[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 162 (Tuesday, August 22, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48920-48923]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-13890]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. PF06-30-000]


Rockies Express Pipeline, LLC; Notice of Intent to Prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Rockies Express 
Pipeline Project, Eastern Phase Request for Comments on Environmental 
Issues and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings

August 16, 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 proposed Rockies Express 
Pipeline Project, Eastern Phase (the Project), which involves the 
construction and operation of facilities by Rockies Express Pipeline, 
LLC (Rockies Express) in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. These 
facilities would consist of 622 miles of 42-inch-diameter natural gas 
pipeline; five new compressor stations; and approximately 41 mainline 
valves and 20 interconnects. This EIS will be used by the Commission in 
its decision-making process to determine whether the Project is in the 
public convenience and necessity.
    This notice explains the scoping process that will be used to 
gather input from the public and interested agencies on the Project. 
Your input will help determine which issues/impacts need to be 
evaluated in the EIS. Please note that the scoping period will close on 
September 29, 2006.
    Comments may be submitted in written form or verbally. In lieu of 
or in addition to sending in written comments, you are invited to 
attend the public scoping meetings that are scheduled in the Project 
area. Nine scoping meetings are scheduled for September 11 through 15, 
2006, and are listed below. Further details on how to submit written 
comments and additional details on the public scoping meetings are 
provided in the Public Participation section of this notice.
    Please note that written comments carry the same weight as comments 
made orally by participants at the scoping meetings, so if you are 
unable to attend one of the Commission-sponsored public scoping 
meetings, we highly encourage you to submit written comments to the 
Secretary of the Commission.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Date and time                         Location(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, September 11, 2006...  Mexico, Missouri, Presser Hall, 900 South
7 p.m.-10 p.m................   Jefferson Street, Mexico, Missouri
                                65265, 573-581-2765.
                               Greensburg, Indiana, Greensburg High
                                School Auditorium, 1000 E. Central
                                Avenue, Greensburg, Indiana 47240, 812-
                                663-7211.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006..  Springfield, Illinois, Illinois Building,
7 p.m.-10 p.m................   Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E.
                                Sangamon Avenue, Springfield, Illinois
                                62702, 217-782-1698.
                               Greenwood, Indiana, Greenwood Middle
                                School, 532 South Madison Avenue,
                                Greenwood, Indiana 46142, 317-889-4040.
Wed., September 13, 2006.....  Pittsfield, Illinois, Pike County Farm
7 p.m.-10 p.m................   Bureau, 1301 E. Washington Street,
                                Pittsfield, Illinois 62363, 217-285-
                                2233.
                               Trenton, Ohio, Edgwood High School
                                Auditorium, 5005 Oxford State Road,
                                Trenton, Ohio 45067, 513-867-7425.
Thursday, September 14, 2006.  Rockville, Indiana, Clark's Hall
7 p.m.-10 p.m................   Reception Area, 2155 East U.S. Highway
                                36, Rockville, Indiana 47872, 765-569-
                                5794.
                               Ashville, Ohio, Teays Valley High School
                                Auditorium, 3887 St. Route 752,
                                Ashville, Ohio 43103, 740-983-3131.
Friday, September 15, 2006...  Zanesville, Ohio, Zanesville High School
7 p.m.-10 p.m................   Auditorium, 1701 Blue Avenue,
                                Zanesville, Ohio 43701, 740-588-4022.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Rockies Express Project, Eastern Phase, is currently in the 
preliminary stages of design, and at this time a formal application has 
not been filed with the Commission. For this proposal, the Commission 
is initiating the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review prior 
to receiving the application. This allows interested stakeholders to 
become involved early in project planning and to identify and resolve 
issues before an application is filed with the FERC. A docket number 
(PF06-30-000) has been established to locate in the public record 
information filed by Rockies Express and related documents issued by 
the Commission.\1\ Once a formal application is filed with the FERC, a 
new docket number will be established.
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    \1\ To view information in the docket, follow the instructions 
for using the eLibrary link at the end of this notice.
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    With this notice, we are asking other Federal, state, and local 
agencies with jurisdiction and/or special expertise with respect to 
environmental issues in the project area to formally cooperate with us 
in 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 described 
later in this notice. We encourage government representatives to notify 
their constituents of this planned project and encourage them to 
comment on their areas of concern.

[[Page 48921]]

    This notice is being sent to landowners within 0.5 mile of the 
proposed compressor station sites; landowners affected along the 
pipeline route under consideration; Federal, state, and local 
government agencies; elected officials; environmental and public 
interest groups; Native American tribes; local libraries and 
newspapers; and other interested parties.
    Some affected landowners may be contacted by a Rockies Express 
representative about the acquisition of an easement to construct, 
operate, and maintain the proposed project facilities. If so, Rockies 
Express and the affected landowners should seek to negotiate a mutually 
acceptable agreement. In the event that the Project is certified by the 
Commission, that approval conveys the right of eminent domain for 
securing easements for the facilities. Therefore, if easement 
negotiations fail to produce an agreement, Rockies Express 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?'' addresses a number 
of typically asked questions, including the use of eminent domain and 
how to participate in the Commission's proceedings. It is available for 
viewing on the FERC Internet Web site (http://www.ferc.gov).

Summary of the Proposed Project

    Rockies Express' long-term plan is to construct three separately 
certificated pipelines that together would result in the installation 
of approximately 1,323 miles of 42-inch-diameter, high-pressure natural 
gas pipeline linking producing areas in the Rocky Mountain region to 
the upper Midwest and Eastern United States. This pipeline system would 
originate near the Cheyenne Hub, in Weld County, Colorado, and would 
terminate in Monroe County, Ohio. Rockies Express intends to pursue 
this system plan in three discrete phases (Western, Central, and 
Eastern). The FERC is now considering the facilities included in the 
Eastern phase. Rockies Express currently envisions that the Eastern 
Phase would include:
     Approximately 622 miles of 42-inch-diameter gas pipeline 
between Audrain County, Missouri, and Monroe County, Ohio.
     Five new compressor stations, including:

--Mexico Compressor Station located in Audrain County, Missouri,
--Blue Mound Compressor Station located in Christian County, Illinois,
--Bainbridge Compressor Station in Putnam County, Indiana,
--Lebanon Compressor Station located in Butler County, Ohio, and
--Chandlersville Compressor Station in Muskingum County, Ohio.

     Approximately 20 new interconnects/meter stations with 
existing interstate pipelines, located in:

--Moultrie County, Illinois (NGPL and Illinois Power).
--Douglas County, Illinois (Trunkline).
--Edgar County, Illinois (Midwestern).
--Putnam County, Indiana (PEPL).
--Morgan County, Indiana (CGCU).
--Johnson County, Indiana (Indiana Gas).
--Shelby County, Indiana (ANR).
--Warren County, Ohio (Columbia Gas, Dominion, TETCO, Texas Gas, 
VECTREN, CG&E).
--Pickaway County, Ohio (Columbia Gas of Ohio).
--Fairfield County, Ohio (Columbia Gas).
--Muskingum County, Ohio (Tennessee Gas).
--Monroe County, Ohio (Dominion Transmission, Dominion East Ohio Gas); 
and

     Approximately 41 mainline valves.
    A map depicting the general location of the Project facilities for 
the Eastern Phase is shown in the figure in Appendix 1.\2\
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    \2\ The appendices referenced in this notice are not being 
printed in the Federal Register. Copies are available from the 
Commission's Public Reference and Files Maintenance Branch, at (202) 
502-8371. For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the 
Public Participation section of this notice.
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    The entire project, when completed would carry between 1.5 and 2.0 
billion cubic feet of gas per day. Rockies Express is requesting 
approval such that the facilities are completed and placed into service 
by December 2008, except for the two most eastern compressor stations 
that would be in-service by June 2009. Rockies Express proposes to 
begin construction in March 2008.

Land Requirements for Construction

    It is estimated that the construction of the Project facilities 
would disturb about 5,100 acres of land. Following construction, about 
4,000 acres of the total would be retained for the operation of the 
pipeline and the aboveground facilities (compressor/meter stations). 
Rockies Express proposes to use a 125-foot-wide construction right-of-
way with occasional increases in width for additional workspace at 
waterbody, wetland, road, and railroad crossings. Extra workspaces may 
also be required in areas with site-specific constraints, such as side-
slope construction. Other temporary land requirements would include 
land for pipe storage and equipment yards. Following construction, all 
temporary workspace (including all temporary construction rights-of-
way, extra workspaces, and pipe storage and contractor yards) would be 
restored and allowed to revert to its former use. Operation of the 
pipeline facilities would require a nominal 50-foot-wide permanent 
right-of-way.

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 under 
Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act. NEPA also requires us to identify and 
address concerns the public would 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 important environmental issues and 
reasonable alternatives. By this Notice of Intent, the Commission staff 
requests agency and public comments on the scope of the issues to be 
addressed in the EIS. All comments received are considered during the 
preparation of the EIS.
    We \3\ have already started to meet with Rockies Express, agencies, 
and other interested stakeholders to discuss the Project and identify 
issues/impacts and concerns. Between June 19 and 29, 2006, 
representatives of FERC staff participated in 18 public open houses 
sponsored by Rockies Express in the Project area to explain the NEPA 
environmental review process to interested stakeholders and take 
comments about the Project.
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    \3\ ``We,'' ``us,'' and ``our'' refer to the environmental staff 
of FERC's Office of Energy Projects.
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    Our independent analysis of the issues will be included in the 
draft EIS. The draft EIS will be published and mailed to Federal, 
state, and local agencies, elected officials, public interest groups, 
Native American tribes, affected landowners, interested individuals, 
local libraries, newspapers, and the Commission's official service list 
for this proceeding. A 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

    In the EIS we will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of 
the construction and operation of the

[[Page 48922]]

proposed project and 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. We have 
identified several potential issues that we think deserve attention 
based on a preliminary review of the proposed facilities and the 
information provided by Rockies Express. This preliminary list of 
potential issues may be changed based on your comments and our 
analysis.
     Geology and Soils

--Impact on agricultural lands and irrigation systems.
--Impact of construction on prime farmland soils.
--Blasting and disposal of excess rock associated with construction.
--Evaluation of noxious weed control measures.
--Impacts of construction on coal mining operations.

     Water Resources:

--Impact of pipeline construction on groundwater, aquifer and water 
supply wells.
--Impact of construction on wetlands and waterbodies, including the 
proposed horizontal directional drill of the Mississippi River.
--Assessment of the use and release of hydrostatic test water.

     Fish, Wildlife, and Vegetation:

--Development of revegetation plans.
--Impacts on the Big Walnut Nature Preserve in central Indiana.

     Endangered and Threatened Species:

--Effect on Federally listed species.

     Cultural Resources:

--Impact on known and undiscovered cultural resources.
--Native American tribal concerns.

     Land Use, Recreation and Special Interest Areas, and 
Visual Resources:

--Permanent land use alteration associated with pipeline easement.
--Impact on residences, including proximity of facilities to existing 
structures in highly developed residential and commercial areas.
--Potential land use conflicts with planned and future development.
--Restrictions on future use of pipeline right-of-way.

     Socioeconomics:

--Benefits to local communities.
--Use of local labor, equipment, and supplies.

     Air Quality and Noise:

--Effects on local air quality and ambient noise from construction and 
operation of the proposed facilities, particularly associated with the 
proposed compressor stations.

     Reliability and Safety:

--Assessment of hazards associated with the transportation of natural 
gas.
--Assessment of security associated with operation of natural gas 
facilities.

Public Participation

    You are encouraged to become involved in this process and provide 
your specific comments or concerns about Rockies Express' proposal. 
Your comments should focus on the potential environmental effects, 
reasonable alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental 
impact. The more specific your comments, the more useful they will be. 
To expedite the receipt and consideration of your comments, electronic 
submission of comments is strongly encouraged. See Title 18 CFR 
385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the FERC Internet Web site 
(http://www.ferc.gov/) under the eFiling link and the link to the 
User's Guide. Before you can submit comments you will need to create a 
free account by clicking on ``Sign-up'' under ``New User.'' You will be 
asked to select the type of submission you are making. This type of 
submission is considered a ``Comment on Filing.'' Comments submitted 
electronically must be submitted by September 29, 2006.
    If you wish to mail comments, please mail your comments so that 
they will be received in Washington, DC on or before September 29, 2006 
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 your comments for the attention of Gas 
Branch 1.
     Reference Docket No. PF06-30-000 on the original and both 
copies.
     Mail your comments so that they will be received in 
Washington, DC on or before September 29, 2006.
    The public scoping meetings identified in the table above are 
designed to provide state and local agencies, interested groups, 
affected landowners, and the general public with another opportunity to 
offer your comments on the 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 made so that your comments will be 
accurately recorded.
    Once Rockies Express 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. You do not need intervener status to have your 
environmental comments considered.

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 currently on the environmental 
mailing list for this Project and will continue to receive Project 
updates, Notices, including the draft and final EISs. If you wish to 
remain on our mailing list, or would like your contact information 
corrected, please return the Mailing List Retention Form included as 
Appendix 2. If you provide written comments to the Secretary following 
the procedures described above, you will automatically be kept on the 
mailing list, in lieu of returning the form (appendix 2). If you do not 
return this form, we will remove your name from our mailing list.
    To reduce printing and mailing costs, the draft and final EISs will 
be issued in both CD-ROM and hard copy formats. The FERC strongly 
encourages the use of CD-ROM format in its publication of large 
documents. If you wish to receive a paper copy of the draft EIS instead 
of a CD-ROM, you must indicate that choice on the return postcard 
(Appendix 2).

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 Web site (http://www.ferc.gov/) using the eLibrary link. 
Click on the eLibrary link, click on ``General Search'' and enter the 
project docket number excluding the last three digits (i.e., PF06-30) 
in the Docket Number field. Be sure you have selected an

[[Page 48923]]

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 also provides access 
to the texts of formal documents issued by the Commission, such as 
orders, notices, and rulemakings.
    In addition, the Commission 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. Go to http://www.ferc.gov/esubscribenow.htm.
    All public meetings will be posted on the Commission's calendar 
located at http://www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx along with 
other related information.
    Finally, Rockies Express has established an Internet Web site for 
this project at http://www.rexpipeline.com. The Web site includes a 
description of the project, maps of the proposed pipeline route, and 
answers to frequently asked questions. You can also request additional 
information or provide comments directly to Rockies Express at 1-866-
566-0066 or mailto:[email protected].

Magalie R. Salas,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E6-13890 Filed 8-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P