Port Barre Investments, L.L.C. (d/b/a Bobcat Gas Storage); Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Bobcat Gas Storage Project Expansion and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, 75702-75705 [E8-29474]

Download as PDF 75702 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 240 / Friday, December 12, 2008 / Notices www.ferc.gov/filing-comments.asp. More information about this project can be viewed or printed on the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link of the Commission’s Web site at https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ elibrary.asp. Enter the docket number (P–13302) in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, call toll-free 1–866–208–3372. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–29473 Filed 12–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP09–27–000] Southern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Application jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES December 8, 2008. Take notice that on November 26, 2008, Southern Natural Gas Company (Southern), 569 Brookwood Village, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35209, filed in the above referenced docket an application pursuant to section 7(b) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) and part 157 of the Commission’s regulations, for an order approving the abandonment of approximately 97 miles of pipe in various segments and appurtenant facilities located on Southern’s North Main Loop Pipeline in Sharkey, Yazoo, Winston, Noxubee, and Lowndes Counties, Mississippi, and Pickens and Tuscaloosa Counties, Alabama, and abandonment of three small compressor units at Southern’s Onward Compressor Station in Sharkey County, Mississippi. Southern also proposes to make certain modifications that will allow Southern to continue meeting its firm capacity requirements on the North Main Line and the North Main 2nd Loop Line, all as more fully set forth in the application which is on file with the Commission and open to public inspection. The filing is available for review at the Commission in the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the Commission’s Web site web at https:// www.ferc.gov using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, contact FERC at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or call toll-free, (886) 208–3676 or TTY, (202) 502–8659. Any questions concerning this application may be directed to Patrick B. Pope, Vice President and General Counsel, Southern Natural Gas VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:56 Dec 11, 2008 Jkt 217001 Company, 569 Brookwood Village, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35209 at (205) 325–7126, or Patricia S. Francis, Senior Counsel, Southern Natural Gas Company, 569 Brookwood Village, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35209 at (205) 325–7696. There are two ways to become involved in the Commission’s review of this project. First, any person wishing to obtain legal status by becoming a party to the proceedings for this project should, on or before the comment date stated below file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.214 or 385.211) and the Regulations under the NGA (18 CFR 157.10). A person obtaining party status will be placed on the service list maintained by the Secretary of the Commission and will receive copies of all documents filed by the applicant and by all other parties. A party must submit 14 copies of filings made in the proceeding with the Commission and must mail a copy to the applicant and to every other party. Only parties to the proceeding can ask for court review of Commission orders in the proceeding. However, a person does not have to intervene in order to have comments considered. The second way to participate is by filing with the Secretary of the Commission, as soon as possible, an original and two copies of comments in support of or in opposition to this project. The Commission will consider these comments in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but the filing of a comment alone will not serve to make the filer a party to the proceeding. The Commission’s rules require that persons filing comments in opposition to the project provide copies of their protests only to the party or parties directly involved in the protest. Persons who wish to comment only on the environmental review of this project should submit an original and two copies of their comments to the Secretary of the Commission. Environmental commentors will be placed on the Commission’s environmental mailing list, will receive copies of the environmental documents, and will be notified of meetings associated with the Commission’s environmental review process. Environmental commentors will not be required to serve copies of filed documents on all other parties. However, the non-party commentors will not receive copies of all documents filed by other parties or issued by the PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Commission (except for the mailing of environmental documents issued by the Commission) and will not have the right to seek court review of the Commission’s final order. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings of comments, protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the ‘‘eFiling’’ link at https:// www.ferc.gov. Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at https://www.ferc.gov, using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link and is available for review in the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an ‘‘eSubscription’’ link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, or call (866) 208–3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502–8659. Comment Date: December 29, 2008. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–29471 Filed 12–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP09–19–000] Port Barre Investments, L.L.C. (d/b/a Bobcat Gas Storage); Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Bobcat Gas Storage Project Expansion and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues December 8, 2008. The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) that will discuss the environmental impacts of the proposed Bobcat Gas Storage Project Expansion (Bobcat Expansion) involving construction and operation of additional natural gas storage caverns and pipeline facilities by Port Barre Investments, L.L.C. (d/b/a Bobcat Gas Storage (Bobcat)) in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.1 The EA will be used by the 1 The Bobcat Gas Storage Project was authorized by the Commission on July 20, 2006 in Docket No. CP06–66–000, and amended on April 19, 2007 and March 4, 2008 in Docket Nos. CP06–66–001 and E:\FR\FM\12DEN1.SGM 12DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 240 / Friday, December 12, 2008 / Notices Commission in its decision-making process to determine whether or not to authorize the project under section 7 of the Natural Gas Act. This notice explains the scoping process we 2 will use to gather environmental input from the public and interested agencies, and summarizes the project review process for the FERC. Your input will help determine which issues need to be evaluated in the EA. Details on how to submit comments during the scoping period are provided in the Public Participation section of this notice. Please note that the scoping period will close on January 7, 2009. This notice is being sent to potentially 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. State and local government representatives are asked to notify their constituents of this planned project and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern. If you are a landowner receiving this notice, you may be contacted by a Bobcat representative about survey permission and/or the acquisition of an easement to construct, operate, and maintain the proposed facilities. The company would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement. However, if the project is approved by the Commission, that approval conveys with it the right of eminent domain. Therefore, if easement negotiations fail to produce an agreement, the natural gas company 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?’’ is available for viewing on the FERC 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 Commission’s proceedings. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Summary of the Proposed Project The Bobcat Gas Storage Site currently has an overall natural gas storage capacity of 20.4 billion cubic feet (Bcf), with 15.6 Bcf of working gas capacity in two solution-mined salt storage caverns; Bobcat Cavern No. 1 which was placed into service November 1, 2008, and CP06–66–002, respectively. Construction of the Bobcat Gas Storage Project began in December 2006 and is ongoing. 2 ‘‘We,’’ ‘‘us,’’ and ‘‘our’’ refer to the environmental staff of the FERC’s Office of Energy Projects. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:56 Dec 11, 2008 Jkt 217001 Bobcat Cavern No. 2 which is currently under construction. Bobcat has proposed to expand its storage and deliverability capabilities to satisfy its customers growing demand for natural gas storage. The proposed Bobcat Expansion would involve construction of three additional storage caverns at the existing Bobcat Gas Storage Site to increase the overall storage capacity by about 31.5 Bcf (24 Bcf working gas, 7.5 Bcf cushion gas).3 Bobcat would also expand its compressor station by installing additional gas-fired engine compressors, resulting in a station total of 64,575 horsepower (hp). In addition, Bobcat would construct new pipeline facilities and modify four meter stations to accommodate the increased deliverability. Specifically, the Expansion Project would include construction and operation of: • Three new salt cavern storage wells (Bobcat Nos. 3, 4, and 5) and ancillary facilities to connect the caverns to Bobcat’s existing facilities; • 26,695 hp of additional compression and two dehydration units totaling 600 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd) at the existing Bobcat Compressor Station; • A 9.96-mile-long, 20-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline loop 4 constructed in the existing North Pipeline Corridor; • A 2.68-mile-long, 16-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline loop constructed in the existing West Pipeline Corridor; • Modification of the existing metering facilities at pipeline interconnects with Gulf South Pipeline, Texas Eastern Transmission, L.P., ANR Pipeline, and Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company; and • Expansion of the existing West Pipeline Tie-Over Site to include a new pig 5 launcher and pipeline tie-in. The general location of the Expansion Project facilities is shown in Appendix 1.6 3 ‘‘Cushion gas’’ (also referred to as base gas) is the volume of gas that is intended as permanent inventory in a storage reservoir to maintain adequate pressure and deliverability rates. ‘‘Working gas’’ is the total gas in storage minus the base gas. Working gas is the volume of gas available to the market place at a particular time. 4 A pipeline loop is constructed parallel to an existing pipeline to increase capacity. 5 A pig is a device used to clean or inspect the internal surface of a pipeline. They are inserted into the pipeline by means of a device called a pig launcher and pushed through the pipeline by pressure of the flowing fluid, usually gas. 6 The appendices referenced in this notice are not being printed in the Federal Register. Copies of all appendices 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 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 75703 If approved, Bobcat proposes to construct the Bobcat Expansion facilities during the first quarter of 2009, and place the new facilities into service by the third quarter of 2012. Land Requirements for Construction Construction of the Bobcat Expansion would affect a total of approximately 119.6 acres of land. Following construction, a total of about 114.0 acres of land would be allowed to revert to previous conditions. The remaining 5.6 acres of land would be retained for operation of aboveground facilities and access roads. Permanent rights-of-way in agricultural lands would be restored to agricultural uses following construction. With the exception of 0.04 acre required for expanding the West Pipeline Tie-Over Site, all construction activity would be located on property owned or leased by Bobcat, or within previously disturbed construction rights-of-way and workspaces. The proposed storage caverns and compressor station expansion would be located within the existing 83-acre Gas Storage Site. The pipeline loops would be located within existing Bobcat rightsof-way. Bobcat has not proposed to acquire additional permanent rights-ofway to operate the proposed pipelines. Modifications to the meter stations would occur entirely within the existing fencelines for each station. The West Pipeline Tie-Over Site would be expanded (40 feet by 40 feet), permanently impacting 0.04 acre of agricultural land. Bobcat would use previously authorized public and private roads to access the construction rights-of-way and aboveground facilities. Bobcat would construct two new access roads and relocate an existing permanent access road within the previously authorized 83-acre Gas Storage Site to provide permanent access to the proposed Bobcat cavern wells Nos. 4 and 5. The EA Process We are preparing an EA to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) which requires the Commission to take into account the environmental impact that could result if it authorizes Bobcat’s proposal. NEPA also requires us to discover and address the public’s concerns about proposals that require federal authorizations. This process is referred to as ‘‘scoping.’’ The main goal of the scoping process is to last page of this notice. Copies of the appendices were sent to all those receiving this notice in the mail. E:\FR\FM\12DEN1.SGM 12DEN1 75704 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 240 / Friday, December 12, 2008 / Notices focus the analysis in the EA on the important environmental issues. By this notice, we are 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. We are also asking federal, state, and local agencies with jurisdiction and/or special expertise with respect to environmental issues to formally cooperate with us in the preparation of the EA. Agencies that would like to request cooperating status should follow the instructions for filing comments provided below. The EA will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of the construction and operation of the proposed project, under the general headings of geology and soils; land use; water resources, fisheries, and wetlands; cultural resources; vegetation and wildlife; threatened and endangered species; air quality and noise; safety and reliability; and cumulative impacts. The EA will also evaluate reasonable alternatives to the proposed project, and make recommendations on how to lessen or avoid impacts on affected resources. Our independent analysis of the issues will be in the EA. Depending on the comments received during the scoping process, the EA may be published and mailed to federal, state, and local agencies; newspapers; libraries; interested individuals; and the Commission’s official service list for this proceeding. An additional comment period will be allotted for review if the EA is published. We will consider all comments on the EA before we make our recommendations to the Commission. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Currently Identified Environmental Issues We have already identified several issues that we think deserve attention based on a preliminary review of the proposed facilities and the environmental information provided by Bobcat. This preliminary list of issues may be changed based on your comments and our analysis. • Construction impacts to wetlands located in the proposed project area. • Construction and operational noise near residences and structures. • Additional water pumping requirements for cavern leaching. Public Participation You can make a difference by providing us with your specific comments or concerns about the Bobcat Expansion Project. Your comments should focus on the potential VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:56 Dec 11, 2008 Jkt 217001 environmental effects, reasonable alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental impacts. The more specific your comments, the more useful they will be. To ensure that your comments are timely and properly recorded, please send in your comments so that they will be received in Washington, DC on or before January 7, 2009. For your convenience, there are three methods which you can use to submit your written comments to the Commission. The three methods are: (1) You may file your comments electronically by using the Quick Comment feature, which is located on the Commission’s Internet Web site at https://www.ferc.gov under the link to Documents and Filings. A Quick Comment is an easy method for interested persons to submit text-only comments on a project; (2) You may file your comments electronically by using the eFiling feature, which is located on the Commission’s Internet Web site at https://www.ferc.gov under the link to Documents and Filings. eFiling involves preparing your submission in the same manner as you would if filing on paper, and then saving the file on your computer’s hard drive. You will attach that file as your submission. 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. A comment on a particular project is considered a ‘‘Comment on a Filing;’’ or (3) You may file your comments via mail to the Commission by sending 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 the comments for the attention of Gas Branch 3, PJ–11.3. In all instances please reference the project docket number (CP09–19–000) with your submission. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing of comments and has dedicated eFiling expert staff available to assist you at 202–502–8258 or efiling@ferc.gov. Becoming an Intervenor In addition to involvement in the EA scoping process, you may want to become an official party to the proceeding known as an ‘‘intervenor’’. Intervenors play a more formal role in the process. Among other things, intervenors have the right to receive copies of case-related Commission documents and filings by other intervenors. Likewise, each intervenor must send one electronic copy (using PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the Commission’s eFiling system) or 14 paper copies of its filings to the Secretary of the Commission and must send a copy of its filings to all other parties on the Commission’s service list for this proceeding. If you want to become an intervenor you must file a motion to intervene according to Rule 214 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.214). Interventions may also be filed electronically via the Commission’s Internet Web site at https://www.ferc.gov. Only intervenors have the right to seek rehearing of the Commission’s decision. Affected landowners and parties with environmental concerns may be granted intervenor status upon showing good cause by stating that they have a clear and direct interest in this proceeding which would not be adequately represented by any other parties. You do not need intervenor 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. By this notice we are also asking governmental agencies, especially those in Appendix 2, to express their interest in becoming cooperating agencies for the preparation of the EA. We may mail the EA for comment. If you are interested in receiving the EA for review and/or comment, please return the Mail List Retention Form (Appendix 3). In addition, all individuals who provide written comments to the FERC will remain on our environmental mailing list for this project. If you do not return the Mail List Retention Form or provide written comments, 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 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 docket number excluding the last three digits in the Docket Number field (e.g., CP09–19). Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at E:\FR\FM\12DEN1.SGM 12DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 240 / Friday, December 12, 2008 / Notices FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at 1–866–208–3676, or for 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 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. Fact sheets prepared by the FERC are also available for viewing on the FERC Internet Web site (https://www.ferc.gov), using the ‘‘For Citizens’’ link. The fact sheet, ‘‘Guide to Electronic Information at FERC,’’ provides instructions on how to stay informed and participate in the Commission’s proceedings. Finally, Bobcat will be updating its Web site at https:// www.BobcatStorage.com/ to share news and updates as the environmental review of its project proceeds. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–29474 Filed 12–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P [Docket Nos. RP09–8–000] Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company; Notice Deferring Technical Conference Date December 8, 2008. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES BILLING CODE 6717–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL–8751–1] AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission On December 8, 2008, Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company (Tuscarora) filed a request for deferral of the technical conference scheduled in the above-captioned proceeding for December 11, 2008.1 Tuscarora states that deferral of the technical conference until January 15, 2009, will provide additional time for settlement discussions among the parties. Tuscarora further states that it has contacted the intervenors in this proceeding and is authorized by all 1 The Commission directed that a technical conference be held to address the issues raised by Tuscarora’s October 1, 2008 tariff filing in this proceeding. Tuscarora Gas Transmission Co., 125 FERC ¶ 61,133 (2008). 19:56 Dec 11, 2008 Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–29463 Filed 12–11–08; 8:45 am] Agency Information Collection Activities OMB Responses DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY VerDate Aug<31>2005 parties to express their support for this request. By this notice, Tuscarora’s request for deferral of the technical conference date is granted. The technical conference scheduled for December 11, 2008, is cancelled and will be rescheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2009, at 10 a.m (EDT), in a room to be designated at the offices of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. FERC conferences are accessible under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For accessibility accommodations please send an e-mail to accessibility@ferc.gov or call toll free (866) 208–3372 (voice) or (202) 502– 8659 (TTY), or send a fax to (202) 208– 2106 with the required accommodations. All interested persons are permitted to attend. For further information please contact Timothy Duggan at (202) 502– 8326 or e-mail Timothy.Duggan@ferc.gov. Jkt 217001 SUMMARY: This document announces the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) responses 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: Rick Westlund (202) 566–1682, or e-mail at westlund.rick@epa.gov and please refer to the appropriate EPA Information Collection Request (ICR) Number. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OMB Responses to Agency Clearance Requests Correction to Previous Action EPA ICR Number 2097.03; The National Primary Drinking Water PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 75705 Regulations; Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule; OMB Number 2040–0266; on 10/31/2008, OMB corrected a previous Disapproval of this ICR. The ICR is approved through 12/31/2008. OMB Approvals EPA ICR Number 1977.03; National Wastewater Operator Training and Technical Assistance Program—Clean Water Act 104(g)(1) (Renewal); in 40 CFR part 45; was approved 11/21/2008; OMB Number 2040–0238; expires 11/ 30/2011. EPA ICR Number 1759.05; Pesticide Worker Protection Standard Training and Notification; in 40 CFR part 170; was approved 11/25/2008; OMB Number 2070–0148; expires 11/30/2011. EPA ICR Number 1985.04; NESHAP for Leather Finishing Operations (Renewal); in 40 CFR part 63, subpart TTTT; was approved 11/28/2008; OMB Number 2060–0478; expires 11/30/2011. EPA ICR Number 1850.05; NESHAP for Primary Cooper Smelters (Renewal); in 40 CFR part 63, subpart QQQ; was approved 11/28/2008; OMB Number 2060–0476; expires 11/30/2011. EPA ICR Number 2025.04; NESHAP for Friction Materials Manufacturing (Renewal); in 40 CFR part 63, subpart QQQQQ; was approved 11/28/2008; OMB Number 2060–0481; expires 11/ 30/2011. EPA ICR Number 2066.04; NESHAP for Engine Test Cells/Stands (Renewal); in 40 CFR part 63, subpart PPPPP; was approved 11/28/2008; OMB Number 2060–0481; expires 11/30/2011. EPA ICR Number 1750.05; National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Architectural Coatings (Renewal); in 40 CFR part 59, subpart D; was approved 12/02/2008; OMB Number 2060–0393; expires 12/31/2011. EPA ICR Number 1896.08; Disinfectants/Disinifection Byproducts, Chemical and Radionuclides (Renewal); in 40 CFR parts 141 and 142; was approved 12/04/2008; OMB Number 2040–0204; expires 12/31/2011. OMB Comments Filed EPA ICR Number 1989.05; Revised National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit Regulations for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (SNPRM); on 11/19/2008 OMB filed comment. EPA ICR Number 2279.01; Aircraft Drinking Water (Proposed Rule); on 11/ 20/2008 OMB filed comment. Withdrawn from OMB EPA ICR Number 2255.01; Performance Measurement Reporting for Training and Education/Outreach; was E:\FR\FM\12DEN1.SGM 12DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 240 (Friday, December 12, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 75702-75705]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-29474]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP09-19-000]


Port Barre Investments, L.L.C. (d/b/a Bobcat Gas Storage); Notice 
of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed 
Bobcat Gas Storage Project Expansion and Request for Comments on 
Environmental Issues

December 8, 2008.
    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or 
Commission) will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) that will 
discuss the environmental impacts of the proposed Bobcat Gas Storage 
Project Expansion (Bobcat Expansion) involving construction and 
operation of additional natural gas storage caverns and pipeline 
facilities by Port Barre Investments, L.L.C. (d/b/a Bobcat Gas Storage 
(Bobcat)) in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.\1\ The EA will be used by 
the

[[Page 75703]]

Commission in its decision-making process to determine whether or not 
to authorize the project under section 7 of the Natural Gas Act.
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    \1\ The Bobcat Gas Storage Project was authorized by the 
Commission on July 20, 2006 in Docket No. CP06-66-000, and amended 
on April 19, 2007 and March 4, 2008 in Docket Nos. CP06-66-001 and 
CP06-66-002, respectively. Construction of the Bobcat Gas Storage 
Project began in December 2006 and is ongoing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This notice explains the scoping process we \2\ will use to gather 
environmental input from the public and interested agencies, and 
summarizes the project review process for the FERC. Your input will 
help determine which issues need to be evaluated in the EA. Details on 
how to submit comments during the scoping period are provided in the 
Public Participation section of this notice. Please note that the 
scoping period will close on January 7, 2009.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ ``We,'' ``us,'' and ``our'' refer to the environmental staff 
of the FERC's Office of Energy Projects.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This notice is being sent to potentially 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. State and local 
government representatives are asked to notify their constituents of 
this planned project and encourage them to comment on their areas of 
concern.
    If you are a landowner receiving this notice, you may be contacted 
by a Bobcat representative about survey permission and/or the 
acquisition of an easement to construct, operate, and maintain the 
proposed facilities. The company would seek to negotiate a mutually 
acceptable agreement. However, if the project is approved by the 
Commission, that approval conveys with it the right of eminent domain. 
Therefore, if easement negotiations fail to produce an agreement, the 
natural gas company 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?'' is available for 
viewing on the FERC 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 Commission's proceedings.

Summary of the Proposed Project

    The Bobcat Gas Storage Site currently has an overall natural gas 
storage capacity of 20.4 billion cubic feet (Bcf), with 15.6 Bcf of 
working gas capacity in two solution-mined salt storage caverns; Bobcat 
Cavern No. 1 which was placed into service November 1, 2008, and Bobcat 
Cavern No. 2 which is currently under construction. Bobcat has proposed 
to expand its storage and deliverability capabilities to satisfy its 
customers growing demand for natural gas storage. The proposed Bobcat 
Expansion would involve construction of three additional storage 
caverns at the existing Bobcat Gas Storage Site to increase the overall 
storage capacity by about 31.5 Bcf (24 Bcf working gas, 7.5 Bcf cushion 
gas).\3\ Bobcat would also expand its compressor station by installing 
additional gas-fired engine compressors, resulting in a station total 
of 64,575 horsepower (hp). In addition, Bobcat would construct new 
pipeline facilities and modify four meter stations to accommodate the 
increased deliverability.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ ``Cushion gas'' (also referred to as base gas) is the volume 
of gas that is intended as permanent inventory in a storage 
reservoir to maintain adequate pressure and deliverability rates. 
``Working gas'' is the total gas in storage minus the base gas. 
Working gas is the volume of gas available to the market place at a 
particular time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Specifically, the Expansion Project would include construction and 
operation of:
     Three new salt cavern storage wells (Bobcat Nos. 3, 4, and 
5) and ancillary facilities to connect the caverns to Bobcat's existing 
facilities;
     26,695 hp of additional compression and two dehydration 
units totaling 600 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd) at the existing 
Bobcat Compressor Station;
     A 9.96-mile-long, 20-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline 
loop \4\ constructed in the existing North Pipeline Corridor;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ A pipeline loop is constructed parallel to an existing 
pipeline to increase capacity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     A 2.68-mile-long, 16-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline 
loop constructed in the existing West Pipeline Corridor;
     Modification of the existing metering facilities at 
pipeline interconnects with Gulf South Pipeline, Texas Eastern 
Transmission, L.P., ANR Pipeline, and Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line 
Company; and
     Expansion of the existing West Pipeline Tie-Over Site to 
include a new pig \5\ launcher and pipeline tie-in.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ A pig is a device used to clean or inspect the internal 
surface of a pipeline. They are inserted into the pipeline by means 
of a device called a pig launcher and pushed through the pipeline by 
pressure of the flowing fluid, usually gas.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The general location of the Expansion Project facilities is shown 
in Appendix 1.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ The appendices referenced in this notice are not being 
printed in the Federal Register. Copies of all appendices 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 last page of this notice. Copies 
of the appendices were sent to all those receiving this notice in 
the mail.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If approved, Bobcat proposes to construct the Bobcat Expansion 
facilities during the first quarter of 2009, and place the new 
facilities into service by the third quarter of 2012.

Land Requirements for Construction

    Construction of the Bobcat Expansion would affect a total of 
approximately 119.6 acres of land. Following construction, a total of 
about 114.0 acres of land would be allowed to revert to previous 
conditions. The remaining 5.6 acres of land would be retained for 
operation of aboveground facilities and access roads. Permanent rights-
of-way in agricultural lands would be restored to agricultural uses 
following construction.
    With the exception of 0.04 acre required for expanding the West 
Pipeline Tie-Over Site, all construction activity would be located on 
property owned or leased by Bobcat, or within previously disturbed 
construction rights-of-way and workspaces. The proposed storage caverns 
and compressor station expansion would be located within the existing 
83-acre Gas Storage Site. The pipeline loops would be located within 
existing Bobcat rights-of-way. Bobcat has not proposed to acquire 
additional permanent rights-of-way to operate the proposed pipelines. 
Modifications to the meter stations would occur entirely within the 
existing fencelines for each station. The West Pipeline Tie-Over Site 
would be expanded (40 feet by 40 feet), permanently impacting 0.04 acre 
of agricultural land.
    Bobcat would use previously authorized public and private roads to 
access the construction rights-of-way and aboveground facilities. 
Bobcat would construct two new access roads and relocate an existing 
permanent access road within the previously authorized 83-acre Gas 
Storage Site to provide permanent access to the proposed Bobcat cavern 
wells Nos. 4 and 5.

The EA Process

    We are preparing an EA to comply with the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) which requires the Commission to take into 
account the environmental impact that could result if it authorizes 
Bobcat's proposal. NEPA also requires us to discover and address the 
public's concerns about proposals that require federal authorizations. 
This process is referred to as ``scoping.'' The main goal of the 
scoping process is to

[[Page 75704]]

focus the analysis in the EA on the important environmental issues.
    By this notice, we are 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. We are also asking federal, 
state, and local agencies with jurisdiction and/or special expertise 
with respect to environmental issues to formally cooperate with us in 
the preparation of the EA. Agencies that would like to request 
cooperating status should follow the instructions for filing comments 
provided below.
    The EA will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of the 
construction and operation of the proposed project, under the general 
headings of geology and soils; land use; water resources, fisheries, 
and wetlands; cultural resources; vegetation and wildlife; threatened 
and endangered species; air quality and noise; safety and reliability; 
and cumulative impacts. The EA will also evaluate reasonable 
alternatives to the proposed project, and make recommendations on how 
to lessen or avoid impacts on affected resources.
    Our independent analysis of the issues will be in the EA. Depending 
on the comments received during the scoping process, the EA may be 
published and mailed to federal, state, and local agencies; newspapers; 
libraries; interested individuals; and the Commission's official 
service list for this proceeding. An additional comment period will be 
allotted for review if the EA is published. We will consider all 
comments on the EA before we make our recommendations to the 
Commission.

Currently Identified Environmental Issues

    We have already identified several issues that we think deserve 
attention based on a preliminary review of the proposed facilities and 
the environmental information provided by Bobcat. This preliminary list 
of issues may be changed based on your comments and our analysis.
     Construction impacts to wetlands located in the proposed 
project area.
     Construction and operational noise near residences and 
structures.
     Additional water pumping requirements for cavern leaching.

Public Participation

    You can make a difference by providing us with your specific 
comments or concerns about the Bobcat Expansion Project. Your comments 
should focus on the potential environmental effects, reasonable 
alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental impacts. 
The more specific your comments, the more useful they will be. To 
ensure that your comments are timely and properly recorded, please send 
in your comments so that they will be received in Washington, DC on or 
before January 7, 2009.
    For your convenience, there are three methods which you can use to 
submit your written comments to the Commission. The three methods are:
    (1) You may file your comments electronically by using the Quick 
Comment feature, which is located on the Commission's Internet Web site 
at https://www.ferc.gov under the link to Documents and Filings. A Quick 
Comment is an easy method for interested persons to submit text-only 
comments on a project;
    (2) You may file your comments electronically by using the eFiling 
feature, which is located on the Commission's Internet Web site at  
https://www.ferc.gov under the link to Documents and Filings. eFiling 
involves preparing your submission in the same manner as you would if 
filing on paper, and then saving the file on your computer's hard 
drive. You will attach that file as your submission. 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. A comment on a particular project is considered a ``Comment on 
a Filing;'' or
    (3) You may file your comments via mail to the Commission by 
sending 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 the comments for the attention of Gas Branch 3, 
PJ-11.3.
    In all instances please reference the project docket number (CP09-
19-000) with your submission. The Commission strongly encourages 
electronic filing of comments and has dedicated eFiling expert staff 
available to assist you at 202-502-8258 or efiling@ferc.gov.

Becoming an Intervenor

    In addition to involvement in the EA scoping process, you may want 
to become an official party to the proceeding known as an 
``intervenor''. Intervenors play a more formal role in the process. 
Among other things, intervenors have the right to receive copies of 
case-related Commission documents and filings by other intervenors. 
Likewise, each intervenor must send one electronic copy (using the 
Commission's eFiling system) or 14 paper copies of its filings to the 
Secretary of the Commission and must send a copy of its filings to all 
other parties on the Commission's service list for this proceeding. If 
you want to become an intervenor you must file a motion to intervene 
according to Rule 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and 
Procedure (18 CFR 385.214). Interventions may also be filed 
electronically via the Commission's Internet Web site at https://
www.ferc.gov. Only intervenors have the right to seek rehearing of the 
Commission's decision.
    Affected landowners and parties with environmental concerns may be 
granted intervenor status upon showing good cause by stating that they 
have a clear and direct interest in this proceeding which would not be 
adequately represented by any other parties. You do not need intervenor 
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. By this 
notice we are also asking governmental agencies, especially those in 
Appendix 2, to express their interest in becoming cooperating agencies 
for the preparation of the EA.
    We may mail the EA for comment. If you are interested in receiving 
the EA for review and/or comment, please return the Mail List Retention 
Form (Appendix 3). In addition, all individuals who provide written 
comments to the FERC will remain on our environmental mailing list for 
this project. If you do not return the Mail List Retention Form or 
provide written comments, 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 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 docket number excluding the last three digits in the Docket Number 
field (e.g., CP09-19). Be sure you have selected an appropriate date 
range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at

[[Page 75705]]

FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at 1-866-208-3676, or for 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 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.
    Fact sheets prepared by the FERC are also available for viewing on 
the FERC Internet Web site (https://www.ferc.gov), using the ``For 
Citizens'' link. The fact sheet, ``Guide to Electronic Information at 
FERC,'' provides instructions on how to stay informed and participate 
in the Commission's proceedings.
    Finally, Bobcat will be updating its Web site at https://
www.BobcatStorage.com/ to share news and updates as the environmental 
review of its project proceeds.

Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8-29474 Filed 12-11-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
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