[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 138 (Friday, July 18, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 38517]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-18941]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service


Associated Electric Cooperative; Finding of No Significant Impact

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) 
has made a finding of no significant impact with respect to its action 
related to the construction of a 250 megawatt (MW) combined cycle 
electric generation plant and associated facilities in Southeast 
Missouri by Associated Electric Cooperative (Associated). The finding 
of no significant impact is the conclusion of an environmental 
assessment prepared by RUS. The environmental assessment is based on a 
environmental analysis submitted to RUS by Associated. RUS conducted an 
independent evaluation of the environmental analysis and concurs with 
its scope and content. The environmental analysis has been incorporated 
by reference in the environmental assessment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob Quigel, Environmental Protection 
Specialist, Engineering and Environmental Staff, RUS, Stop 1571, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, telephone (202) 720-
0468, E-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The preferred site for the plant is located 
in Dunklin County, Missouri, approximately 1 mile west of Glennonville. 
As proposed, the 250 MW combined-cycle plant consists of a 180 MW 
combustion turbine connected to a heat recovery steam generator 
designed to recover waste heat from the combustion turbine exhaust. The 
waste heat from the combustion turbine would be used to convert water 
to steam which would drive a conventional steam turbine to add about 70 
MW to the plant's capacity. A single-shaft electrical generator would 
connect both combustion and steam turbines. Primary fuel for the 
combustion turbine would be natural gas which would be supplied via a 
24-inch diameter gas line which passes through the southwest corner to 
the northeast corner of the site. Back-up fuel would be low-sulfur oil. 
The entire combined-cycle plant would occupy an area of approximately 
10 acres. An additional 2 acres on or adjacent to the plant site would 
be required for a switchyard to connect the plant to Associated's 
electric transmission system. The power output from the plant would be 
connected to Associated's transmission grid via its 161 kilovolt (kV) 
transmission line that crosses the St. Francis site. A new 1.5 mile, 69 
kV transmission line would be constructed from the plant to the nearest 
existing 69 kV transmission line. Power from the transmission line 
would be used for lighting and other electrical needs as well as for 
power to start-up the combustion turbine.
    Alternatives considered to constructing the project as proposed 
include no action, load management and conservation, power purchases, 
alternative generation technologies, and alternative site locations.
    Copies of the environmental assessment and finding of no 
significant impact along with the environmental analysis are available 
for review at, or can be obtained from, RUS at the address provided 
herein or from Duane Helderlein, Environmental Specialist, Associated 
Electric Cooperative, P.O. Box 754, Springfield, Missouri, 65801-0754 
telephone (417) 885-9360. Duane's E-mail address is 
[email protected]. These documents are also available at the public 
libraries in Dexter, Kennett, New Madrid, and Sikeston, and Poplar 
Bluff, Missouri, and Piggott Arkansas. Interested parties wishing to 
comment on the adequacy of the environmental assessment should do so 
within 30 days of the publication of this notice. RUS will take no 
action that would approve clearing or construction activities related 
to proposed combined cycle power plant prior to the expiration of the 
30-day comment period.

    Dated: July 11, 1997.
Adam M. Golodner,
Deputy Administrator, Program Operations.
[FR Doc. 97-18941 Filed 7-17-97; 8:45 am]
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