[Federal Register: October 29, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 209)]
[Notices]
[Page 54510-54511]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29oc01-38]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Docket No. CP02-7-000]
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corporation; Notice of Request
Under Blanket Authorization
October 23, 2001.
Take notice that on October 15, 2001,Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line
Corporation (Transco), P.O. Box 1396, Houston, Texas 77251, pursuant to
sections 157.205 and 157.208 of the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission's (the Commission) Regulations under the Natural Gas Act
(NGA), as amended, and blanket certificate authority granted in Docket
No. CP82-426-000, filed in Docket No. CP02-7-00 a request for
authorization to modify all of its existing reciprocating engines at
Compressor Station No. 30 in Wharton County, Texas in order to comply
with the State of Texas plan to implement the Clean Air Act Amendments
of 1990 (Station 30 has 7 reciprocating/compressor units), all as more
fully set forth in the request, which is on file with the Commission,
and open for public inspection. This filing may be viewed on the web at
http://www.ferc.gov using the ``RIMS'' link, select ``Docket #'' from
the RIMS Menu and follow the instructions (please call 202-208-2222 for
assistance).
Transco states that it plans to install turbochargers and
associated equipment on all 7 of the reciprocating engines in order to
reduce NOX emissions. These engines currently do not have
[[Page 54511]]
turbochargers on them. At all 7 engines, emissions will be reduced by
achieving a true lean air-fuel ratio, injecting high pressure fuel
directly into the power cylinders and making other engine adjustments.
The injection of high pressure fuel directly into the power cylinders
significantly improves the combustion process by producing a more
homogeneous mixture of air and fuel within the power cylinder. The true
lean air-fuel ratio coupled with the high pressure fuel injection works
by promoting stable combustion characteristics and thus reduces the
formation of NOX. Transco further states that, following
installation of the turbochargers, the 7 engines will have the
potential to perform above their current operating horsepower. However,
it is stated that, since Station 30 is automated, Transco has the
ability to shut down certain engines or reduce their load to ensure
that the station will not operate above the station's total
certificated horsepower. Since Transco will install these turbochargers
at Station 30 solely to achieve an environmental improvement, i.e.,
lower NOX emissions, it is stated that Transco has no intent
or need to operate the station above its certificated horsepower.
Therefore, Transco states that when it installs these turbochargers at
Station 30 it will adjust the automation program at the station so that
it will not operate above its certificated horsepower. Accordingly,
there will be no increase in the capacity of Transco's system in the
vicinity of the station as a result of installing the 7 new
turbochargers.
Transco states that installation of new turbochargers at Station 30
will require some work to be done outside of the compressor building. A
fuel gas header designed to bring high pressure fuel gas to each
individual reciprocating unit will extend from the yard to the building
with a supply to each unit. A new power supply building with
approximate dimensions of 13 feet by 35 feet will be installed in the
yard to supply uninterrupted power to the new equipment and unit
control panels. New fin-fan coolers will be installed in the yard to
satisfy the additional cooling requirements of the new turbochargers.
Modifications of the type proposed may require the installation of a
new utility system which would be built within existing buildings, but
may require expanding out from them. All of the proposed work described
above will be built within 50 feet of existing station facilities and
will be done within the confines of previously disturbed areas.
Approximately 1.05 acres of previously disturbed ground will be
affected by the proposed project. Restoration of this area will be
conducted according to the Commission's Upland Erosion Control,
Revegetation, and Maintenance Plan.
Transco states that the above-referenced modifications are
estimated to cost $11.9 million.
Transco further states that the installation and operation of the
proposed facilities will have no significant impact on the quality of
human health or the environment other than the positive impact of
reducing NOX emissions. Transco certifies that the proposed
facilities will be designed, constructed, operated and maintained in
accordance with all applicable safety standards and plans for
maintenance and inspection. Accordingly, Transco submits that this
project will serve the public convenience and necessity because it will
(1) reduce NOX emissions at Station 30, and (2) enable
Transco to comply with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and the
state implementation plan pursuant thereto. Transco states that it
needs to commence the work at Station 30 in January 2002 in order to
complete the work on a timely basis with respect to the requirements of
the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and the state implementation plan,
while at the same time accommodating the operational needs of its
pipeline system and ensuring that Transco's gas service obligations are
met. It is stated that a state air permit will be negotiated.
Any questions regarding this filing should be directed to Tom
Messick, Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corporation, P.O. Box 1396,
Houston, Texas 77251, call (713) 215-2772.
Any person or the Commission's staff may, within 45 day after
issuance of the instant notice by the Commission, file pursuant to Rule
214 of the Commission's Procedural Rules (18 CFR 385.214) a motion to
intervene or notice of intervention and pursuant to section 157.205 of
the Regulations under the NGA (18 CFR 157.205), a protest to the
request. If no protest is filed within the time allowed therefor, the
proposed activity shall be deemed to be authorized effective the day
after the time allowed for protest. If a protest is filed and not
withdrawn within 30 days after the time allowed for filing a protest,
the instant request shall be treated as an application for
authorization pursuant to section 7 of the NGA. Comments, protests and
interventions may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of
paper. See, 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the
Commission's web site at http://www.ferc.gov under the link to the
User's Guide. If you have not yet established an account, you will need
to create a new account by clicking on ``Login to File'' and then ``New
User Account''.
David P. Boergers,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 01-27080 Filed 10-26-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P