Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Cedar Station Upgrade Project, 91159-91160 [2016-30207]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2016 / Notices Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an eSubscription link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive email notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please email FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. or call (866) 208–3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502–8659. Comment Date: 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on January 9, 2017. Dated: December 12, 2016. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP16–38–000; PF15–21–000] Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice of Schedule For Environmental Review of the WB XPress Project mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES On December 30, 2015, Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC (Columbia) filed an application in Docket No. CP16–38–000 requesting a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity pursuant to Section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act to construct and operate certain natural gas pipeline facilities. The proposed project is known as the WB XPress Project (Project), and would expand the capacity of Columbia’s existing natural gas pipeline system by 1.3 million dekatherms per day and provide bidirectional transportation service in order to meet growing market demands. On January 14, 2016, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) issued its Notice of Application for the Project. Among other things, that notice alerted agencies issuing federal authorizations of the requirement to complete all necessary reviews and to reach a final decision on a request for a federal authorization within 90 days of the date of issuance of the Commission staff’s Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Project. This instant notice identifies the FERC staff’s planned schedule for the completion of the EA for the Project. Schedule for Environmental Review Issuance of EA—March 24, 2017 90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline—June 22, 2017 If a schedule change becomes necessary, additional notice will be provided so that the relevant agencies are kept informed of the Project’s progress. 18:42 Dec 15, 2016 The Project would involve the replacement of 26.2 miles of replacement pipeline and 3.1 miles of new pipeline composed of varying diameters, two new compressor stations (one gas and one electric), expansions and modifications at seven existing gas compressor stations, and other minor aboveground facilities in West Virginia and Virginia. Background [FR Doc. 2016–30290 Filed 12–15–16; 8:45 am] VerDate Sep<11>2014 Project Description Jkt 241001 On July 22, 2015, the Commission issued a Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed WB XPress Project and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues (NOI). The NOI was issued during the pre-filing review of the Project in Docket No. PF15–21– 000 and 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 the NOI, the Commission received comments from Virginia and West Virginia state agencies; Fairfax County, and five landowners. After the NOI period closed, we received additional comments from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Region 3), U.S. Forest Service, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Town of Strasburg, Virginia, and organizations such as the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Southern Environmental Law Center, West Virginia Oil and Gas Association, Virginia Run Community Association, Sierra Club et al., Shenandoah Valley Network et al., Oil Change International et al., and 26 interested individuals. The primary issues raised included the need for the project; impacts on soils, karst geology, groundwater, waterbodies, wetlands, sensitive and listed species, forests, sensitive National Forest Service lands, air quality, climate change; and cumulative and indirect impacts. Alternatives, public safety, general support for the project, and the need for a programmatic environmental impact statement (EIS) were also raised. The U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, and West Virginia Department of Natural Resources are cooperating agencies in the preparation of the EA. PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 91159 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 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. 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). Using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link, select ‘‘General Search’’ from the eLibrary menu, enter the selected date range and ‘‘Docket Number’’ excluding the last three digits (i.e., CP16–38), 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. Dated: December 9, 2016. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016–30206 Filed 12–15–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP16–487–000] Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Cedar Station Upgrade Project The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) for the Cedar Station Upgrade Project, proposed by Northern Natural Gas Company (Northern) in the above-referenced docket. Northern requests authorization to construct approximately 7.86 miles of natural gas pipeline in Dakota County, Minnesota in order to fulfill its contractual obligation with Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota Corporation (NSP–MN) to increase the delivery pressure to NSP–MN’s existing Black Dog Generating Station from 400 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) to 650 psig. As part of NSP–MN’s process E:\FR\FM\16DEN1.SGM 16DEN1 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES 91160 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2016 / Notices of reducing its carbon footprint, it has increased its use of natural gas-fired generation. The EA assesses the potential environmental effects of the construction and operation of the Cedar Station Upgrade Project in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The FERC staff concludes that approval of the proposed project, with appropriate mitigating measures, would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. The Cedar Station Upgrade Project includes the following facilities: • Approximately 7.86 miles of new 20-inch-diameter pipeline loop; 1 • a new pig 2 launcher and takeoff valve setting at Northern’s existing Rosemount Junction facility; and • a new pig receiver, tie-in valve setting, and modification of existing regulators and piping at Northern’s existing Cedar Meter Station facility. The FERC staff mailed copies of the EA to federal, state, and local government representatives and agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Native American tribes; potentially affected landowners and other interested individuals and groups; and newspapers and libraries in the project area. In addition, the EA is available for public viewing on the FERC’s Web site (www.ferc.gov) using the eLibrary link. A limited number of copies of the EA are available for distribution and public inspection at: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Public Reference Room, 888 First Street NE., Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426, (202) 502–8371. Any person wishing to comment on the EA may do so. 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 the Commission has the opportunity to consider your comments prior to making its decision on this project, it is important that we receive your comments in Washington, DC on or before January 9, 2017. For your convenience, there are three methods you can use to file your comments to the Commission. In all instances, please reference the project 1A pipeline ‘‘loop’’ is a segment of pipe installed adjacent to an existing pipeline and connected to the existing pipeline at both ends. 2 A ‘‘pig’’ is an internal pipeline tool used to clean a pipeline and/or to inspect for damage or corrosion. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:42 Dec 15, 2016 Jkt 241001 docket number (CP16–487–000) 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 submitting brief, text-only comments on a project; (2) You can also 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. Any person seeking to become a party to the proceeding must file a motion to intervene pursuant to Rule 214 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedures (18 CFR 385.214).3 Only intervenors have the right to seek rehearing of the Commission’s decision. The Commission grants affected landowners and others with environmental concerns intervenor status upon showing good cause by stating that they have a clear and direct interest in this proceeding which no other party can adequately represent. Simply filing environmental comments will not give you intervenor status, but you do not need intervenor status to have your comments considered. 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) 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., CP16– 487). 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 3 See the previous discussion on the methods for filing comments. PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 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 9, 2016. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016–30207 Filed 12–15–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. IC17–2–000] Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC–549D and FERC–733); Consolidated Comment Request; Extension Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of information collections and request for comments. AGENCY: In compliance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) is soliciting public comment on the requirements and burden 1 of the information collections described below. DATES: Comments on the collections of information are due February 14, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments (identified by Docket No. IC17–2–000) by either of the following methods: • eFiling at Commission’s Web site: https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ efiling.asp. • Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. Please reference the specific collection number and/or title in your comments. SUMMARY: 1 The Commission defines burden as the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. For further explanation of what is included in the information collection burden, reference 5 Code of Federal Regulations 1320.3. E:\FR\FM\16DEN1.SGM 16DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 242 (Friday, December 16, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 91159-91160]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30207]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP16-487-000]


Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Availability of the 
Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Cedar Station Upgrade Project

    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or 
Commission) has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) for the Cedar 
Station Upgrade Project, proposed by Northern Natural Gas Company 
(Northern) in the above-referenced docket. Northern requests 
authorization to construct approximately 7.86 miles of natural gas 
pipeline in Dakota County, Minnesota in order to fulfill its 
contractual obligation with Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota 
Corporation (NSP-MN) to increase the delivery pressure to NSP-MN's 
existing Black Dog Generating Station from 400 pounds per square inch 
gauge (psig) to 650 psig. As part of NSP-MN's process

[[Page 91160]]

of reducing its carbon footprint, it has increased its use of natural 
gas-fired generation.
    The EA assesses the potential environmental effects of the 
construction and operation of the Cedar Station Upgrade Project in 
accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy 
Act (NEPA). The FERC staff concludes that approval of the proposed 
project, with appropriate mitigating measures, would not constitute a 
major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human 
environment.
    The Cedar Station Upgrade Project includes the following 
facilities:
     Approximately 7.86 miles of new 20-inch-diameter pipeline 
loop; \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ A pipeline ``loop'' is a segment of pipe installed adjacent 
to an existing pipeline and connected to the existing pipeline at 
both ends.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     a new pig \2\ launcher and takeoff valve setting at 
Northern's existing Rosemount Junction facility; and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ A ``pig'' is an internal pipeline tool used to clean a 
pipeline and/or to inspect for damage or corrosion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     a new pig receiver, tie-in valve setting, and modification 
of existing regulators and piping at Northern's existing Cedar Meter 
Station facility.
    The FERC staff mailed copies of the EA to federal, state, and local 
government representatives and agencies; elected officials; 
environmental and public interest groups; Native American tribes; 
potentially affected landowners and other interested individuals and 
groups; and newspapers and libraries in the project area. In addition, 
the EA is available for public viewing on the FERC's Web site 
(www.ferc.gov) using the eLibrary link. A limited number of copies of 
the EA are available for distribution and public inspection at: Federal 
Energy Regulatory Commission, Public Reference Room, 888 First Street 
NE., Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426, (202) 502-8371.
    Any person wishing to comment on the EA may do so. 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 the Commission has the opportunity to consider your 
comments prior to making its decision on this project, it is important 
that we receive your comments in Washington, DC on or before January 9, 
2017.
    For your convenience, there are three methods you can use to file 
your comments to the Commission. In all instances, please reference the 
project docket number (CP16-487-000) 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 submitting brief, 
text-only comments on a project;
    (2) You can also 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.
    Any person seeking to become a party to the proceeding must file a 
motion to intervene pursuant to Rule 214 of the Commission's Rules of 
Practice and Procedures (18 CFR 385.214).\3\ Only intervenors have the 
right to seek rehearing of the Commission's decision. The Commission 
grants affected landowners and others with environmental concerns 
intervenor status upon showing good cause by stating that they have a 
clear and direct interest in this proceeding which no other party can 
adequately represent. Simply filing environmental comments will not 
give you intervenor status, but you do not need intervenor status to 
have your comments considered.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See the previous discussion on the methods for filing 
comments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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) 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., CP16-
487). 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 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 9, 2016.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-30207 Filed 12-15-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
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