Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company; Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Worcester Resiliency Upgrade Project, 90177-90178 [2023-28754]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 249 / Friday, December 29, 2023 / Notices ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Who are the current members of the committee? The current members of the NACIQI are: Members Appointed by the Secretary of Education with Terms Expiring September 30, 2025: • Wallace E. Boston, Ph.D., President Emeritus, American Public University System, Inc., Charles Town, West Virginia. Appointed by Secretary Betsy DeVos. • Keith Curry, Ed.D., President/Chief Executive Officer, Compton College and Compton Community College District, Compton, California. Appointed by Secretary Miguel Cardona. • David A. Eubanks, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness, Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina. Appointed by Secretary Betsy DeVos. • Molly E. Hall-Martin, Ph.D., Director, W–SARA, Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), Boulder, Colorado. Appointed by Secretary Miguel Cardona. • D. 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Appointed by Congressman Kevin McCarthy. • Robert Mayes, Jr., CEO, Columbia Southern Education Group, Elberta, Alabama. Appointed by Congressman Kevin McCarthy. • Robert Shireman, Senior Fellow, The Century Foundation, Berkeley, California. Appointed by Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. Members Appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate with Terms Expiring September 30, 2028: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:38 Dec 28, 2023 Jkt 262001 • Debbie Cochrane, Bureau Chief, California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, Alameda, California. Appointed by Senator Chuck Schumer. • Zakiya Smith Ellis, Ed.D., Principal, Education Counsel, Atlanta, Georgia. Appointed by Senator Chuck Schumer. • Michael Poliakoff, Ph.D., President, American Council of Trustees and Alumni, Washington, DC. Appointed by Senator Mitch McConnell. • Claude O. Pressnell Jr., Ed.D., President, Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association, Nashville, Tennessee. Appointed by Senator Mitch McConnell. • Jose´ Luis Cruz Rivera, Ph.D., President, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona. Appointed by Senator Chuck Schumer. Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available via the Federal Digital System at www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you can view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the site. You may also access documents of the Department published in the Federal Register by using the article search feature at: www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published by the Department. Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1011c. Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Education. [FR Doc. 2023–28648 Filed 12–28–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP23–536–000] Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company; Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Worcester Resiliency Upgrade Project On August 31, 2023, Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company (Eastern Shore), filed an application in Docket No. CP23–536–000 requesting a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 90177 pursuant to section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act to construct and operate certain natural gas pipeline facilities in Delaware and Maryland. The proposed project is known as the Worcester Resiliency Upgrade Project (Project), and would store approximately 475,000 gallons of liquified natural gas, equivalent to 39,627 Dekatherms, and provide 14,000 Dekatherms per day of corresponding peak firm natural gas transportation service, as well as enhance the resiliency of Eastern Shore’s system. On September 15, 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—April 26, 2024 90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline 2—July 25, 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. Project Description Specifically, the proposed Project includes construction and operation of five new facilities and upgrades to four existing facilities including: • Bishopville Facility, Worcester County, Maryland: construct a 10.56acre liquified natural gas storage and vaporization facility situated within a rural 135-acre parcel that includes five 100,000 gallon horizontal storage tanks; • Bishopville Tie-in, Worcester County, Maryland: construct 0.43 mile of 8-inch-diameter pipeline to connect the Bishopville Facility to Eastern Shore’s existing Milford pipeline; 1 40 CFR 1501.10 (2020). 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. E:\FR\FM\29DEN1.SGM 29DEN1 90178 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 249 / Friday, December 29, 2023 / Notices ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 • Millsboro Controller Upgrade, Sussex County, Delaware: upgrade an existing station to install two new control valve runs to provide pressure and directional control; • Millsboro Tie-in, Sussex County, Delaware: construct 0.35 mile of 10inch-diameter pipeline extension to connect the upgraded Millsboro Controller to the Eastern Shore’s existing Milford pipeline; • Berlin Meter and Regulating Station Upgrade, Worcester County, Maryland: replace approximately 350 feet of existing belowground 3-inch tie-in with a new 4-inch tie-in; • Thompson Meter and Regulating Station Upgrade, Somerset County, Maryland: replace existing station meters; • Selbyville Meter and Regulating Station Upgrade, Sussex County, Delaware: replace existing meter and regulator facilities; • Delmar Receiver, Wicomico County, Maryland: install new aboveground Rupture Mitigation Valve and In-line Inspection Receiver and an access road located at the new connection between the Delmar Loop and the Parkesburg Line at the southern end of the Delmar Loop collocated east of U.S. Route 13; and • Delmar Loop, Wicomico County, Maryland and Sussex County, Delaware: construct 1.14 miles of 10-inch-diameter looping natural gas pipeline collocated with an existing Eastern Shore pipeline and U.S. Route 13. Background On October 11, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Worcester Resiliency Upgrade Project (Notice of Scoping), and on November 22, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Public Scoping Session. Both the Notice of Scoping and the Notice of Public Scoping Session were 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 State Delegate Wayne Hartman, Commissioner Chip Bertino, Senator Mary Beth Carozzi, and Director of Worcester County Department of Environmental Programs, Robert Mitchell. As stated in the Notice of Public Scoping Session, Commission staff held a public meeting for the Project on December 13, 2023. Comments were in support of the proposed Project, with no VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:38 Dec 28, 2023 Jkt 262001 environmental concerns raised by the commenters. All substantive comments will be addressed in the EA. There are currently no cooperating agencies in the preparation of 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., CP23–536), 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. Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2023–28754 Filed 12–28–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Combined Notice of Filings Take notice that the Commission has received the following Natural Gas Pipeline Rate and Refund Report filings: PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Filings Instituting Proceedings Docket Numbers: PR24–31–000. Applicants: Rocky Mountain Natural Gas LLC. Description: § 284.123 Rate Filing: RMNG Fuel Loss Adjustment Filing to be effective 11/1/2023. Filed Date: 12/21/23. Accession Number: 20231221–5295. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 1/11/24. Docket Numbers: RP24–260–000. Applicants: KUSA Inc., LLOG Omega Holdings LLC, LLOG Exploration Offshore LLC. Description: Joint Petition for Limited Waiver of Capacity Release Regulations, et al. of LLOG Omega Holdings LLC, et al. Filed Date: 12/21/23. Accession Number: 20231221–5225. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 1/2/24. Docket Numbers: RP24–261–000. Applicants: NGO Transmission, Inc. Description: § 4(d) Rate Filing: Negotiated Rate Filing to be effective 1/ 1/2024. Filed Date: 12/22/23. Accession Number: 20231222–5065. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 1/3/24. 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. Filings in Existing Proceedings Docket Numbers: RP18–556–004. Applicants: Southern Natural Gas Company, L.L.C. Description: Compliance filing: Petition to Amend Stipulation and Agreement. Filed Date: 12/21/23. Accession Number: 20231221–5232. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 12/28/23. Any person desiring to protest in any the above proceedings must file in accordance with Rule 211 of the Commission’s Regulations (18 CFR 385.211) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment date. 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 E:\FR\FM\29DEN1.SGM 29DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 249 (Friday, December 29, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 90177-90178]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-28754]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP23-536-000]


Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company; Notice of Schedule for the 
Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Worcester Resiliency 
Upgrade Project

    On August 31, 2023, Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company (Eastern 
Shore), filed an application in Docket No. CP23-536-000 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 in Delaware and Maryland. The proposed project 
is known as the Worcester Resiliency Upgrade Project (Project), and 
would store approximately 475,000 gallons of liquified natural gas, 
equivalent to 39,627 Dekatherms, and provide 14,000 Dekatherms per day 
of corresponding peak firm natural gas transportation service, as well 
as enhance the resiliency of Eastern Shore's system.
    On September 15, 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--April 26, 2024
90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline \2\--July 25, 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 
Project's progress.

Project Description

    Specifically, the proposed Project includes construction and 
operation of five new facilities and upgrades to four existing 
facilities including:
     Bishopville Facility, Worcester County, Maryland: 
construct a 10.56-acre liquified natural gas storage and vaporization 
facility situated within a rural 135-acre parcel that includes five 
100,000 gallon horizontal storage tanks;
     Bishopville Tie-in, Worcester County, Maryland: construct 
0.43 mile of 8-inch-diameter pipeline to connect the Bishopville 
Facility to Eastern Shore's existing Milford pipeline;

[[Page 90178]]

     Millsboro Controller Upgrade, Sussex County, Delaware: 
upgrade an existing station to install two new control valve runs to 
provide pressure and directional control;
     Millsboro Tie-in, Sussex County, Delaware: construct 0.35 
mile of 10-inch-diameter pipeline extension to connect the upgraded 
Millsboro Controller to the Eastern Shore's existing Milford pipeline;
     Berlin Meter and Regulating Station Upgrade, Worcester 
County, Maryland: replace approximately 350 feet of existing 
belowground 3-inch tie-in with a new 4-inch tie-in;
     Thompson Meter and Regulating Station Upgrade, Somerset 
County, Maryland: replace existing station meters;
     Selbyville Meter and Regulating Station Upgrade, Sussex 
County, Delaware: replace existing meter and regulator facilities;
     Delmar Receiver, Wicomico County, Maryland: install new 
aboveground Rupture Mitigation Valve and In-line Inspection Receiver 
and an access road located at the new connection between the Delmar 
Loop and the Parkesburg Line at the southern end of the Delmar Loop 
collocated east of U.S. Route 13; and
     Delmar Loop, Wicomico County, Maryland and Sussex County, 
Delaware: construct 1.14 miles of 10-inch-diameter looping natural gas 
pipeline collocated with an existing Eastern Shore pipeline and U.S. 
Route 13.

Background

    On October 11, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Scoping 
Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed 
Worcester Resiliency Upgrade Project (Notice of Scoping), and on 
November 22, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Public Scoping 
Session. Both the Notice of Scoping and the Notice of Public Scoping 
Session were 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 State Delegate Wayne Hartman, 
Commissioner Chip Bertino, Senator Mary Beth Carozzi, and Director of 
Worcester County Department of Environmental Programs, Robert Mitchell. 
As stated in the Notice of Public Scoping Session, Commission staff 
held a public meeting for the Project on December 13, 2023. Comments 
were in support of the proposed Project, with no environmental concerns 
raised by the commenters. All substantive comments will be addressed in 
the EA.
    There are currently no cooperating agencies in the preparation of 
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 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., 
CP23-536), 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.

Debbie-Anne A. Reese,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023-28754 Filed 12-28-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
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