[Federal Register: May 22, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 100)]
[Notices]
[Page 29747-29750]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22my08-40]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Docket No. PF08-13-000; Docket No. PF08-16-000]
Southern Natural Gas Company; Southeast Supply Header, LLC;
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the
Proposed South System Expansion III Project and Joint Pipeline
Expansion Phase II Project and Request for Comments on Environmental
Issues
May 16, 2008.
The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or
Commission) will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) that will
address the environmental impacts of the South System Expansion III
Project (SSEIII Project) proposed by Southern Natural Gas Company (SNG)
and the Joint Pipeline Expansion Phase II Project (JPE Phase II
Project) proposed by Southeast Supply Header, LLC (SESH); together they
are referred to as ``the projects''. The Commission will use the EA in
its decision-making process to determine whether or not to authorize
the project. This notice explains the scoping process we \1\ will use
to gather environmental input from the public and interested agencies
on the projects. Your input will help the Commission determine the
issues that need to be evaluated in the EA. Please note that the
scoping period will close on June 16, 2008.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ ``We,'' ``us,'' and ``our'' refer to the environmental staff
of the FERC's Office of Energy Projects.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Details on how to submit written comments are provided in the
Public Participation section of this notice.
If you are a landowner receiving this notice, you may be contacted
by a pipeline company representative about the acquisition of an
easement to construct, operate, and maintain the proposed project
facilities. Each pipeline company would seek to negotiate a mutually
acceptable agreement for its project. However, if the projects are
approved by the Commission, that approval conveys with it the right of
eminent domain. Therefore, if easement negotiations fail to produce an
agreement, the pipeline company could initiate condemnation proceedings
in accordance with state law.
This notice is being 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. We encourage government
representatives to notify their constituents of this planned project
and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern.
A fact sheet prepared by the FERC entitled ``An Interstate Natural
Gas Facility on My Land? What Do I Need To Know?'' is available for
viewing on the FERC Internet Web site (http://www.ferc.gov). This fact
sheet addresses a number of typically asked questions, including the
use of eminent domain and how to participate in the FERC's proceedings.
Summary of the Proposed Projects
SNG and SESH propose to construct, own, operate, and maintain
certain natural gas transportation facilities within the states of
Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The general
[[Page 29748]]
locations of the proposed pipeline and compression facilities are shown
in the figures included as Appendix 1.\2\ The purpose of the projects
is to provide natural gas transportation service to Georgia Power
Company's (Georgia Power) existing Plant McDonough. Georgia Power is
converting the Plant McDonough electric generation from coal-fueled to
natural gas-fueled. The SSEIII Project would increase pipeline capacity
on SNG's existing system to serve Georgia Power, and SESH's proposed
JPE Phase II Project would provide the required additional upstream
transportation capacity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ The appendices referenced in this notice are not being
printed in the Federal Register. Copies of all appendices, other
than Appendix 1 (maps), are available on the Commission's Web site
at the ``eLibrary'' link or from the Commission's Public Reference
Room, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, or call (202)
502-8371. For instructions on connecting to eLibrary refer to the
Public Participation section of this notice. Copies of the
appendices were sent to all those receiving this notice in the mail.
Requests for detailed maps of the proposed facilities should be made
directly to SNG or SESH.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSEIII Project
SNG proposes to construct the SSEIII Project in three phases. In
addition to the listed facilities, SNG would install a cathodic
protection system to mitigate pipeline corrosion, an AC mitigation
system where the pipeline would be near high voltage power lines, ten
pig launchers or receivers, and four mainline valves.
Phase I would be constructed entirely within the state of Georgia.
The construction of the meter station would begin during the first
quarter of 2010 and would have an in-service date in the second quarter
of 2010. SNG proposes beginning construction of the Phase I pipeline
facilities in the second quarter of 2010 and having an in-service date
during the fourth quarter of 2010. The proposed facilities are listed
below.
The Plant McDonough Meter Station would be constructed at
milepost (MP) 1.09 on SNG's South Atlanta-Austell Line in Fulton
County, Georgia.
The Thomaston-Griffin Branch Third Loop (Thomaston-Griffin
Loop) would consist of about 31.2 miles of 30-inch-diameter pipeline
loop parallel to SNG's existing 20-inch-diameter Thomaston-Griffin
Branch Second Loop and two pipelines owned and operated by Atlanta Gas
Light Company between Thomaston and Griffin, Georgia in Upson, Lamar,
and Spalding Counties. The Thomaston-Griffin Loop would extend from
SNG's existing Thomaston Compressor Station (MP 0.0) in Upson County to
the interconnection with SNG's existing Riverdale pipeline in Spalding
County (MPs 0.0 to 31.2).
The South Atlanta-Austell Replacement would consist of
replacement of about 10.9 miles of the existing 18-inch-diameter South
Atlanta-Austell pipeline with a 30-inch-diameter pipeline between
Riverdale and Union City in Fulton and Clayton Counties, Georgia (MPs
0.0 to 10.9).
Phase II facilities would be constructed within the state of
Mississippi. SNG proposes to begin their construction during the fourth
quarter of 2010 and to have an in-service date during the second
quarter of 2011. The proposed Phase II facilities are listed below.
The South Main Third Loop Line (Gwinville Loop) would
consist of about 9.5 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline loop
constructed adjacent to SNG's existing South Main System in Jefferson
Davis and Simpson Counties, Mississippi. The Gwinville Loop would
extend from SNG's existing Gwinville Compressor Station near Gwinville,
Jefferson Davis County to a point near Magee, Simpson County,
Mississippi (MPs 0.0 to 9.5).
An additional 10,310 horsepower (hp) of compression and
associated ancillary facilities would be installed at SNG's existing
Bay Springs Compressor Station in Jasper County, Mississippi.
Phase III facilities would be constructed in the states of
Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. SNG proposes to begin construction
of these facilities during the third quarter of 2011 and to have an in-
service date during the second quarter of 2012. The proposed Phase II
facilities are listed below.
The South Main Third Loop Line (Enterprise Loop) would
consist of about 2.8 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline loop
constructed adjacent to SNG's existing 30-, 24-, and 18-inch-diameter
pipelines in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. The Enterprise Loop would
extend between SNG's existing Enterprise and Bay Springs Compressor
Stations (MPs 89.6 to 92.6).
The South Main Fourth Loop Line (Gallion Loop) would
consist of about 6.5 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline loop
constructed adjacent to SNG's existing 30-, 24-, and dual 18-inch-
diameter pipelines in Hale and Perry Counties, Alabama. The Gallion
Loop would extend between SNG's existing Gallion and Selma Compressor
Stations (MPs 149.9 to 156.4).
The South Main Fourth Loop Line (Elmore Loop) would
consist of about 11.7 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline loop
constructed adjacent to SNG's existing 30-, 24-, 18-, and 16-inch-
diameter pipelines in Elmore County, Alabama. The Elmore Loop would
extend between SNG's existing Elmore and Auburn Compressor Stations
(MPs 221.6 to 233.3).
An additional 7,000 hp of compression and associated
ancillary facilities would be installed at the existing Ellerslie
Compressor Station in Harris County, Georgia.
JPE Phase II Project
SESH proposes the installation of additional compression at two of
its existing compressor stations as described below. SESH proposes
beginning construction of its facilities in October 2009 and having an
in-service date in July 2010.
An additional 13,000 hp of compression and associated
ancillary facilities would be installed at its Delhi Compressor Station
in Richland Parish, Louisiana.
An additional 13,000 hp of compression and associated
ancillary facilities would be installed at its Gwinville Compressor
Station in Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi.
Land Requirements for Construction
SSEIII Project
The typical construction right-of-way width for the SSEIII Project
loop pipelines would vary between 90 and 100 feet. The majority of this
construction right-of-way, however, would overlap the existing
permanent rights-of-way of the adjacent pipelines. Therefore, between
zero and 30 feet of additional temporary right-of-way would be required
for construction. Construction of the South Atlanta-Austell Replacement
would be accomplished within a 65- to 80-foot-wide construction right-
of-way and would require up to 5 feet of additional temporary right-of-
way. The typical construction right-of-way width through wetlands would
be reduced to 75 feet. Following construction, SNG would retain between
zero and 20 feet of additional permanent right-of-way for operation.
Additional temporary extra workspaces beyond the typical
construction right-of-way limits would be required at certain feature
crossings (e.g., roads, railroads, wetlands, or waterbodies,
utilities), in areas with steep side slopes, in association with
special construction techniques, for topsoil segregation, and for pipe,
equipment, and contractor yards. SNG would access its project
construction areas primarily along the existing pipeline right-of-way
and existing roads; however, other access roads may be required during
construction.
[[Page 29749]]
Construction of most of SNG's proposed aboveground facilities would
be completed within the construction workspaces associated with
pipeline construction or within or adjacent to its existing compressor
station yards. Operation of the proposed additional compressor
facilities would be within the existing compressor station sites. The
proposed Plant McDonough Meter Station would require about 1.0 acre for
construction and operation.
Based on preliminary information, construction of SNG's proposed
project facilities would affect about 867.5 acres including the
proposed meter station. Operation of the SSEIII Project would require
about 45.4 acres as permanent right-of-way that would be restored as
open land or as industrial where aboveground facilities would be
operated. The remaining 822.1 acres of temporary workspaces would be
restored and would return to previous land use. These totals do not
include the temporary land requirements for access roads or contractor,
pipe, or equipment yards.
JPE Phase II Project
SESH would require about 56.0 acres for construction of the
compressor additions at both project locations of which about 44.0
acres would be required at the Delhi Compressor Station and about 12.0
acres would be required at the Gwinville Compressor Station. Operation
of the proposed facilities would not require any additional land
outside the existing compressor station sites. Access to both
construction areas would be along the permanent compressor station
access roads. No new temporary or permanent roads would be required.
Total Land Requirements
The total land requirements for the projects would be 923.5 acres
for construction and about 45.4 acres for operation. The remaining
878.1 acres of temporary workspace (including all temporary
construction rights-of-way, extra workspaces, and pipe and contractor
yards) would be restored and allowed to revert to its former use.
The EA Process
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires the
Commission to take into account the environmental impacts that could
result from an action when it considers whether or not an interstate
natural gas pipeline should be approved. The FERC will use the EA to
consider the environmental impact that could result if the Projects are
authorized under section 7 of the Natural Gas Act. NEPA also requires
us to discover and address concerns the public may have about proposals
to be considered by the Commission. This process is referred to as
``scoping.'' The main goal of the scoping process is to focus the
analysis in the EA on the important environmental issues. With this
Notice of Intent, the Commission staff is requesting public comments on
the scope of the issues to be addressed in the EA. All comments
received will be considered during preparation of the EA.
In the EA we will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of
the construction and operation of the proposed project under these
general headings:
Geology and soils;
Land use;
Water resources, fisheries, and wetlands;
Cultural resources;
Vegetation and wildlife;
Threatened and endangered species;
Air quality and noise;
Hazardous waste; and
Public safety.
In the EA, we will also evaluate possible alternatives to the
proposed projects or portions of the projects, and make recommendations
on how to lessen or avoid impacts on affected resources.
Although no formal application has been filed, the FERC staff has
already initiated its NEPA review under its NEPA Pre-filing Process.
The purpose of the Pre-filing Process is to encourage the early
involvement of interested stakeholders and to identify and resolve
issues before an application is filed with the FERC.
Public Participation
You can make a difference by providing us with your specific
comments or concerns about the proposed project. By becoming a
commentor, your concerns will be addressed in the EA and considered by
the Commission. Your comments should focus on the potential
environmental effects, reasonable alternatives (including alternative
facility sites and pipeline routes), and measures to avoid or lessen
environmental impact. The more specific your comments, the more useful
they will be. To ensure that your comments are timely and properly
recorded, please carefully follow these instructions:
Send an original and two copies of your letter to:
Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888
First St., NE., Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426.
Label one copy of your comments for the attention of Gas
Branch 2.
Reference Docket No. PF08-13-000 for SNG's proposed SSEIII
Project and PF08-16-000 for SESH's proposed JPE Phase II Project on the
original and both copies.
Mail your comments so that they will be received in
Washington, DC on or before June 16, 2008.
Please note that the Commission strongly encourages electronic
filing of any comments or interventions or protests to this proceeding.
See 18 Code of Federal Regulations 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the
instructions on the Commission's Internet Web site at http://
www.ferc.gov under the link to ``Documents and Filings'' and
``eFiling.'' eFiling is a file attachment process and requires that you
prepare your submission in the same manner as you would if filing on
paper, and save it to a file on your hard drive. New eFiling users must
first create an account by clicking on ``Sign up'' or ``eRegister.''
You will be asked to select the type of filing you are making. This
filing is considered a ``Comment on Filing.'' In addition, there is a
``Quick Comment'' option available, which is an easy method for
interested persons to submit text only comments on a project. The
Quick-Comment User Guide can be viewed at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-
filing/efiling/quick-comment-guide.pdf. Quick Comment does not require
a FERC eRegistration account; however, you will be asked to provide a
valid e-mail address. All comments submitted under either eFiling or
the Quick Comment option are placed in the public record for the
specified docket or project number(s).
We might mail the EA for comment. If you are interested in
receiving it, please return the Information Request (Appendix 3). If
you do not return the Information Request, you will be taken off the
mailing list.
Additional Information
Additional information about the project is available from the
Commission's Office of External Affairs, at 1-866-208-FERC (3372) or on
the FERC Internet Web site (http://www.ferc.gov) using the ``eLibrary
link.'' Click on the eLibrary link, select ``General Search'' and enter
the project docket number excluding the last three digits (i.e., PF06-
1) 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 toll free at 1-866-208-3676,
or TTY, contact (202) 502-8659. The eLibrary link on
[[Page 29750]]
the FERC Internet Web site also provides access to the texts of formal
documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rule
makings.
In addition, the FERC now offers a free service called
eSubscription that allows you to keep track of all formal issuances and
submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time you
spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with
notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to
the documents. To register for this service, go to http://www.ferc.gov/
esubscribenow.htm.
SNG has established an Internet Web site for the SSEIII Project at
http://www.elpaso.com/sse3/default.shtm. The Web site includes a
description of the project, a map of the proposed pipeline route, and
contact information. You may also use SNG's toll free telephone number,
1-800-622-4481 to ask questions about the SSEIII Project.
SESH has also established an Internet Web site for the JPE Phase II
Project at http://www.spectraenergy.com/businesses/projects/sesh/. The
SESH Web site includes contact information and information about its
proposed project. You may also use SESH's toll free telephone number,
1-888-312-7374, to ask questions about the JPE Phase II Project.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8-11509 Filed 5-21-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P