Notice of Availability of the Draft Guidance Manual for Environmental Report Preparation and Request for Comments, 80353-80354 [2015-32398]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 247 / Thursday, December 24, 2015 / Notices Filed Date: 12/18/15. Accession Number: 20151218–5038. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/8/16. The filings are accessible in the Commission’s eLibrary system by clicking on the links or querying the docket number. Any person desiring to intervene or protest in any of the above proceedings must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission’s Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment date. Protests may be considered, but intervention is necessary to become a party to the proceeding. eFiling is encouraged. More detailed information relating to filing requirements, interventions, protests, service, and qualifying facilities filings can be found at: https://www.ferc.gov/ docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For other information, call (866) 208–3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502–8659. Dated: December 18, 2015. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015–32399 Filed 12–23–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. AD16–3–000] mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Notice of Availability of the Draft Guidance Manual for Environmental Report Preparation and Request for Comments The staff of the Office of Energy Projects (OEP) has revised its Guidance Manual for Environmental Report Preparation (Guidance Manual), dated August 2002, to incorporate regulation changes and provide updated guidance on how to prepare resource reports and how interstate and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects may demonstrate compliance with certain regulatory requirements. The staff is asking for public input and suggestions for modifications to the Guidance Manual from federal and state agencies, Native American tribes, environmental consultants, inspectors, the natural gas industry, construction contractors, and other interested parties with special expertise in regards to preparation of resource reports associated with natural gas projects. Please note that this comment period will close on January 19, 2016. The OEP staff anticipates issuing our final updated version of the Guidance VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:57 Dec 23, 2015 Jkt 238001 Manual in early 2016. We will consider all timely comments on the draft before issuing the final version. The revised Guidance Manual, for which we are seeking comment, can be found in Docket Number AD16–3–000. The full text of the 2002 version of the Guidance Manual can be viewed on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) Web site at http: //www.ferc.gov/industries/gas/enviro/ guidelines.asp and can be used as a reference to see the changes made. Applicable sections of the Code of Federal Regulations Title 18 are referenced or summarized throughout the Guidance Manual. We stress that OEP staff is not seeking comment on any existing regulations or contemplating any changes to regulations within the context of the Guidance Manual. The Guidance Manual is not the appropriate vehicle for changes to federal regulations. Comments pertaining to our regulations will not be considered as we develop the final Guidance Manual. The Guidance Manual is divided into two volumes. Volume 1 relates to the preparation of resource reports for both interstate natural gas projects and Commission jurisdictional LNG facilities. Volume 2 is specific to LNG facilities and includes supplemental information needed to comply with: 18 CFR 380.12(h)(5) to demonstrate information reflected in National Bureau of Standards Information Report (NBSIR) 84–2833; 18 CFR 380.12(m) to demonstrate the potential hazard to the public from failure of facility components resulting from natural catastrophes; and 18 CFR 380.12(o) to demonstrate the proposed engineering design would be safe and reliable and would likely comply with the regulatory requirements in 49 CFR 193. Volume 2 is intended to replace a series of guidance documents that were previously developed and issued by staff to assist in the preparation and review of LNG applications. Specifically, Volume 2 is meant to replace Draft Guidance on Resource Report 11 and 13 issued on December 15, 2005, Draft Preferred Format Submittal Guidance issued on April 12, 2006, and Draft FERC Seismic Design Guidelines and Data Submittal Requirements for LNG Facilities issued on January 23, 2007. The previous versions of these documents should be considered obsolete. Interested parties can help us determine the appropriate updates and improvements by providing comments or suggestions that focus on the specific sections of the Guidance Manual requiring clarification, updates to reflect PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 80353 current laws and regulations, or additional information that should be included in each resource report. The more specific your comments, the more useful they will be. A detailed explanation of the rationale underlying your suggested modifications and/or any references to scientific studies associated with your comments would greatly help us with this process. For your convenience, there are three methods you can use to submit your comments to the Commission. In all instances, please reference the docket number (AD16–3–000) 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; (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, 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. All of the information related to the proposed updates to the Guidance Manual and submitted comments can be found on the FERC Web site (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., AD16– 3). 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 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 E:\FR\FM\24DEN1.SGM 24DEN1 80354 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 247 / Thursday, December 24, 2015 / Notices 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/docsfiling/esubscription.asp. Dated: December 18, 2015. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015–32398 Filed 12–23–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP15–77–000] Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review of the Broad Run Expansion Project mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES On January 30, 2015, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (Tennessee) filed an application in Docket No. CP15–77–000 pursuant to sections 7(b) and 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act, requesting a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct, operate, and maintain certain natural gas pipeline facilities, and authorization to abandon certain facilities, collectively known as the Broad Run Expansion Project (Project). The Project purpose is to provide an additional 200,000 dekatherms per day of firm incremental transportation service through construction of new compressor stations and replacement of compression facilities in West Virginia, Kentucky; and Tennessee. On February 12, 2015, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) issued its Notice of Application for the Project. The notice alerted agencies responsible for issuing federal authorizations of the requirement to complete necessary reviews and reach a final decision on a request for a federal authorization within 90 days of the date of issuance of the Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared by Commission staff. This Notice of Schedule identifies the Commission staff’s planned schedule for the completion of the EA for the Project. Schedule for Environmental Review Issuance of EA March 11, 2016 90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline June 9, 2016 If a schedule change becomes necessary, additional notice will be provided so the relevant agencies are kept informed of the Project’s progress. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:57 Dec 23, 2015 Jkt 238001 Project Description Tennessee proposes to build four new compressor stations and add compression at two existing compressor stations. Tennessee also proposes to improve efficiency and reduce certain emissions by replacing older existing compression facilities on its system with newer compressor units. The Project would include construction and operation of the following facilities: • Two new compressor stations in Kanawha County, West Virginia, to be known as the Tyler Mountain Compressor Station (CS 118A) and the Rocky Fork Compressor Station (CS 119A); • a new compressor station in Madison County, Kentucky, to be known as the Richmond Compressor Station (CS 875); • a new compressor station in Davidson County, Tennessee, to be known as the Pinnacle Compressor Station (CS 563); and • modifications (including abandonment and replacement of certain compression units, system components, and associated facilities) at the existing Clay City Compressor Station in Powell County, Kentucky (CS 106), and the existing Catlettsburg Compressor Station in Boyd County, Kentucky (CS 114). Background On May 1, 2015, the Commission issued a Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Broad Run Expansion Project and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues (NOI). The NOI was sent to affected landowners; federal, state, and local government agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Native American tribes; other interested parties; and local libraries and newspapers. In response to Tennessee’s application and the NOI, the Commission received comments from many affected landowners, interested individuals and organizations, elected officials, and agencies. Commentors included U.S. Representative Andy Barr, Kentucky State Representative Terry Mills, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, Madison County Fiscal Court, Allegheny Defense Project, Concerned Citizens for a Safe Environment, Freshwater Accountability Project, Heartwood, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, Tennessee Valley Authority, ByFaith Farm LLC, and Walden’s Puddle Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The primary issues raised by the commentors included concerns about potential impacts on organic farms and wildlife, including Walden’s Puddle Wildlife Rehabilitation Center; air quality and noise impacts; public safety; and aspects of the FERC process. Additional Information In order to receive notification of the issuance of the EA and to keep track of all formal issuances and submittals in specific dockets, the Commission offers a free service called eSubscription. This can reduce the amount of time spent researching proceedings by automatically providing notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to the documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ esubscription.asp. The FERC’s eLibrary system can also be used to search formal issuances and submittals from the public docket. To use, select the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link, select ‘‘General Search’’ from the eLibrary menu located at www.ferc.gov/docsfiling/elibrary.asp, enter the selected date range and ‘‘Docket Number’’ excluding the last three digits (i.e., CP15–77), and follow the instructions. For assistance with access to eLibrary, the helpline can be reached at (866) 208–3676, TTY (202) 502–8659, or at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. The eLibrary link on the FERC Web site also provides access to the texts of formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rule makings. 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 (www.ferc.gov). Dated: December 18, 2015. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015–32403 Filed 12–23–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket Nos. CP14–554–000; CP15–16–000; CP15–17–000] Florida Southeast Connection, LLC; Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC; Sabal Trail Transmission, LLC; Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Southeast Market Pipelines Project The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or E:\FR\FM\24DEN1.SGM 24DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 247 (Thursday, December 24, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 80353-80354]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32398]


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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. AD16-3-000]


Notice of Availability of the Draft Guidance Manual for 
Environmental Report Preparation and Request for Comments

    The staff of the Office of Energy Projects (OEP) has revised its 
Guidance Manual for Environmental Report Preparation (Guidance Manual), 
dated August 2002, to incorporate regulation changes and provide 
updated guidance on how to prepare resource reports and how interstate 
and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects may demonstrate compliance 
with certain regulatory requirements. The staff is asking for public 
input and suggestions for modifications to the Guidance Manual from 
federal and state agencies, Native American tribes, environmental 
consultants, inspectors, the natural gas industry, construction 
contractors, and other interested parties with special expertise in 
regards to preparation of resource reports associated with natural gas 
projects. Please note that this comment period will close on January 
19, 2016.
    The OEP staff anticipates issuing our final updated version of the 
Guidance Manual in early 2016. We will consider all timely comments on 
the draft before issuing the final version.
    The revised Guidance Manual, for which we are seeking comment, can 
be found in Docket Number AD16-3-000. The full text of the 2002 version 
of the Guidance Manual can be viewed on the Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission (FERC or Commission) Web site at https://www.ferc.gov/industries/gas/enviro/guidelines.asp and can be used as a reference to 
see the changes made.
    Applicable sections of the Code of Federal Regulations Title 18 are 
referenced or summarized throughout the Guidance Manual. We stress that 
OEP staff is not seeking comment on any existing regulations or 
contemplating any changes to regulations within the context of the 
Guidance Manual. The Guidance Manual is not the appropriate vehicle for 
changes to federal regulations. Comments pertaining to our regulations 
will not be considered as we develop the final Guidance Manual.
    The Guidance Manual is divided into two volumes. Volume 1 relates 
to the preparation of resource reports for both interstate natural gas 
projects and Commission jurisdictional LNG facilities. Volume 2 is 
specific to LNG facilities and includes supplemental information needed 
to comply with: 18 CFR 380.12(h)(5) to demonstrate information 
reflected in National Bureau of Standards Information Report (NBSIR) 
84-2833; 18 CFR 380.12(m) to demonstrate the potential hazard to the 
public from failure of facility components resulting from natural 
catastrophes; and 18 CFR 380.12(o) to demonstrate the proposed 
engineering design would be safe and reliable and would likely comply 
with the regulatory requirements in 49 CFR 193. Volume 2 is intended to 
replace a series of guidance documents that were previously developed 
and issued by staff to assist in the preparation and review of LNG 
applications. Specifically, Volume 2 is meant to replace Draft Guidance 
on Resource Report 11 and 13 issued on December 15, 2005, Draft 
Preferred Format Submittal Guidance issued on April 12, 2006, and Draft 
FERC Seismic Design Guidelines and Data Submittal Requirements for LNG 
Facilities issued on January 23, 2007. The previous versions of these 
documents should be considered obsolete.
    Interested parties can help us determine the appropriate updates 
and improvements by providing comments or suggestions that focus on the 
specific sections of the Guidance Manual requiring clarification, 
updates to reflect current laws and regulations, or additional 
information that should be included in each resource report. The more 
specific your comments, the more useful they will be. A detailed 
explanation of the rationale underlying your suggested modifications 
and/or any references to scientific studies associated with your 
comments would greatly help us with this process.
    For your convenience, there are three methods you can use to submit 
your comments to the Commission. In all instances, please reference the 
docket number (AD16-3-000) 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;
    (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, 
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.
    All of the information related to the proposed updates to the 
Guidance Manual and submitted comments can be found on the FERC Web 
site (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., AD16-
3). 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 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

[[Page 80354]]

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/docs-filing/esubscription.asp.

    Dated: December 18, 2015.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2015-32398 Filed 12-23-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
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