[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 101 (Thursday, May 25, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30131-30134]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-8028]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. PF06-21-000]


Guardian Pipeline, L.L.C.; Notice of Intent To Prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Guardian Expansion/
Extension Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and 
Notice of Public Scoping Meetings

May 19, 2006.
    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or 
Commission) will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) that 
will address the environmental impacts of the Guardian Expansion/
Extension Project (G-II) proposed by Guardian Pipeline L.L.C 
(Guardian). The Commission will use the EIS in its decision-making 
process to determine whether or not to authorize the project. This 
notice explains the scoping process the Commission will use to gather 
input from the public and interested agencies on the project. Your 
input will help us determine the issues that need to be evaluated in 
the EIS. Please note that the scoping period will close on June 23, 
2006.
    Comments may be submitted in written form or verbally. Further 
details on how to submit written comments are provided in the Public 
Participation section of this notice. In lieu of sending written 
comments, we invite you to attend the public scoping meetings we have 
scheduled as follows:

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             Date and time                           Location
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Monday, June 12, 2006 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Radisson Hotel and Conference
 (CDT).                                   Center of Green Bay 2040
                                          Airport Drive Green Bay, WI US
                                          (920) 405-6404.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006 7 p.m. to 10      Ramada Plaza Hotel 1 North Main
 p.m. (CDT).                              Street Fond Du Lac, WI 54935
                                          (920) 923-3000.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006 7 p.m. to 10    Olympia Conference Center 1350
 p.m. (CDT).                              Royale Mile Road Oconomowoc,
                                          WI 53066 (262) 369-4969.
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    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. We encourage government 
representatives to notify their constituents of this planned project 
and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern.
    If you are a landowner receiving this notice, you may be contacted 
by a Guardian representative about the acquisition of an easement to 
construct, operate, and maintain the proposed project 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

    Guardian proposes to construct, own, operate, and maintain:
     Approximately 105.8 miles of new natural gas pipeline; 
about 79.2 miles of which consist of 30-inch-diameter pipeline, and the 
remaining 26.6 miles would consist of 20-inch-diameter pipeline. The 
proposed pipeline would originate at Ixonia in northeastern Jefferson 
County, Wisconsin and travel

[[Page 30132]]

in a general north-northeast direction through Dodge, Fond du Lac, 
Calumet, Brown, and Outagamie Counties, Wisconsin, terminating at a 
point just west of Green Bay. The six proposed meter stations would be 
located along the proposed expansion route in Jefferson, Dodge, Fond du 
Lac, Calumet, Brown, and Outagamie Counties, Wisconsin.
     One new 39,000-horsepower (hp) compressor station near 
Sycamore Illinois; the proposed compressor station would be located 
along the existing Guardian pipeline route in De Kalb County, Illinois.
     One new 39,000-hp compressor station in Walworth, 
Wisconsin. The proposed compressor station would be located along the 
proposed G-II pipeline route in Walworth County, Wisconsin.
     Six new meter stations, and associated pipeline facilities 
including pig launcher/receivers and five mainline valves.
    Guardian states that the project would provide about 537,200 
decatherms per day of additional natural gas capacity to Guardian's 
existing pipeline system. Guardian indicates that the proposed 
additional capacity would facilitate the transport of natural gas to 
customers within the state of Wisconsin and provide those customers 
with the necessary infrastructure to support growth, choice, and 
competition within the natural gas marketplace. Guardian proposes to 
have the project constructed and operational by November 2008.
    The general location of the proposed pipeline and associated 
facilities are shown in the figure included as Appendix 1.\1\
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    \1\ The appendices referenced in this notice are not being 
printed in the Federal Register. Copies of all appendices, other 
than Appendix 1 (maps), are available on the Commission's Web site 
at the ``eLibrary'' link or from the Commission's Public Reference 
Room, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, or call (202) 
502-8371. For instructions on connecting to eLibrary refer to the 
Public Participation section of this notice. Copies of the 
appendices were sent to all those receiving this notice in the mail. 
Requests for detailed maps of the proposed facilities should be made 
directly to Guardian.
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Nonjurisdictional Facilities

    In addition to the facilities proposed by Guardian, the proposed 
project has associated facilities that do not come under the 
jurisdiction of the Commission. These related ``nonjurisdictional'' 
facilities include:
     The Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPSC) proposes 
to construct three lateral pipelines to interconnect with the G-II 
pipeline expansion segment and conduct modifications to WPSC's existing 
West Green Bay Line including a tie-in to an existing WPSC 12-inch 
feeder pipeline and the addition of flow controls. The three proposed 
laterals include the following:

--Sheboygan/Plymouth Lateral--consisting of approximately 32 miles of 
16- and 12-inch-diameter pipeline.
--Chilton Lateral--consisting of approximately 1 mile of 4-inch-
diameter pipeline.
--Denmark Lateral--consisting of approximately 14 miles of 12-inch-
diameter pipeline.

     We-Energies proposes to construct two lateral pipelines to 
interconnect with the G-II pipeline expansion segment. The proposed 
laterals include the following:

--Hartford/West Bend Lateral--consisting of approximately 12.7 miles of 
8-inch-diameter pipeline.
--Fox Valley Lateral--consisting of approximately 12.6 total miles of 
20-, 16-, 12-, and 8-inch-diameter pipeline.

     Commonwealth Editions Power Company (ComEd) proposes to 
construct approximately 2.4 miles of transmission line to bring power 
from an existing 138-kilovolt (kV) ComEd transmission line to 
Guardian's proposed Sycamore Compressor Station in De Kalb, Illinois.
     We-Energies proposes to construct up to 2 miles of 
transmission line to bring power from an existing 138-kV We-Energies 
transmission line to Guardian's proposed Bluff Creek Compressor Station 
in Walworth, Wisconsin.
    The WPSC and We-Energies laterals and electric transmission line 
facilities and the ComEd electric transmission line facility will be 
under the jurisdiction of the Wisconsin Public Service Commission 
(WIPSC) and the Illinois Commerce Commission, respectively.We \2\ have 
determined that these nonjurisdictional facilities will be discussed in 
the EIS. At this time, the WIPSC and the Wisconsin Department of 
Natural Resources have agreed to participate as participating agencies 
in the EIS process.
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    \2\ ``We,'' ``us,'' and ``our'' refer to the environmental staff 
of the FERC's Office of Energy Projects.
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Land Requirements for Construction

    As proposed, the typical construction right-of-way for the project 
pipeline would be between 80 to 110 feet wide. An 80-foot right-of-way 
is proposed for the 26.6 miles of 20-inch pipe and a 110-foot right-of-
way is proposed for the 79.2 miles of 30-inch pipe. Following 
construction, Guardian would retain a 50-foot-wide permanent right-of-
way for operation of the project. Additional, temporary extra 
workspaces beyond the typical construction right-of-way limits would be 
required at certain feature crossings (e.g., roads, railroads, 
wetlands, or waterbodies), in areas with steep side slopes, or in 
association with special construction techniques.
    Based on preliminary information, construction of the proposed 
project facilities would affect a total of about 1336.9 acres of land 
(including construction right-of-ways and aboveground facilities). This 
does not include land that would be disturbed by temporary work spaces 
and lay down areas, which is still being determined. Following 
construction, about 641.2 acres would be maintained as permanent right-
of-way, and about 23 acres of land would be maintained as new 
aboveground facility sites. The remaining 672.7 acres of temporary 
construction rights-of-way and any other additional areas required for 
extra workspaces, pipe storage or contractor yards would be restored 
and allowed to revert to its former use.

The EIS Process

    The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires the 
Commission to take into account the environmental impacts that could 
result from an action when it considers whether or not an interstate 
natural gas pipeline should be approved. The FERC will use the EIS to 
consider the environmental impact that could result if Guardian's G-II 
Project is authorized under section 7 of the Natural Gas Act. NEPA also 
requires us to discover and address concerns the public may have about 
proposals to be considered by the Commission. 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. With this 
Notice of Intent, the Commission staff is requesting public comments on 
the scope of the issues to be addressed in the EIS. All comments 
received will be considered during preparation of the EIS.
    Our independent analysis of the issues will be included in a draft 
EIS. We will also evaluate possible alternatives to the proposed 
project or portions of the project, and make recommendations on how to 
lessen or avoid impacts on affected resources.
    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; 
commentors; other

[[Page 30133]]

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 comments 
on the draft EIS and revise the document, as necessary, before issuing 
a final EIS. We will consider all comments on the final EIS before we 
make our recommendations to the Commission. To ensure that your 
comments are considered, please follow the instructions in the Public 
Participation section of this notice.
    Although no formal application has been filed, the FERC staff has 
already initiated its NEPA review under its 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.
    With this notice, we are asking Federal, state, and local 
governmental agencies with jurisdiction and/or special expertise with 
respect to environmental issues, to express their interest in becoming 
cooperating agencies for the preparation of the EIS. These agencies may 
choose to participate once they have evaluated the proposal relative to 
their responsibilities. Agencies that would like to request cooperating 
status should follow the instructions for filing comments provided 
below (see Public Participation).

Currently Identified Environmental Issues

    The EIS will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of the 
construction and operation of the proposed project. We have already 
identified several issues that we think deserve attention based on a 
preliminary review of the project site and the facility information 
provided by Guardian. This preliminary list of issues may be changed 
based on your comments and our analysis.
     Potential effects on prime farmland soils and soils with a 
high potential for compaction.
     Potential effects on waterbodies designated under federal 
and/or state programs.
     Evaluation of temporary and permanent impacts on wetlands 
and development of appropriate mitigation.
     Native American and tribal concerns, including crossing of 
the Oneida Nation Indian Reservation.
     Potential impacts to fish and wildlife habitat, including 
waterbird nesting areas along major river crossings.
     Potential effect on federally and state-listed species.
     Potential impacts to existing land uses, including 
agricultural, certified organic farms, and managed forested lands.
     Potential visual effects of the aboveground facilities on 
surrounding areas.
     Potential impacts and potential benefits of construction 
workforce on local housing, infrastructure, public services, and 
economy.
     Potential impacts to local air and noise quality 
associated with construction and operation.
     Alternative alignments for the pipeline route and 
alternative sites for the compressor stations.

Public Participation

    You can make a difference by providing us with your specific 
comments or concerns about the proposed project. By becoming a 
commentor, your concerns will be addressed in the EIS and considered by 
the Commission. Your comments should focus on the potential 
environmental effects, reasonable alternatives (including alternative 
facility sites and pipeline routes), and measures to 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 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 your comments for the attention of Gas 
Branch 1.
     Reference Docket No. PF06-21-000 on the original and both 
copies.
     Mail your comments so that they will be received in 
Washington, DC on or before June 23, 2006.
    The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing of any 
comments in response to this Notice of Intent. For information on 
electronically filing comments, please see the instructions on the 
Commission's Web site at http://www.ferc.gov under the ``e-Filing'' 
link and the link to the User's Guide, as well as information in 18 CFR 
385.2001(a)(1)(iii). Before you can submit comments you will need to 
create a free account, which can be created on-line.
    The public scoping meetings (dates, times, and locations are listed 
above) are designed to provide another opportunity to offer comments on 
the proposed project. Interested groups and individuals are encouraged 
to attend the meetings and to present comments on the environmental 
issues they believe should be addressed in the EIS. A transcript of 
each meeting will be generated so that your comments will be accurately 
recorded.
    Once Guardian 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 ``e-filing'' link on the Commission's Web site. 
Please note that you may not request intervenor status at this time. 
You must wait until a formal application is filed with the Commission.

Environmental Mailing List

    An effort is being made to send this notice to all individuals, 
organizations, and government entities interested in and/or potentially 
affected by the proposed project. This includes all landowners who are 
potential right-of-way grantors, whose property may be used temporarily 
for project purposes, or who own homes within distances defined in the 
Commission's regulations of certain aboveground facilities.
    If you received this notice, you are on the environmental mailing 
list for this project. If you do not want to send comments at this 
time, but still want to remain on our mailing list, please return the 
Information Request (Appendix 2). If you do not return the Information 
Request, you will be removed from the Commission's environmental 
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 (3372) or on 
the FERC Internet Web site (http://www.ferc.gov) using the ``eLibrary 
link.'' Click on the eLibrary link, select ``General Search'' and enter 
the project docket number excluding the last three digits (i.e., PF06-
21) in the ``Docket Number'' field. 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 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,

[[Page 30134]]

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.
    Public meetings or site visits will be posted on the Commission's 
calendar located at http://www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx 
along with other related information.
    Finally, Guardian has established an Internet website for this 
project at http://www.guardianpipeline.com/. The Web site includes a 
description of the project, a map of the proposed pipeline route, and 
answers to frequently asked questions. You can also request additional 
information or provide comments directly to Guardian at 1-866-608-7300 
or [email protected].

Magalie R. Salas,
Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E6-8028 Filed 5-24-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P