Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review of the Okeechobee Lateral Pipeline Project Florida Southeast Connection, LLC, 8072-8073 [2018-03715]

Download as PDF daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES 8072 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 37 / Friday, February 23, 2018 / Notices A. Curtiss, Deputy General Counsel for National Fuel, 6363 Main Street, Williamsville, New York 14221, by phone (716) 857–7075, by fax (716) 857– 7206, or by email at curtissa@ natfuel.com. Any person may, within 60 days after the issuance of the instant notice by the Commission, file pursuant to Rule 214 of the Commission’s Procedural Rules (18 CFR 385.214) a motion to intervene or notice of intervention. Any person filing to intervene or the Commission’s staff may, pursuant to section 157.205 of the Commission’s Regulations under the NGA (18 CFR 157.205) file a protest to the request. If no protest is filed within the time allowed therefor, the proposed activity shall be deemed to be authorized effective the day after the time allowed for protest. If a protest is filed and not withdrawn within 30 days after the time allowed for filing a protest, the instant request shall be treated as an application for authorization pursuant to section 7 of the NGA. Pursuant to section 157.9 of the Commission’s rules, 18 CFR 157.9, within 90 days of this Notice the Commission staff will either: Complete its environmental assessment (EA) and place it into the Commission’s public record (eLibrary) for this proceeding; or issue a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review. If a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review is issued, it will indicate, among other milestones, the anticipated date for the Commission staff’s issuance of the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) or EA for this proposal. The filing of the EA in the Commission’s public record for this proceeding or the issuance of a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review will serve to notify federal and state agencies of the timing for the completion of all necessary reviews, and the subsequent need to complete all federal authorizations within 90 days of the date of issuance of the Commission staff’s FEIS or EA. 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 commentary will not receive copies of all documents VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:52 Feb 22, 2018 Jkt 244001 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 via the internet in lieu of paper. See 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission’s website (www.ferc.gov) under the e-Filing link. Persons unable to file electronically should submit original and 5 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20426. Dated: February 16, 2018. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2018–03717 Filed 2–22–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP17–463–000] Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review of the Okeechobee Lateral Pipeline Project Florida Southeast Connection, LLC On August 22, 2017, Florida Southeast Connection, LLC (FSC) filed an application to construct and operate certain natural gas pipeline facilities. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) is considering this application in Docket No. CP17–463–000 for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity pursuant to Section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA). The proposed project is known as the Okeechobee Lateral Pipeline Project (Project), and would connect FSC’s mainline system with the Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) Okeechobee Clean Energy Center (OCEC). The Project would be capable of transporting up to 400 million cubic feet per day of natural gas to the OCEC. This Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review indicates the anticipated date for the Commission staff’s issuance of an environmental assessment (EA) for this proposal. The issuance of a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review will serve to notify federal and state agencies of the timing for the completion of all necessary reviews, and the subsequent need to complete all federal authorizations within 90 days of the PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 date of issuance of the Commission staff’s EA. Schedule for Environmental Review Issuance of EA—March 16, 2018 90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline—June 14, 2018 If a schedule change becomes necessary, additional notice will be provided so that the relevant agencies are kept informed of the Project’s progress. Project Description FSC requests authorization to construct and operate approximately 5.2 miles of 20-inch-diameter natural gas transmission pipeline and associated facilities including an inspection tool launcher and a receiver and a meter station in Okeechobee County, Florida. As described above, this lateral pipeline would connect FSC’s mainline system with FPL’s OCEC. FSC anticipates construction would require four to five months. Background On October 24, 2017, the Commission issued a Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Okeechobee Lateral Pipeline 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 the NOI, the Commission received comments from the Treasure Coast Democratic Environmental Caucus, Seminole Tribe of Florida, Sierra Club, and the Economic Council of Okeechobee County. The primary issues raised by the commentors concern air quality, cumulative impacts, potential future projects and connected actions, cultural resources, purpose and need, alternatives, and greenhouse gas and upstream emissions. 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 E:\FR\FM\23FEN1.SGM 23FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 37 / Friday, February 23, 2018 / Notices at (866) 208–FERC or on the FERC website (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., CP17–463), 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 website also provides access to the texts of formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rule makings. Dated: February 16, 2018. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2018–03715 Filed 2–22–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OW–2018–0079] [ER–FRL–9037– 7] Availability of an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Environmental Assessment (EA)/Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). AGENCY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality’s NEPA regulations, and EPA’s regulations for implementing NEPA, EPA has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze the potential environmental impacts related to the issuance of credit assistance to the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) for State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loans under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. The EA evaluates the potential environmental impacts of water infrastructure projects funded under the WIFIA credit assistance program in compliance with NEPA and the required environmental cross-cutters and other federal, state, and local environmental reviews. Based on the environmental impact analysis in the EA, EPA has made a preliminary determination that no significant environmental impacts are anticipated from the issuance of the credit assistance to IFA. This notice initiates the 30-day review period and invites comments from Federal, State, and local agencies, Indian tribes, and daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:52 Feb 22, 2018 Jkt 244001 the public regarding EPA’s preliminary determination. DATES: Comments must be received by March 25, 2018. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OW–2018–0079 to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https:// www.regulations.gov. Please follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or withdrawn. The EPA may publish public comments received to its public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. The EPA will generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of the primary submission (i.e., on the web, cloud, or other file sharing system). For additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets/ commenting-epa-dockets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Danusha Chandy, Water Infrastructure Division, Office of Wastewater Management, WIFIA Program, Mail Code: 4201T, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202–564–2165; email address chandy.danusha@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA is seeking public comment regarding its preliminary Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) to document its determination that no significant environmental impacts are anticipated from the issuance of credit assistance to IFA for SRF Loans under the WIFIA program. EPA invites the public to submit comments through Regulations.gov during the 30-day comment period following the publication of this notice in the Federal Register. Congress enacted the WIFIA as part of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, as amended by sec. 1445 of Public Law 114–94 [1] and codified at 33 U.S.C. 3901–3914. WIFIA establishes a new federal credit program for water infrastructure projects to be administered by EPA. PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 8073 The proposed federal action under consideration in this EA is approving or denying IFA’s application by either issuing or not issuing a WIFIA loan. The IFA provides loans for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of eligible water and wastewater infrastructure projects as described in section 603(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1383(c)) and section 1452(a)(2) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j–12(a)(2)). IFA applied for a WIFIA loan to help fund the 2017 3rd Quarter Project Priority Lists for the Drinking Water SRF (DWSRF) and Clean Water SRF (CWSRF) Loan Programs for projects applying for financial assistance in State Fiscal Year 2017. The proposed action involves the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance for a wide range of water and wastewater infrastructure projects, which are eligible for WIFIA credit assistance. The environmental review process, which is documented by the EA, indicates that no potential significant adverse environmental impacts are anticipated from the proposed action. The EA, which analyzed the potential environmental impacts of issuing of credit assistance to IFA for SRF Loans under the WIFIA program, considered the potential environmental impacts from water and waste water infrastructure projects. Based on the environmental impact analysis in the EA, EPA has determined that no significant environmental impacts are anticipated from the issuance of credit assistance to IFA for SRF Loans and the proposed action does not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, making the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) unnecessary. Therefore, EPA is issuing a preliminary FONSI. Dated: February 20, 2018. Kelly Knight, Director, NEPA Compliance Division, Office of Federal Activities. [FR Doc. 2018–03730 Filed 2–22–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [ER–FRL–9037–8] Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability Responsible Agency: Office of Federal Activities, General Information 202– 564–7156 or https://www2.epa.gov/nepa. E:\FR\FM\23FEN1.SGM 23FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8072-8073]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-03715]


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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP17-463-000]


Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review of the Okeechobee 
Lateral Pipeline Project Florida Southeast Connection, LLC

    On August 22, 2017, Florida Southeast Connection, LLC (FSC) filed 
an application to construct and operate certain natural gas pipeline 
facilities. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) is 
considering this application in Docket No. CP17-463-000 for a 
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity pursuant to Section 
7(c) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA). The proposed project is known as the 
Okeechobee Lateral Pipeline Project (Project), and would connect FSC's 
mainline system with the Florida Power & Light Company's (FPL) 
Okeechobee Clean Energy Center (OCEC). The Project would be capable of 
transporting up to 400 million cubic feet per day of natural gas to the 
OCEC.
    This Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review indicates the 
anticipated date for the Commission staff's issuance of an 
environmental assessment (EA) for this proposal. The issuance of a 
Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review will serve to notify 
federal and state agencies of the timing for the completion of all 
necessary reviews, and the subsequent need to complete all federal 
authorizations within 90 days of the date of issuance of the Commission 
staff's EA.

Schedule for Environmental Review

Issuance of EA--March 16, 2018
90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline--June 14, 2018

    If a schedule change becomes necessary, additional notice will be 
provided so that the relevant agencies are kept informed of the 
Project's progress.

Project Description

    FSC requests authorization to construct and operate approximately 
5.2 miles of 20-inch-diameter natural gas transmission pipeline and 
associated facilities including an inspection tool launcher and a 
receiver and a meter station in Okeechobee County, Florida. As 
described above, this lateral pipeline would connect FSC's mainline 
system with FPL's OCEC. FSC anticipates construction would require four 
to five months.

Background

    On October 24, 2017, the Commission issued a Notice of Intent to 
Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Okeechobee Lateral 
Pipeline 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 the NOI, the Commission 
received comments from the Treasure Coast Democratic Environmental 
Caucus, Seminole Tribe of Florida, Sierra Club, and the Economic 
Council of Okeechobee County. The primary issues raised by the 
commentors concern air quality, cumulative impacts, potential future 
projects and connected actions, cultural resources, purpose and need, 
alternatives, and greenhouse gas and upstream emissions.

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/docs-filing/esubscription.asp.
    Additional information about the Project is available from the 
Commission's Office of External Affairs

[[Page 8073]]

at (866) 208-FERC or on the FERC website (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., CP17-463), 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 [email protected]. The eLibrary link on 
the FERC website also provides access to the texts of formal documents 
issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rule makings.

    Dated: February 16, 2018.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2018-03715 Filed 2-22-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
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