Pipeline Construction

Construction Timing Once all necessary agreements and state permits are obtained, and pending Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approval, pipeline construction will begin. In most cases, site preparation will not take place during the winter or during critical migratory and nesting seasons.

Once PennEast obtains all necessary permits and approvals from various state and federal agencies, physical construction of an approximately 108-mile pipeline can take between seven month and a year. Construction is subject to many variables, including availability of material, labor, weather and length of the pipeline.

Construction Methods & Procedures

WorkforceContractors are chosen through a bidding process by which PennEast assesses each interested contractor’s history and commitment to safety and compliance. After the contracts are awarded, independent, as well as government inspectors are on site throughout the construction process to ensure compliance with permits, regulations and industry best practices.

Work AreaThe digging of the trench and installation of one section of pipeline involves a work area that can vary in width from 90 feet to 125 feet, depending on local factors, such as terrain, geology, waterways and existing structures along the pipeline route. More than one section may be under construction at one time. Field crews stay within the agreed-upon study corridor, staking the layout of the line. PennEast will bring equipment as necessary to shape the pipe to fit the route. Sections of the pipe are welded together on site.

Pipeline Depth The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), within the U.S. Department of Transportation, regulates natural gas pipeline safety, including the depth of the line. In normal soil conditions, the minimum required is 30 inches - 36 inches between the top of the pipeline and the land surface. Additional cover is provided at road and water body crossings, while less cover (a minimum of 18 inches) is required in consolidated rock. In special cases where agricultural practices or other issues warrant additional cover, the pipeline could be placed 48 inches - 60 inches underground.

Regardless of soil condition, the minimum depth requirement must be met.

Building the PennEast Pipeline

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Several months before construction of the pipeline begins, �eld crews survey the pipeline route to identify any environmental concerns and to determine the precise extent of right-of-way. Subsequently, the �nal route is identi�ed and marked with stakes.

The site is prepared for construction by removing trees and grading the soil within the right-of-way and all additional work space areas. Additionally, topsoil will be segregated where applicable.

Field crews stake the �nal route of the pipeline and layout pipe sections in a single line within the right-of-way.

Field crews bend and weld the pipe sections together.

All weld sections are inspected in the �eld and a trench is excavated for the newly assembled pipe. The excavated soil is stockpiled within the right-of-way.

The newly assembled pipe is carefully lowered into the trench.

The trench is back�lled with the stockpile soil.

Field crews use water to test the pipe’s structural integrity and to ensure the pipe meets the required operating pressure.

The right-of-way area is restored to conditions in accordance with state and regulatory requirements.

NOTE: These illustrations are conceptual and general in nature; specific construction and restoration techniques could vary depending on circumstances.

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Several months before construction of the pipeline begins, �eld crews survey the pipeline route to identify any environmental concerns and to determine the precise extent of right-of-way. Subsequently, the �nal route is identi�ed and marked with stakes.

The site is prepared for construction by removing trees and grading the soil within the right-of-way and all additional work space areas. Additionally, topsoil will be segregated where applicable.

Field crews stake the �nal route of the pipeline and layout pipe sections in a single line within the right-of-way.

Field crews bend and weld the pipe sections together.

All weld sections are inspected in the �eld and a trench is excavated for the newly assembled pipe. The excavated soil is stockpiled within the right-of-way.

The newly assembled pipe is carefully lowered into the trench.

The trench is back�lled with the stockpile soil.

Field crews use water to test the pipe’s structural integrity and to ensure the pipe meets the required operating pressure.

The right-of-way area is restored to conditions in accordance with state and regulatory requirements.

how can iLearn More?

For additional information and the latest project news: www.PennEastPipeline.com answers@penneastpipeline.com 844-347-7119 facebook.com/PennEast @PennEastLine Additional resources: www.ferc.gov www.phmsa.dot.gov/pipeline

Pipeline Installation Once the right-of-way is prepared and the trench is dug, the individual pipe joints are bent to fit the trench and then welded. The welding is highly controlled and performed by qualified welders using approved procedures.

Each weld is visually inspected. Ultrasonic images are processed on site to ensure the integrity of every weld.An epoxy coating is applied to each welded area after the ultrasound inspection is complete and the weld approved. The coating on the entire pipe section is electronically checked and any needed repairs are made.

Restoration of the land surface begins as soon as the pipe is backfilled, first with subsoil and then with topsoil. Restoration continues until the construction work area is restored as close as possible to its original state.

Temporary workspaces will be allowed to return to their previous state.

Quality Assurance Independent and government inspection staff will monitor the construction work. These inspectors check data as the line is built to ensure the pipeline is installed at the required depth. If a pipeline is installed that does not meet the minimum depth requirement, adjustments will be made before the construction contractor leaves the project. As an added assurance, depth restrictions will be incorporated into right-of-way agreements.

Each state’s Department of Environmental Protection must approve construction at stream crossings. PennEast will employ the appropriate environmental controls into its pipeline construction procedures at all stream crossings.

Once construction is completed, the pipeline is filled with water and pressurized to a level higher than the maximum pressure at which the pipe will ever be operated. This test pressure is held for a minimum of eight continuous hours. This procedure is known as hydrostatic testing.

Surface EquipmentThe pipeline will have above-ground equipment, such as valves, test stations (for cathodic protection) and meter stations, spaced along the line. Any such equipment will be contained in a small, fenced area. These above-ground facilities are required for the safe and reliable operation of the pipeline.

Surface equipment supporting the safe and reliable operation of the pipeline will be contained in small, fenced areas.