee River in 14 places.
What technology was used to bury the pipeline under the Chattahoochee River?
The technology used to cross under the river is referred to as horizontal directional drilling. The drilling entry and exit points are more than 1,000 feet from the river banks.
How far below the Chattahoochee River is the pipeline buried?
All engineering design and installation of this crossing complies with permit requirements. The Army Corps of Engineers typically requires a drilling depth of at least 25 feet below the river's bed. However, the pipeline was installed deeper than required by the Corps of Engineers in order to provide additional separation between the bottom of the river and the path of the pipeline bore.
When did pipeline construction begin and when did the line become operational?
Pipeline construction began in March 2009, with the gas line becoming operational in June 2010.
Aesthetically, how will affected property look after the pipeline is installed?
Georgia Power will work with all property owners to minimize the surface impacts. Our intent is to restore the area as close to the previous condition as possible.
Who did the company contract to handle the installation of the pipeline?
Southern Company contracted with Mustang Engineering to perform detailed engineering design of the pipeline. In September 2008, Georgia Power selected U.S. Pipeline, a contractor in Houston, Texas, to build the pipeline. This contractor has an excellent safety record and has built more than 1,200 miles of pipeline in the Unites States including in Alabama and Georgia.
Where on the existing right-of-way is the pipeline installed?
In most locations, the pipeline is installed close to the outside edge of existing electric line right-of-way.
How long were landowners impacted as the pipeline was being installed?
Overall, construction took about one year. However, individual landowners were impacted for a much shorter duration.
More Information
