Rockies Express Pipeline, LLC; Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Rockies Express Pipeline Project, Eastern Phase Request for Comments on Environmental Issues and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings, 48920-48923 [E6-13890]

Download as PDF 48920 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 22, 2006 / Notices Commission, such as orders, notices, and rulemakings. In addition, the Commission now offers a free service called eSubscription which allows you to keep track of all formal issuances and submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time you spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with notification of these filings, document summaries and direct links to the documents. Go to https:// www.ferc.gov/esubscribenow.htm. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6–13822 Filed 8–21–06; 8:45 am] August 16, 2006. BILLING CODE 6717–01–P Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PF06–30–000] Rockies Express Pipeline, LLC; Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Rockies Express Pipeline Project, Eastern Phase Request for Comments on Environmental Issues and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) that will address the environmental impacts of the proposed Rockies Express Pipeline Project, Eastern Phase (the Project), which involves the construction and operation of facilities by Rockies Express Pipeline, LLC (Rockies Express) in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. These facilities would consist of 622 miles of 42-inchdiameter natural gas pipeline; five new compressor stations; and approximately 41 mainline valves and 20 interconnects. This EIS will be used by the Commission in its decision-making process to determine whether the Project is in the public convenience and necessity. This notice explains the scoping process that will be used to gather input from the public and interested agencies on the Project. Your input will help determine which issues/impacts need to be evaluated in the EIS. Please note that the scoping period will close on September 29, 2006. Comments may be submitted in written form or verbally. In lieu of or in addition to sending in written comments, you are invited to attend the public scoping meetings that are scheduled in the Project area. Nine scoping meetings are scheduled for September 11 through 15, 2006, and are listed below. Further details on how to submit written comments and additional details on the public scoping meetings are provided in the Public Participation section of this notice. Please note that written comments carry the same weight as comments made orally by participants at the scoping meetings, so if you are unable to attend one of the Commissionsponsored public scoping meetings, we highly encourage you to submit written comments to the Secretary of the Commission. Date and time Location(s) Monday, September 11, 2006 ............................ 7 p.m.–10 p.m. .................................................... Mexico, Missouri, Presser Hall, 900 South Jefferson Street, Mexico, Missouri 65265, 573–581– 2765. Greensburg, Indiana, Greensburg High School Auditorium, 1000 E. Central Avenue, Greensburg, Indiana 47240, 812–663–7211. Springfield, Illinois, Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Avenue, Springfield, Illinois 62702, 217–782–1698. Greenwood, Indiana, Greenwood Middle School, 532 South Madison Avenue, Greenwood, Indiana 46142, 317–889–4040. Pittsfield, Illinois, Pike County Farm Bureau, 1301 E. Washington Street, Pittsfield, Illinois 62363, 217–285–2233. Trenton, Ohio, Edgwood High School Auditorium, 5005 Oxford State Road, Trenton, Ohio 45067, 513–867–7425. Rockville, Indiana, Clark’s Hall Reception Area, 2155 East U.S. Highway 36, Rockville, Indiana 47872, 765–569–5794. Ashville, Ohio, Teays Valley High School Auditorium, 3887 St. Route 752, Ashville, Ohio 43103, 740–983–3131. Zanesville, Ohio, Zanesville High School Auditorium, 1701 Blue Avenue, Zanesville, Ohio 43701, 740–588–4022. Tuesday, September 12, 2006 ........................... 7 p.m.–10 p.m. .................................................... Wed., September 13, 2006 ................................ 7 p.m.–10 p.m. .................................................... Thursday, September 14, 2006 .......................... 7 p.m.–10 p.m. .................................................... cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Friday, September 15, 2006 ............................... 7 p.m.–10 p.m. .................................................... The Rockies Express Project, Eastern Phase, is currently in the preliminary stages of design, and at this time a formal application has not been filed with the Commission. For this proposal, the Commission is initiating the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review prior to receiving the application. This allows interested stakeholders to become involved early in project planning and to identify and resolve issues before an application is filed with the FERC. A docket number (PF06–30–000) has been established to VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:34 Aug 21, 2006 Jkt 208001 locate in the public record information filed by Rockies Express and related documents issued by the Commission.1 Once a formal application is filed with the FERC, a new docket number will be established. With this notice, we are asking other Federal, state, and local agencies with jurisdiction and/or special expertise with respect to environmental issues in 1 To view information in the docket, follow the instructions for using the eLibrary link at the end of this notice. PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the project area to formally cooperate with us in the preparation of the EIS. These agencies may choose to participate once they have evaluated the proposal relative to their responsibilities. Agencies that would like to request cooperating status should follow the instructions for filing comments described later in this notice. We encourage government representatives to notify their constituents of this planned project and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern. E:\FR\FM\22AUN1.SGM 22AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 22, 2006 / Notices cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES This notice is being sent to landowners within 0.5 mile of the proposed compressor station sites; landowners affected along the pipeline route under consideration; Federal, state, and local government agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Native American tribes; local libraries and newspapers; and other interested parties. Some affected landowners may be contacted by a Rockies Express representative about the acquisition of an easement to construct, operate, and maintain the proposed project facilities. If so, Rockies Express and the affected landowners should seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement. In the event that the Project is certified by the Commission, that approval conveys the right of eminent domain for securing easements for the facilities. Therefore, if easement negotiations fail to produce an agreement, Rockies Express could initiate condemnation proceedings in accordance with state law. A fact sheet prepared by the FERC entitled ‘‘An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land? What Do I Need To Know?’’ addresses a number of typically asked questions, including the use of eminent domain and how to participate in the Commission’s proceedings. It is available for viewing on the FERC Internet Web site (https:// www.ferc.gov). Summary of the Proposed Project Rockies Express’ long-term plan is to construct three separately certificated pipelines that together would result in the installation of approximately 1,323 miles of 42-inch-diameter, high-pressure natural gas pipeline linking producing areas in the Rocky Mountain region to the upper Midwest and Eastern United States. This pipeline system would originate near the Cheyenne Hub, in Weld County, Colorado, and would terminate in Monroe County, Ohio. Rockies Express intends to pursue this system plan in three discrete phases (Western, Central, and Eastern). The FERC is now considering the facilities included in the Eastern phase. Rockies Express currently envisions that the Eastern Phase would include: • Approximately 622 miles of 42inch-diameter gas pipeline between Audrain County, Missouri, and Monroe County, Ohio. • Five new compressor stations, including: —Mexico Compressor Station located in Audrain County, Missouri, —Blue Mound Compressor Station located in Christian County, Illinois, —Bainbridge Compressor Station in Putnam County, Indiana, VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:34 Aug 21, 2006 Jkt 208001 —Lebanon Compressor Station located in Butler County, Ohio, and —Chandlersville Compressor Station in Muskingum County, Ohio. • Approximately 20 new interconnects/meter stations with existing interstate pipelines, located in: —Moultrie County, Illinois (NGPL and Illinois Power). —Douglas County, Illinois (Trunkline). —Edgar County, Illinois (Midwestern). —Putnam County, Indiana (PEPL). —Morgan County, Indiana (CGCU). —Johnson County, Indiana (Indiana Gas). —Shelby County, Indiana (ANR). —Warren County, Ohio (Columbia Gas, Dominion, TETCO, Texas Gas, VECTREN, CG&E). —Pickaway County, Ohio (Columbia Gas of Ohio). —Fairfield County, Ohio (Columbia Gas). —Muskingum County, Ohio (Tennessee Gas). —Monroe County, Ohio (Dominion Transmission, Dominion East Ohio Gas); and • Approximately 41 mainline valves. A map depicting the general location of the Project facilities for the Eastern Phase is shown in the figure in Appendix 1.2 The entire project, when completed would carry between 1.5 and 2.0 billion cubic feet of gas per day. Rockies Express is requesting approval such that the facilities are completed and placed into service by December 2008, except for the two most eastern compressor stations that would be in-service by June 2009. Rockies Express proposes to begin construction in March 2008. Land Requirements for Construction It is estimated that the construction of the Project facilities would disturb about 5,100 acres of land. Following construction, about 4,000 acres of the total would be retained for the operation of the pipeline and the aboveground facilities (compressor/meter stations). Rockies Express proposes to use a 125foot-wide construction right-of-way with occasional increases in width for additional workspace at waterbody, wetland, road, and railroad crossings. Extra workspaces may also be required in areas with site-specific constraints, such as side-slope construction. Other temporary land requirements would include land for pipe storage and 2 The appendices referenced in this notice are not being printed in the Federal Register. Copies are available from the Commission’s Public Reference and Files Maintenance Branch, at (202) 502–8371. For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the Public Participation section of this notice. PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 48921 equipment yards. Following construction, all temporary workspace (including all temporary construction rights-of-way, extra workspaces, and pipe storage and contractor yards) would be restored and allowed to revert to its former use. Operation of the pipeline facilities would require a nominal 50-foot-wide permanent rightof-way. The EIS Process NEPA requires the Commission to take into account the environmental impacts that could result from an action whenever it considers the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity under Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act. NEPA also requires us to identify and address concerns the public would have about proposals. This process is referred to as ‘‘scoping.’’ The main goal of the scoping process is to focus the analysis in the EIS on important environmental issues and reasonable alternatives. By this Notice of Intent, the Commission staff requests agency and public comments on the scope of the issues to be addressed in the EIS. All comments received are considered during the preparation of the EIS. We 3 have already started to meet with Rockies Express, agencies, and other interested stakeholders to discuss the Project and identify issues/impacts and concerns. Between June 19 and 29, 2006, representatives of FERC staff participated in 18 public open houses sponsored by Rockies Express in the Project area to explain the NEPA environmental review process to interested stakeholders and take comments about the Project. Our independent analysis of the issues will be included in the draft EIS. The draft EIS will be published and mailed to Federal, state, and local agencies, elected officials, public interest groups, Native American tribes, affected landowners, interested individuals, local libraries, newspapers, and the Commission’s official service list for this proceeding. A comment period will be allotted for review of the draft EIS. We will consider all timely comments on the draft EIS and revise the document, as necessary, before issuing a final EIS. Currently Identified Environmental Issues In the EIS we will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of the construction and operation of the 3 ‘‘We,’’ ‘‘us,’’ and ‘‘our’’ refer to the environmental staff of FERC’s Office of Energy Projects. E:\FR\FM\22AUN1.SGM 22AUN1 cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES 48922 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 22, 2006 / Notices proposed project and will also evaluate possible alternatives to the proposed project or portions of the project, and make recommendations on how to lessen or avoid impacts on affected resources. We have identified several potential issues that we think deserve attention based on a preliminary review of the proposed facilities and the information provided by Rockies Express. This preliminary list of potential issues may be changed based on your comments and our analysis. • Geology and Soils —Impact on agricultural lands and irrigation systems. —Impact of construction on prime farmland soils. —Blasting and disposal of excess rock associated with construction. —Evaluation of noxious weed control measures. —Impacts of construction on coal mining operations. • Water Resources: —Impact of pipeline construction on groundwater, aquifer and water supply wells. —Impact of construction on wetlands and waterbodies, including the proposed horizontal directional drill of the Mississippi River. —Assessment of the use and release of hydrostatic test water. • Fish, Wildlife, and Vegetation: —Development of revegetation plans. —Impacts on the Big Walnut Nature Preserve in central Indiana. • Endangered and Threatened Species: —Effect on Federally listed species. • Cultural Resources: —Impact on known and undiscovered cultural resources. —Native American tribal concerns. • Land Use, Recreation and Special Interest Areas, and Visual Resources: —Permanent land use alteration associated with pipeline easement. —Impact on residences, including proximity of facilities to existing structures in highly developed residential and commercial areas. —Potential land use conflicts with planned and future development. —Restrictions on future use of pipeline right-of-way. • Socioeconomics: —Benefits to local communities. —Use of local labor, equipment, and supplies. • Air Quality and Noise: —Effects on local air quality and ambient noise from construction and operation of the proposed facilities, particularly associated with the proposed compressor stations. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:34 Aug 21, 2006 Jkt 208001 • Reliability and Safety: —Assessment of hazards associated with the transportation of natural gas. —Assessment of security associated with operation of natural gas facilities. Public Participation You are encouraged to become involved in this process and provide your specific comments or concerns about Rockies Express’ proposal. Your comments should focus on the potential environmental effects, reasonable alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental impact. The more specific your comments, the more useful they will be. To expedite the receipt and consideration of your comments, electronic submission of comments is strongly encouraged. See Title 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the FERC Internet Web site (https:// www.ferc.gov/) under the eFiling link and the link to the User’s Guide. Before you can submit comments you will need to create a free account by clicking on ‘‘Sign-up’’ under ‘‘New User.’’ You will be asked to select the type of submission you are making. This type of submission is considered a ‘‘Comment on Filing.’’ Comments submitted electronically must be submitted by September 29, 2006. If you wish to mail comments, please mail your comments so that they will be received in Washington, DC on or before September 29, 2006 and carefully follow these instructions: • Send an original and two copies of your letter to: Magalie R. Salas, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First St., NE., Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426. • Label one copy of your comments for the attention of Gas Branch 1. • Reference Docket No. PF06–30–000 on the original and both copies. • Mail your comments so that they will be received in Washington, DC on or before September 29, 2006. The public scoping meetings identified in the table above are designed to provide state and local agencies, interested groups, affected landowners, and the general public with another opportunity to offer your comments on the Project. Interested groups and individuals are encouraged to attend the meetings and to present comments on the environmental issues they believe should be addressed in the EIS. A transcript of each meeting will be made so that your comments will be accurately recorded. Once Rockies Express formally files its application with the Commission, you may want to become an official party to the proceeding known as an PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ‘‘intervenor.’’ Intervenors play a more formal role in the process and are able to file briefs, appear at hearings, and be heard by the courts if they choose to appeal the Commission’s final ruling. An intervenor formally participates in a Commission proceeding by filing a request to intervene. Instructions for becoming an intervenor are included in the User’s Guide under the ‘‘e-filing’’ link on the Commission’s Web site. Please note that you may not request intervenor status at this time. You must wait until a formal application is filed with the Commission. You do not need intervener status to have your environmental comments considered. Environmental Mailing List An effort is being made to send this notice to all individuals, organizations, and government entities interested in and/or potentially affected by the proposed project. This includes all landowners who are potential right-ofway grantors, whose property may be used temporarily for project purposes, or who own homes within distances defined in the Commission’s regulations of certain aboveground facilities. If you received this notice, you are currently on the environmental mailing list for this Project and will continue to receive Project updates, Notices, including the draft and final EISs. If you wish to remain on our mailing list, or would like your contact information corrected, please return the Mailing List Retention Form included as Appendix 2. If you provide written comments to the Secretary following the procedures described above, you will automatically be kept on the mailing list, in lieu of returning the form (appendix 2). If you do not return this form, we will remove your name from our mailing list. To reduce printing and mailing costs, the draft and final EISs will be issued in both CD-ROM and hard copy formats. The FERC strongly encourages the use of CD–ROM format in its publication of large documents. If you wish to receive a paper copy of the draft EIS instead of a CD–ROM, you must indicate that choice on the return postcard (Appendix 2). Additional Information Additional information about the Project is available from the Commission’s Office of External Affairs, at 1–866–208–FERC or on the FERC Internet Web site (https://www.ferc.gov/) using the eLibrary link. Click on the eLibrary link, click on ‘‘General Search’’ and enter the project docket number excluding the last three digits (i.e., PF06–30) in the Docket Number field. Be sure you have selected an E:\FR\FM\22AUN1.SGM 22AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 22, 2006 / Notices appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at 1–866–208–3676, or TTY, contact (202) 502–8659. The eLibrary link also provides access to the texts of formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rulemakings. In addition, the Commission now offers a free service called eSubscription that allows you to keep track of all formal issuances and submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time you spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to the documents. Go to https:// www.ferc.gov/esubscribenow.htm. All public meetings will be posted on the Commission’s calendar located at https://www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/ EventsList.aspx along with other related information. Finally, Rockies Express has established an Internet Web site for this project at https://www.rexpipeline.com. The Web site includes a description of the project, maps of the proposed pipeline route, and answers to frequently asked questions. You can also request additional information or provide comments directly to Rockies Express at 1–866–566–0066 or mailto:info@rexpipeline.com. auby.susan@epa.gov and please refer to the appropriate EPA Information Collection Request (ICR) Number. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6–13890 Filed 8–21–06; 8:45 am] Approval of the Clean Air Act Section 112(l) Delegation of National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Secondary Lead Smelting; Indiana BILLING CODE 6717–01–P OMB Responses to Agency Clearance Requests OMB Approvals EPA ICR No. 1633.14; Acid Rain Program Under Title IV of the CAA Amendments of 1990 (Renewal); in 40 CFR parts 72, 73 subparts C–G, and parts 74–78; was approved 07/27/2006; OMB Number 2060–0258; expires 07/ 31/2009. Short Term Extensions EPA ICR No. 1569.05; Approval of State Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Programs (CZARA Section 6217); OMB Number 2040–0153; on 07/ 31/2006 OMB extended the expiration date to 10/31/2006. Dated: August 9, 2006. Sara Hisel-McCoy, Acting Director, Collection Strategies Division. [FR Doc. E6–13865 Filed 8–21–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [IN167–1; FRL–8210–7] Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL–8212–1] Agency Information Collection Activities: OMB Responses Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: This document announces the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) response to Agency Clearance requests, in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA’s regulations are listed in 40 CFR part 9 and 48 CFR chapter 15. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Auby (202) 566–1672, or e-mail at VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:34 Aug 21, 2006 Jkt 208001 SUMMARY: This document announces that EPA has approved a request from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) for delegation of authority to implement and enforce National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Secondary Lead Smelting, through a state rule which adjusts the maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standard for secondary lead smelting. Pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the NESHAP provisions, states may seek approval of state rules which make pre-approved adjustments to a MACT standard if the state rule is unambiguously no less stringent than the Federal rule. IDEM requested approval to adjust the NESHAP for secondary lead smelting, so that the standard will be as stringent as the State rule which currently applies to secondary lead smelters in Indiana. EPA reviewed this request and found that it PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 48923 satisfies the requirements for approval under the Federal provision which allows for delegation of an adjusted NESHAP; ‘‘Approval of State requirements that adjust a section 112 rule.’’ Therefore, upon the signature of this action, EPA delegates to IDEM the authority to implement and enforce the NESHAP for Secondary Lead Smelting, through IDEM’s rule for Secondary Lead Smelters. ADDRESSES: The documents relevant to this action are available for public inspection during normal business hours at the following address: Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, Air and Radiation Division, 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604. This facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. We recommend that you telephone Danny Marcus at (312) 353–8781 before visiting the Region 5 office. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Danny Marcus, Environmental Engineer, Air Permits Section, Air Programs Branch (AR–18J), Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604, (312) 353–8781, marcus.danny@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This supplementary information section is arranged as follows: I. What Action is EPA Taking? II. Under What Authority is EPA Approving this Delegation? III. How Does 326 IAC 20–13 Meet the Requirements of 40 CFR 63.92? A. The Secondary Lead Smelting NESHAP. B. How does the State program meet the requirements of 40 CFR 63.91? C. How does the State demonstrate that the public has had adequate notice and opportunity to submit written comments on the State requirements? D. How does the State demonstrate that the adjustments pertain to certain preapproved matters and are unequivocally no less stringent than the Federal rule? 1. How are the State adjustments which lower emission rates unequivocally no less stringent than the MACT standard? 2. How are the State adjustments which add a design, work practice, operational standard, emission rate or other such requirement unequivocally no less stringent than the MACT standard? 3. How are the State adjustments which increase the frequency of required reporting, testing, sampling or monitoring unequivocally no less stringent than the MACT standard? IV. What is the Effect of This Delegation? I. What Action is EPA Taking? Pursuant to section 112(l) of the CAA and 40 CFR 63.92, EPA has approved IDEM’s request that EPA delegate the authority to implement and enforce 40 E:\FR\FM\22AUN1.SGM 22AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 162 (Tuesday, August 22, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48920-48923]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-13890]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. PF06-30-000]


Rockies Express Pipeline, LLC; Notice of Intent to Prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Rockies Express 
Pipeline Project, Eastern Phase Request for Comments on Environmental 
Issues and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings

August 16, 2006.
    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or 
Commission) will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) that 
will address the environmental impacts of the proposed Rockies Express 
Pipeline Project, Eastern Phase (the Project), which involves the 
construction and operation of facilities by Rockies Express Pipeline, 
LLC (Rockies Express) in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. These 
facilities would consist of 622 miles of 42-inch-diameter natural gas 
pipeline; five new compressor stations; and approximately 41 mainline 
valves and 20 interconnects. This EIS will be used by the Commission in 
its decision-making process to determine whether the Project is in the 
public convenience and necessity.
    This notice explains the scoping process that will be used to 
gather input from the public and interested agencies on the Project. 
Your input will help determine which issues/impacts need to be 
evaluated in the EIS. Please note that the scoping period will close on 
September 29, 2006.
    Comments may be submitted in written form or verbally. In lieu of 
or in addition to sending in written comments, you are invited to 
attend the public scoping meetings that are scheduled in the Project 
area. Nine scoping meetings are scheduled for September 11 through 15, 
2006, and are listed below. Further details on how to submit written 
comments and additional details on the public scoping meetings are 
provided in the Public Participation section of this notice.
    Please note that written comments carry the same weight as comments 
made orally by participants at the scoping meetings, so if you are 
unable to attend one of the Commission-sponsored public scoping 
meetings, we highly encourage you to submit written comments to the 
Secretary of the Commission.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Date and time                         Location(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, September 11, 2006...  Mexico, Missouri, Presser Hall, 900 South
7 p.m.-10 p.m................   Jefferson Street, Mexico, Missouri
                                65265, 573-581-2765.
                               Greensburg, Indiana, Greensburg High
                                School Auditorium, 1000 E. Central
                                Avenue, Greensburg, Indiana 47240, 812-
                                663-7211.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006..  Springfield, Illinois, Illinois Building,
7 p.m.-10 p.m................   Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E.
                                Sangamon Avenue, Springfield, Illinois
                                62702, 217-782-1698.
                               Greenwood, Indiana, Greenwood Middle
                                School, 532 South Madison Avenue,
                                Greenwood, Indiana 46142, 317-889-4040.
Wed., September 13, 2006.....  Pittsfield, Illinois, Pike County Farm
7 p.m.-10 p.m................   Bureau, 1301 E. Washington Street,
                                Pittsfield, Illinois 62363, 217-285-
                                2233.
                               Trenton, Ohio, Edgwood High School
                                Auditorium, 5005 Oxford State Road,
                                Trenton, Ohio 45067, 513-867-7425.
Thursday, September 14, 2006.  Rockville, Indiana, Clark's Hall
7 p.m.-10 p.m................   Reception Area, 2155 East U.S. Highway
                                36, Rockville, Indiana 47872, 765-569-
                                5794.
                               Ashville, Ohio, Teays Valley High School
                                Auditorium, 3887 St. Route 752,
                                Ashville, Ohio 43103, 740-983-3131.
Friday, September 15, 2006...  Zanesville, Ohio, Zanesville High School
7 p.m.-10 p.m................   Auditorium, 1701 Blue Avenue,
                                Zanesville, Ohio 43701, 740-588-4022.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Rockies Express Project, Eastern Phase, is currently in the 
preliminary stages of design, and at this time a formal application has 
not been filed with the Commission. For this proposal, the Commission 
is initiating the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review prior 
to receiving the application. This allows interested stakeholders to 
become involved early in project planning and to identify and resolve 
issues before an application is filed with the FERC. A docket number 
(PF06-30-000) has been established to locate in the public record 
information filed by Rockies Express and related documents issued by 
the Commission.\1\ Once a formal application is filed with the FERC, a 
new docket number will be established.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ To view information in the docket, follow the instructions 
for using the eLibrary link at the end of this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With this notice, we are asking other Federal, state, and local 
agencies with jurisdiction and/or special expertise with respect to 
environmental issues in the project area to formally cooperate with us 
in the preparation of the EIS. These agencies may choose to participate 
once they have evaluated the proposal relative to their 
responsibilities. Agencies that would like to request cooperating 
status should follow the instructions for filing comments described 
later in this notice. We encourage government representatives to notify 
their constituents of this planned project and encourage them to 
comment on their areas of concern.

[[Page 48921]]

    This notice is being sent to landowners within 0.5 mile of the 
proposed compressor station sites; landowners affected along the 
pipeline route under consideration; Federal, state, and local 
government agencies; elected officials; environmental and public 
interest groups; Native American tribes; local libraries and 
newspapers; and other interested parties.
    Some affected landowners may be contacted by a Rockies Express 
representative about the acquisition of an easement to construct, 
operate, and maintain the proposed project facilities. If so, Rockies 
Express and the affected landowners should seek to negotiate a mutually 
acceptable agreement. In the event that the Project is certified by the 
Commission, that approval conveys the right of eminent domain for 
securing easements for the facilities. Therefore, if easement 
negotiations fail to produce an agreement, Rockies Express could 
initiate condemnation proceedings in accordance with state law.
    A fact sheet prepared by the FERC entitled ``An Interstate Natural 
Gas Facility on My Land? What Do I Need To Know?'' addresses a number 
of typically asked questions, including the use of eminent domain and 
how to participate in the Commission's proceedings. It is available for 
viewing on the FERC Internet Web site (https://www.ferc.gov).

Summary of the Proposed Project

    Rockies Express' long-term plan is to construct three separately 
certificated pipelines that together would result in the installation 
of approximately 1,323 miles of 42-inch-diameter, high-pressure natural 
gas pipeline linking producing areas in the Rocky Mountain region to 
the upper Midwest and Eastern United States. This pipeline system would 
originate near the Cheyenne Hub, in Weld County, Colorado, and would 
terminate in Monroe County, Ohio. Rockies Express intends to pursue 
this system plan in three discrete phases (Western, Central, and 
Eastern). The FERC is now considering the facilities included in the 
Eastern phase. Rockies Express currently envisions that the Eastern 
Phase would include:
     Approximately 622 miles of 42-inch-diameter gas pipeline 
between Audrain County, Missouri, and Monroe County, Ohio.
     Five new compressor stations, including:

--Mexico Compressor Station located in Audrain County, Missouri,
--Blue Mound Compressor Station located in Christian County, Illinois,
--Bainbridge Compressor Station in Putnam County, Indiana,
--Lebanon Compressor Station located in Butler County, Ohio, and
--Chandlersville Compressor Station in Muskingum County, Ohio.

     Approximately 20 new interconnects/meter stations with 
existing interstate pipelines, located in:

--Moultrie County, Illinois (NGPL and Illinois Power).
--Douglas County, Illinois (Trunkline).
--Edgar County, Illinois (Midwestern).
--Putnam County, Indiana (PEPL).
--Morgan County, Indiana (CGCU).
--Johnson County, Indiana (Indiana Gas).
--Shelby County, Indiana (ANR).
--Warren County, Ohio (Columbia Gas, Dominion, TETCO, Texas Gas, 
VECTREN, CG&E).
--Pickaway County, Ohio (Columbia Gas of Ohio).
--Fairfield County, Ohio (Columbia Gas).
--Muskingum County, Ohio (Tennessee Gas).
--Monroe County, Ohio (Dominion Transmission, Dominion East Ohio Gas); 
and

     Approximately 41 mainline valves.
    A map depicting the general location of the Project facilities for 
the Eastern Phase is shown in the figure in Appendix 1.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The appendices referenced in this notice are not being 
printed in the Federal Register. Copies are available from the 
Commission's Public Reference and Files Maintenance Branch, at (202) 
502-8371. For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the 
Public Participation section of this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The entire project, when completed would carry between 1.5 and 2.0 
billion cubic feet of gas per day. Rockies Express is requesting 
approval such that the facilities are completed and placed into service 
by December 2008, except for the two most eastern compressor stations 
that would be in-service by June 2009. Rockies Express proposes to 
begin construction in March 2008.

Land Requirements for Construction

    It is estimated that the construction of the Project facilities 
would disturb about 5,100 acres of land. Following construction, about 
4,000 acres of the total would be retained for the operation of the 
pipeline and the aboveground facilities (compressor/meter stations). 
Rockies Express proposes to use a 125-foot-wide construction right-of-
way with occasional increases in width for additional workspace at 
waterbody, wetland, road, and railroad crossings. Extra workspaces may 
also be required in areas with site-specific constraints, such as side-
slope construction. Other temporary land requirements would include 
land for pipe storage and equipment yards. Following construction, all 
temporary workspace (including all temporary construction rights-of-
way, extra workspaces, and pipe storage and contractor yards) would be 
restored and allowed to revert to its former use. Operation of the 
pipeline facilities would require a nominal 50-foot-wide permanent 
right-of-way.

The EIS Process

    NEPA requires the Commission to take into account the environmental 
impacts that could result from an action whenever it considers the 
issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity under 
Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act. NEPA also requires us to identify and 
address concerns the public would have about proposals. This process is 
referred to as ``scoping.'' The main goal of the scoping process is to 
focus the analysis in the EIS on important environmental issues and 
reasonable alternatives. By this Notice of Intent, the Commission staff 
requests agency and public comments on the scope of the issues to be 
addressed in the EIS. All comments received are considered during the 
preparation of the EIS.
    We \3\ have already started to meet with Rockies Express, agencies, 
and other interested stakeholders to discuss the Project and identify 
issues/impacts and concerns. Between June 19 and 29, 2006, 
representatives of FERC staff participated in 18 public open houses 
sponsored by Rockies Express in the Project area to explain the NEPA 
environmental review process to interested stakeholders and take 
comments about the Project.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ ``We,'' ``us,'' and ``our'' refer to the environmental staff 
of FERC's Office of Energy Projects.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Our independent analysis of the issues will be included in the 
draft EIS. The draft EIS will be published and mailed to Federal, 
state, and local agencies, elected officials, public interest groups, 
Native American tribes, affected landowners, interested individuals, 
local libraries, newspapers, and the Commission's official service list 
for this proceeding. A comment period will be allotted for review of 
the draft EIS. We will consider all timely comments on the draft EIS 
and revise the document, as necessary, before issuing a final EIS.

Currently Identified Environmental Issues

    In the EIS we will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of 
the construction and operation of the

[[Page 48922]]

proposed project and will also evaluate possible alternatives to the 
proposed project or portions of the project, and make recommendations 
on how to lessen or avoid impacts on affected resources. We have 
identified several potential issues that we think deserve attention 
based on a preliminary review of the proposed facilities and the 
information provided by Rockies Express. This preliminary list of 
potential issues may be changed based on your comments and our 
analysis.
     Geology and Soils

--Impact on agricultural lands and irrigation systems.
--Impact of construction on prime farmland soils.
--Blasting and disposal of excess rock associated with construction.
--Evaluation of noxious weed control measures.
--Impacts of construction on coal mining operations.

     Water Resources:

--Impact of pipeline construction on groundwater, aquifer and water 
supply wells.
--Impact of construction on wetlands and waterbodies, including the 
proposed horizontal directional drill of the Mississippi River.
--Assessment of the use and release of hydrostatic test water.

     Fish, Wildlife, and Vegetation:

--Development of revegetation plans.
--Impacts on the Big Walnut Nature Preserve in central Indiana.

     Endangered and Threatened Species:

--Effect on Federally listed species.

     Cultural Resources:

--Impact on known and undiscovered cultural resources.
--Native American tribal concerns.

     Land Use, Recreation and Special Interest Areas, and 
Visual Resources:

--Permanent land use alteration associated with pipeline easement.
--Impact on residences, including proximity of facilities to existing 
structures in highly developed residential and commercial areas.
--Potential land use conflicts with planned and future development.
--Restrictions on future use of pipeline right-of-way.

     Socioeconomics:

--Benefits to local communities.
--Use of local labor, equipment, and supplies.

     Air Quality and Noise:

--Effects on local air quality and ambient noise from construction and 
operation of the proposed facilities, particularly associated with the 
proposed compressor stations.

     Reliability and Safety:

--Assessment of hazards associated with the transportation of natural 
gas.
--Assessment of security associated with operation of natural gas 
facilities.

Public Participation

    You are encouraged to become involved in this process and provide 
your specific comments or concerns about Rockies Express' proposal. 
Your comments should focus on the potential environmental effects, 
reasonable alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental 
impact. The more specific your comments, the more useful they will be. 
To expedite the receipt and consideration of your comments, electronic 
submission of comments is strongly encouraged. See Title 18 CFR 
385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the FERC Internet Web site 
(https://www.ferc.gov/) under the eFiling link and the link to the 
User's Guide. Before you can submit comments you will need to create a 
free account by clicking on ``Sign-up'' under ``New User.'' You will be 
asked to select the type of submission you are making. This type of 
submission is considered a ``Comment on Filing.'' Comments submitted 
electronically must be submitted by September 29, 2006.
    If you wish to mail comments, please mail your comments so that 
they will be received in Washington, DC on or before September 29, 2006 
and carefully follow these instructions:
     Send an original and two copies of your letter to: Magalie 
R. Salas, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First 
St., NE., Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426.
     Label one copy of your comments for the attention of Gas 
Branch 1.
     Reference Docket No. PF06-30-000 on the original and both 
copies.
     Mail your comments so that they will be received in 
Washington, DC on or before September 29, 2006.
    The public scoping meetings identified in the table above are 
designed to provide state and local agencies, interested groups, 
affected landowners, and the general public with another opportunity to 
offer your comments on the Project. Interested groups and individuals 
are encouraged to attend the meetings and to present comments on the 
environmental issues they believe should be addressed in the EIS. A 
transcript of each meeting will be made so that your comments will be 
accurately recorded.
    Once Rockies Express formally files its application with the 
Commission, you may want to become an official party to the proceeding 
known as an ``intervenor.'' Intervenors play a more formal role in the 
process and are able to file briefs, appear at hearings, and be heard 
by the courts if they choose to appeal the Commission's final ruling. 
An intervenor formally participates in a Commission proceeding by 
filing a request to intervene. Instructions for becoming an intervenor 
are included in the User's Guide under the ``e-filing'' link on the 
Commission's Web site. Please note that you may not request intervenor 
status at this time. You must wait until a formal application is filed 
with the Commission. You do not need intervener status to have your 
environmental comments considered.

Environmental Mailing List

    An effort is being made to send this notice to all individuals, 
organizations, and government entities interested in and/or potentially 
affected by the proposed project. This includes all landowners who are 
potential right-of-way grantors, whose property may be used temporarily 
for project purposes, or who own homes within distances defined in the 
Commission's regulations of certain aboveground facilities.
    If you received this notice, you are currently on the environmental 
mailing list for this Project and will continue to receive Project 
updates, Notices, including the draft and final EISs. If you wish to 
remain on our mailing list, or would like your contact information 
corrected, please return the Mailing List Retention Form included as 
Appendix 2. If you provide written comments to the Secretary following 
the procedures described above, you will automatically be kept on the 
mailing list, in lieu of returning the form (appendix 2). If you do not 
return this form, we will remove your name from our mailing list.
    To reduce printing and mailing costs, the draft and final EISs will 
be issued in both CD-ROM and hard copy formats. The FERC strongly 
encourages the use of CD-ROM format in its publication of large 
documents. If you wish to receive a paper copy of the draft EIS instead 
of a CD-ROM, you must indicate that choice on the return postcard 
(Appendix 2).

Additional Information

    Additional information about the Project is available from the 
Commission's Office of External Affairs, at 1-866-208-FERC or on the 
FERC Internet Web site (https://www.ferc.gov/) using the eLibrary link. 
Click on the eLibrary link, click on ``General Search'' and enter the 
project docket number excluding the last three digits (i.e., PF06-30) 
in the Docket Number field. Be sure you have selected an

[[Page 48923]]

appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online 
Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at 1-866-208-3676, 
or TTY, contact (202) 502-8659. The eLibrary link also provides access 
to the texts of formal documents issued by the Commission, such as 
orders, notices, and rulemakings.
    In addition, the Commission now offers a free service called 
eSubscription that allows you to keep track of all formal issuances and 
submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time you 
spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with 
notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to 
the documents. Go to https://www.ferc.gov/esubscribenow.htm.
    All public meetings will be posted on the Commission's calendar 
located at https://www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx along with 
other related information.
    Finally, Rockies Express has established an Internet Web site for 
this project at https://www.rexpipeline.com. The Web site includes a 
description of the project, maps of the proposed pipeline route, and 
answers to frequently asked questions. You can also request additional 
information or provide comments directly to Rockies Express at 1-866-
566-0066 or mailto:info@rexpipeline.com.

Magalie R. Salas,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E6-13890 Filed 8-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P

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