Pipeline Safety: Request for Special Permit, 16273-16274 [2017-06404]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices program is March 13, 2017. The public comment period ends May 12, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Doucette, Federal Aviation Administration, New England Region Airports Division, 1200 District Ave., Burlington, MA 01803. Comments on the proposed noise compatibility program should also be submitted to the above office. This notice announces that the FAA is reviewing a proposed noise compatibility program for WestfieldBarnes Regional Airport which will be approved or disapproved on or before September 9, 2017. This notice also announces the availability of this program for public review and comment. An airport operator who has submitted noise exposure maps that are found by FAA to be in compliance with the requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 150, promulgated pursuant to the Act (49 U.S.C. 47504 et. seq), may submit a noise compatibility program for FAA approval which sets forth the measures the operator has taken or proposes to reduce existing non-compatible uses and prevent the introduction of additional non-compatible uses. The FAA has formally received the noise compatibility program for Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport, effective on March 13, 2017. The airport operator has requested that the FAA review this material and that the noise mitigation measures, to be implemented jointly by the airport and surrounding communities, be approved as a noise compatibility program under section 47504 of the Act. Preliminary review of the submitted material indicates that it conforms to FAR Part 150 requirements for the submittal of noise compatibility programs, but that further review will be necessary prior to approval or disapproval of the program. The formal review period, limited by law to a maximum of 180 days, will be completed on or before September 9, 2017. The FAA’s detailed evaluation will be conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR part 150, section 150.33. The primary considerations in the evaluation process are whether the proposed measures may reduce the level of aviation safety or create an undue burden on interstate or foreign commerce, and whether they are reasonably consistent with obtaining the goal of reducing existing noncompatible land uses and preventing the introduction of additional noncompatible land uses. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Mar 31, 2017 Jkt 241001 Interested persons are invited to comment on the proposed program with specific reference to these factors. All comments relating to these factors, other than those properly addressed to local land use authorities, will be considered by the FAA to the extent practicable. Copies of the noise exposure maps and the proposed noise compatibility program are available for examination at the following locations: • FAA New England Region Airports Division, 1200 District Ave., Burlington, Massachusetts 01803 • Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport, 110 Airport Road, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085 Questions may be directed to the individual named above under the heading: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, March 13, 2017. Mary T. Walsh, Airports Division Manager. [FR Doc. 2017–06506 Filed 3–31–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration [Docket No. PHMSA–2016–0149] Donlin Gold LLC Pipeline Safety: Request for Special Permit Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: PHMSA is publishing this notice to seek public comments on a request for special permit, seeking relief from compliance with certain requirements in the federal pipeline safety regulations. At the conclusion of the 60-day comment period, PHMSA will review the comments received from this notice as part of its evaluation to grant or deny the special permit request. DATES: Submit any comments regarding this special permit request by June 2, 2017. SUMMARY: Comments should reference the docket number for the specific special permit request and may be submitted in the following ways: • E-Gov Web site: https:// www.Regulations.gov. This site allows the public to enter comments on any Federal Register notice issued by any agency. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00118 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 16273 • Mail: Docket Management System: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Docket Management System: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Instructions: You should identify the docket number for the special permit request you are commenting on at the beginning of your comments. If you submit your comments by mail, please submit two copies. To receive confirmation that PHMSA has received your comments, please include a selfaddressed stamped postcard. Internet users may submit comments at https:// www.Regulations.gov. Note: Comments are posted without changes or edits to https:// www.Regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. There is a privacy statement published on https:// www.Regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: General: Ms. Kay McIver by telephone at 202–366–0113, or email at kay.mciver@dot.gov. Technical: Mr. Steve Nanney by telephone at 713–628–7479, or email at Steve.Nanney@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PHMSA has received a special permit request from a pipeline operator seeking relief from compliance with certain federal pipeline safety regulations. The request includes a technical analysis, environmental assessment, proposed special permit conditions, and location map for the pipeline provided by the operator and has been filed at https:// www.Regulations.gov under docket number PHMSA–2016–0149. We invite interested persons to participate by reviewing the special permit request and supporting documents for implementing the special permit request versus designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining the pipeline in accordance with Part 192 at https:// www.Regulations.gov and by submitting written comments, data or other views concerning the request. Please include any comments on potential safety, environmental impacts, and any additional conditions that should be considered if the special permit is granted. Before issuing a decision on the special permit request, PHMSA will evaluate all comments received on or E:\FR\FM\03APN1.SGM 03APN1 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES 16274 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices before the comment closing date. Comments received after the closing date will be evaluated if it is possible to do so without incurring additional expense or delay. PHMSA will consider each relevant comment we receive in making our decision to grant or deny the request. PHMSA has received a special permit request from Donlin Gold, LLC, (DGLLC), to deviate from the pipeline safety regulations in its construction, design, and operations and maintenance (O&M) of a 14-inch, 315-mile pipeline. The proposed pipeline would transport natural gas from the Cook Inlet in Alaska to the Donlin Gold project site in Western Alaska. The lead agency responsible for authorizing siting and construction of the Donlin Gold mine and pipeline servicing the mine is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The USACE has prepared a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS). DGLLC has requested that PHMSA allow the use of Strain-Based Design (SBD) for segments of the pipeline. PHMSA regulates the design, construction and operation of natural gas transmission pipelines under 49 CFR part 192. Use of SBD would allow the proposed pipeline to be buried in permafrost and discontinuous permafrost soils. SBD is not specifically addressed in Part 192. These soils exert significant strains on a pipeline due to thaw settlement, frost heave, and ground movements. PHMSA is considering issuing a special permit with conditions that would require specific materials, engineering, construction, and O&M procedures to mitigate the external forces of thaw settlement and longitudinal bending strains that exceed allowed limits in the specified SBD Segments. The proposed SBD special permit conditions are designed to achieve the level of safety that is normally achieved through full compliance with 49 CFR part 192, including §§ 192.103, 192.105, 192.111, 192.317, and 192.619. The pipeline will supply gas to provide heating and generate electricity to power the industrial equipment at the gold mine. The pipeline origin will tie into an existing natural gas pipeline at Cook Inlet, approximately 30-miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Anchorage at a tie-in near Beluga, Alaska, and will terminate at the Donlin Gold mine site. The first 117 miles of the pipeline will be located within the MatanuskaSustina Borough, while the remainder of the 315-mile pipeline, including all the requested SBD segments, will be located in the Unorganized Borough. The VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Mar 31, 2017 Jkt 241001 pipeline terminus at Mile Post 315 is about 10-miles (16 kilometers) north of the village of Crooked Creek, Alaska. The project design pressure and maximum allowable operating pressure will be 1,480 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). The minimum delivery pressure required at the mine is 550 psig. PHMSA’s EA references USACE’s DEIS, which is also available in Docket No. PHMSA–2016–0149. The USACE’s DEIS of the Donlin Gold Project can be assessed at https:// www.donlingoldeis.com/. Issued in Washington, DC, on March 28, 2017, under authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.97. Alan K. Mayberry, Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety. [FR Doc. 2017–06404 Filed 3–31–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–60–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Open Meeting of the Financial Research Advisory Committee Office of Financial Research, Department of the Treasury. ACTION: Notice of open meeting. AGENCY: The Financial Research Advisory Committee for the Treasury’s Office of Financial Research (OFR) is holding a conference call on Wednesday, April 19, 2017. DATES: The meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, from 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The meeting will be open to the public via a conference line. Members of the public who plan to attend the call should contact the OFR by email at OFR_FRAC@ofr.treasury.gov by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, April 14, 2017, to inform the OFR of their interest in participating. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Stiehm, Designated Federal Officer, Office of Financial Research, Department of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20220, (212) 376–9808 (this is not a toll-free number), OFR_FRAC@ ofr.treasury.gov. Persons who have difficulty hearing or speaking may access this number via TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Relay Service at 800–877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of this meeting is provided in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, 10(a)(2), through implementing regulations at 41 CFR 102–3.150, et seq. Public Comment: Members of the public wishing to comment on the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00119 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 business of the Financial Research Advisory Committee are invited to submit written statements by any of the following methods: • Electronic Statements. Email the Committee’s Designated Federal Officer at OFR_FRAC@ofr.treasury.gov. • Paper Statements. Send paper statements in triplicate to the Financial Research Advisory Committee, Attn: Susan Stiehm, Office of Financial Research, Department of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20220. The OFR will post statements on the Committee’s Web site, https:// www.financialresearch.gov, including any business or personal information provided, such as names, addresses, email addresses, or telephone numbers. The OFR will also make such statements available for public inspection and copying in the Department of the Treasury’s library, Annex Room 1020, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20220 on official business days between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time. You may make an appointment to inspect statements by telephoning (202) 622– 0990. All statements, including attachments and other supporting materials, will be part of the public record and subject to public disclosure. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. Tentative Agenda/Topics for Discussion: The Committee provides an opportunity for researchers, industry leaders, and other qualified individuals to offer their advice and recommendations to the OFR, which, among other things, is responsible for collecting and standardizing data on financial institutions and their activities and for supporting the work of Financial Stability Oversight Council. Topics to be discussed among the Committee members include the OFR’s ‘‘An Approach to Financial Instrument Reference Data’’ Viewpoint (https:// webstage.ofr.treas.gov/viewpointpapers/). For more information on the OFR and the Committee, please visit the OFR Web site at https:// www.financialresearch.gov. Dated: March 28, 2017. Barbara Shycoff, Chief of External Affairs. [FR Doc. 2017–06503 Filed 3–31–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–35–P E:\FR\FM\03APN1.SGM 03APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 62 (Monday, April 3, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16273-16274]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-06404]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

[Docket No. PHMSA-2016-0149] Donlin Gold LLC


Pipeline Safety: Request for Special Permit

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 
DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: PHMSA is publishing this notice to seek public comments on a 
request for special permit, seeking relief from compliance with certain 
requirements in the federal pipeline safety regulations. At the 
conclusion of the 60-day comment period, PHMSA will review the comments 
received from this notice as part of its evaluation to grant or deny 
the special permit request.

DATES: Submit any comments regarding this special permit request by 
June 2, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Comments should reference the docket number for the specific 
special permit request and may be submitted in the following ways:
     E-Gov Web site: https://www.Regulations.gov. This site 
allows the public to enter comments on any Federal Register notice 
issued by any agency.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Management System: U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Docket Management System: U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.
    Instructions: You should identify the docket number for the special 
permit request you are commenting on at the beginning of your comments. 
If you submit your comments by mail, please submit two copies. To 
receive confirmation that PHMSA has received your comments, please 
include a self-addressed stamped postcard. Internet users may submit 
comments at https://www.Regulations.gov.
    Note: Comments are posted without changes or edits to https://www.Regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. There 
is a privacy statement published on https://www.Regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    General: Ms. Kay McIver by telephone at 202-366-0113, or email at 
kay.mciver@dot.gov.
    Technical: Mr. Steve Nanney by telephone at 713-628-7479, or email 
at Steve.Nanney@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PHMSA has received a special permit request 
from a pipeline operator seeking relief from compliance with certain 
federal pipeline safety regulations. The request includes a technical 
analysis, environmental assessment, proposed special permit conditions, 
and location map for the pipeline provided by the operator and has been 
filed at https://www.Regulations.gov under docket number PHMSA-2016-
0149. We invite interested persons to participate by reviewing the 
special permit request and supporting documents for implementing the 
special permit request versus designing, constructing, operating, and 
maintaining the pipeline in accordance with Part 192 at https://www.Regulations.gov and by submitting written comments, data or other 
views concerning the request. Please include any comments on potential 
safety, environmental impacts, and any additional conditions that 
should be considered if the special permit is granted.
    Before issuing a decision on the special permit request, PHMSA will 
evaluate all comments received on or

[[Page 16274]]

before the comment closing date. Comments received after the closing 
date will be evaluated if it is possible to do so without incurring 
additional expense or delay. PHMSA will consider each relevant comment 
we receive in making our decision to grant or deny the request.
    PHMSA has received a special permit request from Donlin Gold, LLC, 
(DGLLC), to deviate from the pipeline safety regulations in its 
construction, design, and operations and maintenance (O&M) of a 14-
inch, 315-mile pipeline. The proposed pipeline would transport natural 
gas from the Cook Inlet in Alaska to the Donlin Gold project site in 
Western Alaska. The lead agency responsible for authorizing siting and 
construction of the Donlin Gold mine and pipeline servicing the mine is 
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The USACE has prepared a 
draft environmental impact statement (DEIS).
    DGLLC has requested that PHMSA allow the use of Strain-Based Design 
(SBD) for segments of the pipeline. PHMSA regulates the design, 
construction and operation of natural gas transmission pipelines under 
49 CFR part 192. Use of SBD would allow the proposed pipeline to be 
buried in permafrost and discontinuous permafrost soils. SBD is not 
specifically addressed in Part 192. These soils exert significant 
strains on a pipeline due to thaw settlement, frost heave, and ground 
movements.
    PHMSA is considering issuing a special permit with conditions that 
would require specific materials, engineering, construction, and O&M 
procedures to mitigate the external forces of thaw settlement and 
longitudinal bending strains that exceed allowed limits in the 
specified SBD Segments.
    The proposed SBD special permit conditions are designed to achieve 
the level of safety that is normally achieved through full compliance 
with 49 CFR part 192, including Sec. Sec.  192.103, 192.105, 192.111, 
192.317, and 192.619. The pipeline will supply gas to provide heating 
and generate electricity to power the industrial equipment at the gold 
mine.
    The pipeline origin will tie into an existing natural gas pipeline 
at Cook Inlet, approximately 30-miles (48 kilometers) northwest of 
Anchorage at a tie-in near Beluga, Alaska, and will terminate at the 
Donlin Gold mine site. The first 117 miles of the pipeline will be 
located within the Matanuska-Sustina Borough, while the remainder of 
the 315-mile pipeline, including all the requested SBD segments, will 
be located in the Unorganized Borough. The pipeline terminus at Mile 
Post 315 is about 10-miles (16 kilometers) north of the village of 
Crooked Creek, Alaska.
    The project design pressure and maximum allowable operating 
pressure will be 1,480 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). The minimum 
delivery pressure required at the mine is 550 psig. PHMSA's EA 
references USACE's DEIS, which is also available in Docket No. PHMSA-
2016-0149. The USACE's DEIS of the Donlin Gold Project can be assessed 
at https://www.donlingoldeis.com/.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on March 28, 2017, under authority 
delegated in 49 CFR 1.97.
Alan K. Mayberry,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 2017-06404 Filed 3-31-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-60-P
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