Rich May: News
May 2009
Rich May Client Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC Begins Construction of Natural Gas Pipeline Project
On May 4, 2009, Rich May’s client, Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC
(Algonquin), began construction of a natural gas pipeline project in
Massachusetts known as the J-2 Loop Project.
On February 11, 2009, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
issued a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity authorizing
Algonquin’s construction of the J-2 Loop Project.
The J-2 Loop Project involves the installation of approximately 2.3
miles of 14-inch diameter loop pipeline and other facilities in the
Cities of Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts. The J-2 Loop Project
will provide additional volumes of natural gas to NSTAR Gas Company
(NSTAR), a local distribution company that provides service to
approximately 260,000 retail customers in eastern Massachusetts. The
proposed facilities will help NSTAR continue to meet current
residential and commercial needs while preparing to accommodate future
demands for clean-burning natural gas.
The FERC Certificate requires that the J-2 Loop Project be completed by
February 11, 2010. In order to meet that in-service date, Algonquin
needed to begin construction of the J-2 Loop Project by May 4, 2009.
Rich May attorneys, James M. Behnke and James T. Finnigan, provided
considerable legal assistance to Algonquin so that it was able to meet
the construction start date. Rich May’s attorneys assisted Algonquin in
the process of obtaining the permanent and temporary easements needed
for the installation for the pipeline. That process included
negotiations with attorneys representing private and public landowners
to obtain such easements, and the filing of several condemnation
actions in the United States District Court for the District of
Massachusetts in Boston that were settled by May 1, 2009. In addition,
Rich May’s attorneys negotiated numerous leases for the storage of the
construction equipment and material needed for the Project and worked
with public agencies to obtain certain permits for the Project.
About Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC
Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC, which is a subsidiary of Spectra
Energy Corp, is a large interstate natural gas pipeline company subject
to regulation by FERC under the federal Natural Gas Act. Algonquin’s
pipelines currently transport 2.2 billion cubic feet of gas per day
through 1,100 miles of pipeline throughout New England. For more on
Algonquin and Spectra Energy Corp, visit http://www.spectraenergy.com/.
About Rich May
Rich May, a law firm founded in 1937 and located in the heart of
Boston’s financial district, concentrates its practice on corporate,
financial, civil litigation, energy, real estate, entertainment and
wealth planning matters. The firm’s clients include a broad group of
businesses in New England and throughout the country. Rich May provides
the breadth and depth of expertise generally associated with large,
national firms, while maintaining the prompt, personal service found in
smaller, regional firms. Our clients have direct access to experienced
attorneys who are familiar with both the client and the area of inquiry
and can provide timely and practical legal solutions.
Rich
May has been elected and admitted as a member of the International
Alliance of Law Firms. This membership, which provides affiliations
with 53 firms in 37 countries, supplements our ability to assist
clients throughout North America and overseas.
For more information, visit www.richmaylaw.com.
