Spire STL Pipeline LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for The Spire STL Pipeline Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and Schedule for Environmental Review, 72943-72945 [2021-27785]

Download as PDF jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 244 / Thursday, December 23, 2021 / Notices Filed Date: 12/17/21. Accession Number: 20211217–5000. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 1/7/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–226–001. Applicants: Avista Corporation. Description: Tariff Amendment: First Amendment to OATT revisions for EIM Entry, Att M to be effective 2/1/2022. Filed Date: 12/17/21. Accession Number: 20211217–5199. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 1/7/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–333–001. Applicants: Southwest Power Pool, Inc. Description: Tariff Amendment: NorthWestern (South Dakota) Amendment to Formula Rate Tariff filing to be effective 1/3/2022. Filed Date: 12/17/21. Accession Number: 20211217–5232. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 1/7/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–667–000. Applicants: Mulligan 3 Wind LLC. Description: Petiton for Limited Waiver of Mulligan 3 Wind LLC. Filed Date: 12/15/21. Accession Number: 20211215–5308. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 12/27/21. Docket Numbers: ER22–673–000. Applicants: San Diego Gas & Electric Company. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: 2022 TACBAA Update to be effective 1/1/ 2022. Filed Date: 12/17/21. Accession Number: 20211217–5001. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 1/7/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–674–000. Applicants: San Diego Gas & Electric Company. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: 2022 RS Filing to be effective 1/1/2022. Filed Date: 12/17/21. Accession Number: 20211217–5002. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 1/7/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–675–000. Applicants: New York State Reliability Counsel, L.L.C. Description: New York State Reliability Council submits Revised Install Capacity Requirement for the New York Control Area for the period Beginning May 1, 2021 ending April 30, 2022. Filed Date: 12/16/21. Accession Number: 20211216–5247. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 1/6/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–676–000. Applicants: PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: Original SA No. 6261, Dynamic Schedule Agreement between PJM and NIPSCO to be effective 12/1/2021. Filed Date: 12/17/21. Accession Number: 20211217–5060. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 1/7/22. VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:50 Dec 22, 2021 Jkt 256001 Docket Numbers: ER22–677–000. Applicants: Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: Initial Filing of Rate Schedule No. 338 to be effective 11/17/2021. Filed Date: 12/17/21. Accession Number: 20211217–5170. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 1/7/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–678–000. Applicants: Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Description: Tariff Amendment: Notice of Cancellation of Rate Schedule No. 81 to be effective 11/17/2021. Filed Date: 12/17/21. Accession Number: 20211217–5171. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 1/7/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–680–000. Applicants: Southern California Edison Company. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: WDAT Enhancements 2021 to be effective 2/16/2022. Filed Date: 12/17/21. Accession Number: 20211217–5222. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 1/7/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–681–000. Applicants: Exelon Generation Company, LLC. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: Filing of Letter Agreement to be effective 1/25/2022. Filed Date: 12/17/21. Accession Number: 20211217–5292. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 1/7/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–682–000. Applicants: Duke Energy Progress, LLC. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: DEP–NCEMPA—Revisions to Rate Schedule No. 200 to be effective 3/1/ 2022. Filed Date: 12/17/21. Accession Number: 20211217–5303. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 1/7/22. The filings are accessible in the Commission’s eLibrary system (https:// elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/search/ fercgensearch.asp) by 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. PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 72943 Dated: December 17, 2021. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–27871 Filed 12–22–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP17–40–006] Spire STL Pipeline LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for The Spire STL Pipeline Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and Schedule for Environmental Review The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) will prepare a supplemental environmental impact statement (EIS) that will discuss the environmental impacts related to the continued operation of the Spire STL Pipeline Project facilities by Spire STL Pipeline LLC (Spire) in Scott, Greene, and Jersey Counties, Illinois and St. Charles and St. Louis Counties, Missouri. By way of background, on June 22, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an opinion vacating and remanding the Commission’s August 3, 2018 Order Issuing Certificate (2018 Order) that approved the Spire STL Pipeline Project.1 On September 14, 2021, and December 3, 2021, the Commission issued temporary certificates of public convenience and necessity to Spire to continue to operate the facilities constructed under the earlier terms, conditions, and authorizations, including Spire’s tariff. On remand, the Commission will evaluate Spire’s pending certificate application,2 and consider whether to grant a certificate of public convenience and necessity to Spire to continue operation of the Spire STL Pipeline Project in Illinois and Missouri. The Commission must determine whether the project is in the public convenience and necessity under the Natural Gas Act, taking into consideration the factors discussed in the Court’s decision. The supplemental EIS will tier off Commission staff’s 1 Environmental Defense Fund v. FERC, 2 F.4th 953 (D.C. Cir. 2021). 2 Following the D.C. Circuit’s vacatur and remand of the Commission’s 2018 Order, Spire’s January 26, 2017 application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct and operate the Spire STL Pipeline Project is again pending before the Commission. E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 72944 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 244 / Thursday, December 23, 2021 / Notices jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 analysis and conclusions as documented in staff’s environmental assessment (EA) for the project issued on September 29, 2017,3 as well as the environmental discussion contained in the 2018 Order. The Commission will use this supplemental EIS in its decision-making process to determine whether the Spire STL Pipeline Project is in the public convenience and necessity in light of the Court’s vacatur and remand. The schedule for preparation of the supplemental EIS is discussed in the Schedule for Environmental Review section of this notice. This notice announces the opening of the scoping process the Commission will use to gather input from the public and interested agencies regarding the project. As part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process, the Commission takes into account concerns the public may have about proposals and the environmental impacts that could result from its action whenever it considers the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. This gathering of public input is referred to as ‘‘scoping.’’ The main goal of the scoping process is to focus the analysis in the supplemental EIS on the important environmental issues. Additional information about the Commission’s NEPA process is described below in the NEPA Process and the Supplemental EIS section of this notice. By this notice, the Commission requests public comments on the scope of issues to address in the supplemental EIS, including comments on potential alternatives and impacts related specifically to the continued operation of the Spire STL Pipeline Project. To ensure that your comments are timely and properly recorded, please submit your comments so that the Commission receives them in Washington, DC on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on January 14, 2022. Further details on how to submit comments are provided in the Public Participation section of this notice. Public Participation There are three methods you can use to submit your comments to the Commission. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and has staff available to assist you at (866) 208–3676 or FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. Please carefully follow these instructions so 3 The EA is filed in FERC’s eLibrary system in Docket Nos. CP17–40–000 and CP17–40–001 under Accession No. 20170929–3022. VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:50 Dec 22, 2021 Jkt 256001 that your comments are properly recorded. (1) You can file your comments electronically using the eComment feature, which is located on the Commission’s website (www.ferc.gov) under the link to FERC Online. Using eComment is an easy method for submitting brief, text-only comments on a project; (2) You can file your comments electronically by using the eFiling feature, which is located on the Commission’s website (www.ferc.gov) under the link to FERC Online. 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 will be asked to select the type of filing you are making; a comment on a particular project is considered a ‘‘Comment on a Filing’’; or (3) You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to the Commission. Be sure to reference the project docket number (CP17–40–006) on your letter. Submissions sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be addressed to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426. Submissions sent via any other carrier must be addressed to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 12225 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, MD 20852. Additionally, the Commission offers a free service called eSubscription. This service provides automatic notification of filings made to subscribed dockets, document summaries, and direct links to the documents. Go to https:// www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview to register for eSubscription. Summary of the Project Facilities The Spire STL Pipeline Project consists of the following facilities: • 59.2 miles of 24-inch-diameter pipeline (the Mainline); • 6.0 miles of 24-inch-diameter pipeline (designated as the North County Extension); • three new meter and regulator stations (meter stations); • three new mainline valves; and • installation of three pig 4 launcher/ receivers. The project currently transports up to 400 million standard cubic feet per day of firm natural gas transportation service to the St. Louis metropolitan area, 4 A pipeline ‘‘pig’’ is a device to clean or inspect the pipeline. A pig launcher/receiver is an aboveground facility where pigs are inserted or retrieved from the pipeline. PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 eastern Missouri, and southwestern Illinois. According to Spire, the Spire STL Pipeline Project was developed as a new source of supply that would provide its customers with supply diversity and greater reliability. The general location of the project is shown in appendix 1.5 The NEPA Process and the Supplemental EIS The supplemental EIS will discuss environmental impacts that could occur as a result of the continued operation of the Spire STL Pipeline Project. As a result, the supplemental EIS will include a reevaluation of the operational impacts previously analyzed in the EA, including environmental justice, air emissions, and noise levels. Additionally, Commission staff will evaluate reasonable alternatives (further discussed below) and will also make recommendations on how to lessen or avoid impacts on the various resource areas. Your comments will help Commission staff focus its analysis on the issues that may have a significant effect on the human environment. The supplemental EIS will present Commission staff’s independent analysis of the issues. Staff will prepare a draft supplemental EIS which will be issued for public comment. Commission staff will consider all timely comments received during the comment period on the draft supplemental EIS and revise the document, as necessary, before issuing a final supplemental EIS. Any draft and final supplemental EIS will be available in electronic format in the public record through eLibrary 6 and the Commission’s natural gas environmental documents web page (https://www.ferc.gov/industries-data/ natural-gas/environment/ environmental-documents). If eSubscribed, you will receive instant email notification when the environmental document is issued. Alternatives Under Consideration The supplemental EIS will evaluate reasonable alternatives that are technically and economically feasible and meet the purpose and need for the proposed action involving the continued operation of the Spire STL 5 The appendices referenced in this notice will not appear in the Federal Register. Copies of the appendices were sent to all those receiving this notice in the mail and are available at https:// 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. 6 For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the last page of this notice. E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 244 / Thursday, December 23, 2021 / Notices Pipeline Project.7 Alternatives currently under consideration include the noaction alternative (i.e., the project would no longer be authorized to continue operating after the expiration of its current temporary certificate). Potential actions that will be analyzed as part of the no-action alternative also include: • Pipeline and aboveground facility abandonment by removal; • pipeline and aboveground facility abandonment in place; and • system alternatives (e.g., Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, LLC; MoGas Pipeline, LLC; and Spire Missouri Inc. systems, as identified in Spire’s filing of November 12, 2021). jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 Schedule for Environmental Review This notice identifies the Commission staff’s planned schedule for completion of the final supplemental EIS for the project, which is based on an issuance of the draft supplemental EIS in June 2022. Issuance of Notice of Availability of the final supplemental EIS: October 7, 2022 If a schedule change becomes necessary for the final supplemental EIS, an additional notice will be provided so that the relevant agencies are kept informed of the project’s progress. Environmental Mailing List This notice is being sent to the Commission’s current environmental mailing list for the project which 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) for the original Spire STL Pipeline Project and anyone who submits comments on the present case. Commission staff will update the environmental mailing list as the analysis proceeds to ensure that Commission notices related to this environmental review are sent to all individuals, organizations, and government entities interested in and/or potentially affected by the project. If you need to make changes to your name/address, or if you would like to remove your name from the mailing list, please complete one of the following steps: (1) Send an email to GasProjectAddressChange@ferc.gov stating your request. You must include the docket number CP17–40 in your 7 40 CFR 1508.1(z). VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:50 Dec 22, 2021 Jkt 256001 request. If you are requesting a change to your address, please be sure to include your name and the correct address. If you are requesting to delete your address from the mailing list, please include your name and address as it appeared on this notice. This email address is unable to accept comments. OR (2) Return the attached ‘‘Mailing List Update Form’’ (appendix 2). 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 website at www.ferc.gov using the eLibrary link. Click on the eLibrary link, click on ‘‘General Search’’ and enter the docket number in the ‘‘Docket Number’’ field (i.e., CP17–40). Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or (866) 208–3676, or for TTY, contact (202) 502–8659. The eLibrary link also provides access to the texts of all formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rulemakings. Public sessions or site visits will be posted on the Commission’s calendar located at https://www.ferc.gov/newsevents/events along with other related information. Dated: December 15, 2021. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–27785 Filed 12–22–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. AD20–23–000] Notice of Availability of Final Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 18—Level 2 Risk Analysis The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) has prepared a final ‘‘Chapter 18—Level 2 Risk Analysis’’ of its Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects (Guidelines). This chapter is one of four new chapters of the Guidelines intended to provide additional guidance related to 18 CFR part 12, Safety of Water Power Projects and Project Works, Docket No. RM20–9–000, Order No 880, issued by the Commission on December 16, 2021. PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 72945 On July 16, 2020, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) to revise its part 12 regulations. On the same day, the Commission solicited public review and comment on four new draft chapters of its Guidelines. Draft Chapter 18 was part of that issuance. The Commission received nine comment letters in response to draft Chapter 18. Most of the comments were submitted by licensees and individuals through trade associations, including National Hydropower Association, Dam Safety Interest Group of CEATI International, and US Society on Dams, as well as the US Army Corps of Engineers. Comments were also received from individual licensees, corporations, and individuals, including McMillen Jacobs Associates, David L. Mathews, City of North Little Rock Electric, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District, and Upper Peninsular Power Company. In all, the nine comment letters consisted of over 250 discrete comments. The comments received were varied and ranged from requesting clarification of the overall need and approach to a risk analysis process to questions regarding implementation and execution of the risk analysis process. Commenters requested clarification of procedural aspects of performing a risk analysis and recommended improvements to the risk analysis process and methodology. Commenters asked the Commission to: • Consider that there is a limited availability of qualified individuals and consultants with the requisite experience and training to perform a semi-quantitative risk analysis; • Consider that the risk analysis process will increase the cost of conducting a Part 12D report; • Provide additional guidance on conducting hydrologic hazard analyses and consequence estimates; • Clarify whether training will be available from FERC or others for risk analysis facilitators and others conducting risk analyses; and • Provide additional guidance on the screening of potential failure modes prior to conducting the risk analysis. Commission staff has considered all comments in finalizing Chapter 18 of the Engineering Guidelines. Based on the comments received, Chapter 18 has been revised to: • Clarify the qualifications and role of the risk analysis facilitator(s) and team members; • Clarify the identification and screening of potential failure modes; E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 244 (Thursday, December 23, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72943-72945]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27785]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP17-40-006]


Spire STL Pipeline LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare a 
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for The Spire STL Pipeline 
Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and Schedule for 
Environmental Review

    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or 
Commission) will prepare a supplemental environmental impact statement 
(EIS) that will discuss the environmental impacts related to the 
continued operation of the Spire STL Pipeline Project facilities by 
Spire STL Pipeline LLC (Spire) in Scott, Greene, and Jersey Counties, 
Illinois and St. Charles and St. Louis Counties, Missouri. By way of 
background, on June 22, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 
District of Columbia Circuit issued an opinion vacating and remanding 
the Commission's August 3, 2018 Order Issuing Certificate (2018 Order) 
that approved the Spire STL Pipeline Project.\1\ On September 14, 2021, 
and December 3, 2021, the Commission issued temporary certificates of 
public convenience and necessity to Spire to continue to operate the 
facilities constructed under the earlier terms, conditions, and 
authorizations, including Spire's tariff. On remand, the Commission 
will evaluate Spire's pending certificate application,\2\ and consider 
whether to grant a certificate of public convenience and necessity to 
Spire to continue operation of the Spire STL Pipeline Project in 
Illinois and Missouri.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Environmental Defense Fund v. FERC, 2 F.4th 953 (D.C. Cir. 
2021).
    \2\ Following the D.C. Circuit's vacatur and remand of the 
Commission's 2018 Order, Spire's January 26, 2017 application for a 
certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct and 
operate the Spire STL Pipeline Project is again pending before the 
Commission.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission must determine whether the project is in the public 
convenience and necessity under the Natural Gas Act, taking into 
consideration the factors discussed in the Court's decision. The 
supplemental EIS will tier off Commission staff's

[[Page 72944]]

analysis and conclusions as documented in staff's environmental 
assessment (EA) for the project issued on September 29, 2017,\3\ as 
well as the environmental discussion contained in the 2018 Order. The 
Commission will use this supplemental EIS in its decision-making 
process to determine whether the Spire STL Pipeline Project is in the 
public convenience and necessity in light of the Court's vacatur and 
remand. The schedule for preparation of the supplemental EIS is 
discussed in the Schedule for Environmental Review section of this 
notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ The EA is filed in FERC's eLibrary system in Docket Nos. 
CP17-40-000 and CP17-40-001 under Accession No. 20170929-3022.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This notice announces the opening of the scoping process the 
Commission will use to gather input from the public and interested 
agencies regarding the project. As part of the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) review process, the Commission takes into account 
concerns the public may have about proposals and the environmental 
impacts that could result from its action whenever it considers the 
issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. This 
gathering of public input is referred to as ``scoping.'' The main goal 
of the scoping process is to focus the analysis in the supplemental EIS 
on the important environmental issues. Additional information about the 
Commission's NEPA process is described below in the NEPA Process and 
the Supplemental EIS section of this notice.
    By this notice, the Commission requests public comments on the 
scope of issues to address in the supplemental EIS, including comments 
on potential alternatives and impacts related specifically to the 
continued operation of the Spire STL Pipeline Project. To ensure that 
your comments are timely and properly recorded, please submit your 
comments so that the Commission receives them in Washington, DC on or 
before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on January 14, 2022. Further details on 
how to submit comments are provided in the Public Participation section 
of this notice.

Public Participation

    There are three methods you can use to submit your comments to the 
Commission. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and 
has staff available to assist you at (866) 208-3676 or 
[email protected]. Please carefully follow these instructions 
so that your comments are properly recorded.
    (1) You can file your comments electronically using the eComment 
feature, which is located on the Commission's website (www.ferc.gov) 
under the link to FERC Online. Using eComment is an easy method for 
submitting brief, text-only comments on a project;
    (2) You can file your comments electronically by using the eFiling 
feature, which is located on the Commission's website (www.ferc.gov) 
under the link to FERC Online. 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 will be asked to select the type of filing you 
are making; a comment on a particular project is considered a ``Comment 
on a Filing''; or
    (3) You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to 
the Commission. Be sure to reference the project docket number (CP17-
40-006) on your letter. Submissions sent via the U.S. Postal Service 
must be addressed to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Room 1A, Washington, DC 
20426. Submissions sent via any other carrier must be addressed to: 
Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 
12225 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, MD 20852.
    Additionally, the Commission offers a free service called 
eSubscription. This service provides automatic notification of filings 
made to subscribed dockets, document summaries, and direct links to the 
documents. Go to https://www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview to register 
for eSubscription.

Summary of the Project Facilities

    The Spire STL Pipeline Project consists of the following 
facilities:
     59.2 miles of 24-inch-diameter pipeline (the Mainline);
     6.0 miles of 24-inch-diameter pipeline (designated as the 
North County Extension);
     three new meter and regulator stations (meter stations);
     three new mainline valves; and
     installation of three pig \4\ launcher/receivers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ A pipeline ``pig'' is a device to clean or inspect the 
pipeline. A pig launcher/receiver is an aboveground facility where 
pigs are inserted or retrieved from the pipeline.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The project currently transports up to 400 million standard cubic 
feet per day of firm natural gas transportation service to the St. 
Louis metropolitan area, eastern Missouri, and southwestern Illinois. 
According to Spire, the Spire STL Pipeline Project was developed as a 
new source of supply that would provide its customers with supply 
diversity and greater reliability.
    The general location of the project is shown in appendix 1.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The appendices referenced in this notice will not appear in 
the Federal Register. Copies of the appendices were sent to all 
those receiving this notice in the mail and are available at https://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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The NEPA Process and the Supplemental EIS

    The supplemental EIS will discuss environmental impacts that could 
occur as a result of the continued operation of the Spire STL Pipeline 
Project. As a result, the supplemental EIS will include a reevaluation 
of the operational impacts previously analyzed in the EA, including 
environmental justice, air emissions, and noise levels. Additionally, 
Commission staff will evaluate reasonable alternatives (further 
discussed below) and will also make recommendations on how to lessen or 
avoid impacts on the various resource areas. Your comments will help 
Commission staff focus its analysis on the issues that may have a 
significant effect on the human environment.
    The supplemental EIS will present Commission staff's independent 
analysis of the issues. Staff will prepare a draft supplemental EIS 
which will be issued for public comment. Commission staff will consider 
all timely comments received during the comment period on the draft 
supplemental EIS and revise the document, as necessary, before issuing 
a final supplemental EIS. Any draft and final supplemental EIS will be 
available in electronic format in the public record through eLibrary 
\6\ and the Commission's natural gas environmental documents web page 
(https://www.ferc.gov/industries-data/natural-gas/environment/environmental-documents). If eSubscribed, you will receive instant 
email notification when the environmental document is issued.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the 
last page of this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternatives Under Consideration

    The supplemental EIS will evaluate reasonable alternatives that are 
technically and economically feasible and meet the purpose and need for 
the proposed action involving the continued operation of the Spire STL

[[Page 72945]]

Pipeline Project.\7\ Alternatives currently under consideration include 
the no-action alternative (i.e., the project would no longer be 
authorized to continue operating after the expiration of its current 
temporary certificate). Potential actions that will be analyzed as part 
of the no-action alternative also include:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ 40 CFR 1508.1(z).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Pipeline and aboveground facility abandonment by removal;
     pipeline and aboveground facility abandonment in place; 
and
     system alternatives (e.g., Natural Gas Pipeline Company of 
America, LLC; MoGas Pipeline, LLC; and Spire Missouri Inc. systems, as 
identified in Spire's filing of November 12, 2021).

Schedule for Environmental Review

    This notice identifies the Commission staff's planned schedule for 
completion of the final supplemental EIS for the project, which is 
based on an issuance of the draft supplemental EIS in June 2022.

Issuance of Notice of Availability of the final supplemental EIS: 
October 7, 2022

    If a schedule change becomes necessary for the final supplemental 
EIS, an additional notice will be provided so that the relevant 
agencies are kept informed of the project's progress.

Environmental Mailing List

    This notice is being sent to the Commission's current environmental 
mailing list for the project which 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) for the original Spire STL Pipeline Project and anyone who 
submits comments on the present case. Commission staff will update the 
environmental mailing list as the analysis proceeds to ensure that 
Commission notices related to this environmental review are sent to all 
individuals, organizations, and government entities interested in and/
or potentially affected by the project.
    If you need to make changes to your name/address, or if you would 
like to remove your name from the mailing list, please complete one of 
the following steps:
    (1) Send an email to [email protected] stating your 
request. You must include the docket number CP17-40 in your request. If 
you are requesting a change to your address, please be sure to include 
your name and the correct address. If you are requesting to delete your 
address from the mailing list, please include your name and address as 
it appeared on this notice. This email address is unable to accept 
comments.
OR
    (2) Return the attached ``Mailing List Update Form'' (appendix 2).

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 website at www.ferc.gov using the eLibrary link. Click on the 
eLibrary link, click on ``General Search'' and enter the docket number 
in the ``Docket Number'' field (i.e., CP17-40). Be sure you have 
selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC 
Online Support at [email protected] or (866) 208-3676, or for 
TTY, contact (202) 502-8659. The eLibrary link also provides access to 
the texts of all formal documents issued by the Commission, such as 
orders, notices, and rulemakings.
    Public sessions or site visits will be posted on the Commission's 
calendar located at https://www.ferc.gov/news-events/events along with 
other related information.

    Dated: December 15, 2021.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-27785 Filed 12-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


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