The research methods for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) case study included four overlapping activities that were intended to be mutually supportive and iterative, such that the data gathered in one phase served to inform the other activities.
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The four key activities were:
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Reviewing existing information
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Map-making; assembling and visualizing geographic attributes
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Survey data collection and analysis in Nelson and Augusta counties in Virginia
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Three distinct workshops
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In summary, the project team gathered, analyzed, and interpreted data about stakeholder preferences about the ACP within a distinct six month period (April 2016 to September 2016).
Activity 1: Review existing information
Information surrounding the ACP was gathered, synthesized, and catalogued; these sources include, but were not limited to: Websites, documentary films, environmental regulations, zoning ordinances governing land development, building codes for pipeline construction, information pamphlets, court rulings, maps, and television, online, and print media.
Three workshops were planned and completed between June 15, 2016 and July 30, 2016. The three workshops each took a different approach, including a panel presentation by experts, an interactive strategy building session, and a self-guided tour of the proposed route. Target areas were chosen based on the results of the initial media research--the workshops were held in the Virginian counties of Nelson and Augusta, as well as the cities Waynesboro and Staunton.
Activity 4: Workshop recruitment and activities
Activity 2: Map-making
The project team explored how other proposed pipelines throughout the U.S. related to environmental and social variables. Pipelines were identified from the FERC databases on Pre-Filed, Applied, or Approved projects. GIS mapping technology was used to compile layers of information and find revealing intersections. Information analyzed includes age and income demographics, wetlands proximity, and topographic characteristics along the proposed pipeline route.
Activity 3: Survey data collection and analysis
A written questionnaire was created and pre-tested. It combined socio-demographic data and maps to capture route preferences for new infrastructure. The resultant surveys used in this project drew upon questions posed in prior surveys regarding:
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Decision-making
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Hazards and risks
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Safety and pipeline construction
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Civic and political activity
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Recreation
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Media and information sources
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Legal and economic; employment status
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Demographics
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Route preference