Southern Natural Gas Company; Southeast Supply Header, LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed South System Expansion III Project and Joint Pipeline Expansion Phase II Project and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, 29747-29750 [E8-11509]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 100 / Thursday, May 22, 2008 / Notices
and issuances related to this or other
pending projects. For assistance, contact
FERC Online Support.
n. Scoping Process: The Commission
intends to prepare a single
environmental assessment (EA) for the
project (no draft EA would be prepared)
in accordance with the National
Environmental Policy Act. The EA will
consider both site-specific and
cumulative environmental impacts and
reasonable alternatives to the proposed
action.
Scoping Meetings
Commission staff will hold two
scoping meetings in the vicinity of the
project at the time and place noted
below. The daytime meeting will focus
on resource agency, Indian tribes, and
non-governmental organization
concerns, while the evening meeting is
primarily for receiving input from the
public. We invite all interested
individuals, organizations, and agencies
to attend one or both of these meetings
and to assist staff in determining the
scope of the environmental issues to be
addressed in the environmental
assessment. The times and locations of
these meetings are as follows:
Evening Scoping Meeting
Date: June 16, 2008.
Time: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (MST).
Place: Ouray Community Center.
Address: 320 6th Avenue, Ouray,
Colorado 81427.
Daytime Scoping Meeting
Date: June 17, 2008.
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (MST).
Place: Ouray Community Center.
Address: 320 6th Avenue, Ouray,
Colorado 81427.
Scoping Document 1 (SD1), which
outlines the subject areas to be
addressed in the environmental
assessment, was mailed to the
individuals and entities on the
Commission’s mailing list. Copies of
SD1 will be available at the scoping
meetings or may be viewed on the Web
at https://www.ferc.gov using the
‘‘eLibrary’’ link (see item m above).
Based on all oral and written comments,
a Scoping Document 2 (SD2) may be
issued.
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Site Visit
We will hold a site visit to the project
on Monday, June 16, 2008, from 8 a.m.
to about 12 noon. To attend the site
visit, meet at 8 a.m. at the valve house
parking lot at the Ouray Project in the
town of Ouray, Colorado. We will walk
about one mile to the project’s dam,
then return to the parking lot. We will
then drive to the project’s powerhouse
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in Ouray. All participants are
responsible for their own transportation.
Note that Commission staff may hold
a site visit and/or meeting at the project
at a later date to discuss any projectrelated effects to archaeological,
historic, or traditional cultural
properties.
Meeting Objectives
At the scoping meetings, staff will: (1)
Summarize the environmental issues
tentatively identified for analysis in the
EA; (2) solicit from meeting participants
all available information, especially
quantifiable data, on the resources at
issues; (3) encourage statements from
experts and the public on issues that
should be analyzed in the EA, including
viewpoints in opposition to, or in
support of, the staff’s preliminary views;
(4) determine the resource issues to be
addressed in the EA; and (5) identify
those issues that require a detailed
analysis, as well as those issues that do
not require a detailed analysis.
Meeting Procedures
Scoping meetings will be recorded by
a stenographer and will become part of
the Commission’s formal record for this
proceeding.
Individuals, organizations, and
agencies with environmental expertise
and concerns are encouraged to attend
the meetings and to assist staff in
defining and clarifying the issues to be
addressed in the EA.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8–11508 Filed 5–21–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Docket No. PF08–13–000; Docket No.
PF08–16–000]
Southern Natural Gas Company;
Southeast Supply Header, LLC; Notice
of Intent To Prepare an Environmental
Assessment for the Proposed South
System Expansion III Project and Joint
Pipeline Expansion Phase II Project
and Request for Comments on
Environmental Issues
May 16, 2008.
The staff of the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC or
Commission) will prepare an
environmental assessment (EA) that will
address the environmental impacts of
the South System Expansion III Project
(SSEIII Project) proposed by Southern
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29747
Natural Gas Company (SNG) and the
Joint Pipeline Expansion Phase II
Project (JPE Phase II Project) proposed
by Southeast Supply Header, LLC
(SESH); together they are referred to as
‘‘the projects’’. The Commission will
use the EA in its decision-making
process to determine whether or not to
authorize the project. This notice
explains the scoping process we 1 will
use to gather environmental input from
the public and interested agencies on
the projects. Your input will help the
Commission determine the issues that
need to be evaluated in the EA. Please
note that the scoping period will close
on June 16, 2008.
Details on how to submit written
comments are provided in the Public
Participation section of this notice.
If you are a landowner receiving this
notice, you may be contacted by a
pipeline company representative about
the acquisition of an easement to
construct, operate, and maintain the
proposed project facilities. Each
pipeline company would seek to
negotiate a mutually acceptable
agreement for its project. However, if
the projects are approved by the
Commission, that approval conveys
with it the right of eminent domain.
Therefore, if easement negotiations fail
to produce an agreement, the pipeline
company could initiate condemnation
proceedings in accordance with state
law.
This notice is being sent to affected
landowners; federal, state, and local
government agencies; elected officials;
environmental and public interest
groups; Native American tribes; other
interested parties; and local libraries
and newspapers. We encourage
government representatives to notify
their constituents of this planned
project and encourage them to comment
on their areas of concern.
A fact sheet prepared by the FERC
entitled ‘‘An Interstate Natural Gas
Facility on My Land? What Do I Need
To Know?’’ is available for viewing on
the FERC Internet Web site (https://
www.ferc.gov). This fact sheet addresses
a number of typically asked questions,
including the use of eminent domain
and how to participate in the FERC’s
proceedings.
Summary of the Proposed Projects
SNG and SESH propose to construct,
own, operate, and maintain certain
natural gas transportation facilities
within the states of Georgia, Alabama,
Mississippi, and Louisiana. The general
1 ‘‘We,’’ ‘‘us,’’ and ‘‘our’’ refer to the
environmental staff of the FERC’s Office of Energy
Projects.
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 100 / Thursday, May 22, 2008 / Notices
locations of the proposed pipeline and
compression facilities are shown in the
figures included as Appendix 1.2 The
purpose of the projects is to provide
natural gas transportation service to
Georgia Power Company’s (Georgia
Power) existing Plant McDonough.
Georgia Power is converting the Plant
McDonough electric generation from
coal-fueled to natural gas-fueled. The
SSEIII Project would increase pipeline
capacity on SNG’s existing system to
serve Georgia Power, and SESH’s
proposed JPE Phase II Project would
provide the required additional
upstream transportation capacity.
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SSEIII Project
SNG proposes to construct the SSEIII
Project in three phases. In addition to
the listed facilities, SNG would install a
cathodic protection system to mitigate
pipeline corrosion, an AC mitigation
system where the pipeline would be
near high voltage power lines, ten pig
launchers or receivers, and four
mainline valves.
Phase I would be constructed entirely
within the state of Georgia. The
construction of the meter station would
begin during the first quarter of 2010
and would have an in-service date in
the second quarter of 2010. SNG
proposes beginning construction of the
Phase I pipeline facilities in the second
quarter of 2010 and having an in-service
date during the fourth quarter of 2010.
The proposed facilities are listed below.
• The Plant McDonough Meter
Station would be constructed at
milepost (MP) 1.09 on SNG’s South
Atlanta-Austell Line in Fulton County,
Georgia.
• The Thomaston-Griffin Branch
Third Loop (Thomaston-Griffin Loop)
would consist of about 31.2 miles of 30inch-diameter pipeline loop parallel to
SNG’s existing 20-inch-diameter
Thomaston-Griffin Branch Second Loop
and two pipelines owned and operated
by Atlanta Gas Light Company between
Thomaston and Griffin, Georgia in
Upson, Lamar, and Spalding Counties.
The Thomaston-Griffin Loop would
extend from SNG’s existing Thomaston
Compressor Station (MP 0.0) in Upson
County to the interconnection with
2 The appendices referenced in this notice are not
being printed in the Federal Register. Copies of all
appendices, other than Appendix 1 (maps), are
available on the Commission’s Web site at the
‘‘eLibrary’’ link or from the Commission’s Public
Reference Room, 888 First Street, NE., Washington,
DC 20426, or call (202) 502–8371. For instructions
on connecting to eLibrary refer to the Public
Participation section of this notice. Copies of the
appendices were sent to all those receiving this
notice in the mail. Requests for detailed maps of the
proposed facilities should be made directly to SNG
or SESH.
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SNG’s existing Riverdale pipeline in
Spalding County (MPs 0.0 to 31.2).
• The South Atlanta-Austell
Replacement would consist of
replacement of about 10.9 miles of the
existing 18-inch-diameter South
Atlanta-Austell pipeline with a 30-inchdiameter pipeline between Riverdale
and Union City in Fulton and Clayton
Counties, Georgia (MPs 0.0 to 10.9).
Phase II facilities would be
constructed within the state of
Mississippi. SNG proposes to begin
their construction during the fourth
quarter of 2010 and to have an inservice date during the second quarter
of 2011. The proposed Phase II facilities
are listed below.
• The South Main Third Loop Line
(Gwinville Loop) would consist of about
9.5 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline
loop constructed adjacent to SNG’s
existing South Main System in Jefferson
Davis and Simpson Counties,
Mississippi. The Gwinville Loop would
extend from SNG’s existing Gwinville
Compressor Station near Gwinville,
Jefferson Davis County to a point near
Magee, Simpson County, Mississippi
(MPs 0.0 to 9.5).
• An additional 10,310 horsepower
(hp) of compression and associated
ancillary facilities would be installed at
SNG’s existing Bay Springs Compressor
Station in Jasper County, Mississippi.
Phase III facilities would be
constructed in the states of Mississippi,
Alabama, and Georgia. SNG proposes to
begin construction of these facilities
during the third quarter of 2011 and to
have an in-service date during the
second quarter of 2012. The proposed
Phase II facilities are listed below.
• The South Main Third Loop Line
(Enterprise Loop) would consist of
about 2.8 miles of 36-inch-diameter
pipeline loop constructed adjacent to
SNG’s existing 30-, 24-, and 18-inchdiameter pipelines in Lauderdale
County, Mississippi. The Enterprise
Loop would extend between SNG’s
existing Enterprise and Bay Springs
Compressor Stations (MPs 89.6 to 92.6).
• The South Main Fourth Loop Line
(Gallion Loop) would consist of about
6.5 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline
loop constructed adjacent to SNG’s
existing 30-, 24-, and dual 18-inchdiameter pipelines in Hale and Perry
Counties, Alabama. The Gallion Loop
would extend between SNG’s existing
Gallion and Selma Compressor Stations
(MPs 149.9 to 156.4).
• The South Main Fourth Loop Line
(Elmore Loop) would consist of about
11.7 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline
loop constructed adjacent to SNG’s
existing 30-, 24-, 18-, and 16-inchdiameter pipelines in Elmore County,
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Alabama. The Elmore Loop would
extend between SNG’s existing Elmore
and Auburn Compressor Stations (MPs
221.6 to 233.3).
• An additional 7,000 hp of
compression and associated ancillary
facilities would be installed at the
existing Ellerslie Compressor Station in
Harris County, Georgia.
JPE Phase II Project
SESH proposes the installation of
additional compression at two of its
existing compressor stations as
described below. SESH proposes
beginning construction of its facilities in
October 2009 and having an in-service
date in July 2010.
• An additional 13,000 hp of
compression and associated ancillary
facilities would be installed at its Delhi
Compressor Station in Richland Parish,
Louisiana.
• An additional 13,000 hp of
compression and associated ancillary
facilities would be installed at its
Gwinville Compressor Station in
Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi.
Land Requirements for Construction
SSEIII Project
The typical construction right-of-way
width for the SSEIII Project loop
pipelines would vary between 90 and
100 feet. The majority of this
construction right-of-way, however,
would overlap the existing permanent
rights-of-way of the adjacent pipelines.
Therefore, between zero and 30 feet of
additional temporary right-of-way
would be required for construction.
Construction of the South AtlantaAustell Replacement would be
accomplished within a 65- to 80-footwide construction right-of-way and
would require up to 5 feet of additional
temporary right-of-way. The typical
construction right-of-way width through
wetlands would be reduced to 75 feet.
Following construction, SNG would
retain between zero and 20 feet of
additional permanent right-of-way for
operation.
Additional temporary extra
workspaces beyond the typical
construction right-of-way limits would
be required at certain feature crossings
(e.g., roads, railroads, wetlands, or
waterbodies, utilities), in areas with
steep side slopes, in association with
special construction techniques, for
topsoil segregation, and for pipe,
equipment, and contractor yards. SNG
would access its project construction
areas primarily along the existing
pipeline right-of-way and existing roads;
however, other access roads may be
required during construction.
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 100 / Thursday, May 22, 2008 / Notices
Construction of most of SNG’s
proposed aboveground facilities would
be completed within the construction
workspaces associated with pipeline
construction or within or adjacent to its
existing compressor station yards.
Operation of the proposed additional
compressor facilities would be within
the existing compressor station sites.
The proposed Plant McDonough Meter
Station would require about 1.0 acre for
construction and operation.
Based on preliminary information,
construction of SNG’s proposed project
facilities would affect about 867.5 acres
including the proposed meter station.
Operation of the SSEIII Project would
require about 45.4 acres as permanent
right-of-way that would be restored as
open land or as industrial where
aboveground facilities would be
operated. The remaining 822.1 acres of
temporary workspaces would be
restored and would return to previous
land use. These totals do not include the
temporary land requirements for access
roads or contractor, pipe, or equipment
yards.
JPE Phase II Project
SESH would require about 56.0 acres
for construction of the compressor
additions at both project locations of
which about 44.0 acres would be
required at the Delhi Compressor
Station and about 12.0 acres would be
required at the Gwinville Compressor
Station. Operation of the proposed
facilities would not require any
additional land outside the existing
compressor station sites. Access to both
construction areas would be along the
permanent compressor station access
roads. No new temporary or permanent
roads would be required.
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES
Total Land Requirements
The total land requirements for the
projects would be 923.5 acres for
construction and about 45.4 acres for
operation. The remaining 878.1 acres of
temporary workspace (including all
temporary construction rights-of-way,
extra workspaces, and pipe and
contractor yards) would be restored and
allowed to revert to its former use.
The EA Process
The National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) requires the Commission to
take into account the environmental
impacts that could result from an action
when it considers whether or not an
interstate natural gas pipeline should be
approved. The FERC will use the EA to
consider the environmental impact that
could result if the Projects are
authorized under section 7 of the
Natural Gas Act. NEPA also requires us
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to discover and address concerns the
public may have about proposals to be
considered by the Commission. This
process is referred to as ‘‘scoping.’’ The
main goal of the scoping process is to
focus the analysis in the EA on the
important environmental issues. With
this Notice of Intent, the Commission
staff is requesting public comments on
the scope of the issues to be addressed
in the EA. All comments received will
be considered during preparation of the
EA.
In the EA we will discuss impacts that
could occur as a result of the
construction and operation of the
proposed project under these general
headings:
• Geology and soils;
• Land use;
• Water resources, fisheries, and
wetlands;
• Cultural resources;
• Vegetation and wildlife;
• Threatened and endangered
species;
• Air quality and noise;
• Hazardous waste; and
• Public safety.
In the EA, we will also evaluate
possible alternatives to the proposed
projects or portions of the projects, and
make recommendations on how to
lessen or avoid impacts on affected
resources.
Although no formal application has
been filed, the FERC staff has already
initiated its NEPA review under its
NEPA Pre-filing Process. The purpose of
the Pre-filing Process is to encourage the
early involvement of interested
stakeholders and to identify and resolve
issues before an application is filed with
the FERC.
Public Participation
You can make a difference by
providing us with your specific
comments or concerns about the
proposed project. By becoming a
commentor, your concerns will be
addressed in the EA and considered by
the Commission. Your comments
should focus on the potential
environmental effects, reasonable
alternatives (including alternative
facility sites and pipeline routes), and
measures to avoid or lessen
environmental impact. The more
specific your comments, the more useful
they will be. To ensure that your
comments are timely and properly
recorded, please carefully follow these
instructions:
• Send an original and two copies of
your letter to: Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, 888 First St., NE., Room
1A, Washington, DC 20426.
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29749
• Label one copy of your comments
for the attention of Gas Branch 2.
• Reference Docket No. PF08–13–000
for SNG’s proposed SSEIII Project and
PF08–16–000 for SESH’s proposed JPE
Phase II Project on the original and both
copies.
• Mail your comments so that they
will be received in Washington, DC on
or before June 16, 2008.
Please note that the Commission
strongly encourages electronic filing of
any comments or interventions or
protests to this proceeding. See 18 Code
of Federal Regulations
385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions
on the Commission’s Internet Web site
at https://www.ferc.gov under the link to
‘‘Documents and Filings’’ and ‘‘eFiling.’’
eFiling is a file attachment process and
requires that you prepare your
submission in the same manner as you
would if filing on paper, and save it to
a file on your hard drive. New eFiling
users must first create an account by
clicking on ‘‘Sign up’’ or ‘‘eRegister.’’
You will be asked to select the type of
filing you are making. This filing is
considered a ‘‘Comment on Filing.’’ In
addition, there is a ‘‘Quick Comment’’
option available, which is an easy
method for interested persons to submit
text only comments on a project. The
Quick-Comment User Guide can be
viewed at https://www.ferc.gov/docsfiling/efiling/quick-comment-guide.pdf.
Quick Comment does not require a
FERC eRegistration account; however,
you will be asked to provide a valid email address. All comments submitted
under either eFiling or the Quick
Comment option are placed in the
public record for the specified docket or
project number(s).
We might mail the EA for comment.
If you are interested in receiving it,
please return the Information Request
(Appendix 3). If you do not return the
Information Request, you will be taken
off the mailing list.
Additional Information
Additional information about the
project is available from the
Commission’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.’’
Click on the eLibrary link, select
‘‘General Search’’ and enter the project
docket number excluding the last three
digits (i.e., PF06–1) in the ‘‘Docket
Number’’ field. Be sure you have
selected an 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 on
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 100 / Thursday, May 22, 2008 / Notices
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.
In addition, the FERC 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. To register for this service,
go to https://www.ferc.gov/
esubscribenow.htm.
SNG has established an Internet Web
site for the SSEIII Project at https://
www.elpaso.com/sse3/default.shtm. The
Web site includes a description of the
project, a map of the proposed pipeline
route, and contact information. You may
also use SNG’s toll free telephone
number, 1–800–622–4481 to ask
questions about the SSEIII Project.
SESH has also established an Internet
Web site for the JPE Phase II Project at
https://www.spectraenergy.com/
businesses/projects/sesh/. The SESH
Web site includes contact information
and information about its proposed
project. You may also use SESH’s toll
free telephone number, 1–888–312–
7374, to ask questions about the JPE
Phase II Project.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8–11509 Filed 5–21–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Docket Nos. ER08–536–000; ER08–537–
001; ER08–536–002]
Polytop Corporation; Notice of
Issuance of Order
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May 16, 2008.
Polytop Corporation (Polytop) filed an
application for market-based rate
authority, with an accompanying tariff.
The proposed market-based rate tariff
provides for the sale of energy and
capacity at market-based rates. Polytop
also requested waivers of various
Commission regulations. In particular,
Polytop requested that the Commission
grant blanket approval under 18 CFR
Part 34 of all future issuances of
securities and assumptions of liability
by Polytop.
On May 16, 2008, pursuant to
delegated authority, the Director,
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Division of Tariffs and Market
Development—West, granted the
requests for blanket approval under Part
34 (Director’s Order). The Director’s
Order also stated that the Commission
would publish a separate notice in the
Federal Register establishing a period of
time for the filing of protests.
Accordingly, any person desiring to be
heard concerning the blanket approvals
of issuances of securities or assumptions
of liability by Polytop, should file a
protest with the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, 888 First
Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, in
accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of
the Commission’s Rules of Practice and
Procedure. 18 CFR 385.211, 385.214
(2004). The Commission encourages the
electronic submission of protests using
the FERC Online link at https://
www.ferc.gov.
Notice is hereby given that the
deadline for filing protests is June 16,
2008.
Absent a request to be heard in
opposition to such blanket approvals by
the deadline above, Polytop is
authorized to issue securities and
assume obligations or liabilities as a
guarantor, indorser, surety, or otherwise
in respect of any security of another
person; provided that such issuance or
assumption is for some lawful object
within the corporate purposes of
Polytop, compatible with the public
interest, and is reasonably necessary or
appropriate for such purposes.
The Commission reserves the right to
require a further showing that neither
public nor private interests will be
adversely affected by continued
approvals of Polytop’s issuance of
securities or assumptions of liability.
Copies of the full text of the Director’s
Order are available from the
Commission’s Public Reference Room,
888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC
20426. The Order may also be viewed
on the Commission’s Web site at
https://www.ferc.gov, using the eLibrary
link. Enter the docket number excluding
the last three digits in the docket
number filed to access the document.
Comments, protests, and interventions
may be filed electronically via the
Internet in lieu of paper. See, 18 CFR
385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions
on the Commission’s Web site under the
‘‘e-Filing’’ link. The Commission
strongly encourages electronic filings.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8–11510 Filed 5–21–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[Docket ID Number EPA–HQ–OAQPS–2004–
0073; FRL–8569–4]
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Proposed Collection;
Comment Request; Requirements for
Control Technology Determinations for
Constructed and Reconstructed Major
Sources of Hazardous Air Pollutants;
EPA ICR No. 1658.05, OMB Control No.
2060–0373
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: In compliance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
3501 et seq.), this document announces
that EPA is planning to submit a request
to renew an existing approved
Information Collection Request (ICR) to
the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This is a request to renew an
existing approved collection. This ICR is
scheduled to expire on October 31,
2008. Before submitting the ICR to OMB
for review and approval, EPA is
soliciting comments on specific aspects
of the proposed information collection
as described below.
DATES: Comments must be submitted on
or before July 21, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OAR–2004–0073, by one of the
following methods:
• https://www.regulations.gov: Follow
the on-line instructions for submitting
comments.
• E-mail: a-and-r-docket@epa.gov,
Attention Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OAR–2004–0073.
• Fax: (202) 566–1741, Attention
Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2004–
0073.
• Mail: U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, EPA West (Air
Docket), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,
Room 3334, Mail Code: 6102T,
Washington, DC 20460, Attention EDocket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2004–
0073.
• Hand Delivery: Air and Radiation
Docket and Information Center, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1301
Constitution Ave., NW., Room 3334,
Mail Code: 6102T, Washington, DC
20460, Attention Docket ID No. EPA–
HQ–OAR–2004–0073. Such deliveries
are only accepted during the Docket’s
normal hours of operation, and special
arrangements should be made for
deliveries of boxed information.
Instructions: Direct your comments to
Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2004–
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 100 (Thursday, May 22, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29747-29750]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-11509]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Docket No. PF08-13-000; Docket No. PF08-16-000]
Southern Natural Gas Company; Southeast Supply Header, LLC;
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the
Proposed South System Expansion III Project and Joint Pipeline
Expansion Phase II Project and Request for Comments on Environmental
Issues
May 16, 2008.
The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or
Commission) will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) that will
address the environmental impacts of the South System Expansion III
Project (SSEIII Project) proposed by Southern Natural Gas Company (SNG)
and the Joint Pipeline Expansion Phase II Project (JPE Phase II
Project) proposed by Southeast Supply Header, LLC (SESH); together they
are referred to as ``the projects''. The Commission will use the EA in
its decision-making process to determine whether or not to authorize
the project. This notice explains the scoping process we \1\ will use
to gather environmental input from the public and interested agencies
on the projects. Your input will help the Commission determine the
issues that need to be evaluated in the EA. Please note that the
scoping period will close on June 16, 2008.
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\1\ ``We,'' ``us,'' and ``our'' refer to the environmental staff
of the FERC's Office of Energy Projects.
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Details on how to submit written comments are provided in the
Public Participation section of this notice.
If you are a landowner receiving this notice, you may be contacted
by a pipeline company representative about the acquisition of an
easement to construct, operate, and maintain the proposed project
facilities. Each pipeline company would seek to negotiate a mutually
acceptable agreement for its project. However, if the projects are
approved by the Commission, that approval conveys with it the right of
eminent domain. Therefore, if easement negotiations fail to produce an
agreement, the pipeline company could initiate condemnation proceedings
in accordance with state law.
This notice is being sent to affected landowners; federal, state,
and local government agencies; elected officials; environmental and
public interest groups; Native American tribes; other interested
parties; and local libraries and newspapers. We encourage government
representatives to notify their constituents of this planned project
and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern.
A fact sheet prepared by the FERC entitled ``An Interstate Natural
Gas Facility on My Land? What Do I Need To Know?'' is available for
viewing on the FERC Internet Web site (https://www.ferc.gov). This fact
sheet addresses a number of typically asked questions, including the
use of eminent domain and how to participate in the FERC's proceedings.
Summary of the Proposed Projects
SNG and SESH propose to construct, own, operate, and maintain
certain natural gas transportation facilities within the states of
Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The general
[[Page 29748]]
locations of the proposed pipeline and compression facilities are shown
in the figures included as Appendix 1.\2\ The purpose of the projects
is to provide natural gas transportation service to Georgia Power
Company's (Georgia Power) existing Plant McDonough. Georgia Power is
converting the Plant McDonough electric generation from coal-fueled to
natural gas-fueled. The SSEIII Project would increase pipeline capacity
on SNG's existing system to serve Georgia Power, and SESH's proposed
JPE Phase II Project would provide the required additional upstream
transportation capacity.
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\2\ The appendices referenced in this notice are not being
printed in the Federal Register. Copies of all appendices, other
than Appendix 1 (maps), are available on the Commission's Web site
at the ``eLibrary'' link or from the Commission's Public Reference
Room, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, or call (202)
502-8371. For instructions on connecting to eLibrary refer to the
Public Participation section of this notice. Copies of the
appendices were sent to all those receiving this notice in the mail.
Requests for detailed maps of the proposed facilities should be made
directly to SNG or SESH.
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SSEIII Project
SNG proposes to construct the SSEIII Project in three phases. In
addition to the listed facilities, SNG would install a cathodic
protection system to mitigate pipeline corrosion, an AC mitigation
system where the pipeline would be near high voltage power lines, ten
pig launchers or receivers, and four mainline valves.
Phase I would be constructed entirely within the state of Georgia.
The construction of the meter station would begin during the first
quarter of 2010 and would have an in-service date in the second quarter
of 2010. SNG proposes beginning construction of the Phase I pipeline
facilities in the second quarter of 2010 and having an in-service date
during the fourth quarter of 2010. The proposed facilities are listed
below.
The Plant McDonough Meter Station would be constructed at
milepost (MP) 1.09 on SNG's South Atlanta-Austell Line in Fulton
County, Georgia.
The Thomaston-Griffin Branch Third Loop (Thomaston-Griffin
Loop) would consist of about 31.2 miles of 30-inch-diameter pipeline
loop parallel to SNG's existing 20-inch-diameter Thomaston-Griffin
Branch Second Loop and two pipelines owned and operated by Atlanta Gas
Light Company between Thomaston and Griffin, Georgia in Upson, Lamar,
and Spalding Counties. The Thomaston-Griffin Loop would extend from
SNG's existing Thomaston Compressor Station (MP 0.0) in Upson County to
the interconnection with SNG's existing Riverdale pipeline in Spalding
County (MPs 0.0 to 31.2).
The South Atlanta-Austell Replacement would consist of
replacement of about 10.9 miles of the existing 18-inch-diameter South
Atlanta-Austell pipeline with a 30-inch-diameter pipeline between
Riverdale and Union City in Fulton and Clayton Counties, Georgia (MPs
0.0 to 10.9).
Phase II facilities would be constructed within the state of
Mississippi. SNG proposes to begin their construction during the fourth
quarter of 2010 and to have an in-service date during the second
quarter of 2011. The proposed Phase II facilities are listed below.
The South Main Third Loop Line (Gwinville Loop) would
consist of about 9.5 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline loop
constructed adjacent to SNG's existing South Main System in Jefferson
Davis and Simpson Counties, Mississippi. The Gwinville Loop would
extend from SNG's existing Gwinville Compressor Station near Gwinville,
Jefferson Davis County to a point near Magee, Simpson County,
Mississippi (MPs 0.0 to 9.5).
An additional 10,310 horsepower (hp) of compression and
associated ancillary facilities would be installed at SNG's existing
Bay Springs Compressor Station in Jasper County, Mississippi.
Phase III facilities would be constructed in the states of
Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. SNG proposes to begin construction
of these facilities during the third quarter of 2011 and to have an in-
service date during the second quarter of 2012. The proposed Phase II
facilities are listed below.
The South Main Third Loop Line (Enterprise Loop) would
consist of about 2.8 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline loop
constructed adjacent to SNG's existing 30-, 24-, and 18-inch-diameter
pipelines in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. The Enterprise Loop would
extend between SNG's existing Enterprise and Bay Springs Compressor
Stations (MPs 89.6 to 92.6).
The South Main Fourth Loop Line (Gallion Loop) would
consist of about 6.5 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline loop
constructed adjacent to SNG's existing 30-, 24-, and dual 18-inch-
diameter pipelines in Hale and Perry Counties, Alabama. The Gallion
Loop would extend between SNG's existing Gallion and Selma Compressor
Stations (MPs 149.9 to 156.4).
The South Main Fourth Loop Line (Elmore Loop) would
consist of about 11.7 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline loop
constructed adjacent to SNG's existing 30-, 24-, 18-, and 16-inch-
diameter pipelines in Elmore County, Alabama. The Elmore Loop would
extend between SNG's existing Elmore and Auburn Compressor Stations
(MPs 221.6 to 233.3).
An additional 7,000 hp of compression and associated
ancillary facilities would be installed at the existing Ellerslie
Compressor Station in Harris County, Georgia.
JPE Phase II Project
SESH proposes the installation of additional compression at two of
its existing compressor stations as described below. SESH proposes
beginning construction of its facilities in October 2009 and having an
in-service date in July 2010.
An additional 13,000 hp of compression and associated
ancillary facilities would be installed at its Delhi Compressor Station
in Richland Parish, Louisiana.
An additional 13,000 hp of compression and associated
ancillary facilities would be installed at its Gwinville Compressor
Station in Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi.
Land Requirements for Construction
SSEIII Project
The typical construction right-of-way width for the SSEIII Project
loop pipelines would vary between 90 and 100 feet. The majority of this
construction right-of-way, however, would overlap the existing
permanent rights-of-way of the adjacent pipelines. Therefore, between
zero and 30 feet of additional temporary right-of-way would be required
for construction. Construction of the South Atlanta-Austell Replacement
would be accomplished within a 65- to 80-foot-wide construction right-
of-way and would require up to 5 feet of additional temporary right-of-
way. The typical construction right-of-way width through wetlands would
be reduced to 75 feet. Following construction, SNG would retain between
zero and 20 feet of additional permanent right-of-way for operation.
Additional temporary extra workspaces beyond the typical
construction right-of-way limits would be required at certain feature
crossings (e.g., roads, railroads, wetlands, or waterbodies,
utilities), in areas with steep side slopes, in association with
special construction techniques, for topsoil segregation, and for pipe,
equipment, and contractor yards. SNG would access its project
construction areas primarily along the existing pipeline right-of-way
and existing roads; however, other access roads may be required during
construction.
[[Page 29749]]
Construction of most of SNG's proposed aboveground facilities would
be completed within the construction workspaces associated with
pipeline construction or within or adjacent to its existing compressor
station yards. Operation of the proposed additional compressor
facilities would be within the existing compressor station sites. The
proposed Plant McDonough Meter Station would require about 1.0 acre for
construction and operation.
Based on preliminary information, construction of SNG's proposed
project facilities would affect about 867.5 acres including the
proposed meter station. Operation of the SSEIII Project would require
about 45.4 acres as permanent right-of-way that would be restored as
open land or as industrial where aboveground facilities would be
operated. The remaining 822.1 acres of temporary workspaces would be
restored and would return to previous land use. These totals do not
include the temporary land requirements for access roads or contractor,
pipe, or equipment yards.
JPE Phase II Project
SESH would require about 56.0 acres for construction of the
compressor additions at both project locations of which about 44.0
acres would be required at the Delhi Compressor Station and about 12.0
acres would be required at the Gwinville Compressor Station. Operation
of the proposed facilities would not require any additional land
outside the existing compressor station sites. Access to both
construction areas would be along the permanent compressor station
access roads. No new temporary or permanent roads would be required.
Total Land Requirements
The total land requirements for the projects would be 923.5 acres
for construction and about 45.4 acres for operation. The remaining
878.1 acres of temporary workspace (including all temporary
construction rights-of-way, extra workspaces, and pipe and contractor
yards) would be restored and allowed to revert to its former use.
The EA Process
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires the
Commission to take into account the environmental impacts that could
result from an action when it considers whether or not an interstate
natural gas pipeline should be approved. The FERC will use the EA to
consider the environmental impact that could result if the Projects are
authorized under section 7 of the Natural Gas Act. NEPA also requires
us to discover and address concerns the public may have about proposals
to be considered by the Commission. This process is referred to as
``scoping.'' The main goal of the scoping process is to focus the
analysis in the EA on the important environmental issues. With this
Notice of Intent, the Commission staff is requesting public comments on
the scope of the issues to be addressed in the EA. All comments
received will be considered during preparation of the EA.
In the EA we will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of
the construction and operation of the proposed project under these
general headings:
Geology and soils;
Land use;
Water resources, fisheries, and wetlands;
Cultural resources;
Vegetation and wildlife;
Threatened and endangered species;
Air quality and noise;
Hazardous waste; and
Public safety.
In the EA, we will also evaluate possible alternatives to the
proposed projects or portions of the projects, and make recommendations
on how to lessen or avoid impacts on affected resources.
Although no formal application has been filed, the FERC staff has
already initiated its NEPA review under its NEPA Pre-filing Process.
The purpose of the Pre-filing Process is to encourage the early
involvement of interested stakeholders and to identify and resolve
issues before an application is filed with the FERC.
Public Participation
You can make a difference by providing us with your specific
comments or concerns about the proposed project. By becoming a
commentor, your concerns will be addressed in the EA and considered by
the Commission. Your comments should focus on the potential
environmental effects, reasonable alternatives (including alternative
facility sites and pipeline routes), and measures to avoid or lessen
environmental impact. The more specific your comments, the more useful
they will be. To ensure that your comments are timely and properly
recorded, please carefully follow these instructions:
Send an original and two copies of your letter to:
Kimberly D. Bose, 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 2.
Reference Docket No. PF08-13-000 for SNG's proposed SSEIII
Project and PF08-16-000 for SESH's proposed JPE Phase II Project on the
original and both copies.
Mail your comments so that they will be received in
Washington, DC on or before June 16, 2008.
Please note that the Commission strongly encourages electronic
filing of any comments or interventions or protests to this proceeding.
See 18 Code of Federal Regulations 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the
instructions on the Commission's Internet Web site at https://
www.ferc.gov under the link to ``Documents and Filings'' and
``eFiling.'' eFiling is a file attachment process and requires that you
prepare your submission in the same manner as you would if filing on
paper, and save it to a file on your hard drive. New eFiling users must
first create an account by clicking on ``Sign up'' or ``eRegister.''
You will be asked to select the type of filing you are making. This
filing is considered a ``Comment on Filing.'' In addition, there is a
``Quick Comment'' option available, which is an easy method for
interested persons to submit text only comments on a project. The
Quick-Comment User Guide can be viewed at https://www.ferc.gov/docs-
filing/efiling/quick-comment-guide.pdf. Quick Comment does not require
a FERC eRegistration account; however, you will be asked to provide a
valid e-mail address. All comments submitted under either eFiling or
the Quick Comment option are placed in the public record for the
specified docket or project number(s).
We might mail the EA for comment. If you are interested in
receiving it, please return the Information Request (Appendix 3). If
you do not return the Information Request, you will be taken off the
mailing list.
Additional Information
Additional information about the project is available from the
Commission'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.'' Click on the eLibrary link, select ``General Search'' and enter
the project docket number excluding the last three digits (i.e., PF06-
1) in the ``Docket Number'' field. Be sure you have selected an
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 on
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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.
In addition, the FERC 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. To register for this service, go to https://www.ferc.gov/
esubscribenow.htm.
SNG has established an Internet Web site for the SSEIII Project at
https://www.elpaso.com/sse3/default.shtm. The Web site includes a
description of the project, a map of the proposed pipeline route, and
contact information. You may also use SNG's toll free telephone number,
1-800-622-4481 to ask questions about the SSEIII Project.
SESH has also established an Internet Web site for the JPE Phase II
Project at https://www.spectraenergy.com/businesses/projects/sesh/. The
SESH Web site includes contact information and information about its
proposed project. You may also use SESH's toll free telephone number,
1-888-312-7374, to ask questions about the JPE Phase II Project.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8-11509 Filed 5-21-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
