BLAST RADIUS & EVACUATION ZONE

It has been suggested that FERC might be responsive to concerns about the impact of the proposed ACP on human safety and property values, and that maps showing the extent of the blast radius and the evacuation zone might be effective in communicating such concerns.

Here is a quick guide to using the DPMC’s Atlantic Coast Pipeline – Environmental Mapping System to create maps showing the blast radius and evacuation zone in relation to areas of interest and concern. Links to screen shots are provided.

(1) Open the ACP-Environmental Mapping System

Select ACP-ENVIRONMENTAL MAPPING SYSTEM in the right-hand sidebar. You will see the pipeline route alternatives in the region from the beginning of the pipeline in WV to Buckingham County in VA. The initial map view displays the route alternatives submitted to FERC on 10/30/15, 4/15/16, and 5/6/16. (see ACP-EMS-1)

(2) Display the part of the map and the layers of interest.

Zoom in and pan using the mouse and/or on-screen controls. Select the icons at the upper right to change the base map and select layers to display. The example shows the Stuarts Draft area, with a US Topo Map base map, The selected layers are the 4/15/16 ACP route and the Blast Radius and Evacuation Zone. The transparency of the Blast Radius and Evacuation Zone has been adjusted. (see STUARTS DRAFT

Note that clicking on map features (such as the Blast Radius and Evacuation Zone) opens popup windows that provide information about the selected feature. Also note that some layers are not displayed at all map scales.

(3) Print or save your map.

The online mapping system provides options for adding text to map views and printing or saving as a pdf. Another option is to capture a screen shot of the map that can be edited in another program. (see STUARTS DRAFT MAP PRINTOUT)


Finally, note that the ACP-Environmental Mapping System includes many other layers and base map options. Another example map is focused on the Wintergreen/Spruce Creek area of Nelson County. In this map property parcels are displayed. By zooming-in further the impact to individual properties can be highlighted. (see WINTERGREEN-SPRUCE CREEK