Southern Natural Gas Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed North Main Loop Line Abandonment Project and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, 31001-31003 [2012-12604]

Download as PDF srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 101 / Thursday, May 24, 2012 / Notices 1396, Houston, Texas 77251–1396, filed in Docket No. CP12–462–000 an application pursuant to Section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) and Part 157 of the Commission’s regulations seeking to amend the authorization to operate certain compression facilities in Georgia installed as part of the Mid-South Expansion Project,1 all as more fully set forth in the application, which is on file with the Commission and open to the public for inspection. This filing may also be viewed on the web at https:// www.ferc.gov using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, contact FERC at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or call toll-free, (886) 208–3676 or TYY, (202) 502–8659. Specifically, Transco requests authorization to amend the authorized operation of its new 15,000 horsepower (HP) electric motor-driven compressor installed at Transco’s Compressor Station 125 in Walton County. Transco currently has authority to operate the 15,000 HP electric compressor unit at a maximum of 9,000 HP. Transco now seeks authorization to operate said compressor unit at above 9,000 HP provided that the total horsepower used at Compressor Station 125 does not exceed the station’s total certificated horsepower of 49,800 horsepower. Transco states that it would use automated station control systems to limit the total horsepower at Compressor Station 125. Transco also states that this would allow for more efficient operation, increase operational reliability and flexibility, and accommodate schedule maintenance. Any questions regarding this application should be directed to Bill Hammons, Team Leader, Rates and Regulatory, P.O. Box 1396, Houston, Texas 77251, at (713) 215–2130. There are two ways to become involved in the Commission’s review of this project. First, any person wishing to obtain legal status by becoming a party to the proceedings for this project should, on or before the comment date stated below, file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.214 or 385.211) and the Regulations under the NGA (18 CFR 157.10). A person obtaining party status will be placed on the service list maintained by the Secretary of the Commission and will receive copies of all documents filed by the applicant and by all other parties. A party must submit 14 copies of filings made with the Commission and must mail a copy to the applicant and to every other party in the proceeding. Only parties to the proceeding can ask for court review of Commission orders in the proceeding. However, a person does not have to intervene in order to have comments considered. The second way to participate is by filing with the Secretary of the Commission, as soon as possible, an original and two copies of comments in support of or in opposition to this project. The Commission will consider these comments in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but the filing of a comment alone will not serve to make the filer a party to the proceeding. The Commission’s rules require that persons filing comments in opposition to the project provide copies of their protests only to the party or parties directly involved in the protest. Persons who wish to comment only on the environmental review of this project should submit an original and two copies of their comments to the Secretary of the Commission. Environmental commenters will be placed on the Commission’s environmental mailing list, will receive copies of the environmental documents, and will be notified of meetings associated with the Commission’s environmental review process. Environmental commenters will not be required to serve copies of filed documents on all other parties. However, the non-party commenters will not receive copies of all documents filed by other parties or issued by the Commission (except for the mailing of environmental documents issued by the Commission) and will not have the right to seek court review of the Commission’s final order. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings of comments, protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the ‘‘eFiling’’ link at https://www.ferc. gov. Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. See, 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission’s web site under the ‘‘eFiling’’ link. Comment Date: June, 7, 2012. Dated: May 17, 2012. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2012–12606 Filed 5–23–12; 8:45 am] 1 136 FERC ¶ 61,129 (2011). VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:31 May 23, 2012 BILLING CODE 6717–01–P Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 31001 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [ Docket No. CP12–112–000] Southern Natural Gas Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed North Main Loop Line Abandonment Project and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) that will discuss the environmental impacts of the North Main Loop Line Abandonment Project (Project) involving abandonment, construction and operation of facilities by Southern Natural Gas Company, L.L.C. (SNG) in Calhoun and Cleburne Counties, Alabama. The Commission will use this EA in its decision-making process to determine whether the project is in the public convenience and necessity. This notice announces the opening of the scoping process the Commission will use to gather input from the public and interested agencies on the project. Your input will help the Commission staff determine what issues they need to evaluate in the EA. Please note that the scoping period will close on June 16, 2012. Further details on how to submit written comments are in the Public Participation section of this notice. This notice is being sent to the Commission’s current environmental mailing list for this project. State and local government representatives should notify their constituents of this proposed project and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern. If you are a landowner receiving this notice, and you are contacted by a representative of SNG about the acquisition of an easement to construct, operate, and maintain the proposed facilities, please note that the company would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement. However, if the Commission approves the project, 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 where compensation would be determined in accordance with state law. SNG provided landowners with a fact sheet prepared by the FERC entitled ‘‘An Interstate Natural Gas Facility On My Land? What Do I Need To Know?’’. This fact sheet addresses a number of typically-asked questions, including the E:\FR\FM\24MYN1.SGM 24MYN1 31002 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 101 / Thursday, May 24, 2012 / Notices use of eminent domain and how to participate in the Commission’s proceedings. It is also available for viewing on the FERC Web site (www.ferc.gov). srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Summary of the Proposed Project SNG proposes to abandon a portion of its approximately 70 year old North Main Loop Line in Calhoun and Cleburne Counties, Alabama. The pipeline developed wrinkle bends which caused a pipeline failure in 2009. According to SNG, its project would eliminate a portion of the wrinkle bends on SNG’s North Main Loop Line and enhance its integrity. The replacement section will continue to provide safe reliable natural gas supplies to the eastern Alabama region. The Project would consist of the following: • Abandonment in-place of approximately 19.5 miles of 24-inchdiameter natural gas pipeline, beginning at the DeArmanville Compressor Station milepost (MP) 380.7, continuing through the Heflin Gate and ending at the Rome-Calhoun Gate (MP 400.2); • remove the existing pig launcher at the existing Chevron Road Launcher (MP 380.7) and install it at the existing Rome-Calhoun Gate site; 1 • abandon in-place the following: Æ a side valve assembly connecting the North Main Loop Line to SNG’s White Plains Line at approximate MP 385.6; and Æ a 24-inch main line valve assembly at SNG’s Heflin gate. • Cut and cap the 24-inch-diameter North Main Loop Line at 13 road crossings; • Install 2.2 miles of 3-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline between MP 389.8 and MP 392.0 (B–Line); • Repair or remove two exposed segments of 24-inch-diameter North Main Loop Line at MPs 392.2 and 393.3; and • Remove a pipeline drip assembly at approximate MP 382.5 and relocate a launcher currently located at the DeArmanville Compressor Station (approximate MP 380.7) to SNG’s RomeCalhoun Gate (approximate MP 400.2). The general location of the project facilities is shown in Appendix 1.2 1 A ‘‘pig’’ is a tool that the pipeline company inserts into and pushes through the pipeline for cleaning the pipeline, conducting internal inspections, or other purposes. 2 The appendices referenced in this notice will not appear in the Federal Register. Copies of appendices were sent to all those receiving this notice in the mail and are available at www.ferc.gov using the link called ‘‘eLibrary’’ or from the Commission’s Public Reference Room, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, or call (202) 502–8371. For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the last page of this notice. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:31 May 23, 2012 Jkt 226001 Land Requirements for Construction Construction of the proposed facilities and abandonment activities would disturb about 36.1 acres of land. Following construction, SNG would maintain about 10 acres for permanent operation of the Project’s B–Line facilities; the remaining acreage would be restored and revert to former uses. Following completion of the project, SNG will continue to operate the other pipelines in the right-of-way of the abandoned 19.5 miles of pipeline. Therefore, SNG will not relinquish its rights under its existing easement agreements. The EA Process The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires the Commission to take into account the environmental impacts that could result from an action whenever it considers the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. NEPA also requires us 3 to discover and address concerns the public may have about proposals. This process is referred to as ‘‘scoping.’’ The main goal of the scoping process is to focus the analysis in the EA on the important environmental issues. By this notice, the Commission requests public comments on the scope of the issues to address in the EA. We will consider all filed comments during the preparation of the EA. In the EA we will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of the construction and operation of the proposed project under these general headings: • Geology and soils; • Land use; • Water resources, fisheries, and wetlands; • Cultural resources; • Vegetation and wildlife; • Air quality and noise; • Endangered and threatened species; and • Public safety. We will also evaluate reasonable alternatives to the proposed project or portions of the project, and make recommendations on how to lessen or avoid impacts on the various resource areas. The EA will present our independent analysis of the issues. The EA will be available in the public record through eLibrary. Depending on the comments received during the scoping process, we may also publish and distribute the EA to the public for an allotted comment period. We will consider all comments 3 ‘‘We,’’ ‘‘us,’’ and ‘‘our’’ refer to the environmental staff of the Commission’s Office of Energy Projects. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 on the EA before making our recommendations to the Commission. To ensure we have the opportunity to consider and address your comments, please carefully follow the instructions in the Public Participation section of this notice. With this notice, we are asking agencies with jurisdiction by law and/ or special expertise with respect to the environmental issues of this project to formally cooperate with us in the preparation of the EA.4 Agencies that would like to request cooperating agency status should follow the instructions for filing comments provided under the Public Participation section of this notice. Consultations Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act In accordance with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s implementing regulations for section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, we are using this notice to initiate consultation with applicable State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and to solicit their views and those of other government agencies, interested Indian tribes, and the public on the project’s potential effects on historic properties.5 We will define the project-specific Area of Potential Effects (APE) in consultation with the SHPO as the project develops. On natural gas facility projects, the APE at a minimum encompasses all areas subject to ground disturbance (examples include construction right-of-way, contractor/ pipe storage yards, pig launcher removal and installation, and access roads). Our EA for this project will document our findings on the impacts on historic properties and summarize the status of consultations under section 106. Public Participation You can make a difference by providing us with your specific comments or concerns about the project. Your comments should focus on the potential environmental effects, reasonable alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental impacts. The more specific your comments, the more useful they will be. To ensure that your comments are timely and properly recorded, please send your comments so 4 The Council on Environmental Quality regulations addressing cooperating agency responsibilities are at Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, § 1501.6. 5 The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s regulations are at Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 800. Those regulations define historic properties as any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. E:\FR\FM\24MYN1.SGM 24MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 101 / Thursday, May 24, 2012 / Notices srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES that the Commission receives them in Washington, DC on or before June 16, 2012. For your convenience, there are three methods which you can use to submit your comments to the Commission. In all instances please reference the project docket number (CP12–112–000) with your submission. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and has expert staff available to assist you at (202) 502–8258 or efiling@ferc.gov. (1) You can file your comments electronically using the eComment feature on the Commission’s Web site (www.ferc.gov) under the link to Documents and Filings. This is an easy method for interested persons to submit brief, text-only comments on a project; (2) You can file your comments electronically using the eFiling feature on the Commission’s Web site (www.ferc.gov) under the link to Documents and Filings. With eFiling, you can provide comments in a variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your submission. New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking on ‘‘eRegister.’’ You must select the type of filing you are making. If you are filing a comment on a particular project, please select ‘‘Comment on a Filing’’; or (3) You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to the following address: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426. Environmental Mailing List 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 (as defined in the Commission’s regulations) who are potential right-of-way grantors, whose property may be used temporarily for project purposes, or who own homes within certain distances of aboveground facilities, and anyone who submits comments on the project. We will update the environmental mailing list as the analysis proceeds to ensure that we send the information related to this environmental review to all individuals, organizations, and government entities interested in and/or potentially affected by the proposed project. If the EA is published for distribution, copies will be sent to the environmental mailing list for public review and comment. If you would prefer to receive VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:31 May 23, 2012 Jkt 226001 31003 a paper copy of the document instead of the CD version or would like to remove your name from the mailing list, please return the attached Information Request (Appendix 2). DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Becoming an Intervenor FFP Project 109, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments, Motions to Intervene, and Competing Applications In addition to involvement in the EA scoping process, you may want to become an ‘‘intervenor’’ which is an official party to the Commission’s proceeding. Intervenors play a more formal role in the process and are able to file briefs, appear at hearings, and be heard by the courts if they choose to appeal the Commission’s final ruling. An intervenor formally participates in the proceeding by filing a request to intervene. Instructions for becoming an intervenor are available on the Commission’s Web site at: https:// www.ferc.gov/help/how-to/ intervene.asp. Additional Information Additional information about the project is available from the Commission’s Office of External Affairs, at (866) 208–FERC, or on the FERC Web site at 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., CP12–112). Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at (866) 208–3676, or for TTY, contact (202) 502–8659. The eLibrary link also provides access to the texts of formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rulemakings. In addition, the Commission now offers a free service called eSubscription which allows you to keep track of all formal issuances and submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time you spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to the documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/ esubscribenow.htm. Finally, public meetings or site visits will be posted on the Commission’s calendar located at www.ferc.gov/ EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx along with other related information. Dated: May 17, 2012. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2012–12604 Filed 5–23–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [ Project No. 14402–000] On May 1, 2012, the FFP Project 109, LLC filed an application for a preliminary permit under section 4(f) of the Federal Power Act proposing to study the feasibility of the proposed Mississippi River Lock and Dam #24 Project No. 14402, to be located at the existing Mississippi River Lock and Dam No. 24 on the Mississippi River, near the City of Clarksville in Pike County, Missouri and Calhoun County, Illinois. The Mississippi River Lock and Dam No. 24 is owned by the United States government and operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The proposed project would consist of: (1) Fifteen new 60-foot by 80-foot reinforced concrete powerhouses, each containing two 500-kilowatt bulb turbine-generators, having a total combined generating capacity of 15 megawatts; (2) fifteen existing submersible tainter gates; (3) a new 40-foot by 35-foot substation; (4) a new 10-foot by 80-foot intake structure; (5) a new 2.8-mile-long, 34.5-kilovolt transmission line; and (6) appurtenant facilities. The project would have an estimated annual generation of 60 gigawatt-hours. Applicant Contact: Ms. Ramya Swaminathan, 239 Causeway Street, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02114; (978) 283–2822. FERC Contact: Tyrone A. Williams, (202) 502–6331. Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, and competing applications (without notices of intent), or notices of intent to file competing applications: 60 days from the issuance of this notice. Competing applications and notices of intent must meet the requirements of 18 CFR 4.36. Comments, motions to intervene, notices of intent, and competing applications may be filed electronically via the Internet. See 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission’s Web site https:// www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. Commenters can submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters, without prior registration, using the eComment system at https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ ecomment.asp. You must include your name and contact information at the end E:\FR\FM\24MYN1.SGM 24MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 101 (Thursday, May 24, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31001-31003]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-12604]


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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[ Docket No. CP12-112-000]


Southern Natural Gas Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Intent To Prepare 
an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed North Main Loop Line 
Abandonment Project and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues

    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or 
Commission) will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) that will 
discuss the environmental impacts of the North Main Loop Line 
Abandonment Project (Project) involving abandonment, construction and 
operation of facilities by Southern Natural Gas Company, L.L.C. (SNG) 
in Calhoun and Cleburne Counties, Alabama. The Commission will use this 
EA in its decision-making process to determine whether the project is 
in the public convenience and necessity.
    This notice announces the opening of the scoping process the 
Commission will use to gather input from the public and interested 
agencies on the project. Your input will help the Commission staff 
determine what issues they need to evaluate in the EA. Please note that 
the scoping period will close on June 16, 2012. Further details on how 
to submit written comments are in the Public Participation section of 
this notice.
    This notice is being sent to the Commission's current environmental 
mailing list for this project. State and local government 
representatives should notify their constituents of this proposed 
project and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern.
    If you are a landowner receiving this notice, and you are contacted 
by a representative of SNG about the acquisition of an easement to 
construct, operate, and maintain the proposed facilities, please note 
that the company would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable 
agreement. However, if the Commission approves the project, 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 where compensation 
would be determined in accordance with state law.
    SNG provided landowners with a fact sheet prepared by the FERC 
entitled ``An Interstate Natural Gas Facility On My Land? What Do I 
Need To Know?''. This fact sheet addresses a number of typically-asked 
questions, including the

[[Page 31002]]

use of eminent domain and how to participate in the Commission's 
proceedings. It is also available for viewing on the FERC Web site 
(www.ferc.gov).

Summary of the Proposed Project

    SNG proposes to abandon a portion of its approximately 70 year old 
North Main Loop Line in Calhoun and Cleburne Counties, Alabama. The 
pipeline developed wrinkle bends which caused a pipeline failure in 
2009. According to SNG, its project would eliminate a portion of the 
wrinkle bends on SNG's North Main Loop Line and enhance its integrity. 
The replacement section will continue to provide safe reliable natural 
gas supplies to the eastern Alabama region.
    The Project would consist of the following:
     Abandonment in-place of approximately 19.5 miles of 24-
inch-diameter natural gas pipeline, beginning at the DeArmanville 
Compressor Station milepost (MP) 380.7, continuing through the Heflin 
Gate and ending at the Rome-Calhoun Gate (MP 400.2);
     remove the existing pig launcher at the existing Chevron 
Road Launcher (MP 380.7) and install it at the existing Rome-Calhoun 
Gate site; \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ A ``pig'' is a tool that the pipeline company inserts into 
and pushes through the pipeline for cleaning the pipeline, 
conducting internal inspections, or other purposes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     abandon in-place the following:
    [cir] a side valve assembly connecting the North Main Loop Line to 
SNG's White Plains Line at approximate MP 385.6; and
    [cir] a 24-inch main line valve assembly at SNG's Heflin gate.
     Cut and cap the 24-inch-diameter North Main Loop Line at 
13 road crossings;
     Install 2.2 miles of 3-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline 
between MP 389.8 and MP 392.0 (B-Line);
     Repair or remove two exposed segments of 24-inch-diameter 
North Main Loop Line at MPs 392.2 and 393.3; and
     Remove a pipeline drip assembly at approximate MP 382.5 
and relocate a launcher currently located at the DeArmanville 
Compressor Station (approximate MP 380.7) to SNG's Rome-Calhoun Gate 
(approximate MP 400.2).
    The general location of the project facilities is shown in Appendix 
1.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The appendices referenced in this notice will not appear in 
the Federal Register. Copies of appendices were sent to all those 
receiving this notice in the mail and are available at www.ferc.gov 
using the link called ``eLibrary'' or from the Commission's Public 
Reference Room, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, or call 
(202) 502-8371. For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to 
the last page of this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Land Requirements for Construction

    Construction of the proposed facilities and abandonment activities 
would disturb about 36.1 acres of land. Following construction, SNG 
would maintain about 10 acres for permanent operation of the Project's 
B-Line facilities; the remaining acreage would be restored and revert 
to former uses. Following completion of the project, SNG will continue 
to operate the other pipelines in the right-of-way of the abandoned 
19.5 miles of pipeline. Therefore, SNG will not relinquish its rights 
under its existing easement agreements.

The EA Process

    The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires the 
Commission to take into account the environmental impacts that could 
result from an action whenever it considers the issuance of a 
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. NEPA also requires us 
\3\ to discover and address concerns the public may have about 
proposals. This process is referred to as ``scoping.'' The main goal of 
the scoping process is to focus the analysis in the EA on the important 
environmental issues. By this notice, the Commission requests public 
comments on the scope of the issues to address in the EA. We will 
consider all filed comments during the preparation of the EA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ ``We,'' ``us,'' and ``our'' refer to the environmental staff 
of the Commission's Office of Energy Projects.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the EA we will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of 
the construction and operation of the proposed project under these 
general headings:
     Geology and soils;
     Land use;
     Water resources, fisheries, and wetlands;
     Cultural resources;
     Vegetation and wildlife;
     Air quality and noise;
     Endangered and threatened species; and
     Public safety.
    We will also evaluate reasonable alternatives to the proposed 
project or portions of the project, and make recommendations on how to 
lessen or avoid impacts on the various resource areas.
    The EA will present our independent analysis of the issues. The EA 
will be available in the public record through eLibrary. Depending on 
the comments received during the scoping process, we may also publish 
and distribute the EA to the public for an allotted comment period. We 
will consider all comments on the EA before making our recommendations 
to the Commission. To ensure we have the opportunity to consider and 
address your comments, please carefully follow the instructions in the 
Public Participation section of this notice.
    With this notice, we are asking agencies with jurisdiction by law 
and/or special expertise with respect to the environmental issues of 
this project to formally cooperate with us in the preparation of the 
EA.\4\ Agencies that would like to request cooperating agency status 
should follow the instructions for filing comments provided under the 
Public Participation section of this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ The Council on Environmental Quality regulations addressing 
cooperating agency responsibilities are at Title 40, Code of Federal 
Regulations, Sec.  1501.6.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consultations Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation 
Act

    In accordance with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's 
implementing regulations for section 106 of the National Historic 
Preservation Act, we are using this notice to initiate consultation 
with applicable State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and to 
solicit their views and those of other government agencies, interested 
Indian tribes, and the public on the project's potential effects on 
historic properties.\5\ We will define the project-specific Area of 
Potential Effects (APE) in consultation with the SHPO as the project 
develops. On natural gas facility projects, the APE at a minimum 
encompasses all areas subject to ground disturbance (examples include 
construction right-of-way, contractor/pipe storage yards, pig launcher 
removal and installation, and access roads). Our EA for this project 
will document our findings on the impacts on historic properties and 
summarize the status of consultations under section 106.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's regulations 
are at Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 800. Those 
regulations define historic properties as any prehistoric or 
historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in 
or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic 
Places.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Public Participation

    You can make a difference by providing us with your specific 
comments or concerns about the project. Your comments should focus on 
the potential environmental effects, reasonable alternatives, and 
measures to avoid or lessen environmental impacts. The more specific 
your comments, the more useful they will be. To ensure that your 
comments are timely and properly recorded, please send your comments so

[[Page 31003]]

that the Commission receives them in Washington, DC on or before June 
16, 2012.
    For your convenience, there are three methods which you can use to 
submit your comments to the Commission. In all instances please 
reference the project docket number (CP12-112-000) with your 
submission. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and 
has expert staff available to assist you at (202) 502-8258 or 
efiling@ferc.gov.
    (1) You can file your comments electronically using the eComment 
feature on the Commission's Web site (www.ferc.gov) under the link to 
Documents and Filings. This is an easy method for interested persons to 
submit brief, text-only comments on a project;
    (2) You can file your comments electronically using the eFiling 
feature on the Commission's Web site (www.ferc.gov) under the link to 
Documents and Filings. With eFiling, you can provide comments in a 
variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your submission. 
New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking on 
``eRegister.'' You must select the type of filing you are making. If 
you are filing a comment on a particular project, please select 
``Comment on a Filing''; or
    (3) You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to 
the following address: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Room 1A, Washington, DC 
20426.

Environmental Mailing List

    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 (as defined in the Commission's 
regulations) who are potential right-of-way grantors, whose property 
may be used temporarily for project purposes, or who own homes within 
certain distances of aboveground facilities, and anyone who submits 
comments on the project. We will update the environmental mailing list 
as the analysis proceeds to ensure that we send the information related 
to this environmental review to all individuals, organizations, and 
government entities interested in and/or potentially affected by the 
proposed project.
    If the EA is published for distribution, copies will be sent to the 
environmental mailing list for public review and comment. If you would 
prefer to receive a paper copy of the document instead of the CD 
version or would like to remove your name from the mailing list, please 
return the attached Information Request (Appendix 2).

Becoming an Intervenor

    In addition to involvement in the EA scoping process, you may want 
to become an ``intervenor'' which is an official party to the 
Commission's proceeding. Intervenors play a more formal role in the 
process and are able to file briefs, appear at hearings, and be heard 
by the courts if they choose to appeal the Commission's final ruling. 
An intervenor formally participates in the proceeding by filing a 
request to intervene. Instructions for becoming an intervenor are 
available on the Commission's Web site at: https://www.ferc.gov/help/how-to/intervene.asp.

Additional Information

    Additional information about the project is available from the 
Commission's Office of External Affairs, at (866) 208-FERC, or on the 
FERC Web site at 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., CP12-
112). Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For 
assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at 
FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at (866) 208-3676, or for TTY, 
contact (202) 502-8659. The eLibrary link also provides access to the 
texts of formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, 
notices, and rulemakings.
    In addition, the Commission now offers a free service called 
eSubscription which allows you to keep track of all formal issuances 
and submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time 
you spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with 
notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to 
the documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/esubscribenow.htm.
    Finally, public meetings or site visits will be posted on the 
Commission's calendar located at www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx along with other related information.

    Dated: May 17, 2012.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2012-12604 Filed 5-23-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
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