Rio Bravo Pipeline Company, LLC; Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Rio Bravo Pipeline Route Amendment, 72057-72058 [2023-23106]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 201 / Thursday, October 19, 2023 / Notices downstream of each powerhouse (Byllesby and Buck). In addition, Appalachian proposes to release a continuous, year-round minimum flow of 35 cfs into the Byllesby bypassed reach. At the Buck Development, Applachian proposes to modify the existing down-ramping procedures and provide a seasonal minimum flow of 100 cfs in the bypassed reach (from February 15 through May 15 of each year) to increase habitat connectivity and water depths in the reach to provide adult walleye with additional escape routes during the spawning season. In addition to these measures, Appalachian proposes environmental measures for the protection and enhancement of other aquatic resources as well as terrestrial, recreation, and cultural resources. Appalachian also proposes to upgrade three (of the four) turbine-generator units at the Byllesby Development and two (of the three) turbine-generator units at the Buck Development. The proposed upgrades are expected to increase the total installed capacity from 26.1 MW to 29.8 MW and the project’s average annual generation by 25,927 MWh. In addition, Appalachian proposes to replace three flashboard sections at the Byllesby Development and six flashboard sections at the Buck Development with inflatable (Obermeyer) crest gates. Lastly, Appalachian proposes to add to the current project boundary: (1) the Byllesby control house and switchyard and (2) two 2-mile-long, overhead 13.2kilovolt transmission lines that extend from the Buck powerhouse to the Byllesby control house. m. 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. n. 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, and .214. 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. All filings must (1) bear in all capital letters the title ‘‘PROTEST,’’ ‘‘MOTION TO INTERVENE,’’ ‘‘COMMENTS,’’ ‘‘REPLY COMMENTS,’’ ‘‘RECOMMENDATIONS,’’ ‘‘PRELIMINARY TERMS AND CONDITIONS,’’ or ‘‘PRELIMINARY FISHWAY PRESCRIPTIONS;’’ (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 protesting or intervening; and (4) otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 385.2001 through 385.2005. All comments, recommendations, terms and conditions or prescriptions must set forth their evidentiary basis and otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 4.34(b). Agencies may obtain copies of the application directly from the applicant. A copy of any protest or motion to intervene must be served upon each representative of the applicant specified in the particular application. A copy of all other filings in reference to this application 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 4.34(b) and 385.2010. o. Procedural Schedule: The application will be processed according to the following schedule. Revisions to the schedule may be made as appropriate. Milestone Target date lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Filing of Comments, Recommendations, Preliminary Terms and Conditions, and Preliminary Fishway Prescriptions ... Filing of Reply Comments ................................................................................................................................................. p. Final amendments to the application must be filed with the Commission no later than 30 days from the issuance date of this notice. q. 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:48 Oct 18, 2023 Jkt 262001 Dated: October 13, 2023. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2023–23100 Filed 10–18–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP23–519–000] Rio Bravo Pipeline Company, LLC; Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Rio Bravo Pipeline Route Amendment On July 20, 2023, Rio Bravo Pipeline Company, LLC (Rio Bravo) filed an application in Docket No. CP23–519– 000 requesting a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity pursuant to PO 00000 Frm 00017 72057 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 December 12, 2023. January 26, 2024. Section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act to construct and operate certain natural gas pipeline facilities. The proposed project is known as the Rio Bravo Pipeline Route Amendment (Amendment), and would involve four minor route adjustments to the previously authorized route for the Rio Bravo Pipeline, as well as incorporate several minor design changes. On August 1, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) issued its Notice of Application for the Amendment. 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 Amendment. E:\FR\FM\19OCN1.SGM 19OCN1 72058 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 201 / Thursday, October 19, 2023 / Notices This notice identifies Commission staff’s intention to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for the Amendment and the planned schedule for the completion of the environmental review.1 Schedule for Environmental Review Issuance of EA—November 14, 2023 90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline 2—February 12, 2024 If a schedule change becomes necessary, additional notice will be provided so that the relevant agencies are kept informed of the Amendment’s progress. Project Description The Amendment would adjust the Rio Bravo Pipeline’s certificated route from approximate milepost (MP) 69.8 to MP 79.4 and from approximate MP 92.4 to MP 93.0 in Willacy County, Texas and from approximate MP 99.7 to MP 100.5 in Willacy and Cameron Counties, Texas. The Amendment would also relocate a meter station and extend the approved Rio Bravo Pipeline route approximately 0.6 mile in Cameron County, Texas and modify the pipe wall thickness of the majority of the Rio Bravo Pipeline consistent with U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulations. The route adjustments are intended to minimize impacts on certain sensitive environmental resources, address landowner requests, meet technical requirements from the International Boundary and Water Commission, and align the terminus of the pipelines with the currently approved design of the Rio Grande LNG Terminal. Background On August 23, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Rio Bravo Pipeline Route Amendment (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 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:48 Oct 18, 2023 Jkt 262001 received comments from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, several individuals, Rio Grande LNG, LLC, and from Rio Bravo. The primary issues raised by the commenters specific to the scope of the Amendment are requests to extend the scoping comment period; impacts on endangered species (e.g., ocelot habitat), wildlife, and cultural resources; and reliability and safety. All substantive comments received during the scoping period and up until issuance of the EA 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 Amendment 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., CP23–519), 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: October 13, 2023. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER23–2171–000] Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.; Notice of Conference Call On Friday, October 20, 2023, Commission staff will hold a conference call with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (TriState) beginning at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). The purpose of the conference call is to clarify the following statements made by Tri-State in the June 16, 2023 transmittal letter to its formula rate filing in Docket No. ER23–2171–000: ‘‘Given that an order on the Initial Decision has not yet issued, Tri-State is filing this rate to be consistent with its prior rates and cooperative principles. This filing will be adjusted accordingly in the event of a future Commission order that includes a conflicting directive.’’ 1 The discussion during the conference call will be limited solely to whether Tri-State intends to submit an amended filing as referenced in these statements. All interested parties are invited to listen by phone. The conference call will not be webcasted or transcribed. However, an audio listen-only line will be provided. Those wishing to access the listen-only line must email Sean Pauley at sean.pauley@ferc.gov by 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Thursday October 19, 2023, with your name, email, and phone number, in order to receive the call-in information before the conference call. Please use the following text for the subject line, ‘‘ER23–2171–000 listen-only line registration.’’ Commission conferences are accessible under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For accessibility accommodations, please send an email to accessibility@ferc.gov or call toll free 1 (866) 208–3372 (voice) or (202) 208–1659 (TTY), or send a FAX to (202) 208–2106 with the required accommodations. For additional information, please contact Sean Pauley at (202) 502–6766 or sean.pauley@ferc.gov. Dated: October 13, 2023. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2023–23104 Filed 10–18–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P [FR Doc. 2023–23106 Filed 10–18–23; 8:45 am] 1 Tri-State BILLING CODE 6717–01–P PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\19OCN1.SGM Transmittal at 6. 19OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 201 (Thursday, October 19, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72057-72058]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-23106]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP23-519-000]


Rio Bravo Pipeline Company, LLC; Notice of Schedule for the 
Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Rio Bravo Pipeline 
Route Amendment

    On July 20, 2023, Rio Bravo Pipeline Company, LLC (Rio Bravo) filed 
an application in Docket No. CP23-519-000 requesting a Certificate of 
Public Convenience and Necessity pursuant to Section 7(c) of the 
Natural Gas Act to construct and operate certain natural gas pipeline 
facilities. The proposed project is known as the Rio Bravo Pipeline 
Route Amendment (Amendment), and would involve four minor route 
adjustments to the previously authorized route for the Rio Bravo 
Pipeline, as well as incorporate several minor design changes.
    On August 1, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 
(Commission or FERC) issued its Notice of Application for the 
Amendment. 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 Amendment.

[[Page 72058]]

    This notice identifies Commission staff's intention to prepare an 
environmental assessment (EA) for the Amendment 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--November 14, 2023
90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline \2\--February 12, 2024
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Project Description

    The Amendment would adjust the Rio Bravo Pipeline's certificated 
route from approximate milepost (MP) 69.8 to MP 79.4 and from 
approximate MP 92.4 to MP 93.0 in Willacy County, Texas and from 
approximate MP 99.7 to MP 100.5 in Willacy and Cameron Counties, Texas. 
The Amendment would also relocate a meter station and extend the 
approved Rio Bravo Pipeline route approximately 0.6 mile in Cameron 
County, Texas and modify the pipe wall thickness of the majority of the 
Rio Bravo Pipeline consistent with U.S. Department of Transportation's 
Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulations. The 
route adjustments are intended to minimize impacts on certain sensitive 
environmental resources, address landowner requests, meet technical 
requirements from the International Boundary and Water Commission, and 
align the terminus of the pipelines with the currently approved design 
of the Rio Grande LNG Terminal.

Background

    On August 23, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Scoping 
Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Rio 
Bravo Pipeline Route Amendment (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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, several individuals, Rio 
Grande LNG, LLC, and from Rio Bravo. The primary issues raised by the 
commenters specific to the scope of the Amendment are requests to 
extend the scoping comment period; impacts on endangered species (e.g., 
ocelot habitat), wildlife, and cultural resources; and reliability and 
safety. All substantive comments received during the scoping period and 
up until issuance of the EA 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 [email protected].
    Additional information about the Amendment 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., 
CP23-519), 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: October 13, 2023.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023-23106 Filed 10-18-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P

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