Sabal Trail Transmission Pipeline
| Company type | Joint venture |
|---|---|
| Industry | Natural gas pipeline |
| Founded | before 2011 |
Area served | Alabama, Georgia, Florida, United States |
| Products | Natural gas transportation |
| Owner | NextEra Energy, Duke Energy, Spectra Energy |
| Website | www |
Sabal Trail Transmission Pipeline is a natural gas conduit extending from central Alabama through southwestern Georgia to Orange County, Florida. Minority ownership shares are held by NextEra Energy and Duke Energy. Initial planning commenced prior to 2011, and in July 2013, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) awarded the construction contract to NextEra Energy's parent company along with Spectra Energy. Duke Energy purchased a stake in May 2015. Construction kicked off in September 2016, with operations anticipated to begin by June 2017.
Environmental concerns and federal agency permission
Communities along the pipeline’s path have voiced opposition during its development, including demonstrations in Albany and Valdosta, Georgia, largely motivated by worries over eminent domain and environmental consequences.
In October 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency advised rerouting the pipeline to avoid the Floridan aquifer because of the fragile karst terrain susceptible to sinkholes and sensitive wetlands. Additional environmental threats were noted concerning habitats of endangered species such as crocodiles, manatees, and sea turtles. Political leaders including Sanford Bishop, Hank Johnson, David Scott, and John Lewis raised objections regarding a planned compressor station near a marginalized African American neighborhood in Albany.
Despite the EPA’s guidance, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the pipeline’s route in February 2016. Subsequently, the Army Corps of Engineers issued permits for northern Florida in August 2016. Local resistance continued following these authorizations due to ongoing environmental impact apprehensions.
Federal permits require that the companies engage in mitigation banking as part of their environmental remediation responsibilities.
Protests
The Sabal Trail pipeline encountered considerable environmental activism. On November 12, 2016, fourteen individuals were detained at a construction location in Gilchrist County, Florida after blocking a truck; their protest was inspired by actions against the Dakota Access Pipeline. In February 2017, two activists secured themselves inside a segment of the pipeline citing concerns over possible leaks.
On February 26, 2017, an individual reportedly discharged a high-powered rifle at the construction site before fleeing; he was subsequently killed by law enforcement following an altercation.
Construction
Construction activities began in September 2016.
In late October 2016, drilling fluid leaked into the Withlacoochee River near the boundary between Brooks County and Lowndes County, Georgia from a pilot hole used for horizontal directional drilling. Sabal Trail responded by deploying containment booms and utilizing a vacuum truck to manage the spill. This incident prompted local protests on November 16, 2016.
By November 27, the company reported to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that a sinkhole had formed southeast of the horizontal directional drilling exit point close to the Withlacoochee River; field personnel first discovered it on November 5.
Owners
- Spectra Energy
- NextEra Energy
- Duke Energy (7.5% stake)