Port Arthur Pipeline, LLC; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Louisiana Connector Pipeline Amendment, 55445-55451 [2023-17469]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 15, 2023 / Notices under CP14–103–000, originally approved by the Commission on June 1, 2016.1 The proposed project is known as the Elba Liquefaction Optimization Project (Project), and would involve new installations and modifications to existing liquefaction facilities at Southern LNG Company, LLC’s existing liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Chatham County, Georgia. On May 10, 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.2 Schedule for Environmental Review Issuance of EA—March 8, 2024 90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline 3—June 6, 2024 If a schedule change becomes necessary, additional notice will be provided so that the relevant agencies are kept informed of the Project’s progress. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Project Description The Companies propose to amend its June 1, 2016 Order (2016 Order) to modify certain Movable Modular Liquefaction System (MMLS) Dehydration and Heavies Removal units that would reduce the fouling rate in the liquefaction units, reduce the resultant flaring events associated with cold box deriming, and therefore allow the MMLS to operate in an optimized condition for longer periods of time without fouling within the existing Elba Island LNG terminal in Chatham County, Georgia. Specifically, the Companies would make modifications to ten MMLS units; construct and operate a new condensate plant; install three new liquid nitrogen vaporizers; 1 Elba Liquefaction Company, L.L.C., 155 FERC ¶ 61,219, (2016). 2 40 CFR 1501.10 (2020). 3 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:39 Aug 14, 2023 Jkt 259001 and increase the total liquefaction capacity of the MMLS units up approximately 0.4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) from 2.5 to 2.9 MTPA. Background On June 9, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Elba Liquefaction Optimization 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 comments from the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, citing concerns regarding impacts to noise sensitive areas, cultural landscapes, and endangered species from additional facility lighting and increased noise. 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. The Commission’s Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission proceedings. OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, environmental justice communities, Tribal members and others, access publicly available information and navigate Commission processes. For public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, the public is encouraged to contact OPP at (202) 502–6595 or OPP@ ferc.gov. 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., CP23–375), and follow the instructions. For assistance with access to eLibrary, the helpline can be reached PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 55445 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: August 9, 2023. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2023–17468 Filed 8–14–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP23–513–000] Port Arthur Pipeline, LLC; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Louisiana Connector Pipeline Amendment The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) will prepare an environmental document that will discuss the environmental impacts of the Louisiana Connector Pipeline Amendment, which involves 38 modifications to the previously authorized pipeline alignment, construction footprint, and installation methods for the Louisiana Connector Project, which was approved by the Commission on April 18, 2019, in docket no. CP18–7–000. Please note that the previously approved Louisiana Connector Project is not under reconsideration in this amendment. The Commission will use the environmental document referred to in this notice in its decision-making process to determine whether the 38 modifications proposed in the amendment are in the public convenience and necessity. 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 environmental document on the important environmental issues. Additional information about the E:\FR\FM\15AUN1.SGM 15AUN1 ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 55446 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 15, 2023 / Notices Commission’s NEPA process is described below in the NEPA Process and Environmental Document section of this notice. By this notice, the Commission requests public comments on the scope of issues to address in the environmental document. 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 September 8, 2023. Comments may be submitted in written form. Further details on how to submit comments are provided in the Public Participation section of this notice. Your comments should focus on the potential environmental effects, reasonable alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental impacts specifically related to the modifications proposed in the amendment, which are detailed further below. Your input will help the Commission staff determine what issues they need to evaluate in the environmental document. Commission staff will consider all written comments during the preparation of the environmental document. This notice is being sent to the Commission’s current environmental mailing list for this project. State and local government representatives should notify their constituents of this proposed amendment and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern. If you are a landowner receiving this notice, a Port Arthur Pipeline, LLC (PAPL) representative may contact you about the acquisition of an easement to construct, operate, and maintain the proposed amended facilities. The company would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable easement agreement. You are not required to enter into an agreement. However, if the Commission approves the project amendment, the Natural Gas Act conveys the right of eminent domain to the company. Therefore, if you and the company do not reach an easement agreement, the pipeline company could initiate condemnation proceedings in court. In such instances, compensation would be determined by a judge in accordance with state law. The Commission does not subsequently grant, exercise, or oversee the exercise of that eminent domain authority. The courts have exclusive authority to handle eminent domain cases; the Commission has no jurisdiction over these matters. PAPL provided landowners with a fact sheet prepared by the FERC entitled ‘‘An Interstate Natural Gas Facility On VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:39 Aug 14, 2023 Jkt 259001 My Land? What Do I Need To Know?’’ which addresses typically asked questions, including the use of eminent domain and how to participate in the Commission’s proceedings. This fact sheet along with other landowner topics of interest are available for viewing on the FERC website (www.ferc.gov) under the Natural Gas, Landowner Topics link. Public Participation There are three methods you can use to submit your comments to the Commission. Please carefully follow these instructions so that your comments are properly recorded. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and has staff available to assist you at (866) 208–3676 or FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. (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 (CP23–513–000) 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 which makes it easy to stay informed of all issuances and submittals regarding the dockets/projects to which you subscribe. These instant email notifications are the fastest way to receive notification and provide a link to the document files which can reduce the amount of time you spend researching proceedings. Go to https:// www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview to register for eSubscription. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The Commission’s Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission proceedings. OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, environmental justice communities, Tribal members and others, access publicly available information and navigate Commission processes. For public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, the public is encouraged to contact OPP at (202) 502–6595 or OPP@ ferc.gov. Summary of the Proposed Amendment The proposed amended facilities are specific to 38 locations in Jefferson County, Texas and Cameron, Calcasieu, Beauregard, and Allen Parishes, Louisiana (between milepost 0 in Jefferson County, Texas and milepost 82.5 south of Reeves in Allen Parish, Louisiana), as detailed below: • modifications to pipeline routes, construction methods, horizontal directional drill (HDD) entry points, and additional temporary workspaces to accommodate landowner requests, to reduce environmental impacts, to avoid newly identified non-PAPL pipelines, to avoid new structures, or to allow for safer construction access; • shifting of pipeline easements to allow the permanent easements to abut other existing permanent easements; • addition and modification of access roads for geotechnical boring access and/or to allow better and safer access to the HDD drill pad for construction and HDD inspection; • modification of equipment and material storage areas and staging areas to utilize areas that were recently and permanently impacted by other parties; • modification to water approaches to use existing boat ramp/dock improvements; • relocation of mainline valves to reduce the amount of permanent rightof-way needed, to facilitate operations and maintenance, to provide for safer access via road, and to allow access to power and communications to comply with new and anticipated U.S. Department of Transportation/Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration requirements; • modification of three waterbody crossings methodologies from open cut to an HDD as requested by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; • combine, in two locations, multiple HDDs into a single HDD which would result in avoiding an open-cut crossing and eliminating an HDD; and E:\FR\FM\15AUN1.SGM 15AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 15, 2023 / Notices • modification of HDD alignments to avoid conflicts with potential future deeper canal depths. The general location of the project amendment facilities is shown in appendix 1.1 Land Requirements for Construction Construction of the amended facilities would result in a net increase of approximately 20.9 acres of land as compared to what was previously authorized (total of 2,827.9 acres of land, as compared to 2,807.0 acres). This net increase would be attributable to the temporary workspace increases in open water and industrial/commercial areas (31.3 acres and 17.6 acres, respectively), while being reduced in residential and natural areas (i.e., wetlands, forests, and other open land) by 28.1 acres. Wetland impacts would be reduced by 10.9 acres. Operation of the modified facilities would permanently impact 20.8 acres less land (750.2 acres, as compared to 771.0 acres), most of which is accounted for in the removal of permanent access roads. NEPA Process and the Environmental Document ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Any environmental document issued by the Commission will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of the construction and operation of the 38 modifications proposed in the amendment under the relevant general resource areas: • geology and soils; • water resources and wetlands; • vegetation and wildlife; • threatened and endangered species; • cultural resources; • land use; • environmental justice; • air quality and noise; and • reliability and safety. Commission staff will also evaluate reasonable alternatives to the proposed amendment or portions of the amendment and make recommendations on how to lessen or avoid impacts on the various resource areas. Your comments will help Commission staff identify and focus on the issues that might have an effect on the human environment and potentially eliminate others from further study and 1 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 www.ferc.gov using the link called ‘‘eLibrary.’’ For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the last page of this notice. At this time, the Commission has suspended access to the Commission’s Public Reference Room. For assistance, contact FERC at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or call toll free, (886) 208–3676 or TTY (202) 502–8659. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:39 Aug 14, 2023 Jkt 259001 discussion in the environmental document. Following this scoping period, Commission staff will determine whether to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental impact statement (EIS). The EA or the EIS will present Commission staff’s independent analysis of the issues. If Commission staff prepares an EA, a Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment will be issued. The EA may be issued for an allotted public comment period. The Commission would consider timely comments on the EA before making its decision regarding the proposed project amendment. If Commission staff prepares an EIS, a Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS/Notice of Schedule will be issued, which will open up an additional comment period. Staff will then prepare a draft EIS which will be issued for public comment. Commission staff will consider all timely comments received during the comment period on the draft EIS and revise the document, as necessary, before issuing a final EIS. Any EA or draft and final EIS will be available in electronic format in the public record through eLibrary 2 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. With this notice, the Commission is asking agencies with jurisdiction by law and/or special expertise with respect to the environmental issues of this project amendment to formally cooperate in the preparation of the environmental document.3 Agencies that would like to request cooperating agency status should follow the instructions for filing comments provided under the Public Participation section of this notice. Consultation Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act In accordance with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s implementing regulations for section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Commission is using this notice to initiate consultation with the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office, and to solicit their views and those of other government agencies, interested Indian tribes, and 2 For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the last page of this notice. 3 The Council on Environmental Quality regulations addressing cooperating agency responsibilities are at Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1501.8. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 55447 the public on the project’s potential effects on historic properties.4 The environmental document for this project amendment will document findings on the impacts on historic properties and summarize the status of consultations under section 106. Environmental Mailing List The environmental mailing list 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 landowners affected by the 38 proposed modifications (as defined in the Commission’s regulations) who are potential right-of-way grantors, whose property may be used temporarily for project purposes, or who own homes within certain distances of aboveground facilities, and anyone who submits comments on the project amendment and includes a mailing address with their comments. 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 proposed amendment. 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 CP23–513–000 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 amendment is available from the Commission’s Office of External Affairs, at (866) 208–FERC, or on the FERC 4 The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s regulations are at Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 800. Those regulations define historic properties as any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. E:\FR\FM\15AUN1.SGM 15AUN1 55448 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 15, 2023 / Notices ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 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. Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or (866) VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:39 Aug 14, 2023 Jkt 259001 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. Any public sessions or site visits will be posted on the Commission’s calendar PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 located at https://www.ferc.gov/newsevents/events along with other related information. Dated: August 9, 2023. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. BILLING CODE 6717–01–P E:\FR\FM\15AUN1.SGM 15AUN1 EN15AU23.001</GPH> 55449 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:39 Aug 14, 2023 Jkt 259001 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\15AUN1.SGM 15AUN1 EN15AU23.000</GPH> ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 15, 2023 / Notices EN15AU23.003</GPH> EN15AU23.004</GPH> Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 15, 2023 / Notices VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:39 Aug 14, 2023 Jkt 259001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\15AUN1.SGM 15AUN1 EN15AU23.002</GPH> ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 55450 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 15, 2023 / Notices [FR Doc. 2023–17469 Filed 8–14–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–C DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Combined Notice of Filings ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Take notice that the Commission has received the following Natural Gas and Oil Pipeline Rate and Refund Report filings: Filings Instituting Proceedings Docket Numbers: RP23–961–000. Applicants: Equitrans, L.P. Description: § 4(d) Rate Filing: Negotiated Rate Agreement—8/9/2023 to be effective 8/9/2023. Filed Date: 8/9/23. Accession Number: 20230809–5012. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 8/21/23. Docket Numbers: RP23–962–000. Applicants: Colorado Interstate Gas Company, L.L.C. Description: Compliance filing: Penalties Assessed Compliance Filing 2023 to be effective N/A. Filed Date: 8/9/23. Accession Number: 20230809–5028. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 8/21/23. Docket Numbers: RP23–963–000. Applicants: El Paso Natural Gas Company, L.L.C. Description: § 4(d) Rate Filing: Negotiated Rate Agreement Update (Pioneer Aug–Oct 2023) to be effective 8/10/2023. Filed Date: 8/9/23. Accession Number: 20230809–5048. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 8/21/23. Any person desiring to intervene, to protest, or to answer a complaint in any of the above proceedings must file in accordance with Rules 211, 214, or 206 of the Commission’s Regulations (18 CFR 385.211, 385.214, or 385.206) 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. The filings are accessible in the Commission’s eLibrary system (https:// elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/search/ fercgensearch.asp) by querying the docket number. 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. For other information, call (866) 208– 3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502– VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:39 Aug 14, 2023 Jkt 259001 8659. The Commission’s Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission proceedings. OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, environmental justice communities, Tribal members and others, access publicly available information and navigate Commission processes. For public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, the public is encouraged to contact OPP at (202) 502–6595 or OPP@ferc.gov. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2023–17470 Filed 8–14–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Combined Notice of Filings #1 Take notice that the Commission received the following electric rate filings: Docket Numbers: ER19–2150–002. Applicants: Shawville Power, LLC. Description: Compliance filing: Informational Filing Regarding Upstream Transfer of Ownership to be effective N/A. Filed Date: 8/9/23. Accession Number: 20230809–5104. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 8/30/23. Docket Numbers: ER19–2151–002. Applicants: New Castle Power, LLC. Description: Compliance filing: Informational Filing Regarding Upstream Transfer of Ownership to be effective N/A. Filed Date: 8/9/23. Accession Number: 20230809–5090. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 8/30/23. Docket Numbers: ER19–2152–002. Applicants: Brunot Island Power, LLC. Description: Compliance filing: Informational Filing Regarding Upstream Transfer of Ownership to be effective N/A. Filed Date: 8/9/23. Accession Number: 20230809–5075. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 8/30/23. Docket Numbers: ER19–2153–002. Applicants: Gilbert Power, LLC. Description: Compliance filing: Informational Filing Regarding Upstream Transfer of Ownership to be effective N/A. Filed Date: 8/9/23. Accession Number: 20230809–5079. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 8/30/23. PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 55451 Docket Numbers: ER19–2154–002. Applicants: Sayreville Power, LLC. Description: Compliance filing: Informational Filing Regarding Upstream Transfer of Ownership to be effective N/A. Filed Date: 8/9/23. Accession Number: 20230809–5096. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 8/30/23. Docket Numbers: ER19–2155–002. Applicants: Portland Power, LLC. Description: Compliance filing: Informational Filing Regarding Upstream Transfer of Ownership to be effective N/A. Filed Date: 8/9/23. Accession Number: 20230809–5095. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 8/30/23. Docket Numbers: ER19–2156–002. Applicants: Warren Generation, LLC. Description: Compliance filing: Informational Filing Regarding Upstream Transfer of Ownership to be effective N/A. Filed Date: 8/9/23. Accession Number: 20230809–5116. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 8/30/23. Docket Numbers: ER19–2157–002. Applicants: Mountain Power, LLC. Description: Compliance filing: Informational Filing Regarding Upstream Transfer of Ownership to be effective N/A. Filed Date: 8/9/23. Accession Number: 20230809–5086. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 8/30/23. Docket Numbers: ER19–2158–002. Applicants: Orrtanna Power, LLC. Description: Compliance filing: Informational Filing Regarding Upstream Transfer of Ownership to be effective N/A. Filed Date: 8/9/23. Accession Number: 20230809–5092. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 8/30/23. Docket Numbers: ER19–2159–002. Applicants: Shawnee Power, LLC. Description: Compliance filing: Informational Filing Regarding Upstream Transfer of Ownership to be effective N/A. Filed Date: 8/9/23. Accession Number: 20230809–5102. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 8/30/23. Docket Numbers: ER19–2160–002. Applicants: Titus Power, LLC. Description: Compliance filing: Informational Filing Regarding Upstream Transfer of Ownership to be effective N/A. Filed Date: 8/9/23. Accession Number: 20230809–5109. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 8/30/23. Docket Numbers: ER19–2161–002. Applicants: Hamilton Power, LLC. Description: Compliance filing: Informational Filing Regarding E:\FR\FM\15AUN1.SGM 15AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 156 (Tuesday, August 15, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55445-55451]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-17469]


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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP23-513-000]


Port Arthur Pipeline, LLC; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting 
Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Louisiana Connector 
Pipeline Amendment

    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or 
Commission) will prepare an environmental document that will discuss 
the environmental impacts of the Louisiana Connector Pipeline 
Amendment, which involves 38 modifications to the previously authorized 
pipeline alignment, construction footprint, and installation methods 
for the Louisiana Connector Project, which was approved by the 
Commission on April 18, 2019, in docket no. CP18-7-000. Please note 
that the previously approved Louisiana Connector Project is not under 
re-consideration in this amendment. The Commission will use the 
environmental document referred to in this notice in its decision-
making process to determine whether the 38 modifications proposed in 
the amendment are in the public convenience and necessity.
    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 environmental 
document on the important environmental issues. Additional information 
about the

[[Page 55446]]

Commission's NEPA process is described below in the NEPA Process and 
Environmental Document section of this notice.
    By this notice, the Commission requests public comments on the 
scope of issues to address in the environmental document. 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 September 8, 2023. Comments may be 
submitted in written form. Further details on how to submit comments 
are provided in the Public Participation section of this notice.
    Your comments should focus on the potential environmental effects, 
reasonable alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental 
impacts specifically related to the modifications proposed in the 
amendment, which are detailed further below. Your input will help the 
Commission staff determine what issues they need to evaluate in the 
environmental document. Commission staff will consider all written 
comments during the preparation of the environmental document.
    This notice is being sent to the Commission's current environmental 
mailing list for this project. State and local government 
representatives should notify their constituents of this proposed 
amendment and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern.
    If you are a landowner receiving this notice, a Port Arthur 
Pipeline, LLC (PAPL) representative may contact you about the 
acquisition of an easement to construct, operate, and maintain the 
proposed amended facilities. The company would seek to negotiate a 
mutually acceptable easement agreement. You are not required to enter 
into an agreement. However, if the Commission approves the project 
amendment, the Natural Gas Act conveys the right of eminent domain to 
the company. Therefore, if you and the company do not reach an easement 
agreement, the pipeline company could initiate condemnation proceedings 
in court. In such instances, compensation would be determined by a 
judge in accordance with state law. The Commission does not 
subsequently grant, exercise, or oversee the exercise of that eminent 
domain authority. The courts have exclusive authority to handle eminent 
domain cases; the Commission has no jurisdiction over these matters.
    PAPL provided landowners with a fact sheet prepared by the FERC 
entitled ``An Interstate Natural Gas Facility On My Land? What Do I 
Need To Know?'' which addresses typically asked questions, including 
the use of eminent domain and how to participate in the Commission's 
proceedings. This fact sheet along with other landowner topics of 
interest are available for viewing on the FERC website (www.ferc.gov) 
under the Natural Gas, Landowner Topics link.

Public Participation

    There are three methods you can use to submit your comments to the 
Commission. Please carefully follow these instructions so that your 
comments are properly recorded. The Commission encourages electronic 
filing of comments and has staff available to assist you at (866) 208-
3676 or [email protected].
    (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 (CP23-
513-000) 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 which makes it easy to stay informed of all issuances and 
submittals regarding the dockets/projects to which you subscribe. These 
instant email notifications are the fastest way to receive notification 
and provide a link to the document files which can reduce the amount of 
time you spend researching proceedings. Go to https://www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview to register for eSubscription.
    The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports 
meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission 
proceedings. OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, 
environmental justice communities, Tribal members and others, access 
publicly available information and navigate Commission processes. For 
public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as 
interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, the public is 
encouraged to contact OPP at (202) 502-6595 or [email protected].

Summary of the Proposed Amendment

    The proposed amended facilities are specific to 38 locations in 
Jefferson County, Texas and Cameron, Calcasieu, Beauregard, and Allen 
Parishes, Louisiana (between milepost 0 in Jefferson County, Texas and 
milepost 82.5 south of Reeves in Allen Parish, Louisiana), as detailed 
below:
     modifications to pipeline routes, construction methods, 
horizontal directional drill (HDD) entry points, and additional 
temporary workspaces to accommodate landowner requests, to reduce 
environmental impacts, to avoid newly identified non-PAPL pipelines, to 
avoid new structures, or to allow for safer construction access;
     shifting of pipeline easements to allow the permanent 
easements to abut other existing permanent easements;
     addition and modification of access roads for geotechnical 
boring access and/or to allow better and safer access to the HDD drill 
pad for construction and HDD inspection;
     modification of equipment and material storage areas and 
staging areas to utilize areas that were recently and permanently 
impacted by other parties;
     modification to water approaches to use existing boat 
ramp/dock improvements;
     relocation of mainline valves to reduce the amount of 
permanent right-of-way needed, to facilitate operations and 
maintenance, to provide for safer access via road, and to allow access 
to power and communications to comply with new and anticipated U.S. 
Department of Transportation/Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
Administration requirements;
     modification of three waterbody crossings methodologies 
from open cut to an HDD as requested by the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers;
     combine, in two locations, multiple HDDs into a single HDD 
which would result in avoiding an open-cut crossing and eliminating an 
HDD; and

[[Page 55447]]

     modification of HDD alignments to avoid conflicts with 
potential future deeper canal depths.
    The general location of the project amendment facilities is shown 
in appendix 1.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 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 
www.ferc.gov using the link called ``eLibrary.'' For instructions on 
connecting to eLibrary, refer to the last page of this notice. At 
this time, the Commission has suspended access to the Commission's 
Public Reference Room. For assistance, contact FERC at 
[email protected] or call toll free, (886) 208-3676 or TTY 
(202) 502-8659.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Land Requirements for Construction

    Construction of the amended facilities would result in a net 
increase of approximately 20.9 acres of land as compared to what was 
previously authorized (total of 2,827.9 acres of land, as compared to 
2,807.0 acres). This net increase would be attributable to the 
temporary workspace increases in open water and industrial/commercial 
areas (31.3 acres and 17.6 acres, respectively), while being reduced in 
residential and natural areas (i.e., wetlands, forests, and other open 
land) by 28.1 acres. Wetland impacts would be reduced by 10.9 acres.
    Operation of the modified facilities would permanently impact 20.8 
acres less land (750.2 acres, as compared to 771.0 acres), most of 
which is accounted for in the removal of permanent access roads.

NEPA Process and the Environmental Document

    Any environmental document issued by the Commission will discuss 
impacts that could occur as a result of the construction and operation 
of the 38 modifications proposed in the amendment under the relevant 
general resource areas:
     geology and soils;
     water resources and wetlands;
     vegetation and wildlife;
     threatened and endangered species;
     cultural resources;
     land use;
     environmental justice;
     air quality and noise; and
     reliability and safety.
    Commission staff will also evaluate reasonable alternatives to the 
proposed amendment or portions of the amendment and make 
recommendations on how to lessen or avoid impacts on the various 
resource areas. Your comments will help Commission staff identify and 
focus on the issues that might have an effect on the human environment 
and potentially eliminate others from further study and discussion in 
the environmental document.
    Following this scoping period, Commission staff will determine 
whether to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental 
impact statement (EIS). The EA or the EIS will present Commission 
staff's independent analysis of the issues. If Commission staff 
prepares an EA, a Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of an 
Environmental Assessment will be issued. The EA may be issued for an 
allotted public comment period. The Commission would consider timely 
comments on the EA before making its decision regarding the proposed 
project amendment. If Commission staff prepares an EIS, a Notice of 
Intent to Prepare an EIS/Notice of Schedule will be issued, which will 
open up an additional comment period. Staff will then prepare a draft 
EIS which will be issued for public comment. Commission staff will 
consider all timely comments received during the comment period on the 
draft EIS and revise the document, as necessary, before issuing a final 
EIS. Any EA or draft and final EIS will be available in electronic 
format in the public record through eLibrary \2\ 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the 
last page of this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With this notice, the Commission is asking agencies with 
jurisdiction by law and/or special expertise with respect to the 
environmental issues of this project amendment to formally cooperate in 
the preparation of the environmental document.\3\ Agencies that would 
like to request cooperating agency status should follow the 
instructions for filing comments provided under the Public 
Participation section of this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ The Council on Environmental Quality regulations addressing 
cooperating agency responsibilities are at Title 40, Code of Federal 
Regulations, Section 1501.8.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consultation Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation 
Act

    In accordance with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's 
implementing regulations for section 106 of the National Historic 
Preservation Act, the Commission is using this notice to initiate 
consultation with the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office, and 
to solicit their views and those of other government agencies, 
interested Indian tribes, and the public on the project's potential 
effects on historic properties.\4\ The environmental document for this 
project amendment will document findings on the impacts on historic 
properties and summarize the status of consultations under section 106.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's regulations 
are at Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 800. Those 
regulations define historic properties as any prehistoric or 
historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in 
or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic 
Places.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Environmental Mailing List

    The environmental mailing list 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 landowners affected by the 38 proposed modifications (as 
defined in the Commission's regulations) who are potential right-of-way 
grantors, whose property may be used temporarily for project purposes, 
or who own homes within certain distances of aboveground facilities, 
and anyone who submits comments on the project amendment and includes a 
mailing address with their comments. 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 proposed amendment.
    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 CP23-513-000 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 amendment is available 
from the Commission's Office of External Affairs, at (866) 208-FERC, or 
on the FERC

[[Page 55448]]

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. 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.
    Any 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: August 9, 2023.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P

[[Page 55449]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN15AU23.000

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN15AU23.001


[[Page 55450]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN15AU23.002

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN15AU23.003

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN15AU23.004


[[Page 55451]]


[FR Doc. 2023-17469 Filed 8-14-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-C
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.