Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and the National Interest Determination for the Vantage Pipeline Project, 26353-26354 [2012-10812]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 86 / Thursday, May 3, 2012 / Notices Commission. The Exchange has requested that the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay period after which a proposed rule change under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) becomes effective. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest because such waiver will afford Exchange members the benefit of the proposal—the prohibition of deceptive and other abusive telemarketing acts or practices—without unnecessary delay. Such waiver will also allow the Exchange to comply with the Commission’s directive and implement uniform telemarketing rules across self-regulatory organizations, creating consistency among these rules for investors, as soon as possible. For these reasons, the Commission designates the proposed rule change as operative under upon filing.65 At any time within 60 days of the filing of this proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an Email to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File No. SR–EDGA–2012–16 on the subject line. wreier-aviles on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–EDGA–2012–16. This file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission’s 65 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:32 May 02, 2012 Jkt 226001 Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–EDGA– 2012–16 and should be submitted by May 24, 2012. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.66 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2012–10644 Filed 5–2–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 7867] Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: ‘‘Lygia Clark’’ Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, and Delegation of Authority No. 236–3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003), I hereby determine that the objects to be imported from abroad for temporary study and inclusion in the exhibition ‘‘Lygia Clark,’’ within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan SUMMARY: 66 17 PO 00000 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). Frm 00113 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 26353 agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, New York, from on or about May 4, 2014 until on or about August 25, 2014, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these Determinations be published in the Federal Register. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, including a list of the exhibit objects, contact Paul W. Manning, Attorney-Adviser, Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: (202) 632-6473). The mailing address is U.S. Department of State, SA–5, L/PD, Fifth Floor (Suite 5H03), Washington, DC 20522–0505. Dated: April 25, 2012. J. Adam Ereli, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. 2012–10680 Filed 5–2–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–05–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 7869] Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and the National Interest Determination for the Vantage Pipeline Project Vantage US LP has applied to the Department of State (DOS) for a Presidential Permit to construct and operate facilities at the border for a proposed pipeline carrying ethane from North Dakota to Canada. The DOS has released an Environmental Assessment (EA) that discusses the potential environmental impacts of the proposed Vantage Pipeline Project. This EA will be used by the DOS in its decisionmaking process to determine whether the project would serve the national interest and whether the applicant should receive a Presidential Permit. This notice announces the opening of the public comment process the DOS will use to gather input from the public on the proposed project. Your input will help the DOS determine the next steps in the environmental review of this project and whether the project would serve the national interest. The DOS is requesting comments on: (1) The EA, and (2) whether the Vantage Pipeline Project serves the national interest. Please note that the public comment period will close on June 2, 2012. E:\FR\FM\03MYN1.SGM 03MYN1 26354 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 86 / Thursday, May 3, 2012 / Notices Summary of the Proposed Project The proposed Vantage Pipeline Project would be an underground high vapor pressure pipeline that would carry liquid ethane from Tioga, North Dakota to Alberta, Canada. In the United States, Vantage proposes to construct and operate 79.8 miles of 10-inchdiameter ethane pipeline in Williams and Divide Counties, North Dakota. Aboveground, the project would include the installation of mainline valves at seven locations along the pipeline and the use of various ancillary facilities (e.g., access roads, yards). The Vantage Pipeline would export ethane to Canada that is extracted from North Dakota-produced natural gas and compressed to a liquid form at an existing natural gas facility in North Dakota. The ethane that would be transported in the Vantage Pipeline is a flammable liquid that is non-corrosive, odorless, and colorless. It has similar characteristics to natural gas, the fuel that is used in furnaces to heat homes. Ethane is currently used as a petrochemical feedstock and is ultimately converted to plastics, antifreeze, rubber, detergents, solvents, and like products. Vantage anticipates that the ethane transported through the proposed pipeline would be used for these purposes by the Alberta petrochemical industry. The Canadian National Energy Board approved the Canadian portion of the pipeline system on January 19, 2012. wreier-aviles on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES The Presidential Permit Process The Secretary of State is designated and empowered under Executive Order 13337 to receive all applications for Presidential permits for the construction, connection, operation, or maintenance at the borders of the United States, of facilities for the exportation or importation of petroleum, petroleum products, coal, or other liquid or solid fuels to or from a foreign country. As a part of the review of an application for a Presidential Permit, the Secretary of State must determine whether or not the project would be in the national interest. The determination of national interest involves consideration of many factors, which can include energy security, environmental, cultural, economic and foreign policy impacts. The EA that is the subject of this notification is considered in the national interest determination. The Environmental Review Process Consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, regulations VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:32 May 02, 2012 Jkt 226001 developed by the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR 1500), and DOS regulations for implementing NEPA (22 CFR 161), the DOS is undertaking an environmental review of the proposed pipeline in the United States. DOS now has issued an EA for the proposed Vantage Pipeline Project. In the EA, the DOS discusses impacts that could occur as a result of the construction and operation and maintenance of pipeline facilities of natural gas liquids and also evaluates reasonable alternatives to the proposed project. The potential environmental impacts of the Project are based on currently available information. In addition, the DOS is carrying out the Section 106 review process under Section 101(d)(6)(b) of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 through which it consults with any Indian tribe that attaches religious or cultural significance to historic properties that may be affected by construction of the Vantage Pipeline. The EA is available to the public from the Web site https:// vantagepipeline.state.gov/ and by mail. Following the 30-day public comment period, and after taking into account any comments received during that period, the DOS will decide whether to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or proceed with further environmental review through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). To ensure that your comments are considered, please carefully follow the instructions detailed in the Public Participation section below. Public Participation You are encouraged to become involved in this process and provide your comments or concerns about the proposed project. As noted above, we are requesting comments on two aspects of the Vantage Pipeline Project. First, we request comments on the EA that focus on the potential environmental impacts of the project, reasonable alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental impacts. The EA is available on the DOS Web site for the project at https:// vantagepipeline.state.gov/. Second, we are requesting comments on whether this project is in the national interest. The determination of national interest involves consideration of many factors, which can include energy security, environmental, cultural, and economic impacts. To ensure that we have the opportunity to consider your comments, please make sure that comments on one or both of these issues described above are postmarked by June 2, 2012. PO 00000 Frm 00114 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 For your convenience, there are two methods that you can use to submit your comments. In all instances please reference the project (i.e., Vantage) with your submission. We encourage electronic filing of comments. (1) You may mail your comments to the following address: State Department Vantage Comments, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Box #501, Washington, DC 20006. (2) You may enter your comments directly on the DOS Web site at: https://vantagepipeline.state.gov/. Environmental Mailing List The DOS sends information related to this environmental review to individuals, organizations, and government entities interested in and/or potentially affected by the proposed project and maintains an environmental mailing list for this purpose. The environmental mailing list includes: Federal, state, and local government representatives and agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Native American Tribes; other interested parties; and local libraries and newspapers. This list also includes all affected landowners who are potential right-of-way grantors, whose property may be used temporarily for project purposes, and anyone who submits comments on the project. The DOS will update the environmental mailing list as the analysis proceeds. If you would like to be included on the mailing list, please submit your address by accessing the DOS Web site at https:// vantagepipeline.state.gov/. Additional Information The EA and related documents to be considered by the DOS in connection with this application, including environmental information and associated maps, are downloadable at: https://www.vantagepipeline.state.gov. The Vantage Pipeline Project toll free number is 1–877–918–6818 (United States). Dated: Issued in Washington, DC on May 1, 2012. George N. Sibley, Director, Office of Environmental Policy, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State. [FR Doc. 2012–10812 Filed 5–2–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–09–P E:\FR\FM\03MYN1.SGM 03MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 86 (Thursday, May 3, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26353-26354]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-10812]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 7869]


Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment and 
Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and the National Interest 
Determination for the Vantage Pipeline Project

    Vantage US LP has applied to the Department of State (DOS) for a 
Presidential Permit to construct and operate facilities at the border 
for a proposed pipeline carrying ethane from North Dakota to Canada. 
The DOS has released an Environmental Assessment (EA) that discusses 
the potential environmental impacts of the proposed Vantage Pipeline 
Project. This EA will be used by the DOS in its decision-making process 
to determine whether the project would serve the national interest and 
whether the applicant should receive a Presidential Permit. This notice 
announces the opening of the public comment process the DOS will use to 
gather input from the public on the proposed project. Your input will 
help the DOS determine the next steps in the environmental review of 
this project and whether the project would serve the national interest. 
The DOS is requesting comments on: (1) The EA, and (2) whether the 
Vantage Pipeline Project serves the national interest. Please note that 
the public comment period will close on June 2, 2012.

[[Page 26354]]

Summary of the Proposed Project

    The proposed Vantage Pipeline Project would be an underground high 
vapor pressure pipeline that would carry liquid ethane from Tioga, 
North Dakota to Alberta, Canada. In the United States, Vantage proposes 
to construct and operate 79.8 miles of 10-inch-diameter ethane pipeline 
in Williams and Divide Counties, North Dakota. Aboveground, the project 
would include the installation of mainline valves at seven locations 
along the pipeline and the use of various ancillary facilities (e.g., 
access roads, yards).
    The Vantage Pipeline would export ethane to Canada that is 
extracted from North Dakota-produced natural gas and compressed to a 
liquid form at an existing natural gas facility in North Dakota. The 
ethane that would be transported in the Vantage Pipeline is a flammable 
liquid that is non-corrosive, odorless, and colorless. It has similar 
characteristics to natural gas, the fuel that is used in furnaces to 
heat homes. Ethane is currently used as a petrochemical feedstock and 
is ultimately converted to plastics, anti-freeze, rubber, detergents, 
solvents, and like products. Vantage anticipates that the ethane 
transported through the proposed pipeline would be used for these 
purposes by the Alberta petrochemical industry. The Canadian National 
Energy Board approved the Canadian portion of the pipeline system on 
January 19, 2012.

The Presidential Permit Process

    The Secretary of State is designated and empowered under Executive 
Order 13337 to receive all applications for Presidential permits for 
the construction, connection, operation, or maintenance at the borders 
of the United States, of facilities for the exportation or importation 
of petroleum, petroleum products, coal, or other liquid or solid fuels 
to or from a foreign country. As a part of the review of an application 
for a Presidential Permit, the Secretary of State must determine 
whether or not the project would be in the national interest. The 
determination of national interest involves consideration of many 
factors, which can include energy security, environmental, cultural, 
economic and foreign policy impacts. The EA that is the subject of this 
notification is considered in the national interest determination.

The Environmental Review Process

    Consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 
1969, as amended, regulations developed by the Council on Environmental 
Quality (40 CFR 1500), and DOS regulations for implementing NEPA (22 
CFR 161), the DOS is undertaking an environmental review of the 
proposed pipeline in the United States. DOS now has issued an EA for 
the proposed Vantage Pipeline Project.
    In the EA, the DOS discusses impacts that could occur as a result 
of the construction and operation and maintenance of pipeline 
facilities of natural gas liquids and also evaluates reasonable 
alternatives to the proposed project. The potential environmental 
impacts of the Project are based on currently available information.
    In addition, the DOS is carrying out the Section 106 review process 
under Section 101(d)(6)(b) of the National Historic Preservation Act of 
1966 through which it consults with any Indian tribe that attaches 
religious or cultural significance to historic properties that may be 
affected by construction of the Vantage Pipeline.
    The EA is available to the public from the Web site https://vantagepipeline.state.gov/ and by mail. Following the 30-day public 
comment period, and after taking into account any comments received 
during that period, the DOS will decide whether to issue a Finding of 
No Significant Impact (FONSI) or proceed with further environmental 
review through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). To ensure that 
your comments are considered, please carefully follow the instructions 
detailed in the Public Participation section below.

Public Participation

    You are encouraged to become involved in this process and provide 
your comments or concerns about the proposed project. As noted above, 
we are requesting comments on two aspects of the Vantage Pipeline 
Project. First, we request comments on the EA that focus on the 
potential environmental impacts of the project, reasonable 
alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental impacts. 
The EA is available on the DOS Web site for the project at https://vantagepipeline.state.gov/.
    Second, we are requesting comments on whether this project is in 
the national interest. The determination of national interest involves 
consideration of many factors, which can include energy security, 
environmental, cultural, and economic impacts.
    To ensure that we have the opportunity to consider your comments, 
please make sure that comments on one or both of these issues described 
above are postmarked by June 2, 2012.
    For your convenience, there are two methods that you can use to 
submit your comments. In all instances please reference the project 
(i.e., Vantage) with your submission. We encourage electronic filing of 
comments.
    (1) You may mail your comments to the following address: State 
Department Vantage Comments, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Box 
501, Washington, DC 20006.
    (2) You may enter your comments directly on the DOS Web site at: 
https://vantagepipeline.state.gov/.

Environmental Mailing List

    The DOS sends information related to this environmental review to 
individuals, organizations, and government entities interested in and/
or potentially affected by the proposed project and maintains an 
environmental mailing list for this purpose. The environmental mailing 
list includes: Federal, state, and local government representatives and 
agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; 
Native American Tribes; other interested parties; and local libraries 
and newspapers. This list also includes all affected landowners who are 
potential right-of-way grantors, whose property may be used temporarily 
for project purposes, and anyone who submits comments on the project. 
The DOS will update the environmental mailing list as the analysis 
proceeds. If you would like to be included on the mailing list, please 
submit your address by accessing the DOS Web site at https://vantagepipeline.state.gov/.

Additional Information

    The EA and related documents to be considered by the DOS in 
connection with this application, including environmental information 
and associated maps, are downloadable at: https://www.vantagepipeline.state.gov. The Vantage Pipeline Project toll free 
number is 1-877-918-6818 (United States).

    Dated: Issued in Washington, DC on May 1, 2012.
George N. Sibley,
Director, Office of Environmental Policy, Bureau of Oceans and 
International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of 
State.
[FR Doc. 2012-10812 Filed 5-2-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-09-P
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