Record of Decision for the Modification of the Groton Generation Station Interconnection Agreement (DOE/EIS-0435), 75876-75878 [2011-31124]
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75876
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 233 / Monday, December 5, 2011 / Notices
Issued in Washington, DC on November 29,
2011.
Patricia A. Hoffman,
Assistant Secretary, Office of Electricity
Delivery and Energy Reliability.
[FR Doc. 2011–31118 Filed 12–2–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy
State Energy Advisory Board (STEAB)
Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of open teleconference.
AGENCY:
This notice announces a
teleconference call of the State Energy
Advisory Board (STEAB). The Federal
Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–
463; 86 Stat.770) requires that public
notice of these meetings be announced
in the Federal Register.
DATES: Thursday, January 19, 2012. 3:30
p.m.–4 p.m. EST.
To receive the call-in number and
passcode, please contact the Board’s
Designated Federal Officer (DFO) at the
address or phone number listed below.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gil
Sperling, STEAB Designated Federal
Officer, Senior Management Technical
Advisor, U.S. Department of Energy,
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, 1000 Independence
Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20585.
Phone (202) 287–1644.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose of the Board: To provide
advice and recommendations to the
Assistant Secretary for the Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy regarding goals and objectives,
programmatic and administrative
policies, and to otherwise carry out the
Board’s responsibilities as designated in
the State Energy Efficiency Programs
Improvement Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101–
440).
Tentative Agenda: Welcome new
members to the Board, review and
update accomplishment of STEAB’s
Task Forces since the November
meeting in Knoxville, TN, review the
revised priorities of the STEAB, and
provide an update to the Board on
routine business matters and other
topics of interest.
Public Participation: The meeting is
open to the public. Written statements
may be filed with the Board either
before or after the meeting. Members of
the public who wish to make oral
statements pertaining to agenda items
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SUMMARY:
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should contact Gil Sperling at the
address or telephone number listed
above. Requests to make oral comments
must be received five days prior to the
meeting; reasonable provision will be
made to include requested topic(s) on
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empowered to conduct the meeting in a
fashion that will facilitate the orderly
conduct of business.
Minutes: The minutes of the meeting
will be available for public review and
copying within 60 days on the STEAB
Web site: https://www.steab.org.
Issued at Washington, DC, on November
28, 2011.
LaTanya R. Butler,
Acting Deputy Committee Management
Officer.
[FR Doc. 2011–31120 Filed 12–2–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy
State Energy Advisory Board (STEAB)
Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of open meeting.
AGENCY:
This notice announces a live
Board meeting of the State Energy
Advisory Board (STEAB). The Federal
Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–
463; 86 Stat. 770) requires that public
notice of these meetings be announced
in the Federal Register.
DATES:
March 13–14, 2012 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
March 15, 2012 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
ADDRESSES: Key Bridge Marriott, 1401
Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22209.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gil
Sperling, STEAB Designated Federal
Officer, Senior Management Technical
Advisor, U.S. Department of Energy,
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, 1000 Independence
Ave., SW., Washington DC, 20585.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose of the Board: To provide
advice and recommendations to the
Assistant Secretary for the Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy (EERE) regarding goals and
objectives, programmatic and
administrative policies, and to
otherwise carry out the Board’s
responsibilities as designated in the
State Energy Efficiency Programs
Improvement Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101–
440).
Tentative Agenda: Receive updates
and reviews of the accomplishments of
SUMMARY:
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STEAB’s Sub-committee and Task
Forces, meet with key members of DOE
and the Office of EERE to discuss new
initiatives and technologies, and explore
possible technology transfer programs,
meet with EERE Program Managers to
gain a better understanding of
deployment efforts and ongoing
initiatives, discuss ways to make sure
States are successful with implementing
ARRA funding before the March 2012
deadline, and update the Board on
routine business matters and other
topics of interest.
Public Participation: The meeting is
open to the public. Written statements
may be filed with the Board either
before or after the meeting. Members of
the public who wish to make oral
statements pertaining to agenda items
should contact Gil Sperling at the
address or telephone number listed
above. Requests to make oral comments
must be received five days prior to the
meeting; reasonable provision will be
made to include requested topic(s) on
the agenda. The Chair of the Board is
empowered to conduct the meeting in a
fashion that will facilitate the orderly
conduct of business.
Minutes: The minutes of the meeting
will be available for public review and
copying within 60 days on the STEAB
Web site: https://www.steab.org.
Issued at Washington, DC, on November
29, 2011.
LaTanya R. Butler,
Acting Deputy Committee Management
Officer.
[FR Doc. 2011–31122 Filed 12–2–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Western Area Power Administration
Record of Decision for the Modification
of the Groton Generation Station
Interconnection Agreement (DOE/EIS–
0435)
Western Area Power
Administration, DOE.
ACTION: Record of Decision.
AGENCY:
In 2009, Western Area Power
Administration (Western) received a
request from Basin Electric Power
Cooperative (Basin Electric) to modify
its Large Generator Interconnection
Agreement (LGIA) with Basin Electric
for the Groton Generation Station to
eliminate current operating limits on the
generating station. The LGIA currently
limits the output of the Groton
Generating Station to 50 average
megawatts (MW). The Groton
Generation Station is located about 5
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 233 / Monday, December 5, 2011 / Notices
jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
miles south of Groton, in Brown County,
South Dakota. On September 21, 2009,
a notice was issued of the LGIA
modification request and of intent to
prepare an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) (74 FR 48067). On June
3, 2011, the Notice of Availability of the
Final EIS for the Modification of the
Groton Generation Station
Interconnection Agreement was
published in the Federal Register (76
FR 32198). Western considered the
environmental impacts and has decided
to modify its LGIA with Basin Electric
for the Groton Generation Station
eliminating the 50-MW annual average
operating limit. Basin Electric could
then produce additional power up to the
limits established in the current Title V
air quality operating permit for the
generating station.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
further information, please contact Ms.
Erika Walters, NEPA Document
Manager, Groton EIS, Western Area
Power Administration, A7400, P.O. Box
281213, Lakewood, CO 80228,
telephone (720) 962–7279, fax (720)
962–7269, or email Groton@wapa.gov.
For general information on DOE’s NEPA
review process, please contact Carol M.
Borgstrom, Director, Office of NEPA
Policy and Compliance, GC–20, U.S.
Department of Energy, Washington, DC
20585, telephone (202) 586–4600 or
(800) 472–2756.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Western is
a Federal agency under the U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE) that
markets and transmits wholesale
electric power through an integrated
17,000-circuit mile, high-voltage
transmission system across 15 western
states. Western’s Open Access
Transmission Service Tariff (Tariff)
provides open access to its transmission
system. Western provides these services
through granting an interconnection
request if there is available capacity on
the transmission system, while
protecting the transmission system
reliability, and subject to review under
the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA). Western and Basin Electric
have entered into a LGIA per Western’s
Tariff. Basin Electric currently operates
the generating station with a condition
in the LGIA with Western that limits the
output of the generating station to 50MW on an average annual basis.
Station, and would not require any
modifications to the Groton Generation
Station or Western’s Groton Substation,
or any new permits or authorizations
from local, State, or Federal agencies.
The elimination of the 50-MW annual
average operating limit would meet
Basin Electric’s purpose and need by
providing greater operational flexibility
in meeting its objectives, and allowing
Basin Electric to produce an estimated
additional 305,760 megawatt-hours
(MWh) per year, up to the limits
imposed by the current Title V air
quality control operating permit, which
is based on emission limits of 238 tons
for both nitrogen oxides (NOX) and
carbon monoxide (CO) per year. No
other changes to Western’s LGIA or the
interconnection configuration with the
Groton Generation Station would be
required. Western’s proposed Federal
action is its preferred alternative.
Proposed Federal Action
Mitigation Measures
Western’s proposed action would
result in a modification only to the
LGIA for the Groton Generation Station.
The elimination of the 50-MW annual
average operating limit would not
require any modifications to the Groton
Western’s need for action is triggered
by Basin Electric’s request to eliminate
the 50-MW annual average operating
limit. Western’s proposed Federal action
would result in a modification only to
the LGIA for the Groton Generation
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No Action Alternative
Under the No Action Alternative,
Western would not approve
modification to the LGIA to eliminate
the operating limit. The Groton
Generation Station would continue to
operate with the 50-MW annual average
operating limit. Western has determined
that the No Action Alternative is the
environmentally preferred alternative.
However, the No Action Alternative
would not meet Basin Electric’s purpose
and need.
Alternatives Considered
In addition to the proposed Federal
action and the no action alternative as
described above, Western considered
and dismissed several other alternatives
including generation output above
levels currently authorized by the Title
V air permit, greenhouse gas capture
and sequestration, and demand-side
management. Western does not,
however have authority to participate in
or regulate generation projects. In
addition, it is speculative that Basin
Electric would apply for a revised Title
V permit or implement greenhouse gas
emission reductions. Also, while
Western did not fully evaluate an
alternative addressing demand-side
management due to lack of regulatory
authority over Basin Electric, Western
did provide information on Basin
Electric’s demand-side management
program.
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75877
Generation Station or Western’s Groton
Substation, or any new permits or
authorizations from local, State, or
Federal agencies. Because eliminating
Western’s operating limit would not
result in any significant environmental
impacts, no mitigation measures have
been adopted.
Comments on the Final EIS
Western received comments from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) in a letter dated July 5, 2011.
EPA’s comment letter recommended
additional disclosure and clarification
of the impacts of the proposed actions,
as well as the purpose of and need for
the action. Based on a review of EPA’s
comments, and a subsequent meeting
with EPA staff on August 25, 2011,
Western has determined that the
comments do not present any significant
new circumstances or information
relevant to environmental concerns and
bearing on its proposed action or its
impacts. Therefore, a Supplemental EIS
is not required. The basis for this
determination is summarized below.
EPA indicated that Western did not
address its comment on the Draft EIS
regarding the need to do additional
analysis for the 1-hour NO2 standard.
Western did not request Basin Electric
to conduct additional analysis for the 1hour NO2 standard because the Groton
Generating Station’s air quality permit
would not be affected by Western’s
proposed action. In addition, Western
recognizes any future station upgrade or
modification would require a permit
review, including analysis for the NO2
standard, to be taken into account before
a new or amended permit is issued. As
explained in the Final EIS, it is
speculative for Western to determine if
Basin Electric would apply for a new
permit.
EPA’s comment letter indicated that
EPA did not agree with Western’s
determinations for eliminating
alternatives from full evaluation in the
Final EIS, and encouraged Western to
consider other mechanisms for emission
reductions and increased energy
efficiency. In the meeting with EPA staff
on August 25, 2011, Western provided
additional information on its roles and
responsibilities under Western’s Tariff,
including clarifications why Western
was not involved in the operation of the
Groton Generation Station. Based on the
Final EIS and this discussion with EPA,
Western determined that there was no
additional need to address alternatives
outside of Western’s authority.
EPA’s comment letter recommended
additional clarification on Western’s
need for agency action and Basin
Electric’s need for peaking generation.
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75878
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 233 / Monday, December 5, 2011 / Notices
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Western’s need for agency action in
response to Basin Electric’s request to
eliminate the average 50-MW operating
limit is distinct from Basin Electric’s
need to provide additional peaking
energy. Language added in the Final EIS
in Section 1.2 noting that the station
does not gain any additional peaking
generation capability is correct. While
there is a need for additional peaking
resource to serve projected additional
member load growth, the capability of
the Groton Generation Station would
remain at 200 MW with Western’s
proposed action.
EPA’s comment letter encouraged the
disclosure and consideration of
potential indirect effects from increased
or decreased natural gas production for
the Groton Generation Station. While
Western acknowledges the potential for
indirect effects from continued natural
gas production and use, Western
explained in the Final EIS that natural
gas production would not be increased
to serve additional output of the Groton
Generation Station because the capacity
of the natural gas production system
meets the needs of the Groton
Generation Station at full output. In
addition, any gas not currently used by
the station under the 50-MW average
limit is provided to the market.
Lastly, EPA recommended disclosure
of the temperature impairments at Lake
Sharpe, along with acknowledgement
that additional withdrawals, although
small, may cumulatively contribute to
this impairment unless demonstrated
otherwise. In the Final EIS, Western
indicated that the additional 15-acrefeet consumed by the Groton Generation
Station under Western’s proposed
Federal action would be minuscule
compared to the water level of Lake
Oahe, corresponding to a lack of
subsequent temperature effect of Lake
Sharpe. However, Western does
acknowledge EPA’s comment.
Decision
Western’s decision is to modify its
LGIA with Basin Electric to eliminate
the 50-MW annual average operating
limit,1 allowing operation up to the
limits imposed by the current Title V air
quality control operating permit.
Western’s decision to modify its LGIA
with Basin Electric is based on
providing open access under its Tariff
and satisfying Basin Electric’s objectives
while recognizing there will be minimal
harm to the environment.
This decision is based on the
information contained in the
1 Western’s
authority to issue a record of decision
is pursuant to authority delegated on October 4,
1999, from the Assistant Secretary for Environment,
Safety and Health to Western’s Administrator.
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Modification of the Groton Generation
Station Interconnection Agreement
Final EIS (DOE/EIS–0435). This Record
of Decision was prepared pursuant to
the requirements of the Council on
Environmental Quality Regulations for
Implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts
1500–1508) and DOE’s Procedures for
Implementing NEPA (10 CFR part 1021).
Dated: November 18, 2011.
Timothy J. Meeks,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2011–31124 Filed 12–2–11; 8:45 am]
Closed Session *
• Office of Examination Supervisory
and Oversight Activities.
Dated: November 30, 2011.
Dale L. Aultman,
Secretary, Farm Credit Administration Board.
[FR Doc. 2011–31319 Filed 12–1–11; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 6705–01–P
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
Information Collection Being
Submitted to the Office of Management
and Budget for Review and Approval
FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION
AGENCY:
Farm Credit Administration Board;
Sunshine Act; Regular Meeting
AGENCY:
Farm Credit Administration.
Notice is hereby given,
pursuant to the Government in the
Sunshine Act (5 U.S.C. 552b(e)(3)), of
the regular meeting of the Farm Credit
Administration Board (Board).
SUMMARY:
The regular meeting of
the Board will be held at the offices of
the Farm Credit Administration in
McLean, Virginia, on December 8, 2011,
from 9 a.m. until such time as the Board
concludes its business.
DATE AND TIME:
Dale
L. Aultman, Secretary to the Farm
Credit Administration Board, (703) 883–
4009, TTY (703) 883–4056.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Farm Credit
Administration, 1501 Farm Credit Drive,
McLean, Virginia 22102–5090.
ADDRESSES:
Parts of
this meeting of the Board will be open
to the public (limited space available),
and parts will be closed to the public.
In order to increase the accessibility to
Board meetings, persons requiring
assistance should make arrangements in
advance. The matters to be considered
at the meeting are:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Open Session
A. Approval of Minutes
• November 9, 2011.
B. New Business
• Senior Officer Compensation
Disclosures and Related Topics—
Proposed Rule.
C. Reports
• Semi-Annual Report on Office of
Examination Operations.
• Quarterly Report on Farm Credit
System Condition.
PO 00000
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Federal Communications
Commission.
ACTION: Notice and request for
comments.
As part of its continuing effort
to reduce paperwork burden and as
required by the Paperwork Reduction
Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501—
3520), the Federal Communications
Commission invites the general public
and other Federal agencies to take this
opportunity to comment on the
following information collection(s).
Comments are requested concerning: (a)
Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
Commission, including whether the
information shall have practical utility;
(b) the accuracy of the Commission’s
burden estimate; (c) ways to enhance
the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information collected; (d) ways to
minimize the burden of the collection of
information on the respondents,
including the use of automated
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology; and (e) ways to
further reduce the information burden
for small business concerns with fewer
than 25 employees.
The FCC may not conduct or sponsor
a collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control
number. No person shall be subject to
any penalty for failing to comply with
a collection of information subject to the
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) that
does not display a valid OMB control
number.
DATES: Written Paperwork Reduction
Act (PRA) comments should be
submitted on or January 4, 2012. If you
anticipate that you will be submitting
PRA comments, but find it difficult to
do so within the period of time allowed
by this notice, you should advise the
SUMMARY:
* Session Closed—Exempt pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
552b(c)(8) and (9).
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 233 (Monday, December 5, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 75876-75878]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-31124]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Western Area Power Administration
Record of Decision for the Modification of the Groton Generation
Station Interconnection Agreement (DOE/EIS-0435)
AGENCY: Western Area Power Administration, DOE.
ACTION: Record of Decision.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In 2009, Western Area Power Administration (Western) received
a request from Basin Electric Power Cooperative (Basin Electric) to
modify its Large Generator Interconnection Agreement (LGIA) with Basin
Electric for the Groton Generation Station to eliminate current
operating limits on the generating station. The LGIA currently limits
the output of the Groton Generating Station to 50 average megawatts
(MW). The Groton Generation Station is located about 5
[[Page 75877]]
miles south of Groton, in Brown County, South Dakota. On September 21,
2009, a notice was issued of the LGIA modification request and of
intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (74 FR
48067). On June 3, 2011, the Notice of Availability of the Final EIS
for the Modification of the Groton Generation Station Interconnection
Agreement was published in the Federal Register (76 FR 32198). Western
considered the environmental impacts and has decided to modify its LGIA
with Basin Electric for the Groton Generation Station eliminating the
50-MW annual average operating limit. Basin Electric could then produce
additional power up to the limits established in the current Title V
air quality operating permit for the generating station.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, please
contact Ms. Erika Walters, NEPA Document Manager, Groton EIS, Western
Area Power Administration, A7400, P.O. Box 281213, Lakewood, CO 80228,
telephone (720) 962-7279, fax (720) 962-7269, or email Groton@wapa.gov.
For general information on DOE's NEPA review process, please contact
Carol M. Borgstrom, Director, Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance, GC-
20, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585, telephone (202)
586-4600 or (800) 472-2756.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Western is a Federal agency under the U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE) that markets and transmits wholesale
electric power through an integrated 17,000-circuit mile, high-voltage
transmission system across 15 western states. Western's Open Access
Transmission Service Tariff (Tariff) provides open access to its
transmission system. Western provides these services through granting
an interconnection request if there is available capacity on the
transmission system, while protecting the transmission system
reliability, and subject to review under the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA). Western and Basin Electric have entered into a LGIA
per Western's Tariff. Basin Electric currently operates the generating
station with a condition in the LGIA with Western that limits the
output of the generating station to 50-MW on an average annual basis.
Proposed Federal Action
Western's need for action is triggered by Basin Electric's request
to eliminate the 50-MW annual average operating limit. Western's
proposed Federal action would result in a modification only to the LGIA
for the Groton Generation Station, and would not require any
modifications to the Groton Generation Station or Western's Groton
Substation, or any new permits or authorizations from local, State, or
Federal agencies. The elimination of the 50-MW annual average operating
limit would meet Basin Electric's purpose and need by providing greater
operational flexibility in meeting its objectives, and allowing Basin
Electric to produce an estimated additional 305,760 megawatt-hours
(MWh) per year, up to the limits imposed by the current Title V air
quality control operating permit, which is based on emission limits of
238 tons for both nitrogen oxides (NOX) and carbon monoxide
(CO) per year. No other changes to Western's LGIA or the
interconnection configuration with the Groton Generation Station would
be required. Western's proposed Federal action is its preferred
alternative.
No Action Alternative
Under the No Action Alternative, Western would not approve
modification to the LGIA to eliminate the operating limit. The Groton
Generation Station would continue to operate with the 50-MW annual
average operating limit. Western has determined that the No Action
Alternative is the environmentally preferred alternative. However, the
No Action Alternative would not meet Basin Electric's purpose and need.
Alternatives Considered
In addition to the proposed Federal action and the no action
alternative as described above, Western considered and dismissed
several other alternatives including generation output above levels
currently authorized by the Title V air permit, greenhouse gas capture
and sequestration, and demand-side management. Western does not,
however have authority to participate in or regulate generation
projects. In addition, it is speculative that Basin Electric would
apply for a revised Title V permit or implement greenhouse gas emission
reductions. Also, while Western did not fully evaluate an alternative
addressing demand-side management due to lack of regulatory authority
over Basin Electric, Western did provide information on Basin
Electric's demand-side management program.
Mitigation Measures
Western's proposed action would result in a modification only to
the LGIA for the Groton Generation Station. The elimination of the 50-
MW annual average operating limit would not require any modifications
to the Groton Generation Station or Western's Groton Substation, or any
new permits or authorizations from local, State, or Federal agencies.
Because eliminating Western's operating limit would not result in any
significant environmental impacts, no mitigation measures have been
adopted.
Comments on the Final EIS
Western received comments from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) in a letter dated July 5, 2011. EPA's comment letter
recommended additional disclosure and clarification of the impacts of
the proposed actions, as well as the purpose of and need for the
action. Based on a review of EPA's comments, and a subsequent meeting
with EPA staff on August 25, 2011, Western has determined that the
comments do not present any significant new circumstances or
information relevant to environmental concerns and bearing on its
proposed action or its impacts. Therefore, a Supplemental EIS is not
required. The basis for this determination is summarized below.
EPA indicated that Western did not address its comment on the Draft
EIS regarding the need to do additional analysis for the 1-hour
NO2 standard. Western did not request Basin Electric to
conduct additional analysis for the 1-hour NO2 standard
because the Groton Generating Station's air quality permit would not be
affected by Western's proposed action. In addition, Western recognizes
any future station upgrade or modification would require a permit
review, including analysis for the NO2 standard, to be taken
into account before a new or amended permit is issued. As explained in
the Final EIS, it is speculative for Western to determine if Basin
Electric would apply for a new permit.
EPA's comment letter indicated that EPA did not agree with
Western's determinations for eliminating alternatives from full
evaluation in the Final EIS, and encouraged Western to consider other
mechanisms for emission reductions and increased energy efficiency. In
the meeting with EPA staff on August 25, 2011, Western provided
additional information on its roles and responsibilities under
Western's Tariff, including clarifications why Western was not involved
in the operation of the Groton Generation Station. Based on the Final
EIS and this discussion with EPA, Western determined that there was no
additional need to address alternatives outside of Western's authority.
EPA's comment letter recommended additional clarification on
Western's need for agency action and Basin Electric's need for peaking
generation.
[[Page 75878]]
Western's need for agency action in response to Basin Electric's
request to eliminate the average 50-MW operating limit is distinct from
Basin Electric's need to provide additional peaking energy. Language
added in the Final EIS in Section 1.2 noting that the station does not
gain any additional peaking generation capability is correct. While
there is a need for additional peaking resource to serve projected
additional member load growth, the capability of the Groton Generation
Station would remain at 200 MW with Western's proposed action.
EPA's comment letter encouraged the disclosure and consideration of
potential indirect effects from increased or decreased natural gas
production for the Groton Generation Station. While Western
acknowledges the potential for indirect effects from continued natural
gas production and use, Western explained in the Final EIS that natural
gas production would not be increased to serve additional output of the
Groton Generation Station because the capacity of the natural gas
production system meets the needs of the Groton Generation Station at
full output. In addition, any gas not currently used by the station
under the 50-MW average limit is provided to the market.
Lastly, EPA recommended disclosure of the temperature impairments
at Lake Sharpe, along with acknowledgement that additional withdrawals,
although small, may cumulatively contribute to this impairment unless
demonstrated otherwise. In the Final EIS, Western indicated that the
additional 15-acre-feet consumed by the Groton Generation Station under
Western's proposed Federal action would be minuscule compared to the
water level of Lake Oahe, corresponding to a lack of subsequent
temperature effect of Lake Sharpe. However, Western does acknowledge
EPA's comment.
Decision
Western's decision is to modify its LGIA with Basin Electric to
eliminate the 50-MW annual average operating limit,\1\ allowing
operation up to the limits imposed by the current Title V air quality
control operating permit. Western's decision to modify its LGIA with
Basin Electric is based on providing open access under its Tariff and
satisfying Basin Electric's objectives while recognizing there will be
minimal harm to the environment.
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\1\ Western's authority to issue a record of decision is
pursuant to authority delegated on October 4, 1999, from the
Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety and Health to Western's
Administrator.
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This decision is based on the information contained in the
Modification of the Groton Generation Station Interconnection Agreement
Final EIS (DOE/EIS-0435). This Record of Decision was prepared pursuant
to the requirements of the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations
for Implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508) and DOE's Procedures for
Implementing NEPA (10 CFR part 1021).
Dated: November 18, 2011.
Timothy J. Meeks,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2011-31124 Filed 12-2-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
