Palomar Gas Transmission, LLC; Supplemental Notice Requesting Comments on the Maupin Bridge and Warmspring Reservation Alternatives and on a Potential Amendment to the Land and Resource Management Plan for the Crooked River National Grassland for the Proposed Palomar Gas Transmission Project, and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings, 28687-28690 [E9-14199]
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Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 17, 2009 / Notices
(866) 208–3676 (toll free). For TTY, call
(202) 502–8659.
Filing link. The Commission strongly
encourages electronic filing.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9–14206 Filed 6–16–09; 8:45 am]
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9–14194 Filed 6–16–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Docket No. CP09–035–000]
[Project No. 459–212]
Union Electric Company, dba
AmerenUE; Notice of Availability of
Environmental Assessment
dwashington3 on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES
June 10, 2009.
In accordance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as
amended, and the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission’s (Commission)
regulations (18 CFR Part 380),
Commission staff has reviewed the
Shoreline Management Plan (SMP),
filed March 28, 2008, for the Osage
Project (FERC No. 459). An
environmental assessment (EA) has
been prepared as part of staff’s review.
The project licensee, AmerenUE,
developed the SMP in accordance with
license article 417 of the license for the
Osage Project. The project is located in
Benton, Camden, Miller, and Morgan
Counties, Missouri.
In the EA, Commission staff analyzes
the probable environmental effects of
the SMP and concludes that approval of
the SMP, with appropriate
environmental measures, would not
constitute a major Federal action
significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment.
A copy of the EA is available for
review at the Commission’s Public
Reference Room, or it may be viewed on
the Commission’s Web site at https://
www.ferc.gov using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link.
Enter the docket number (P–459) in the
docket number field to access the
document. For assistance, call (202)
502–8222, or (202) 502–8659 (for TTY).
Any comments should be filed by,
July 10, 2009, and should be addressed
to Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, 888 First Street, NE.,
Washington, DC 20426. Please reference
the Osage Project No. 459, on all
comments. For further information on
this notice, please contact Shana High at
(202) 502–8674.
Comments 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 at https://www.ferc.gov under the e-
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Palomar Gas Transmission, LLC;
Supplemental Notice Requesting
Comments on the Maupin Bridge and
Warmspring Reservation Alternatives
and on a Potential Amendment to the
Land and Resource Management Plan
for the Crooked River National
Grassland for the Proposed Palomar
Gas Transmission Project, and Notice
of Public Scoping Meetings
June 10, 2009.
As previously noticed on October 29,
2007 and July 18, 2008, the staff of the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC or Commission) is preparing an
environmental impact statement (EIS)
that will discuss the environmental
impacts of the Palomar Gas
Transmission Project that could result
from the construction and operation of
a new underground natural gas pipeline
proposed by the Palomar Gas
Transmission, LLC (Palomar). This
notice explains the additional scoping
process that will be used to gather input
from the public and interested agencies
on two route alternatives to be evaluated
for crossing the Deschutes River.
During our evaluation of Palomar’s
proposed Project, the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) requested that
Palomar provide a Visual Resource
Management Analysis of the current
proposed Deschutes River crossing, a
Congressionally designated Wild and
Scenic River with one of its Outstanding
Remarkable Values being scenic. Based
on Palomar’s analysis, the BLM has
indicated the need for FERC to consider
alternatives which avoid crossing the
Deschutes River in a visually sensitive
area. In addition, the Confederated
Tribes of the Warm Springs have
requested that the FERC consider a
pipeline route that crosses their
reservation.
This Supplemental Notice announces
the opening of a limited scoping period
the Commission will use to gather input
from the public and interested agencies,
specifically for the two proposed route
alternatives. One would traverse land in
the City of Maupin and the second
DATE:
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28687
would cross areas near Madras and the
land belonging to the Confederated
Tribes of the Warm Springs areas. With
this Notice, we 1 are specifically
requesting comments on these route
alternatives, referred to as the Maupin
Bridge Alternative and the Warm
Springs Reservation Alternative. Your
input will help determine which issues
need to be evaluated in the EIS. Please
note that this scoping period will close
on July 13, 2009. This is not your only
public input opportunity; please refer to
the Environmental Review Process flow
chart in Appendix 1.
Comments may be submitted in
written form or verbally. Further
instructions on how to submit
comments and additional details of the
public scoping meetings are provided in
the public participation section of this
notice. In lieu of, or in addition to,
sending written comments, you are
invited to attend public scoping
meetings that have been scheduled for
June 29, 2009 in Maupin, Oregon, and
June 30, 2009 in Madras, Oregon.
Details on the meetings are as follows:
Monday, June 29, 2009 at 7 p.m. (PST),
South Wasco County High School,
699 4th Street, Maupin, Oregon.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 7 p.m.
(P.S.T.), Madras High School, 390 SE
10th Street, Madras, Oregon.
The FERC is the lead federal agency
in the preparation of the EIS, and is
preparing the EIS to satisfy the
requirements of the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The
Commission will use the EIS in its
decision-making processes to determine
whether or not to authorize the Project.
This Notice is being sent to
landowners affected by the current
proposed route and alternative routes;
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.
If you are a landowner receiving this
Notice, you may be contacted by a
Palomar representative about the
acquisition of an easement to construct,
operate, and maintain the proposed
Project facilities. Depending on the
alternative selected as the certificated
route, Palomar would seek to negotiate
a mutually acceptable agreement.
However, if the Project is approved by
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. 74, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 17, 2009 / Notices
the FERC, 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.
A number of fact sheets prepared by
the FERC, including An Interstate
Natural Gas Facility on My Land? What
Do I Need To Know? and Guide to
Electronic Information at FERC, are
available for viewing on the FERC
Internet Web site (www.ferc.gov), using
the ‘‘For Citizens’’ link. These fact
sheets address a number of typically
asked questions, including how to
participate in the Commission’s
proceedings and how to access
information on FERC-regulated projects
in your area.
Involvement of Other Agencies
The U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Forest Service, the BLM, the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers have agreed to
participate as cooperating agencies in
the preparation of the EIS to satisfy their
respective NEPA responsibilities. In
addition, the BLM is coordinating with
other Deschutes River management
partners as required by Congress in the
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, including
the Confederated Tribes of the Warm
Springs and the State of Oregon.
dwashington3 on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES
Summary of the Proposed Project
Palomar has announced its proposal
to construct and operate a new natural
gas pipeline and associated structures
with a bi-directional flow capacity of 1.4
billion cubic feet per day. The Project
would be located in northwest Oregon
and consist of a 216.9- mile-long, 36inch-diameter pipeline running from
near Shaniko, Wasco County, Oregon to
the proposed Bradwood Landing
Terminal in Clatsop County, Oregon.
The pipeline would cross Wasco,
Clackamas, Marion, Yamhill,
Washington, Columbia, and Clatsop
Counties in Oregon. The pipeline would
connect the existing Gas Transmission
Northwest Corporation (GTN) mainline
pipeline system in central Oregon to the
Northwest Natural Gas Company (NW
Natural) distribution system near
Molalla in Clackamas County. The
pipeline is also proposed to extend to
other potential interconnections with
NW Natural’s system and to an
interconnection with NorthernStar
Energy LLC’s proposed Bradwood
Landing pipeline in Clatsop County,
Oregon. The proposed Project would
also include a 3.8-mile-long, 24-inch-
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diameter lateral pipeline 2 near Molalla,
Clackamas County, Oregon, to connect
the Palomar Project mainline to an
existing NW Natural city gate. Certain
associated aboveground facilities are
also proposed, i.e., mainline valves
spaced at intervals along the pipeline as
defined by U.S. Department of
Transportation regulations per the Code
of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 Part
192, at least three meter stations, and
pig launcher and receiver facilities.
More specifically, Palomar proposes
the following primary Project
components:
• A 216.9-mile-long, 36-inchdiameter underground natural gas
mainline consisting of two segments:
• The Cascades Segment: a 111.2miles of mainline from TransCanada’s
GTN pipeline system northwest of
Madras in Wasco County to a location
southwest of Molalla in Clackamas
County; and a 3.8-mile, 36-inch
diameter accessory lateral pipeline, the
Molalla Lateral, which would connect
the main pipeline to NW Natural’s
distribution system;
• The Willamette Segment: a 105.7mile segment commencing at the
Molalla Lateral interconnect and
terminating at the proposed connection
to the proposed Bradwood Landing
Terminal in Clatsop County; there is
potential for additional interconnections
with NW Natural along this route;
• One meter station, seven mainline
valves, and one pig launcher/receiver on
the Cascade Segment; one pig launcher/
receiver and two mainline valves on the
Molalla Lateral; and one meter station,
seven mainline valves, and one pig
launcher/receiver on the Willamette
Section;
• Temporary pipe storage and
contractor yards at various locations
along the pipeline for office trailers,
parking, and pipe and equipment
storage during construction; and
• Temporary construction roadways
and short permanent roads from existing
roads to meter station sites and other
aboveground facilities.
Palomar is evaluating an alternative
pipeline route that would include an
overhead crossing of the Deschutes
River adjacent to the highway bridge in
the City of Maupin, referred to as the
Maupin Bridge Alternative. This
alternative is approximately 23 miles
long, or 1.3 miles shorter than the
corresponding segment of the current
proposed route, and would begin at a
point on the GTN pipeline that is
2 A lateral pipeline typically takes gas from the
main system to deliver it to a customer, local
distribution system, or another interstate
transmission system.
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approximately 13 miles southwest of the
current starting point near Shaniko
Junction. The Maupin Bridge
Alternative would be co-located with
Highway 197 for approximately 17.2
miles. No compressor stations would be
required for this alternative.
Palomar is also evaluating an
alternative pipeline route that would be
built across the Warm Springs
Reservation, referred to as the Warm
Springs Reservation Alternative. This
alternative is approximately 60.9 miles
long, or 9 miles shorter than the
corresponding current proposed route
segment, and would begin at an existing
meter station on the GTN pipeline near
the City of Madras, Oregon,
approximately 20 miles southwest of the
current starting point near Shaniko
Junction. The Warm Springs
Reservation Alternative would be colocated with existing BPA powerlines
for approximately 11.2 miles. A
compressor station would be required if
this alternative is selected.
A map depicting the proposed
Palomar pipeline is attached to this
Notice as Appendix 2. A map depicting
the two alternative segments and the
corresponding current proposed route
segment is attached as Appendix 3.3
The EIS Process
NEPA requires the Commission to
take into account the environmental
impacts that could result whenever it
considers the issuance of a Certificate of
Public Convenience and Necessity.
NEPA also requires us to discover and
address concerns the public may have
about proposals. This process is referred
to as ‘‘scoping.’’ The main goal of
scoping is to focus the analysis in the
EIS on the important environmental
issues. With this Supplemental Notice,
the Commission staff is requesting
public comments on the scope of the
issues to be addressed in the EIS, and
specifically for comments on the
Maupin Bridge Alternative and Warm
Springs Reservation Alternative. All
comments received will be considered
during preparation of the EIS.
In the EIS we will discuss impacts
that could occur as a result of the
construction, operation, and
maintenance of the proposed Project
under these general headings:
• Geology and Soils;
3 The appendices referenced in this notice are not
being printed in the Federal Register. Copies can
be obtained from the Commission’s Web site
(excluding maps) at the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link, from the
Commission’s Public Reference Room, or by calling
(202) 502–8371. For instructions on connecting to
eLibrary, refer to the end of this notice. Copies of
the appendices were sent to all those receiving this
notice in the mail.
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Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 17, 2009 / Notices
• Water resources;
• Aquatic resources;
• Vegetation and Wildlife;
• Threatened and Endangered
Species;
• Land use, Recreation, and Visual
resources;
• Cultural resources;
• Socioeconomics;
• Air Quality and Noise;
• Reliability and Safety;
• Cumulative Impacts.
In the EIS, we will also evaluate
possible alternatives to the proposed
Project or portions of the Project
(including the Maupin Bridge
Alternative and the Warm Springs
Reservation Alternative), and make
recommendations on how to lessen or
avoid impacts on affected resources.
The draft EIS will analyze and
disclose the environmental effects of the
proposed pipeline route and
alternatives. The draft EIS will be
mailed to those on our environmental
mailing list (see discussion of how to
remain on our mailing list on page 7).
Typically the draft EIS is issued for a
45-day comment period; however, due
to the Forest Service and BLM Plan
Amendments, a 90-day comment period
will be allotted for review of the draft
EIS. We will consider all timely
comments on the draft EIS and revise
the document, as necessary, before
issuing a final EIS. To ensure that your
comments are considered, please follow
the instructions in the Public
Participation section of this Notice.
dwashington3 on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES
Forest Service Plan Amendments
The EIS will examine the proposed
action and alternatives that require
administrative or other actions by other
Federal agencies. The U.S. Department
of Agriculture Forest Service has
identified the possible need to amend
the existing Land and Resource
Management Plan for the Crooked River
National Grassland. The Northern
variation of the Warm Springs
Reservation Alternative (see Appendix
3) is not within a designated utility
corridor. If this route were selected, an
amendment designating this route
across the National Grassland as a
utility corridor in the management plan
may be necessary. The Southern
variation of the Warm Springs
Reservation Alternative (see Appendix
3) follows an existing designated utility
corridor in the management plan and
amendments may not be necessary if
this route were selected.
Public Participation
You can make a difference by
providing us with your specific
comments or concerns about the
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15:33 Jun 16, 2009
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Maupin Bridge Alternative and Warm
Springs Reservation Alternative. Your
comments should focus on the potential
environmental effects, reasonable
alternatives, and measures to avoid or
lessen the environmental impact of the
Maupin Bridge Alternative and Warm
Springs Reservation Alternative. The
more specific your comments, the more
useful they will be. To ensure that your
comments are timely and properly
recorded, please send in you comments
so that they will be received in
Washington DC on or before July 13,
2009.
For your convenience, there are three
methods you can use to submit your
comments to the Commission. In all
instances, please reference Project
Docket No. CP09–035–000 with your
submission. The docket number can be
found on the front of this notice. The
Commission encourages electronic filing
of comments and has dedicated eFiling
expert staff available to assist you at
202–502–8258 or efiling@ferc.gov.
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 your comments
for the attention of OEP/DG2E/Gas
Branch, PJ–11.2.
• Reference Docket No. CP09–035–
000 on the original and both copies.
The public scoping meetings (dates,
times, and locations listed above) are
designed to provide another opportunity
to offer comments on the proposed
project. Interested groups and
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28689
individuals are encouraged to attend the
meetings and to present comments on
the environmental issues that they
believe should be addressed in the EIS.
A transcript of the meetings will be
generated so that your comments can be
accurately recorded.
Becoming an Intervenor
In addition to involvement in the EIS
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). Only
intervenors have the right to seek
rehearing of the Commission’s decision.
Further instructions for becoming an
intervenor are included in the User’s
Guide under the ‘‘e-filing’’ link on the
Commission’s Web site (https://
www.ferc.gov).
The Notice of Application for this
proposed project issued on December
29, 2008 identified the date for the filing
of interventions as January 30, 2009.
However, affected landowners and
parties with environmental concerns
may be granted late 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
Everyone who provides comments on
this Supplemental Notice will be
retained on the mailing list. If you do
not want to send comments at this time
but still want to stay informed and
receive copies of the draft and final
EISs, you must return the Mailing List
Retention Form (Appendix 4). Also,
indicate on the form your preference for
receiving a paper version of the EIS in
lieu of an electronic version of the EIS
on CD–ROM. If you have previously
submitted comments or returned a
Mailing List Retention Form you are
already on our mailing list and do not
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Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 17, 2009 / Notices
need to resubmit comments or a Mailing
List Retention Form.
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, click on
‘‘General Search,’’ and enter the docket
number excluding the last three digits in
the Docket Number field (i.e., CP09–35).
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 for TTY, contact
(202) 502–8659. The eLibrary link on
the FERC Internet Web site also
provides access to the texts of formal
documents issued by the Commission,
such as Orders, notices, and rule
makings.
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.
Public meetings or site visits will be
posted on the Commission’s calendar
located at https://www.ferc.gov/
EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx along
with other related information.
Finally, Palomar has established a
Web site for this Project at https://
www.palomargas.com/project.html. The
Web site includes a Project overview,
timeline, safety and environmental
information, and answers to frequently
asked questions. You can also request
additional information by emailing
Palomar directly at
info@palomargas.com or writing to:
Palomar Gas Transmission, 1400 SW.
Fifth Avenue, Suite 900, Portland,
Oregon 97225.
0322 or Maury Kruth at
maury.kruth@ferc.gov, (916) 294–0275.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9–14199 Filed 6–16–09; 8:45 am]
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY
COMMISSION
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9–14196 Filed 6–16–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
Sunshine Act Meeting Notice
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
June 11, 2009.
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Docket Nos. ER06–615–000; ER07–1257–
000; ER08–1113–000; ER08–1178–000;
EL08–88–000; ER09–241–000]
California Independent System
Operator Corporation; Notice of FERC
Staff Attendance
June 10, 2009.
The Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (Commission) hereby gives
notice that on June 11, 2009, members
of its staff will participate in a market
issues teleconference to be conducted
by the California Independent System
Operator (CAISO). The agenda and other
documents for the teleconference are
available on the CAISO’s Web site,
https://www.caiso.com.
Sponsored by the CAISO, the
teleconference is open to all market
participants, and Commission staff’s
attendance is part of the Commission’s
ongoing outreach efforts. The
teleconference may discuss matters at
issue in the above captioned dockets.
For further information, contact Saeed
Farrokhpay at
saeed.farrokhpay@ferc.gov; (916) 294–
The following notice of meeting is
published pursuant to section 3(a) of the
government in the Sunshine Act (Pub.
L. 94–409), 5 U.S.C. 552b:
AGENCY HOLDING MEETING: Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission.
DATE AND TIME: June 18, 2009, 10 a.m.
PLACE: Room 2C, 888 First Street, NE.,
Washington, DC 20426.
STATUS: Open.
MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: Agenda.
Note: Items listed on the agenda may be
deleted without further notice.
CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Telephone
(202) 502–8400.
For a recorded message listing items
struck from or added to the meeting, call
(202) 502–8627.
This is a list of matters to be
considered by the Commission. It does
not include a listing of all documents
relevant to the items on the agenda. All
public documents, however, may be
viewed on line at the Commission’s
Web site at https://www.ferc.gov using
the eLibrary link, or may be examined
in the Commission’s Public Reference
Room.
949th—Meeting
REGULAR MEETING
[June 18, 2009, 10 a.m.]
Item No.
Docket No.
Company
ADMINISTRATIVE
A–1 ................................
A–2 ................................
AD02–1–000 ...............
AD02–7–000 ...............
Agency Administrative Matters.
Customer Matters, Reliability, Security and Market Operations.
ELECTRIC
dwashington3 on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES
E–1 ................................
E–2 ................................
OMITTED ....................
RM04–7–006 ..............
E–3
E–4
E–5
E–6
ER09–1039–000 .........
RM09–8–000 ..............
RM06–22–006 ............
ER09–1004–000 .........
ER09–1004–001 .........
OA09–15–000 .............
OA08–46–002 .............
OA07–36–003
................................
................................
................................
................................
E–7 ................................
E–8 ................................
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Market-Based Rates for Wholesale Sales of Electric Energy, Capacity, and Ancillary Services by Public Utilities.
Southwest Power Pool, Inc.
Revised Mandatory Reliability Standards for Interchange Scheduling and Coordination.
Mandatory Reliability Standards for Critical Infrastructure Protection.
Southwest Power Pool, Inc.
Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, Inc.
South Carolina Electric & Gas Company.
Frm 00028
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 115 (Wednesday, June 17, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28687-28690]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-14199]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Docket No. CP09-035-000]
Palomar Gas Transmission, LLC; Supplemental Notice Requesting
Comments on the Maupin Bridge and Warmspring Reservation Alternatives
and on a Potential Amendment to the Land and Resource Management Plan
for the Crooked River National Grassland for the Proposed Palomar Gas
Transmission Project, and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings
DATE: June 10, 2009.
As previously noticed on October 29, 2007 and July 18, 2008, the
staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission)
is preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) that will discuss
the environmental impacts of the Palomar Gas Transmission Project that
could result from the construction and operation of a new underground
natural gas pipeline proposed by the Palomar Gas Transmission, LLC
(Palomar). This notice explains the additional scoping process that
will be used to gather input from the public and interested agencies on
two route alternatives to be evaluated for crossing the Deschutes
River.
During our evaluation of Palomar's proposed Project, the Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) requested that Palomar provide a Visual Resource
Management Analysis of the current proposed Deschutes River crossing, a
Congressionally designated Wild and Scenic River with one of its
Outstanding Remarkable Values being scenic. Based on Palomar's
analysis, the BLM has indicated the need for FERC to consider
alternatives which avoid crossing the Deschutes River in a visually
sensitive area. In addition, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm
Springs have requested that the FERC consider a pipeline route that
crosses their reservation.
This Supplemental Notice announces the opening of a limited scoping
period the Commission will use to gather input from the public and
interested agencies, specifically for the two proposed route
alternatives. One would traverse land in the City of Maupin and the
second would cross areas near Madras and the land belonging to the
Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs areas. With this Notice, we \1\
are specifically requesting comments on these route alternatives,
referred to as the Maupin Bridge Alternative and the Warm Springs
Reservation Alternative. Your input will help determine which issues
need to be evaluated in the EIS. Please note that this scoping period
will close on July 13, 2009. This is not your only public input
opportunity; please refer to the Environmental Review Process flow
chart in Appendix 1.
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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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Comments may be submitted in written form or verbally. Further
instructions on how to submit comments and additional details of the
public scoping meetings are provided in the public participation
section of this notice. In lieu of, or in addition to, sending written
comments, you are invited to attend public scoping meetings that have
been scheduled for June 29, 2009 in Maupin, Oregon, and June 30, 2009
in Madras, Oregon. Details on the meetings are as follows:
Monday, June 29, 2009 at 7 p.m. (PST), South Wasco County High School,
699 4th Street, Maupin, Oregon.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 7 p.m. (P.S.T.), Madras High School, 390 SE
10th Street, Madras, Oregon.
The FERC is the lead federal agency in the preparation of the EIS,
and is preparing the EIS to satisfy the requirements of the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Commission will use the EIS in its
decision-making processes to determine whether or not to authorize the
Project.
This Notice is being sent to landowners affected by the current
proposed route and alternative routes; 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.
If you are a landowner receiving this Notice, you may be contacted
by a Palomar representative about the acquisition of an easement to
construct, operate, and maintain the proposed Project facilities.
Depending on the alternative selected as the certificated route,
Palomar would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement.
However, if the Project is approved by
[[Page 28688]]
the FERC, 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.
A number of fact sheets prepared by the FERC, including An
Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land? What Do I Need To Know? and
Guide to Electronic Information at FERC, are available for viewing on
the FERC Internet Web site (www.ferc.gov), using the ``For Citizens''
link. These fact sheets address a number of typically asked questions,
including how to participate in the Commission's proceedings and how to
access information on FERC-regulated projects in your area.
Involvement of Other Agencies
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, the BLM, the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
have agreed to participate as cooperating agencies in the preparation
of the EIS to satisfy their respective NEPA responsibilities. In
addition, the BLM is coordinating with other Deschutes River management
partners as required by Congress in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act,
including the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs and the State of
Oregon.
Summary of the Proposed Project
Palomar has announced its proposal to construct and operate a new
natural gas pipeline and associated structures with a bi-directional
flow capacity of 1.4 billion cubic feet per day. The Project would be
located in northwest Oregon and consist of a 216.9- mile-long, 36-inch-
diameter pipeline running from near Shaniko, Wasco County, Oregon to
the proposed Bradwood Landing Terminal in Clatsop County, Oregon. The
pipeline would cross Wasco, Clackamas, Marion, Yamhill, Washington,
Columbia, and Clatsop Counties in Oregon. The pipeline would connect
the existing Gas Transmission Northwest Corporation (GTN) mainline
pipeline system in central Oregon to the Northwest Natural Gas Company
(NW Natural) distribution system near Molalla in Clackamas County. The
pipeline is also proposed to extend to other potential interconnections
with NW Natural's system and to an interconnection with NorthernStar
Energy LLC's proposed Bradwood Landing pipeline in Clatsop County,
Oregon. The proposed Project would also include a 3.8-mile-long, 24-
inch-diameter lateral pipeline \2\ near Molalla, Clackamas County,
Oregon, to connect the Palomar Project mainline to an existing NW
Natural city gate. Certain associated aboveground facilities are also
proposed, i.e., mainline valves spaced at intervals along the pipeline
as defined by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations per the
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 Part 192, at least three meter
stations, and pig launcher and receiver facilities.
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\2\ A lateral pipeline typically takes gas from the main system
to deliver it to a customer, local distribution system, or another
interstate transmission system.
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More specifically, Palomar proposes the following primary Project
components:
A 216.9-mile-long, 36-inch-diameter underground natural
gas mainline consisting of two segments:
The Cascades Segment: a 111.2-miles of mainline from
TransCanada's GTN pipeline system northwest of Madras in Wasco County
to a location southwest of Molalla in Clackamas County; and a 3.8-mile,
36-inch diameter accessory lateral pipeline, the Molalla Lateral, which
would connect the main pipeline to NW Natural's distribution system;
The Willamette Segment: a 105.7-mile segment commencing at
the Molalla Lateral interconnect and terminating at the proposed
connection to the proposed Bradwood Landing Terminal in Clatsop County;
there is potential for additional interconnections with NW Natural
along this route;
One meter station, seven mainline valves, and one pig
launcher/receiver on the Cascade Segment; one pig launcher/receiver and
two mainline valves on the Molalla Lateral; and one meter station,
seven mainline valves, and one pig launcher/receiver on the Willamette
Section;
Temporary pipe storage and contractor yards at various
locations along the pipeline for office trailers, parking, and pipe and
equipment storage during construction; and
Temporary construction roadways and short permanent roads
from existing roads to meter station sites and other aboveground
facilities.
Palomar is evaluating an alternative pipeline route that would
include an overhead crossing of the Deschutes River adjacent to the
highway bridge in the City of Maupin, referred to as the Maupin Bridge
Alternative. This alternative is approximately 23 miles long, or 1.3
miles shorter than the corresponding segment of the current proposed
route, and would begin at a point on the GTN pipeline that is
approximately 13 miles southwest of the current starting point near
Shaniko Junction. The Maupin Bridge Alternative would be co-located
with Highway 197 for approximately 17.2 miles. No compressor stations
would be required for this alternative.
Palomar is also evaluating an alternative pipeline route that would
be built across the Warm Springs Reservation, referred to as the Warm
Springs Reservation Alternative. This alternative is approximately 60.9
miles long, or 9 miles shorter than the corresponding current proposed
route segment, and would begin at an existing meter station on the GTN
pipeline near the City of Madras, Oregon, approximately 20 miles
southwest of the current starting point near Shaniko Junction. The Warm
Springs Reservation Alternative would be co-located with existing BPA
powerlines for approximately 11.2 miles. A compressor station would be
required if this alternative is selected.
A map depicting the proposed Palomar pipeline is attached to this
Notice as Appendix 2. A map depicting the two alternative segments and
the corresponding current proposed route segment is attached as
Appendix 3.\3\
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\3\ The appendices referenced in this notice are not being
printed in the Federal Register. Copies can be obtained from the
Commission's Web site (excluding maps) at the ``eLibrary'' link,
from the Commission's Public Reference Room, or by calling (202)
502-8371. For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the
end of this notice. Copies of the appendices were sent to all those
receiving this notice in the mail.
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The EIS Process
NEPA requires the Commission to take into account the environmental
impacts that could result whenever it considers the issuance of a
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. NEPA also requires us
to discover and address concerns the public may have about proposals.
This process is referred to as ``scoping.'' The main goal of scoping is
to focus the analysis in the EIS on the important environmental issues.
With this Supplemental Notice, the Commission staff is requesting
public comments on the scope of the issues to be addressed in the EIS,
and specifically for comments on the Maupin Bridge Alternative and Warm
Springs Reservation Alternative. All comments received will be
considered during preparation of the EIS.
In the EIS we will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of
the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed Project
under these general headings:
Geology and Soils;
[[Page 28689]]
Water resources;
Aquatic resources;
Vegetation and Wildlife;
Threatened and Endangered Species;
Land use, Recreation, and Visual resources;
Cultural resources;
Socioeconomics;
Air Quality and Noise;
Reliability and Safety;
Cumulative Impacts.
In the EIS, we will also evaluate possible alternatives to the
proposed Project or portions of the Project (including the Maupin
Bridge Alternative and the Warm Springs Reservation Alternative), and
make recommendations on how to lessen or avoid impacts on affected
resources.
The draft EIS will analyze and disclose the environmental effects
of the proposed pipeline route and alternatives. The draft EIS will be
mailed to those on our environmental mailing list (see discussion of
how to remain on our mailing list on page 7). Typically the draft EIS
is issued for a 45-day comment period; however, due to the Forest
Service and BLM Plan Amendments, a 90-day comment period will be
allotted for review of the draft EIS. We will consider all timely
comments on the draft EIS and revise the document, as necessary, before
issuing a final EIS. To ensure that your comments are considered,
please follow the instructions in the Public Participation section of
this Notice.
Forest Service Plan Amendments
The EIS will examine the proposed action and alternatives that
require administrative or other actions by other Federal agencies. The
U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service has identified the
possible need to amend the existing Land and Resource Management Plan
for the Crooked River National Grassland. The Northern variation of the
Warm Springs Reservation Alternative (see Appendix 3) is not within a
designated utility corridor. If this route were selected, an amendment
designating this route across the National Grassland as a utility
corridor in the management plan may be necessary. The Southern
variation of the Warm Springs Reservation Alternative (see Appendix 3)
follows an existing designated utility corridor in the management plan
and amendments may not be necessary if this route were selected.
Public Participation
You can make a difference by providing us with your specific
comments or concerns about the Maupin Bridge Alternative and Warm
Springs Reservation Alternative. Your comments should focus on the
potential environmental effects, reasonable alternatives, and measures
to avoid or lessen the environmental impact of the Maupin Bridge
Alternative and Warm Springs Reservation Alternative. The more specific
your comments, the more useful they will be. To ensure that your
comments are timely and properly recorded, please send in you comments
so that they will be received in Washington DC on or before July 13,
2009.
For your convenience, there are three methods you can use to submit
your comments to the Commission. In all instances, please reference
Project Docket No. CP09-035-000 with your submission. The docket number
can be found on the front of this notice. The Commission encourages
electronic filing of comments and has dedicated eFiling expert staff
available to assist you at 202-502-8258 or efiling@ferc.gov.
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 your comments for the attention of OEP/
DG2E/Gas Branch, PJ-11.2.
Reference Docket No. CP09-035-000 on the original and both
copies.
The public scoping meetings (dates, times, and locations listed
above) are designed to provide another opportunity to offer comments on
the proposed project. Interested groups and individuals are encouraged
to attend the meetings and to present comments on the environmental
issues that they believe should be addressed in the EIS. A transcript
of the meetings will be generated so that your comments can be
accurately recorded.
Becoming an Intervenor
In addition to involvement in the EIS 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). Only intervenors have the right to seek
rehearing of the Commission's decision. Further instructions for
becoming an intervenor are included in the User's Guide under the ``e-
filing'' link on the Commission's Web site (https://www.ferc.gov).
The Notice of Application for this proposed project issued on
December 29, 2008 identified the date for the filing of interventions
as January 30, 2009. However, affected landowners and parties with
environmental concerns may be granted late 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
Everyone who provides comments on this Supplemental Notice will be
retained on the mailing list. If you do not want to send comments at
this time but still want to stay informed and receive copies of the
draft and final EISs, you must return the Mailing List Retention Form
(Appendix 4). Also, indicate on the form your preference for receiving
a paper version of the EIS in lieu of an electronic version of the EIS
on CD-ROM. If you have previously submitted comments or returned a
Mailing List Retention Form you are already on our mailing list and do
not
[[Page 28690]]
need to resubmit comments or a Mailing List Retention Form.
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, click on ``General Search,'' and
enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the Docket
Number field (i.e., CP09-35). 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 for TTY,
contact (202) 502-8659. The eLibrary link on the FERC Internet Web site
also provides access to the texts of formal documents issued by the
Commission, such as Orders, notices, and rule makings.
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.
Public meetings or site visits will be posted on the Commission's
calendar located at https://www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx
along with other related information.
Finally, Palomar has established a Web site for this Project at
https://www.palomargas.com/project.html. The Web site includes a Project
overview, timeline, safety and environmental information, and answers
to frequently asked questions. You can also request additional
information by emailing Palomar directly at info@palomargas.com or
writing to: Palomar Gas Transmission, 1400 SW. Fifth Avenue, Suite 900,
Portland, Oregon 97225.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9-14199 Filed 6-16-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
