[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 152 (Tuesday, August 7, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41220-41221]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-19708]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP01-417-000]


Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corporation; Notice of Request 
Under Blanket Authorization

August 1, 2001.
    Take notice that on July 27, 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. CP01-417-00 a request for 
authorization to modify all of its existing reciprocating engines at 
Compressor Station No. 170 in Appomattox County, Virginia in order to 
comply with the state of Virginia plan to implement the Clean Air Act 
Amendments of 1990 (Station 170 has 11 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 7 of the 11 reciprocating engines in order to 
reduce NOX emissions. These engines currently do not have 
turbochargers on them. It is stated that Transco plans to modify the 
existing turbochargers at the other 4 reciprocating units to increase 
their capacity and install associated equipment in order to reduce 
NOX emissions. At all 11 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 the 7 engines which will have 
turbochargers installed will have the potential to

[[Page 41221]]

perform above their current operating horsepower. However, it is stated 
that, since Station 170 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 170 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, when Transco 
installs these turbochargers at Station 170 it will adjust the 
automation program at the station so that it will not operate above its 
certificated horsepower.
    Transco states that at the other 4 engines, modification of the 
existing turbochargers to increase their capacity will not create the 
potential of these engines performing above their current operating 
horsepower because the engines are already operating at maximum 
horsepower and cannot operate at a higher horsepower output. 
Accordingly, there will be an increase in the capacity in Transco's 
system in the vicinity of the station as a result of installing the 7 
new turbochargers and modifying the 4 existing turbochargers.
    Transco states that installation of new turbochargers and 
modifications to existing ones at Station 170 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 45 
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 0.2 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 $18.7 million.
    Transco further states that the construction 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. The proposed facilities will be 
installed either entirely within existing buildings or within 50 feet 
of existing station facilities (and within the confines of previously 
disturbed areas). Transco states 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 170, 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 170 on 
September 24, 2001 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. Transco states that a state air permit 
will be negotiated.
    Any questions regarding this filing should be directed to Alfred E. 
White, Jr., Senior Attorney, call (713) 215-2323 or Tom Messick, call 
(713) 215-2772, Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corporation, P.O. Box 
1396, Houston, Texas 77251.
    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. 01-19708 Filed 8-6-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P