[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 209 (Monday, October 29, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54510-54511]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-27080]


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

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