[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 99 (Tuesday, May 26, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24839-24841]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-12075]


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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. PF09-9-000]


ETC Tiger Pipeline, LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare an 
Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Tiger Pipeline Project, 
Request for Comments on Environmental Issues and Notice of Public 
Scoping Meetings

May 15, 2009.
    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or 
Commission) is in the process of preparing an environmental assessment 
(EA) that will discuss the environmental impacts that could result from 
the construction and operation of the Tiger Pipeline Project. The 
project is planned by ETC Tiger Pipeline, LLC (ETC Tiger) to transport 
natural gas from the Haynesville and Barnett Shale production areas to 
markets in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast.
    This Notice of Intent (NOI) initiates 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 will be evaluated 
in the EA. The staff will also use the scoping process to determine 
whether preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) is more 
appropriate for this project based upon the anticipated level of 
impacts. Please note that the scoping period for this project will 
close on June 29, 2009.
    Comments may be submitted in written or verbal form. Further 
details on how to submit written comments are provided in the Public 
Participation section of this notice. In lieu of or in addition to 
sending written comments, the Commission Staff invites you to attend 
the public scoping meetings scheduled as follows.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Date and time                           Location
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, June 8, 2009, 7 p.m. (CDT).....  Delhi Civic Center, 232 Denver
                                          Street, Delhi, Louisiana
                                          71232.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009, 7 p.m. (CDT)....  Jackson Parish Community
                                          Center, 182 Industrial Drive,
                                          Jonesboro, Louisiana 71251.
Thursday, June 11, 2009, 7 p.m. (CDT)..  Texas Country Music Hall of
                                          Fame, 300 West Panola Street,
                                          Carthage, Texas 75633.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 EA. A transcript of the meetings 
will be generated so that your comments will be accurately recorded.
    The FERC will be the lead Federal agency in the preparation of an 
EA or EIS that will satisfy the requirements of the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and will be used by the FERC to 
consider the environmental impacts that could result if the Commission 
issues ETC Tiger a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity 
(Certificate) under Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act.
    This NOI is being sent to Federal, State, and local government 
agencies; elected officials; affected landowners; environmental and 
public interest groups; Indian Tribes and regional Native American 
organizations; commentors and other interested parties; and local 
libraries and newspapers. We \1\ encourage government representatives 
to notify their constituents of this planned project and encourage them 
to comment on their areas of concern.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ ``We,'' ``us,'' and ``our'' refer to the environmental staff 
of the FERC's Office of Energy Projects.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If you are a landowner receiving this notice, you may be contacted 
by an ETC Tiger representative about the acquisition of an easement to 
construct, operate, and maintain the proposed facilities. ETC Tiger 
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, ETC Tiger 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/for-citizens/citizen-guides.asp). This fact sheet addresses a number of 
typically asked questions, including the use of eminent domain and how 
to participate in FERC's proceedings.

Summary of the Proposed Project

    ETC Tiger has announced its proposal to construct and operate a new 
natural gas pipeline and associated structures with a flow capacity of 
2.0 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d). The project would consist of an 
approximate 174-mile, 42-inch-diameter pipeline running from the 
Carthage Hub in Panola County, Texas to the Perryville Hub in Richland 
Parish, Louisiana. ETC Tiger states that the Tiger Pipeline would 
transport natural gas from the growing Haynesville Shale production 
area to Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast markets through seven 
interconnects with other major interstate natural gas pipelines and one 
bi-directional interconnect with an existing intrastate pipeline at the 
Carthage Hub. In addition, the Tiger Pipeline would transport gas from 
the Barnett shale production area through its

[[Page 24840]]

interconnection with Houston Pipe Line Company (Houston Pipe Line). The 
Project would provide a critical link between natural gas production in 
the Haynesville and adjacent Barnett shales and existing pipeline 
infrastructure in the region.
    The Project is designed with a capacity of up to 1.0 Bcf/d from the 
Carthage Hub to Louisiana State Highway 789 and up to 2.0 Bcf/d from 
Louisiana State Highway 789 to the end of the pipeline. More 
specifically, ETC Tiger proposes the following facilities:
     174 miles of 42-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline in 
Panola County, Texas; and Caddo, De Soto, Red River, Bienville, 
Jackson, Ouachita, and Richland Parishes, Louisiana;
     Four mainline compressor stations with approximately 
113,000 combined horsepower (hp) in Panola County, Texas; and Red River 
Parish, Bienville Parish, and Jackson Parish, Louisiana;
     Ancillary facilities, including interconnects and pig \2\ 
launchers and receivers;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ A pig is an internal tool that can be used to clean and dry 
a pipeline and/or to inspect it for damage or corrosion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Receipt and delivery meter stations: 15 receipt meters, 7 
delivery meters, and one bidirectional meter.
    A location map depicting the proposed pipeline and compressor 
stations is attached to this NOI as Appendix 1.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ The appendices referenced in this notice are not being 
printed in the Federal Register. Copies can be obtained from the 
Commission's Web site at the ``eLibrary'' link, from the 
Commission's Public Reference Room, or by calling (202) 502-8371. 
For instructions on connecting to ``eLibrary'', refer to the end of 
this notice. Copies of the appendices were sent to all those 
receiving this notice in the mail.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Land Requirements for Construction

    As currently estimated by ETC Tiger, construction of the Tiger 
Pipeline Project would require about 3,407 acres of land, including 
pipeline, aboveground facilities, appurtenant facilities, pipe storage 
and contractor yards, and access roads. Following construction, about 
1,588 acres would be used for operation of the project facilities. The 
areas disturbed during construction but not required for operation 
would generally be allowed to revert to pre-construction use and 
condition.

The EA 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. NEPA also requires us 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 EA on the important environmental issues. By 
this NOI, the Commission staff requests public comments on the scope of 
the issues to address in the EA. All comments received will be 
considered during the preparation of the EA. State and local government 
representatives are encouraged to notify their constituents of this 
proposed action and encourage them to comment on their areas of 
concern.
    In the EA we will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of 
the construction and operation of the proposed Project under these 
general headings:
     Geology and soils;
     Land use;
     Water resources, fisheries, and wetlands;
     Cultural resources;
     Vegetation and wildlife;
     Air quality and noise;
     Endangered and threatened species; and
     Public safety.
    We will also evaluate possible alternatives to the proposed Project 
or portions of the Project, and make recommendations on how to avoid, 
minimize, or mitigate impacts on the various resource areas.
    Although no formal application has been filed, we have already 
initiated our NEPA review under the Commission's Pre-Filing Process. 
The purpose of the Pre-Filing Process is to encourage early involvement 
of interested stakeholders and to identify and resolve issues before an 
application is filed with the FERC. As part of our Pre-Filing Process 
review, we have begun to contact some Federal and State agencies to 
discuss their involvement in the scoping process and the preparation of 
the EA. In addition, representatives from the FERC participated in 
public open houses sponsored by ETC Tiger in the project area in April 
2009 to explain the environmental review process to interested 
stakeholders.
    Our independent analysis of the issues will be in the EA. Depending 
on the comments received during the scoping process, the EA may be 
published and mailed to Federal, State, and local agencies; public 
interest groups; interested individuals; affected landowners; 
newspapers; libraries; and the Commission's official service list for 
this proceeding. A comment period will be allotted for review following 
publication of the EA. We will consider all comments on the EA before 
we make our recommendations to the Commission. To ensure your comments 
are considered, please carefully follow the instructions in the Public 
Participation section below.
    With this NOI, we are asking Federal, State, and local agencies 
with jurisdiction and/or special expertise with respect to 
environmental issues to formally cooperate with us in the preparation 
of the EA. These agencies may choose to participate once they have 
evaluated the proposal relative to their responsibilities. Additional 
agencies that would like to request cooperating agency status should 
follow the instructions for filing comments provided under the Public 
Participation section of this NOI.

Currently Identified Environmental Issues

    We have already identified issues that we think deserve attention 
based on a preliminary review of the proposed facilities and our 
previous experience with similar projects in the region. This 
preliminary list of issues, which is presented below, may be revised 
based on your comments and our continuing analyses specific to the 
Tiger Pipeline Project.
     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, including the Sabine River, Saline Bayou, and 
Black Lake Bayou.
     Potential impacts to waterbird nesting areas along major 
river crossings.
     Potential impacts to wetland reserve program (WRP) and 
conservation reserve program (CRP) parcels of land.
     Potential effects on Federally and State-listed species, 
including interior least tern, red cockaded woodpecker, Louisiana black 
bear, pallid sturgeon, Earth fruit, and Louisiana pine snake.
     Potential impacts to existing land uses, including 
agricultural and forested lands.
     Potential visual effects of the aboveground facilities on 
surrounding areas.
     Alternative alignments for the pipeline route and 
alternative sites for the compressor stations.
     Assessment of the effect of the proposed project when 
combined with other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable future 
actions in the project area.
    We usually limit the allowed construction right-of-way to a default 
width of 75 feet or that described in the Certificate application, 
unless modified by a Certificate condition. Both of the

[[Page 24841]]

recently constructed large diameter (42-inch) natural gas pipelines in 
the proposed project area utilized a nominal 100-foot-wide construction 
right-of-way width in uplands and 75-foot-wide construction right-of-
way in wetlands with additional temporary workspace, as required for 
specific construction requirements or techniques. ETC Tiger has 
proposed a range of right-of-way widths: 125 to 150 feet in uplands, 
depending on land use; and 75 to 125 feet in wetlands, depending on 
cover type and length of wetland crossing. We will be evaluating ETC 
Tiger's proposed construction right-of-way width configurations and 
justification and encourage your comments on this issue. A complete 
summary of the proposed right-of-way widths can be found in Appendix 1C 
of ETC Tiger's draft resource report 1 which can be obtained on the 
Commission's Web site through the ``eLibrary'' link.

Public Participation

    You can make a difference by providing us with your specific 
comments or concerns about the Tiger Pipeline Project. Your comments 
should focus on the potential environmental effects, reasonable 
alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental impacts. 
The more specific your comments, the more useful they will be. To 
ensure that your comments are timely and properly recorded, please send 
in your comments so that they will be received in Washington, DC on or 
before June 29, 2009.
    For your convenience, there are three methods you can use to submit 
your written comments to the Commission. In all instances please 
reference the project's Docket Number PF09-9-000 with your submission. 
The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and has 
dedicated eFiling expert staff available to assist you at 202-502-8258 
or [email protected].
    (1) You may file your comments electronically by using the Quick 
Comment feature, which is located on the Commission's Internet Web site 
at http://www.ferc.gov under the link to Documents and Filings. A Quick 
Comment is an easy method for interested persons to submit text-only 
comments on a project;
    (2) You may file your comments electronically by using the eFiling 
feature, which is located on the Commission's Internet Web site at 
http://www.ferc.gov under the link to Documents and Filings. eFiling 
involves preparing your submission in the same manner as you would if 
filing on paper, and then saving the file on your computer's hard 
drive. You will attach that file as your submission. New eFiling users 
must first create an account by clicking on ``Sign up'' or 
``eRegister.'' You will be asked to select the type of filing you are 
making. A comment on a particular project is considered a ``Comment on 
a Filing;'' or
    (3) You may file your comments via mail to the Commission by 
sending an original and two copies of your letter to: Kimberly D. Bose, 
Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First St., NE., 
Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426.
    Label one copy of the comments for the attention of Gas Branch 1, 
PJ-11.2.

Becoming an Intervenor

    Once ETC Tiger formally files its application with the Commission 
you may want to become an ``intervenor,'' which is an official party to 
the proceeding. 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 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

    Everyone who responds to this notice or provides comments 
throughout the EA process will be retained on the mailing list. If you 
do not want to send comments at this time but want to stay informed and 
receive a copy of the EA, you must return the Mailing List Retention 
Form (Appendix 2). If you do not send comments or return the Mailing 
List Retention Form asking to remain on the mailing list, you will be 
taken off the mailing list.

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's 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., PF09-
9) in the ``Docket Number'' field. Be sure you have selected an 
appropriate date range. For assistance with ``eLibrary'', the 
``eLibrary'' helpline can be reached at 1-866-208-3676, TTY (202) 502-
8659, or by e-mail at [email protected]. The ``eLibrary'' link 
on the FERC Web site also provides access to the texts of formal 
documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rule 
makings.
    In addition, 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, ETC Tiger has established a Web site for this project at 
http://www.tigerpipeline.com. The Web site includes a project overview, 
timeline, safety and environmental information, and answers to 
frequently asked questions. You can also request additional information 
by e-mailing or writing ETC Tiger directly:

Mr. Joey Mahmoud, ETC Tiger Pipeline, LLC, 711 Louisiana Street, 
Houston, Texas 77002-2716, [email protected], 281-714-
2042.
R. Leon Banta, ETC Tiger Pipeline, LLC, 4300 Youree Drive, Building 
1, Shreveport, LA 71105, [email protected], 318-
841-0266.

Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9-12075 Filed 5-22-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P