Q:  What type of business is Laser Northeast Gathering?

A:  Laser is what is called a gathering pipeline company. We gather natural gas from local wells and deliver it through small-to-medium-sized pipelines to the major gas pipelines that run throughout North America.

Q:  Is Laser involved in drilling for natural gas?

A:  No, we don’t do any drilling. We are experts in the business of gathering pipelines and focus all of our energy on that activity.

Q:  How does Laser work with landowners on right-of-way related issues?

A:  Our objective is to minimize the impact of the pipeline easement on the affected property. As such, we work closely with landowners to identify a mutually agreeable route which allows us to safely construct and operate the pipeline.

Q:  Will my property be permanently damaged by the pipeline?

A:  Laser's pipeline will be buried an average of three feet underground. Laser will store the topsoil during construction to ensure that the cover soil is returned to original quality. With the exception of trees that must be cleared for the right-of-way, Laser will utilize native plants and grasses to restore the affected areas. Laser will reimburse the landowner for any damages that incur during construction of the pipeline.

Q:  Why is Laser putting in this gathering line?

A:  To deliver clean natural gas from regional collection wells to the pipeline for distribution throughout the northeast for use by residents and business to help meet their energy needs in an environmentally responsible way.

Q:  Because the Laser gathering line begins in Pennsylvania, will that squeeze out New York gas producers once the state lets us access the resources under our land?

A:  No. There will be plenty of room on the gas pipelines for New York natural gas once the state allows drilling. In fact, over 90 percent of the Millenium pipeline's capacity is held by New York customers (including National Grid, Orange and Rockland, Central Hudson Gas and Electric and others) ensuring there will be capacity for New York-based natural gas on the line once New York production occurs.

Q:  How does Laser determine how much to pay landowners for crossing their property with the pipeline?

A:  Laser pays fair market value to landowners for the right to cross their land, plus any additional damages incurred as a result of the pipeline.

Q:  Will providing an easement for the Laser gathering line prevent me from selling the rights to the natural gas under my property?

A:  Absolutely not. Laser obtains only the “surface rights” for its pipeline easement. Landowners retain the right to sell any “mineral rights” under their property in addition to what they receive for surface rights. Having a gathering line cross your property often increases the attractiveness for mineral rights buyers since it provides easy access to the pipeline through a tap that can be located right on your property.

Q:  What is fair market value?

A:  Fair market value is the most probable price a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller each acting prudently and knowledgeably, and assuming the price is not effected by undue stimulus.

Q:  How is fair market value determined?

A:  The process involves a number of steps that a qualified appraiser must follow including inspections of the subject property, comparable sales in the area, and analysis on file, all of which we lead to an estimate of value. The process is subject to the Uniform Standard of Professional Practices. Laser has engaged the services of a well known local firm, Congdon & Company, to handle local appraisal activities.

Q:  What does it mean for Laser to be registered as a public utility?

A:  Designation as a public utility is given to companies who can show that they are building, and will maintain, infrastructure that will serve the public’s interest in the delivery of needed resources such as natural gas or electricity. Such facilities are subject to government regulation at the state and sometimes federal level. These types of public benefit projects are much different than small private gas pipelines that some companies operate.

Q:  What are the environmental impacts of the Laser NE pipeline?

A:  Laser has worked closely with the PA-DEP and the NY-DEC and selected the pipeline route to minimize environmental impacts, avoid wetlands, and minimize crossing of water and sensitive habitats. Laser will receive the necessary environmental permits related to erosion and sediment control, wetland, stream and river crossings and air emissions prior to commencing construction. While there will be some temporary disturbance of the land during pipeline construction, once installed, the pipeline’s environmental impacts will be minimal.

Q:  What are the community benefits from the Laser NE pipeline?

A:  Laser is committed to being a good neighbor and values working with the community and holding close relationships with all the community's in which it hosts projects. The Laser NE Project will provide an economic boost to the local economy with the addition of jobs and economic activity. The project will also provide a significant boost to the local economy by the creation of up to 160 peak construction jobs. Like any large construction project this will help businesses including the local economy such as; hotels, restaurants, contractors, local drivers, equipment rentals (leasing). Finally, by providing much needed midstream infrastructure, the Laser project will create economic value for landowners with royalty rights associated with gas production.

Q:  Once I sign a right-of-way agreement can I use my land?

A:  Yes, you have virtually unrestricted use of the land for recreation, planting, and other activities such as farming (pasture cows, plant crops, etc.).The only restrictions are on planting deep rooted trees or building permanent structures on the permanent easement.