Received yesterday. Tim Bland wrote “This is what I emailed to all of the commissioners on Friday.” I added a few links and pictures. -jsq

Commissioners,

I would like to start by thanking Demarcus Marshall for attending the meeting held by Sabal Trail at Wiregrass Tech on Wednesday. It is nice to know that some of our elected officials are concerned about this project.

After talking with many of the affected landowners at this meeting, it appears that there is a general misconception about the certainty of this proposed pipeline. The officials from Sabal Trail, both in writing and in person, are telling landowners that this pipeline is coming and there is little any of us can do to prevent it. This appears to be the main reason for the high approval rating for the initial surveys. We were told that if we did not willingly participate in the survey, there would be little consideration given to our input and opinions when the pipeline is built. We were also told that our monetary compensation could be considerably less if we chose not to participate. I believe that many of the affected landowners agreed to the survey simply because they are scared they will not be adequately compensated if they chose to make it difficult for Sabal Trail. Most of the people I spoke with who agreed to the survey do not want the pipeline on their property, but do not feel that they have a choice in the matter.

I spent a few hours on the phone with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission last Friday. According to the FERC representative, we do not have a choice on the survey. It will happen whether we agree or not. However, the route of the new pipeline is not up the Sabal Trail. The have to submit a proposed route and it has to be approved by the FERC. The only way the FERC knows of problems, concerns, or possible alternate routes is to hear from affected landowners. These comments and concerns can be submitted through their website, www.ferc.gov. These comments will be attached to Sabal Trails docket number, PF14-1, and can be viewed online. To date there are only 3 comments filed, 2 by myself and one by my in-laws.

I would encourage you to speak to the affected landowners and get their input on their project. Please let them know about the FERC and encourage them to submit their comments there as well. I would also ask that the commission set up a town hall meeting for the landowners to come and voice their opinions. The officials at Sabal Trail said Wednesday that they would be in attendance if requested.

I thank you in advance for your consideration and concern. Any help the commission could provide to the affected landowners would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to contact me anytime.

-jsq

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