Letter of Recommendation, Proposed LNG Project Northern Star Natural Gas LLC, Bradwood, Clatsop County, OR, 53677-53679 [05-17833]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2005 / Notices
revised accuracy and reliability analyses
and considered in revising the list of
proposed reference substances.
In preparation for this teleconference,
NICEATM released the revised accuracy
and reliability analyses and the revised
list of proposed reference substances as
an addendum to the draft BRDs and
announced its availability in the July 26,
2006 Federal Register notice. Following
the expert panel teleconference, a
second expert panel report will be
published and made available for public
comment. ICCVAM will consider both
expert panel reports, other relevant
background materials, and all comments
received from the public and the
Scientific Advisory Committee on
Alternative Toxicological Methods
(SACATM) on this topic in finalizing
ICCVAM recommendations for these
test methods.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Public comments may be made on the
revised accuracy and reliability analyses
for BCOP, HET–CAM, ICE, and IRE and
on the proposed list of reference
substances. In lieu of oral comments,
individuals may provide written
comments for distribution to the expert
panel prior to the meeting. Written
comments should be received no later
than September 15, 2005, to enable
consideration by the expert panel prior
to the meeting. Written comments
received in response to the July 26, 2005
Federal Register notice announcing
availability of the addendum to the draft
BRDs do not need to be resubmitted. If
written comments are submitted,
appropriate contact information (name,
affiliation, mailing address, phone, fax,
email and sponsoring organization, if
applicable) should be included. Written
comments will be posted on the
NICEATM/ICCVAM Web site and made
available to the expert panel and the
ICCVAM. Persons wishing to make oral
comments during the teleconference
(one speaker per organization) must
notify NICEATM by no later than
September 12, 2005. Speakers will be
assigned on a consecutive basis and
comments will be limited to no more
than four minutes per speaker. Due to
logistical issues it may not be possible
for persons who do not pre-register to
make oral comments.
Background Information on ICCVAM
and NICEATM
ICCVAM is an interagency committee
composed of representatives from 15
Federal regulatory and research agencies
that use or generate toxicological
information. ICCVAM conducts
technical evaluations of new, revised,
and alternative methods with regulatory
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applicability, and promotes the
scientific validation and regulatory
acceptance of toxicological test methods
that more accurately assess the safety
and hazards of chemicals and products
and that refine, reduce, and replace
animal use. The ICCVAM Authorization
Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106–545, available
at https://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov/about/
PL106545.htm) establishes ICCVAM as a
permanent interagency committee of the
NIEHS under the NICEATM. NICEATM
administers the ICCVAM and provides
scientific and operational support for
ICCVAM-related activities. NICEATM
and ICCVAM work collaboratively to
evaluate new and improved test
methods applicable to the needs of
Federal agencies. Additional
information about ICCVAM and
NICEATM can be found at the following
Web site: https://
www.iccvam.niehs.nih.gov.
Dated: August 30, 2005.
Samuel H. Wilson,
Deputy Director, National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences.
[FR Doc. 05–17939 Filed 9–8–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
[CGD13–05–017]
Letter of Recommendation, Proposed
LNG Project Northern Star Natural Gas
LLC, Bradwood, Clatsop County, OR
Coast Guard, DHS.
Request for comments; notice of
public meeting.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
requirements in 33 CFR 127.009, the
U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port
(COTP) Portland, Oregon is preparing a
Letter of Recommendation (LOR) as to
the suitability of the Columbia River for
liquefied natural gas (LNG) marine
traffic. This LOR will encompass the
marine safety and security aspects
associated with the proposed Northern
Star Natural Gas LLC (Northern Star)
LNG facility. The LOR is in response to
a Letter of Intent (LOI) submitted by
Northern Star to operate an LNG facility
in Bradwood, Clatsop County, Oregon.
Because the proposed LNG facility
would be located in state waters, the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) is the lead Federal agency for
this proposed project. The COTP
Portland, OR is soliciting written
comments and related material, and will
join FERC in holding a public meeting
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
53677
seeking comments, pertaining
specifically to maritime safety and
security aspects of the proposed LNG
facility. In preparation for issuance of an
LOR and the completion of certain other
regulatory mandates, the COTP
Portland, OR, will consider comments
received from the public as input into
a formalized risk assessment process.
This process will assess the safety and
security aspects of the facility, adjacent
port areas, and navigable waterways.
DATES: All written comments and
related material must reach the Coast
Guard on or before October 6, 2005. In
addition, a public meeting will be held
Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 7 p.m.
Those who plan to speak at the meeting
should provide their name by
September 22, 2005 to Lieutenant
Shadrack Scheirman using one of the
methods listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT. The comment
period associated with the public
meeting will remain open for seven days
following the meeting. The meeting
location is: Knappa High School, 41535
Old Highway 30, Astoria, OR 97102,
503–458–6166.
ADDRESSES: You may submit written
comments to Commanding Officer, U.S.
Coast Guard Sector Portland. Sector
Portland maintains a file for this notice.
Comments and material received will
become part of this file and will be
available for inspection and copying at
Sector Portland between 8 a.m. and 3
p.m. Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
you have questions on this notice,
contact Lieutenant Shadrack Scheirman
at Sector Portland by one of the methods
listed below:
(1) Phone at (503) 247–4015
(2) E-mail at
Shadrack.L.Scheirman@uscg.mil
(3) Fax to (503) 240–2586
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Request for Written Comments
We encourage you to submit written
comments and related material
pertaining specifically to marine safety
and security aspects associated with the
proposed Northern Star LNG facility. If
you do so, please include your name
and address, identify the docket number
for this notice ([CGD13–05–017]), and
give the reason for each comment. You
may submit your comments and related
material by mail, or hand delivery, as
described in ADDRESSES, or you may
send them by fax or e-mail using the
contact information under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT. To avoid
confusion and duplication, please
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53678
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2005 / Notices
submit your comments and material by
only one means.
If you submit comments by mail or
hand delivery, submit them in an
unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by
11 inches, suitable for copying and
electronic filing. If you submit them by
mail and would like to know that they
reached U.S. Coast Guard Sector
Portland, please enclose a stamped, selfaddressed postcard or envelope.
Public Meeting
Due to the scope and complexity of
this project, we have decided to hold a
joint public meeting with FERC to allow
the public the opportunity to comment
on the proposed LNG facility. FERC will
issue a separate notice for the public
meeting listed under DATES above,
regarding the public’s opportunity to
comment on the environmental aspects
of the facility siting.
With advance notice, organizations
and members of the public may provide
oral statements regarding the suitability
of the Columbia River for LNG vessel
traffic. In the interest of time and use of
the public meeting facility, oral
statements should be limited to five
minutes. Persons wishing to make oral
statements should notify Lieutenant
Shadrack Scheirman using one of the
methods listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT by September 22,
2005. Written comments may be
submitted at the meeting or to the
Docket up to October 6, 2005.
Background and Purpose
In accordance with the requirements
of 33 CFR 127.007, Northern Star
submitted an LOI on March 16, 2005, to
operate an LNG facility in Bradwood,
Clatsop County, Oregon.
FERC will be the lead agency for the
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
mandated by the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). To
help FERC make sure that the EIS covers
the Coast Guard’s LOR and other actions
under this proposal, the Coast Guard
will serve as a cooperating agency.
The proposed terminal is an LNG
import, storage, and re-gasification
facility. LNG carriers (ships) would
berth at a new pier and LNG would be
transferred by pipeline from the carriers
to one of three storage tanks, each with
a net capacity of 165,000 cubic meters
(m3). The LNG would then be re-gasified
and metered into natural gas pipelines.
LNG would be delivered to the terminal
in double-hulled LNG carriers ranging
in capacity from 100,000 m3 to 250,000
m3. The larger carriers would measure
up to approximately 965 feet long with
up to approximately a 150 foot wide
beam, and draw 40 feet of water. The
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15:19 Sep 08, 2005
Jkt 205001
Northern Star Natural Gas terminal
would handle approximately 96 vessels
per year, depending upon natural gas
demand, and carrier size, with
shipments arriving about every four
days.
The U.S. Coast Guard exercises
regulatory authority over LNG facilities
which affect the safety and security of
port areas and navigable waterways
under Executive Order 10173, the
Magnuson Act (50 U.S.C. 191), the Ports
and Waterways Safety Act of 1972, as
amended (33 U.S.C. 1221, et seq.) and
the Maritime Transportation Security
Act of 2002 (46 U.S.C. 701). The Coast
Guard is responsible for matters related
to navigation safety, vessel engineering
and safety standards, and all matters
pertaining to the safety of facilities or
equipment located in or adjacent to
navigable waters up to the last valve
immediately before the receiving tanks.
The Coast Guard also has authority for
LNG facility security plan review,
approval, and compliance verification
as provided in title 33 CFR part 105, and
recommendation for siting as it pertains
to the management of vessel traffic in
and around the LNG facility.
Upon receipt of an LOI from an owner
or operator intending to build a new
LNG facility, the Coast Guard COTP
conducts an analysis that results in a
letter of recommendation issued to the
owner or operator and to the state and
local governments having jurisdiction,
addressing the suitability of the
waterway to accommodate LNG vessels.
Specifically, the letter of
recommendation addresses the
suitability of the waterway based on:
• The physical location and layout of
the facility and its berthing and mooring
arrangements.
• The LNG vessels’ characteristics
and the frequency of LNG shipments to
the facility.
• Commercial, industrial,
environmentally sensitive, and
residential areas in and adjacent to the
waterway used by the LNG vessels en
route to the facility.
• Density and character of marine
traffic on the waterway.
• Bridges or other manmade
obstructions in the waterway.
• Depth of water.
• Tidal range.
• Natural hazards, including rocks
and sandbars.
• Underwater pipelines and cables.
• Distance of berthed LNG vessels
from the channel, and the width of the
channel.
In addition, the Coast Guard will
review and approve the facility’s
operations manual and emergency
response plan (33 CFR 127.019), as well
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
as the facility’s security plan (33 CFR
105.410).
The Coast Guard will also provide
input to other Federal, State, and local
government agencies reviewing the
project. Under an interagency
agreement, the Coast Guard will provide
input to, and coordinate with FERC, the
lead Federal agency for authorizing the
siting and construction of onshore LNG
facilities, on safety and security aspects
of the Northern Star project, including
both the marine and land-based aspects
of the project.
In order to complete a thorough
analysis and fulfill the regulatory
mandates cited above, the COTP
Portland, OR, will be conducting a
formal risk assessment, evaluating
various safety and security aspects
associated with Northern Star’s
proposed project. This risk assessment
will be accomplished through a series of
workshops focusing on the areas of
waterways safety, port security, and
consequence management, with
involvement from a broad cross-section
of government and port stakeholders
with expertise in each of the respective
areas. The workshops will be by
invitation only. However, comments
received during the public comment
period will be considered as input into
the risk assessment process.
Additional Information
Additional information about the
project is available from the FERC’s
Office of External Affairs at 1–866–208
FERC (3372) or on the FERC Internet
Web site (https://www.ferc.gov). Using
the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link, select ‘‘General
Search’’ from the eLibrary menu, enter
the selected date range and the FERC’s
Docket Number PF05–10, and follow the
instructions. Searches may also be done
using the phrases ‘‘Northern Star’’ or
‘‘Bradwood Landing LNG’’ in the ‘‘Text
Search’’ field. For assistance with access
to eLibrary, the helpline can be reached
at 1 866 208 3676, TTY (202) 502–8659,
or at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. The
eLibrary link on the FERC Internet Web
site also provides access to the texts of
formal documents issued by the
Commission, such as orders, notices,
and rule makings.
Northern Star has also established an
Internet Web site for its project at
https://www.Northernstar-NG.com. The
Web site includes a project overview,
contact information, regulatory
overview, and construction procedures.
For information on facilities or
services for individuals with
disabilities, or to request assistance at
the meeting, contact Lieutenant
Shadrack Scheirman listed under FOR
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2005 / Notices
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
as soon
as possible.
Dated: August 30, 2005.
Patrick G. Gerrity,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the
Port.
[FR Doc. 05–17833 Filed 9–8–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–15–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
[Docket No. FR–4962–N–03]
Notice of Funding Availability for
Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 HOPE VI Main
Street Grants; Notice of Extension of
Application Submission Date for Areas
Affected by Hurricane Katrina
Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Public and Indian
Housing, HUD.
ACTION: Notice of extension of
application submission date for
applicants submitting applications from
areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This notice announces that
HUD has extended the submission
deadline date for the Fiscal Year (FY)
2004 HOPE VI Main Street Grants
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
for those applicants located in areas
designated by the President as disaster
areas, and other areas that experienced
major power outages due to Hurricane
Katrina. These areas include the entire
state of Louisiana; the entire state of
Mississippi; the Alabama counties of
Baldwin, Bibb, Calhoun, Clarke,
Choctaw, Green, Hale, Jefferson, Mobile,
Shelby, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, and
Washington; and the Florida counties of
Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and
Palm Beach. The application
submission deadline for this funding
opportunity was September 2, 2005. For
those applicants located in one of these
states or counties, the revised
submission date is September 7, 2005 at
5:15 p.m. For applicants unaffected by
Hurricane Katrina, the submission
deadline remains unchanged.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lar
Gnessin, Office of Public Housing
Investments, Office of Public and Indian
Housing, Department of Housing and
Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street,
SW., Washington, DC 20410–5000;
telephone (202) 708–0614 extension
2676 (this is not a toll-free number).
Hearing- or speech-impaired individuals
may access this telephone number via
TTY by calling the toll-free Federal
VerDate Aug<18>2005
15:19 Sep 08, 2005
Jkt 205001
Information Relay Service on (800) 877–
8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July
21, 2005 (70 FR 42150), HUD published
the Notice of Funding Availability
(NOFA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 HOPE
VI Main Street Grants Notice
announcing the availability of
approximately $5 million in funds to
produce affordable housing in HUDdefined Main Street rejuvenation areas.
In a Federal Register notice published
on August 1, 2005 (70 FR 44110), HUD
announced several corrections to the
NOFA, including the requirement that
only paper submissions may be
accepted.
Due to Hurricane Katrina, which
caused widespread damage and power
outages in the entire state of Louisiana;
the entire state of Mississippi; the
Alabama counties of Baldwin, Bibb,
Calhoun, Clarke, Choctaw, Green, Hale,
Jefferson, Mobile, Shelby, Sumter,
Tuscaloosa, and Washington; and the
Florida counties of Broward, MiamiDade, Monroe, and Palm Beach, HUD
has extended the application
submission deadline for the FY 2005
HOPE VI Main Street Grants NOFA to
September 7, 2005. HUD is aware that
recovery of many areas will not occur
before this date. The period of this
extension has been limited because
funding for this NOFA expires on
September 30, 2005, and must be
returned to the U.S. Treasury if not
awarded by that date. The below listed
areas were designated by the President
as federal disaster areas, or experienced
major power outages; thus, this
extension affects only applicants located
in the entire state of Louisiana; the
entire state of Mississippi; the Alabama
counties of Baldwin, Bibb, Calhoun,
Clarke, Choctaw, Green, Hale, Jefferson,
Mobile, Shelby, Sumpter, Tuscaloosa,
and Washington; and the Florida
counties of Broward, Miami-Dade,
Monroe, and Palm Beach.
HUD will accept applications to the
FY 2004 Main Street VI Main Street
Grants NOFA from applicants of the
affected states or counties listed above
through hard copy (paper) submission
consistent with the instructions in the
August 1, 2005 correction. In order to
ensure timely receipt, HUD strongly
recommends applicants use an
overnight delivery method to ensure
timely receipt of paper applications.
Hand deliveries will not be accepted.
Hard copy submissions should be sent
to the appropriate address listed as
follows: FY 2004 Main Street VI Main
Street Grants Program: Department of
Housing and Urban Development, Attn:
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
53679
Dominique Blom, Acting Deputy
Assistant Secretary, 451 Seventh Street,
SW., Room 4130, Washington, DC
20410–5000.
Dated: September 2, 2005.
Paula O. Blunt,
General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public
and Indian Housing.
[FR Doc. 05–17950 Filed 9–6–05; 4:19 pm]
BILLING CODE 4210–33–M
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
[Docket No. FR–4980–N–36]
Federal Property Suitable as Facilities
To Assist the Homeless
Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Community Planning and
Development, HUD.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Notice.
SUMMARY: This Notice identifies
unutilized, underutilized, excess, and
surplus Federal property reviewed by
HUD for suitability for possible use to
assist the homeless.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
September 9, 2005.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kathy Ezzell, Department of Housing
and Urban Development, Room 7262,
451 Seventh Street SW., Washington,
DC 20410; telephone (202) 708–1234;
TTY number for the hearing- and
speech-impaired (202) 708–2565, (these
telephone numbers are not toll-free), or
call the toll-free Title V information line
at 1–800–927–7588.
In
accordance with the December 12, 1988
court order in National Coalition for the
Homeless v. Veterans Administration,
No. 88–2503–OG (D.D.C.), HUD
publishes a Notice, on a weekly basis,
identifying unutilized, underutilized,
excess and surplus Federal buildings
and real property that HUD has
reviewed for suitability for use to assist
the homeless. Today’s Notice is for the
purpose of announcing that no
additional properties have been
determined suitable or unsuitable this
week.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Dated: September 1, 2005.
Mark R. Johnston,
Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance
Programs.
[FR Doc. 05–17728 Filed 9–8–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210–29–M
E:\FR\FM\09SEN1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 174 (Friday, September 9, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53677-53679]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-17833]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
[CGD13-05-017]
Letter of Recommendation, Proposed LNG Project Northern Star
Natural Gas LLC, Bradwood, Clatsop County, OR
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Request for comments; notice of public meeting.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with the requirements in 33 CFR 127.009, the
U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Portland, Oregon is
preparing a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) as to the suitability of the
Columbia River for liquefied natural gas (LNG) marine traffic. This LOR
will encompass the marine safety and security aspects associated with
the proposed Northern Star Natural Gas LLC (Northern Star) LNG
facility. The LOR is in response to a Letter of Intent (LOI) submitted
by Northern Star to operate an LNG facility in Bradwood, Clatsop
County, Oregon. Because the proposed LNG facility would be located in
state waters, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is the
lead Federal agency for this proposed project. The COTP Portland, OR is
soliciting written comments and related material, and will join FERC in
holding a public meeting seeking comments, pertaining specifically to
maritime safety and security aspects of the proposed LNG facility. In
preparation for issuance of an LOR and the completion of certain other
regulatory mandates, the COTP Portland, OR, will consider comments
received from the public as input into a formalized risk assessment
process. This process will assess the safety and security aspects of
the facility, adjacent port areas, and navigable waterways.
DATES: All written comments and related material must reach the Coast
Guard on or before October 6, 2005. In addition, a public meeting will
be held Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 7 p.m. Those who plan to speak
at the meeting should provide their name by September 22, 2005 to
Lieutenant Shadrack Scheirman using one of the methods listed under FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The comment period associated with the
public meeting will remain open for seven days following the meeting.
The meeting location is: Knappa High School, 41535 Old Highway 30,
Astoria, OR 97102, 503-458-6166.
ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments to Commanding Officer, U.S.
Coast Guard Sector Portland. Sector Portland maintains a file for this
notice. Comments and material received will become part of this file
and will be available for inspection and copying at Sector Portland
between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice,
contact Lieutenant Shadrack Scheirman at Sector Portland by one of the
methods listed below:
(1) Phone at (503) 247-4015
(2) E-mail at Shadrack.L.Scheirman@uscg.mil
(3) Fax to (503) 240-2586
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Request for Written Comments
We encourage you to submit written comments and related material
pertaining specifically to marine safety and security aspects
associated with the proposed Northern Star LNG facility. If you do so,
please include your name and address, identify the docket number for
this notice ([CGD13-05-017]), and give the reason for each comment. You
may submit your comments and related material by mail, or hand
delivery, as described in ADDRESSES, or you may send them by fax or e-
mail using the contact information under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT. To avoid confusion and duplication, please
[[Page 53678]]
submit your comments and material by only one means.
If you submit comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an
unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for
copying and electronic filing. If you submit them by mail and would
like to know that they reached U.S. Coast Guard Sector Portland, please
enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope.
Public Meeting
Due to the scope and complexity of this project, we have decided to
hold a joint public meeting with FERC to allow the public the
opportunity to comment on the proposed LNG facility. FERC will issue a
separate notice for the public meeting listed under DATES above,
regarding the public's opportunity to comment on the environmental
aspects of the facility siting.
With advance notice, organizations and members of the public may
provide oral statements regarding the suitability of the Columbia River
for LNG vessel traffic. In the interest of time and use of the public
meeting facility, oral statements should be limited to five minutes.
Persons wishing to make oral statements should notify Lieutenant
Shadrack Scheirman using one of the methods listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT by September 22, 2005. Written comments may be
submitted at the meeting or to the Docket up to October 6, 2005.
Background and Purpose
In accordance with the requirements of 33 CFR 127.007, Northern
Star submitted an LOI on March 16, 2005, to operate an LNG facility in
Bradwood, Clatsop County, Oregon.
FERC will be the lead agency for the Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). To help
FERC make sure that the EIS covers the Coast Guard's LOR and other
actions under this proposal, the Coast Guard will serve as a
cooperating agency.
The proposed terminal is an LNG import, storage, and re-
gasification facility. LNG carriers (ships) would berth at a new pier
and LNG would be transferred by pipeline from the carriers to one of
three storage tanks, each with a net capacity of 165,000 cubic meters
(m3). The LNG would then be re-gasified and metered into
natural gas pipelines. LNG would be delivered to the terminal in
double-hulled LNG carriers ranging in capacity from 100,000
m3 to 250,000 m3. The larger carriers would
measure up to approximately 965 feet long with up to approximately a
150 foot wide beam, and draw 40 feet of water. The Northern Star
Natural Gas terminal would handle approximately 96 vessels per year,
depending upon natural gas demand, and carrier size, with shipments
arriving about every four days.
The U.S. Coast Guard exercises regulatory authority over LNG
facilities which affect the safety and security of port areas and
navigable waterways under Executive Order 10173, the Magnuson Act (50
U.S.C. 191), the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972, as amended (33
U.S.C. 1221, et seq.) and the Maritime Transportation Security Act of
2002 (46 U.S.C. 701). The Coast Guard is responsible for matters
related to navigation safety, vessel engineering and safety standards,
and all matters pertaining to the safety of facilities or equipment
located in or adjacent to navigable waters up to the last valve
immediately before the receiving tanks. The Coast Guard also has
authority for LNG facility security plan review, approval, and
compliance verification as provided in title 33 CFR part 105, and
recommendation for siting as it pertains to the management of vessel
traffic in and around the LNG facility.
Upon receipt of an LOI from an owner or operator intending to build
a new LNG facility, the Coast Guard COTP conducts an analysis that
results in a letter of recommendation issued to the owner or operator
and to the state and local governments having jurisdiction, addressing
the suitability of the waterway to accommodate LNG vessels.
Specifically, the letter of recommendation addresses the suitability of
the waterway based on:
The physical location and layout of the facility and its
berthing and mooring arrangements.
The LNG vessels' characteristics and the frequency of LNG
shipments to the facility.
Commercial, industrial, environmentally sensitive, and
residential areas in and adjacent to the waterway used by the LNG
vessels en route to the facility.
Density and character of marine traffic on the waterway.
Bridges or other manmade obstructions in the waterway.
Depth of water.
Tidal range.
Natural hazards, including rocks and sandbars.
Underwater pipelines and cables.
Distance of berthed LNG vessels from the channel, and the
width of the channel.
In addition, the Coast Guard will review and approve the facility's
operations manual and emergency response plan (33 CFR 127.019), as well
as the facility's security plan (33 CFR 105.410).
The Coast Guard will also provide input to other Federal, State,
and local government agencies reviewing the project. Under an
interagency agreement, the Coast Guard will provide input to, and
coordinate with FERC, the lead Federal agency for authorizing the
siting and construction of onshore LNG facilities, on safety and
security aspects of the Northern Star project, including both the
marine and land-based aspects of the project.
In order to complete a thorough analysis and fulfill the regulatory
mandates cited above, the COTP Portland, OR, will be conducting a
formal risk assessment, evaluating various safety and security aspects
associated with Northern Star's proposed project. This risk assessment
will be accomplished through a series of workshops focusing on the
areas of waterways safety, port security, and consequence management,
with involvement from a broad cross-section of government and port
stakeholders with expertise in each of the respective areas. The
workshops will be by invitation only. However, comments received during
the public comment period will be considered as input into the risk
assessment process.
Additional Information
Additional information about the project is available from the
FERC's Office of External Affairs at 1-866-208 FERC (3372) or on the
FERC Internet Web site (https://www.ferc.gov). Using the ``eLibrary''
link, select ``General Search'' from the eLibrary menu, enter the
selected date range and the FERC's Docket Number PF05-10, and follow
the instructions. Searches may also be done using the phrases
``Northern Star'' or ``Bradwood Landing LNG'' in the ``Text Search''
field. For assistance with access to eLibrary, the helpline can be
reached at 1 866 208 3676, TTY (202) 502-8659, or at
FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. The eLibrary link on the FERC Internet Web
site also provides access to the texts of formal documents issued by
the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rule makings.
Northern Star has also established an Internet Web site for its
project at https://www.Northernstar-NG.com. The Web site includes a
project overview, contact information, regulatory overview, and
construction procedures.
For information on facilities or services for individuals with
disabilities, or to request assistance at the meeting, contact
Lieutenant Shadrack Scheirman listed under FOR
[[Page 53679]]
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT as soon as possible.
Dated: August 30, 2005.
Patrick G. Gerrity,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port.
[FR Doc. 05-17833 Filed 9-8-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-P