[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 125 (Thursday, June 30, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37813-37815]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-3403]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. PF05-11-000]


Florida Gas Transmission Company; Notice of Intent To Prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Phase VII Expansion 
Project and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues

June 22, 2005.
    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or 
Commission) will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) that 
will discuss the environmental impacts of Florida Gas Transmission 
Company's (FGT) proposed Phase VII Expansion Project, which would 
involve construction in portions of Florida as discussed below. This 
project is directly connected to Southern Natural Gas Company's 
proposed Cypress Pipeline Project. Therefore, the required National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review of the Phase VII Expansion 
Project will be part of the EIS we are currently preparing on the 
Cypress Pipeline Project under Docket No. PF05-7-000. The Cypress 
Pipeline Project involves the construction and operation of natural gas 
pipeline and compressor facilities in various counties in Georgia and 
Florida.
    This notice announces the opening of the scoping process the 
Commission will use to gather input from the public and interested 
agencies on the Phase VII Expansion Project. Your input will help 
determine which issues need to be evaluated in the EIS. Please note 
that the scoping period will close on July 25, 2005.
    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. State and local government 
representatives are asked to notify their constituents along this 
proposed project and encourage them to comment on their areas of 
concern.
    Comments regarding this project may be submitted in written form or 
verbally. Further details on how to submit written or electronic 
comments are provided in the public participation section of this 
notice.
    The FERC is the lead federal agency for the preparation of the EIS. 
The document will satisfy the requirements of NEPA. The U.S. Army Corps 
of Engineers (COE) (Savannah and Jacksonville Districts) has agreed to 
participate as a cooperating agency in the preparation of the EIS for 
the Cypress Pipeline Project to satisfy its NEPA responsibilities under 
section 404 of the Clean Water Act and section 10 of the Rivers and 
Harbors Act. We anticipate the COE will also participate as a 
cooperating agency for the FGT Phase VII Expansion Project.
    With this notice, we \1\ are asking other federal, state, local, 
and tribal agencies with jurisdiction and/or special expertise with 
respect to environmental issues to cooperate with us in the preparation 
of the EIS. These agencies may choose to participate once they have 
evaluated FGT's proposal relative to their responsibilities. Agencies 
that would like to request cooperating status should follow the 
instructions for filing comments described later in this notice.
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    \1\ ``We,'' ``us,'' and ``our'' refer to the environmental staff 
of the Office of Energy Projects.
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    If you are a landowner receiving this notice, you may be contacted 
by an FGT representative about the acquisition of an easement to 
construct, operate, and maintain the proposed facilities. The pipeline 
company would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement. 
However, if the project is approved by the FERC, 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.
    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 Project

    FGT proposes to expand its existing pipeline facilities between 
Jacksonville and Tampa, Florida (see map in Appendix A). The expansion 
would consist primarily of looping \2\ FGT's existing pipeline system 
for approximately 32 miles and modifying compression at two existing 
compressor stations. In addition, miscellaneous piping, regulation, and 
metering facilities will be constructed along FGT's system. This work 
is being addressed as a ``connected action'' to the Cypress Pipeline 
Project because the FGT expansion is being constructed to transport the 
new volumes of natural gas that would be delivered into Florida by the 
Cypress project. The Phase VII Expansion Project would be constructed 
in two phases, with Phase 1 beginning in 2007 and Phase 2 in 2009, 
contingent on the project being certificated.
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    \2\ A loop is a segment of pipeline that is usually installed 
adjacent to an existing pipeline and connected to it at both ends. 
The loop allows more gas to be moved through the system.
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    Specifically, FGT seeks authority to construct and operate the 
following facilities:
     Pipeline--2007

--Loop J: about 5 miles of 36-inch mainline loop in Gilchrist County, 
Florida.
--Loop K: about 6 miles of 36-inch mainline loop in Levy County, 
Florida.
--Loop G: about 6 miles of 36-inch mainline loop in Hernando County, 
Florida.

     Pipeline--2009

--Loop K: about 9 miles of 36-inch mainline loop in Levy County, 
Florida.
--Loop G: about 6 miles of 36-inch mainline loop in Hernando County, 
Florida.

     Compression--2007

--Increase the horsepower (HP) of existing gas turbine compressor at 
Compressor Station 24 (Trenton) by 2,000 HP in Gilchrist County, 
Florida.
--Install a new 7,700 HP gas turbine compressor and increase by 400 HP 
an existing compressor at the existing Compressor Station 26 (Lecanto) 
in Citrus County, Florida.

     Compression--2009
    Re-wheel existing gas turbine compressor at Compressor Station 27

[[Page 37814]]

(Thonotosassa) in Hillsborough County, Florida. This will not change 
the HP of the unit, only the performance curve of the compressor.
     Miscellaneous Facilities--2007

--Replace regulators and install new ultrasonic meters at the existing 
FPC-Hines meter and regulator station in Polk County, Florida.
--Modify existing Lawtey regulator facility on the Jacksonville Lateral 
in Clay County, Florida.
--Revise station piping at the existing Compressor Station 16 (Brooker) 
in Bradford County, Florida.
--Establish workspace area at existing Central Florida Gas (CFG) 
Suwannee tap in Suwannee County, Florida to set up tanker trucks to 
provide uninterrupted service to customer during mainline outage.
--Install new regulator facility on the Jacksonville Lateral adjacent 
to the Cypress/Company interconnect in Duval County, Florida.
--Install side valves and miscellaneous interconnecting piping for new 
Cypress/Company interconnect in Duval County, Florida.

Land Requirements for Construction

    Construction of the proposed pipeline facilities would require 
about 300 acres of land which is primarily within existing maintained 
rights-of-way. The typical construction right-of-way for the pipeline 
facilities would be 75 feet wide and primarily within an existing 
powerline easement (Loop G), road and railroad rights-of-way (Loop K), 
and FGT's existing pipeline right-of-way (Loop J). Up to 25 feet of the 
temporary construction right-of-way would be required outside the 
existing FGT pipeline right-of-way on Loop J. Temporary extra workspace 
would also be required outside existing rights-of-way at certain 
feature crossings (e.g., roads, railroads, waterbodies) and in areas 
requiring topsoil segregation and special construction techniques.
    The construction workspace at compressor stations would be within 
existing facility sites and the workspace for the miscellaneous 
facilities would be primarily within FGT's existing rights-of-way.
    Following construction, no new permanent right-of-way would be 
required for the pipeline, compressor upgrades, or miscellaneous 
facilities. Temporary workspace that is used outside existing rights-
of-way would be restored and allowed to revert to its current use.

The EIS Process

    NEPA requires the Commission to take into account the environmental 
impacts that could result from an action whenever it considers the 
issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. NEPA 
also requires the Commission to discover and address concerns the 
public may have about proposals. This process is referred to as 
``scoping.'' The main goal of the scoping process is to focus the 
analysis in the EIS on the important environmental issues and 
reasonable alternatives.
    Although no formal application has been filed, we have already 
initiated our NEPA review under the FERC's 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. We previously held interagency and 
public scoping meetings for the related Cypress Pipeline Project in 
March 2005.
    As part of our Pre-Filing Process review for the Phase VII 
Expansion Project, representatives from the FERC participated in public 
open houses sponsored by FGT in the project area on June 13-14, 2005 to 
explain the environmental review process to interested stakeholders and 
take comments about the project. In addition, the FERC staff conducted 
an interagency scoping meeting in the project area on June 15, 2005 to 
solicit comments and concerns about the project from jurisdictional 
agencies. By this notice, we are formally announcing our preparation of 
the EIS and requesting additional agency and public comments to help us 
focus the analysis in the EIS on the potentially significant 
environmental issues related to the proposed action.
    Our independent analysis of the issues will be included in a draft 
EIS. The draft EIS will be mailed to federal, state, and local 
government agencies; elected officials; environmental and public 
interest groups; Native American tribes; affected landowners; other 
interested parties; local libraries and newspapers; and the FERC's 
official service list for this proceeding. A 45-day comment period will 
be allotted for review of the draft EIS. We will consider all timely 
comments on the draft EIS and revise the document, as necessary, before 
issuing a final EIS.

Currently Identified Environmental Issues

    The EIS will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of the 
construction and operation of the proposed project under the general 
resource headings listed below. We have already identified several 
issues that we think deserve attention based on a preliminary review of 
the proposed facilities, the environmental information provided by FGT, 
and the interagency scoping meeting. This preliminary list of issues 
may be changed based on your comments and our additional analysis.
     Geology and Soils

--Assessment of potential geologic hazards, including sinkholes.
--Potential impact on mineral resources and mining operations.

     Water Resources and Wetlands
--Effect on groundwater resources.
--Potential effect on perennial streams, intermittent streams, and 
ponds crossed by or close to the route.
--Evaluation of temporary and permanent effects on wetlands.

     Fisheries, Wildlife, and Vegetation
--Effect on fisheries, wildlife, and vegetation resources.
--Effect on vegetative nuisance species.

     Endangered and Threatened Species
--Potential effect on federally and state-listed species, including the 
gopher tortoise, Florida scrub-jay, and southeastern kestrel.

     Cultural Resources
--Effect on historic and prehistoric sites.
--Native American and tribal concerns.

     Land Use
--Impact on residential areas.
--Effect on existing and future land use along the proposed right-of-
way, including proposed developments and agricultural land.
--Effect on recreation and public interest areas.
--Visual effect of the aboveground facilities on surrounding areas.

     Air Quality and Noise
--Effect on local air quality and noise environment from construction 
and operation of the proposed facilities.

     Reliability and Safety
--Assessment of public safety factors associated with natural gas 
facilities.

     Alternatives
--Assessment of alternative routes, facility sites, systems, and energy 
sources to reduce or avoid environmental impacts.

     Cumulative Impacts
--Assessment of the effect of the proposed project when combined with 
other projects that have been or may be proposed in the same region and 
similar time frame.

Public Participation

    You can make a difference by providing us with your specific 
comments or concerns about the proposal. Your comments should focus on 
the potential environmental effects, reasonable alternatives, and 
measures to

[[Page 37815]]

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 mail your comments so that they will be 
received in Washington, DC on or before July 25, 2005 and carefully 
follow these instructions:
     Send an original and two copies of your letter to: Magalie 
R. Salas, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First 
St., NE., Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426;
     Label one copy of the comments for the attention of the 
Gas Branch 1, DG2E; and
     Reference Docket No. PF05-11-000 on the original and both 
copies.
    We will include all comments that we receive within a reasonable 
time frame in our environmental analysis of the project. To expedite 
our receipt and consideration of your comments, the Commission strongly 
encourages electronic submission of any comments on this project. See 
Title 18 Code of Federal Regulations 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the 
instructions on the Commission's website at http://www.ferc.gov under 
the ``e-Filing'' link and the link to the User's Guide. Before you can 
submit comments, you will need to create a free account which can be 
created online.
    Once FGT formally files its application with the Commission, you 
may want to become an official party to the proceeding known as an 
``intervenor.'' Intervenors play a more formal role in the process and 
are able to file briefs, appear at hearings, and be heard by the courts 
if they choose to appeal the Commission's final ruling. An intervenor 
formally participates in a Commission proceeding by filing a request to 
intervene. Instructions for becoming an intervenor are included in the 
User's Guide under the ``eFiling'' link on the Commission's website. 
Please note that you may not request intervenor status at this time. 
You must wait until a formal application is filed with the Commission.
    Affected landowners and parties with environmental concerns may be 
granted intervenor status upon showing good cause by stating that they 
have a clear and direct interest in this proceeding that would not be 
adequately represented by any other parties. You do not need intervenor 
status to have your environmental comments considered.

Environmental Mailing List

    If you wish to remain on our environmental mailing list, please 
return the Information Request Form included in Appendix 2. If you do 
not return this form, you will be removed from our mailing list.

Availability of Additional Information

    Additional information about the project is available from the 
Commission's Office of External Affairs at 1-866-208 FERC or on the 
FERC Internet website (http://www.ferc.gov) using the ``eLibrary'' 
link. Click on the eLibrary link, click on ``General Search,'' and 
enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the Docket 
Number field (i.e., PF05-11). Be sure you have selected an appropriate 
date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at 
[email protected] or toll free at 1-866-208-3676, or for TTY, 
contact (202) 502-8659. The eLibrary link on 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.

Magalie R. Salas,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E5-3403 Filed 6-29-05; 8:45 am]
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