Saguaro Connector Pipeline, L.L.C.; Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Border Facilities Project, 17208-17209 [2023-05789]

Download as PDF lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 17208 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 22, 2023 / Notices page of any filing should include the docket number P–803–120. Comments emailed to Commission staff are not considered part of the Commission record. The Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure require all intervenors filing documents with the Commission to serve a copy of that document on each person whose name appears on the official service list for the project. Further, if an intervenor files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency. k. Description of Request: The licensee requests a temporary variance of the instantaneous minimum flow requirements in the West Branch Feather River below the Hendricks Head Dam, in Philbrook Creek below Philbrook Reservoir, and in Butte Creek below the Butte Creek Head Dam, to be averaged over 48 hours. Specifically, the licensee requests that the instantaneous normal and dry year minimum flow requirements: (1) in the West Branch Feather River, of 15 or 7 cubic feet per second (cfs), respectively, be temporarily modified to between 15 and 7 over 48 hours; (2) in Philbrook Creek, of 2 cfs (in both water year types), be temporarily modified to between 1 and 2 cfs over 48 hours; and (3) in Butte Creek, of 16 cfs (normal water year) or 7 cfs (dry water year), be temporarily modified to between 16 and 7 cfs, respectively, over 48 hours. The licensee proposes to execute these changes as soon as the Commission grants approval until November 30, 2023. The licensee states that the temporary variance would maximize the delivery of flows released from Philbrook to Butte Creek by eliminating the need to release additional buffer flows (4 to 5 cfs) to ensure the requisite instantaneous minimum instream flows are always met. The proposed variance would help preserve cold water storage in Philbrook Reservoir, increase flow to Butte Creek via the Hendricks Canal, and decrease water residence time in the DeSabla Forebay, thus providing additional water to Butte Creek during the hot summer months to minimize high temperature effects to Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon, and to preserve water for release later in the summer months towards the end of their holding period when the situation is most critical. Decisions on when and how to implement variance flows, as well as any changes under the variance, will be done in consultation and proceed with VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:52 Mar 21, 2023 Jkt 259001 concurrence of licensee staff, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. l. Locations of the Application: This filing may be viewed on the Commission’s website at https:// www.ferc.gov using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. You may also register online at https:// www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ esubscription.asp to be notified via email of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, call 1–866–208–3676 or email FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, for TTY, call (202) 502–8659. Agencies may obtain copies of the application directly from the applicant. m. Individuals desiring to be included on the Commission’s mailing list should so indicate by writing to the Secretary of the Commission. n. Comments, Protests, or Motions To Intervene: Anyone may submit comments, a protest, or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214, respectively. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests or other comments filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission’s Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application. o. Filing and Service of Documents: Any filing must (1) bear in all capital letters the title ‘‘COMMENTS’’, ‘‘PROTEST’’, or ‘‘MOTION TO INTERVENE’’ as applicable; (2) set forth in the heading the name of the applicant and the project number of the application to which the filing responds; (3) furnish the name, address, and telephone number of the person commenting, protesting or intervening; and (4) otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 385.2001 through 385.2005. All comments, motions to intervene, or protests must set forth their evidentiary basis. Any filing made by an intervenor must be accompanied by proof of service on all persons listed in the service list prepared by the Commission in this proceeding, in accordance with 18 CFR 385.2010. PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: March 16, 2023. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2023–05894 Filed 3–21–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP23–29–000] Saguaro Connector Pipeline, L.L.C.; Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Border Facilities Project On December 20, 2022, Saguaro Connector Pipeline, L.L.C. (Saguaro) filed an application in Docket No. CP23–29–000 requesting an Authorization pursuant to Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act to construct and operate certain natural gas pipeline facilities. The proposed project is known as the Border Facilities Project (Project), and would serve as an interconnection to export natural gas produced in Texas across the United States–Mexico International Boundary in Hudspeth County, Texas. The design capacity of the border crossing is 2.834 billion standard cubic feet per day. On January 5, 2023, 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 document for the Project. This notice identifies Commission staff’s intention to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for the Project and the planned schedule for the completion of the environmental review.1 Schedule for Environmental Review Issuance of EA August 25, 2023 90-Day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline 2 November 23, 2023 If a schedule change becomes necessary, additional notice will be 1 40 CFR 1501.10 (2020). Commission’s deadline applies to the decisions of other federal agencies, and state agencies acting under federally delegated authority, that are responsible for federal authorizations, permits, and other approvals necessary for proposed projects under the Natural Gas Act. Per 18 CFR 157.22(a), the Commission’s deadline for other agency’s decisions applies unless a schedule is otherwise established by federal law. 2 The E:\FR\FM\22MRN1.SGM 22MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 22, 2023 / Notices provided so that the relevant agencies are kept informed of the Project’s progress. Project Description Saguaro proposes to site, construct, connect, operate, and maintain a 48inch-diameter natural gas pipeline from the United States (U.S.) to the Mexico International Border in Hudspeth County, Texas. The pipeline would extend from State of Texas land to the U.S.–Mexico international border in the middle of the Rio Grande River. The Project would consist of the installation of approximately 1,000 feet of 48-inchdiameter pipeline, establishment of a 50-foot-width permanent right-of-way, and use of approximately 14.2 acres as temporary workspaces and 6.9 miles of temporary access road. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Background On February 3, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Borders Facilities Project (Notice of Scoping). The Notice of Scoping 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 Notice of Scoping, the Commission received several comments. The primary issues raised by the commenters are environmental justice, cultural resources, and pipeline safety. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided recommendations to FERC regarding air quality, water quality, hazardous waste, and environmental justice. EPA’s recommendations for these resources included comments regarding cumulative impacts for the non-jurisdictional pipeline connected to the Project and consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding Clean Water Act Section 404 waters. All substantive comments will be addressed in the EA. Additional Information In order to receive notification of the issuance of the EA and to keep track of formal issuances and submittals in specific dockets, 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. Additional information about the Project is available from the Commission’s Office of External Affairs VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:52 Mar 21, 2023 Jkt 259001 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., CP23–29), 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: March 15, 2023. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2023–05789 Filed 3–21–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 14514–003] Community of Elfin Cove Non Profit Corporation, DBA Elfin Cove Utility Commission; Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (Commission) regulations, 18 CFR 1 part 380, the Office of Energy Projects has reviewed the application for a license to construct and operate the Crooked Creek and Jim’s Lake Hydroelectric Project. The project would be located on Crooked Creek and Jim’s Lake, near the community of Elfin Cove, in the Sitka Recording District, Unorganized Borough, Alaska. Commission staff has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the project. The project would occupy 10.5 acres of federal land in the Tongass National Forest, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. The EA contains the staff’s analysis of the potential environmental impacts of the project and concludes that licensing the project, with appropriate environmental protective measures, would not constitute a major federal action that would significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The Commission provides all interested persons with an opportunity to view and/or print the EA via the internet through the Commission’s Home Page (https://www.ferc.gov/), using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link. Enter the docket PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 17209 number, excluding the last three digits in the docket number field, to access the document. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, or tollfree at (866) 208–3676, or for TTY, (202) 502–8659. You may also register online at https://ferconline.ferc.gov/ FERCOnline.aspx to be notified via email of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support. Any comments should be filed within 30 days from the date of this notice. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing. Please file comments using the Commission’s eFiling system at https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ efiling.asp. Commenters can submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters, without prior registration, using the eComment system at https:// www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ ecomment.asp. You must include your name and contact information at the end of your comments. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support. In lieu of electronic filing, you may submit a paper copy. 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, Maryland 20852. The first page of any filing should include docket number P– 14514–003. For further information, contact John Matkowski at (202) 502–8576 or by email at john.matkowski@ferc.gov. Dated: March 15, 2023. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2023–05792 Filed 3–21–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP23–82–000] Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC.; Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline Take notice that on March 2, 2023, Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC (Columbia), 700 Louisiana Street, Suite 1300, Houston, Texas 77002–2700 filed in the above referenced docket an E:\FR\FM\22MRN1.SGM 22MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 22, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17208-17209]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-05789]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP23-29-000]


Saguaro Connector Pipeline, L.L.C.; Notice of Schedule for the 
Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Border Facilities 
Project

    On December 20, 2022, Saguaro Connector Pipeline, L.L.C. (Saguaro) 
filed an application in Docket No. CP23-29-000 requesting an 
Authorization pursuant to Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act to construct 
and operate certain natural gas pipeline facilities. The proposed 
project is known as the Border Facilities Project (Project), and would 
serve as an interconnection to export natural gas produced in Texas 
across the United States-Mexico International Boundary in Hudspeth 
County, Texas. The design capacity of the border crossing is 2.834 
billion standard cubic feet per day.
    On January 5, 2023, 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 document for the Project.
    This notice identifies Commission staff's intention to prepare an 
environmental assessment (EA) for the Project and the planned schedule 
for the completion of the environmental review.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 40 CFR 1501.10 (2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schedule for Environmental Review

Issuance of EA August 25, 2023
90-Day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline \2\ November 23, 2023
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The Commission's deadline applies to the decisions of other 
federal agencies, and state agencies acting under federally 
delegated authority, that are responsible for federal 
authorizations, permits, and other approvals necessary for proposed 
projects under the Natural Gas Act. Per 18 CFR 157.22(a), the 
Commission's deadline for other agency's decisions applies unless a 
schedule is otherwise established by federal law.

    If a schedule change becomes necessary, additional notice will be

[[Page 17209]]

provided so that the relevant agencies are kept informed of the 
Project's progress.

Project Description

    Saguaro proposes to site, construct, connect, operate, and maintain 
a 48-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline from the United States (U.S.) 
to the Mexico International Border in Hudspeth County, Texas. The 
pipeline would extend from State of Texas land to the U.S.-Mexico 
international border in the middle of the Rio Grande River. The Project 
would consist of the installation of approximately 1,000 feet of 48-
inch-diameter pipeline, establishment of a 50-foot-width permanent 
right-of-way, and use of approximately 14.2 acres as temporary 
workspaces and 6.9 miles of temporary access road.

Background

    On February 3, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Scoping 
Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed 
Borders Facilities Project (Notice of Scoping). The Notice of Scoping 
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 Notice of Scoping, the Commission 
received several comments. The primary issues raised by the commenters 
are environmental justice, cultural resources, and pipeline safety. The 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided recommendations to 
FERC regarding air quality, water quality, hazardous waste, and 
environmental justice. EPA's recommendations for these resources 
included comments regarding cumulative impacts for the non-
jurisdictional pipeline connected to the Project and consultation with 
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding Clean Water Act Section 404 
waters. All substantive comments will be addressed in the EA.

Additional Information

    In order to receive notification of the issuance of the EA and to 
keep track of formal issuances and submittals in specific dockets, 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.
    Additional information about the Project is available from the 
Commission's Office of External Affairs 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., 
CP23-29), 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: March 15, 2023.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023-05789 Filed 3-21-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P

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