Northern Natural Gas; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Northern Lights 2025 Expansion Project, 22704-22706 [2024-06874]

Download as PDF 22704 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 2, 2024 / Notices contact OPP at (202) 502–6595 or OPP@ ferc.gov. Milestone Target date Comments on EA .............. Dated: March 26, 2024. Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Acting Secretary. October 2024. Any questions regarding this notice may be directed to Kelly Wolcott at (202) 502–6480 or kelly.wolcott@ ferc.gov. [FR Doc. 2024–06869 Filed 4–1–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P Dated: March 26, 2024. Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Acting Secretary. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [FR Doc. 2024–06873 Filed 4–1–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P [Project No. 2715–026] khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Kaukauna Utilities; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment On July 22, 2022, Kaukana Utilities (Kaukauna) filed a relicense application for the 6.2-megawatt Combined Locks Hydroelectric Project No. 2715 (project). The project is located on the Lower Fox River in the Village of Combined Locks and the Village of Little Chute, Outagamie County, Wisconsin. In accordance with the Commission’s regulations, on January 16, 2024, Commission staff issued a notice that the project was ready for environmental analysis (REA Notice). Based on the information in the record, including comments filed on the REA Notice, staff does not anticipate that licensing the project would constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. Therefore, staff intends to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) on the application to relicense the project. The EA will be issued and circulated for review by all interested parties. All comments filed on the EA will be analyzed by staff and considered in the Commission’s final licensing decision. 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. The application will be processed according to the following schedule. Revisions to the schedule may be made as appropriate. Milestone Commission issues EA ...... VerDate Sep<11>2014 Target date August 2024.1 17:06 Apr 01, 2024 Jkt 262001 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP24–60–000] Northern Natural Gas; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Northern Lights 2025 Expansion Project The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) will prepare an environmental document, that will discuss the environmental impacts of the Northern Lights 2025 Expansion Project involving construction and operation of facilities by Northern Natural Gas (Northern) in Freeborn, Houston, and Washington Counties, Minnesota, and Monroe County, Wisconsin. The Commission will use this environmental document in its decision-making process to determine whether the project is 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. 1 The Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) regulations under 40 CFR 1501.10(b)(1) (2023) require that EAs be completed within 1 year of the Federal action agency’s decision to prepare an EA. See National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., as amended by section 107(g)(1)(B)(iii) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, Public Law 118–5, section 4336a, 137 Stat. 42. PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Additional information about the 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 April 25, 2024. 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. 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. If you submitted comments on this project to the Commission before the opening of this docket on February 16, 2024, you will need to file those comments in Docket No. CP24–60–000 to ensure they are considered as part of this proceeding. 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 project and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern. If you are a landowner receiving this notice, a pipeline company representative may contact you about the acquisition of an easement to construct, operate, and maintain the proposed 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, 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 E:\FR\FM\02APN1.SGM 02APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 2, 2024 / Notices khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Commission has no jurisdiction over these matters. Northern 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 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 (CP24–60–000) on your letter. Submissions sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be addressed to: Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Acting Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426. Submissions sent via any other carrier must be addressed to: Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Acting Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 12225 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:06 Apr 01, 2024 Jkt 262001 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 OPP@ ferc.gov. Summary of the Proposed Project Northern proposes to construct and operate about 8.6 miles of pipeline extensions, and associated ancillary and auxiliary equipment in Freeborn, Houston, and Washington Counties, Minnesota, and Monroe County, Wisconsin. The Northern Lights 2025 Expansion Project would provide about 46 million standard cubic feet of natural gas per day to Northern’s Market Area. According to Northern its project would serve residential, commercial, and industrial customer market growth. The Northern Lights 2025 Expansion Project would consist of the following facilities: • 3.0-mile-long extension of its 36inch-diameter Lake Mills to Albert Lea E Line; • 2.43-mile-long extension of its 30inch-diameter Elk River 3rd Branch Line; • 1.91-mile-long extension of its 30inch-diameter Farmington to Hugo CLine; • 1.28-mile-long extension of its 8inch-diameter Tomah Branch Line Loop; • one pig new launcher,1 new valves and piping inside its existing Hugo Compressor Station; • minor piping modifications within its existing La Crescent Compressor Station; • relocation of one pig receiver facility; • three new valve settings and associated valves and piping; • removal of three existing tie-in valve settings; • and other appurtenant facilities. 1 A ‘‘pig’’ is a tool that the pipeline company inserts into and pushes through the pipeline for cleaning the pipeline, conducting internal inspections, or other purposes. PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 22705 The general location of the project facilities is shown in appendix 1.2 Land Requirements for Construction Construction of the proposed facilities would disturb a total of about 177.2 acres of land. Following construction, Northern would maintain about 47.9 acres for permanent operation of the project’s facilities; the remaining acreage would be restored and revert to former uses. About 21.2 percent of the construct workspace, and 48.8 percent of the proposed operational area would overlap existing rights-of-way. 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 proposed project 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 project or portions of the project 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. If Commission staff prepares an EIS, a 2 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. For assistance, contact FERC at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or call toll free, (886) 208–3676 or TTY (202) 502–8659. E:\FR\FM\02APN1.SGM 02APN1 22706 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 2, 2024 / Notices 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 3 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 to formally cooperate in the preparation of the environmental document.4 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 applicable State Historic Preservation Office(s), 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.5 The environmental document for this project will document findings on the impacts on historic properties and summarize the status of consultations under section 106. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Environmental Mailing List The environmental mailing list includes federal, state, and local government representatives and 3 For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the last page of this notice. 4 The Council on Environmental Quality regulations addressing cooperating agency responsibilities are at Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1501.8. 5 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:06 Apr 01, 2024 Jkt 262001 agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Native American Tribes; other interested parties; and local libraries and newspapers. This list also includes all affected landowners (as defined in the Commission’s regulations) 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 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 project. If you need to make changes to your name/address, or if you would like to remove your name from the mailing list, please complete one of the following steps: (1) Send an email to GasProjectAddressChange@ferc.gov stating your request. You must include the docket number CP24–60–000 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 is available from the Commission’s Office of External Affairs, at (866) 208–FERC, or on the FERC website at www.ferc.gov using the eLibrary link. Click on the eLibrary link, click on ‘‘General Search’’ and enter the docket number in the ‘‘Docket Number’’ field. Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or (866) 208–3676, or for TTY, contact (202) 502–8659. The eLibrary link also provides access to the texts of all formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rulemakings. Public sessions or site visits will be posted on the Commission’s calendar located at https://www.ferc.gov/newsevents/events along with other related information. PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: March 26, 2024. Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024–06874 Filed 4–1–24; 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: Filings Instituting Proceedings Docket Numbers: RP24–567–000. Applicants: Cheyenne Connector, LLC. Description: Compliance filing: CC 2024–03–26 Annual L&U Report to be effective N/A. Filed Date: 3/26/24. Accession Number: 20240326–5092. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 4/8/24. Docket Numbers: RP24–568–000. Applicants: Trailblazer Pipeline Company LLC. Description: Compliance filing: TPC 2023–03–26 2023 Annual Purchases and Sales Report to be effective N/A. Filed Date: 3/26/24. Accession Number: 20240326–5100. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 4/8/24. Docket Numbers: RP24–569–000. Applicants: Rockies Express Pipeline LLC. Description: Compliance filing: REX 2023–03–26 Annual Purchases and Sales Report to be effective N/A. Filed Date: 3/26/24. Accession Number: 20240326–5106. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 4/8/24. Docket Numbers: RP24–570–000. Applicants: East Cheyenne Gas Storage, LLC. Description: § 4(d) Rate Filing: ECGS 2024–03–26 GT&C Section 13 Revisions to be effective 4/26/2024. Filed Date: 3/26/24. Accession Number: 20240326–5123. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 4/8/24. Docket Numbers: RP24–571–000. Applicants: Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC. Description: § 4(d) Rate Filing: Rate Schedule GSS/LSS Fuel Retention Percentage Tracker Filing—2024 to be effective 4/1/2024. Filed Date: 3/26/24. Accession Number: 20240326–5133. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 4/8/24. Any person desiring to intervene, to protest, or to answer a complaint in any of the above proceedings must file in E:\FR\FM\02APN1.SGM 02APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 2, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22704-22706]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-06874]


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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP24-60-000]


Northern Natural Gas; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting 
Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Northern Lights 2025 
Expansion Project

    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or 
Commission) will prepare an environmental document, that will discuss 
the environmental impacts of the Northern Lights 2025 Expansion Project 
involving construction and operation of facilities by Northern Natural 
Gas (Northern) in Freeborn, Houston, and Washington Counties, 
Minnesota, and Monroe County, Wisconsin. The Commission will use this 
environmental document in its decision-making process to determine 
whether the project is 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 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 April 25, 2024. 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. 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.
    If you submitted comments on this project to the Commission before 
the opening of this docket on February 16, 2024, you will need to file 
those comments in Docket No. CP24-60-000 to ensure they are considered 
as part of this proceeding.
    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 
project and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern.
    If you are a landowner receiving this notice, a pipeline company 
representative may contact you about the acquisition of an easement to 
construct, operate, and maintain the proposed 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, 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

[[Page 22705]]

Commission has no jurisdiction over these matters.
    Northern 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 (CP24-
60-000) on your letter. Submissions sent via the U.S. Postal Service 
must be addressed to: Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Acting Secretary, Federal 
Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Room 1A, Washington, 
DC 20426. Submissions sent via any other carrier must be addressed to: 
Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Acting Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission, 12225 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 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 Project

    Northern proposes to construct and operate about 8.6 miles of 
pipeline extensions, and associated ancillary and auxiliary equipment 
in Freeborn, Houston, and Washington Counties, Minnesota, and Monroe 
County, Wisconsin. The Northern Lights 2025 Expansion Project would 
provide about 46 million standard cubic feet of natural gas per day to 
Northern's Market Area. According to Northern its project would serve 
residential, commercial, and industrial customer market growth.
    The Northern Lights 2025 Expansion Project would consist of the 
following facilities:
     3.0-mile-long extension of its 36-inch-diameter Lake Mills 
to Albert Lea E Line;
     2.43-mile-long extension of its 30-inch-diameter Elk River 
3rd Branch Line;
     1.91-mile-long extension of its 30-inch-diameter 
Farmington to Hugo C-Line;
     1.28-mile-long extension of its 8-inch-diameter Tomah 
Branch Line Loop;
     one pig new launcher,\1\ new valves and piping inside its 
existing Hugo Compressor Station;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ A ``pig'' is a tool that the pipeline company inserts into 
and pushes through the pipeline for cleaning the pipeline, 
conducting internal inspections, or other purposes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     minor piping modifications within its existing La Crescent 
Compressor Station;
     relocation of one pig receiver facility;
     three new valve settings and associated valves and piping;
     removal of three existing tie-in valve settings;
     and other appurtenant facilities.
    The general location of the project facilities is shown in appendix 
1.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ 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. 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 proposed facilities would disturb a total of 
about 177.2 acres of land. Following construction, Northern would 
maintain about 47.9 acres for permanent operation of the project's 
facilities; the remaining acreage would be restored and revert to 
former uses. About 21.2 percent of the construct workspace, and 48.8 
percent of the proposed operational area would overlap existing rights-
of-way.

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 proposed project 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 project or portions of the project 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. If Commission staff prepares an EIS, a

[[Page 22706]]

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 \3\ 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ 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 to formally cooperate in the 
preparation of the environmental document.\4\ 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ 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 applicable State Historic Preservation Office(s), 
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.\5\ The environmental document for this 
project will document findings on the impacts on historic properties 
and summarize the status of consultations under section 106.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ 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 affected landowners (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 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 project.
    If you need to make changes to your name/address, or if you would 
like to remove your name from the mailing list, please complete one of 
the following steps:
    (1) Send an email to [email protected] stating your 
request. You must include the docket number CP24-60-000 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 is available from the 
Commission's Office of External Affairs, at (866) 208-FERC, or on the 
FERC website at www.ferc.gov using the eLibrary link. Click on the 
eLibrary link, click on ``General Search'' and enter the docket number 
in the ``Docket Number'' field. Be sure you have selected an 
appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online 
Support at [email protected] or (866) 208-3676, or for TTY, 
contact (202) 502-8659. The eLibrary link also provides access to the 
texts of all formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, 
notices, and rulemakings.
    Public sessions or site visits will be posted on the Commission's 
calendar located at https://www.ferc.gov/news-events/events along with 
other related information.

    Dated: March 26, 2024.
Debbie-Anne A. Reese,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2024-06874 Filed 4-1-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
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