[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 156 (Tuesday, August 15, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55444-55445]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-17468]


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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP23-375-000]


Elba Liquefaction Company, LLC and Southern LNG Company, LLC; 
Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment 
for the Proposed Elba Liquefaction Optimization Project

    On April 28, 2023, Elba Liquefaction Company, LLC and Southern LNG 
Company, LLC (Companies) filed an application in Docket No. CP23-375-
000 requesting an Authorization pursuant to section 3 of the Natural 
Gas Act to amend existing authorizations

[[Page 55445]]

under CP14-103-000, originally approved by the Commission on June 1, 
2016.\1\ The proposed project is known as the Elba Liquefaction 
Optimization Project (Project), and would involve new installations and 
modifications to existing liquefaction facilities at Southern LNG 
Company, LLC's existing liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Chatham 
County, Georgia.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Elba Liquefaction Company, L.L.C., 155 FERC ] 61,219, 
(2016).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On May 10, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 
(Commission or FERC) issued its Notice of Application for the Project. 
Among other things, that notice alerted agencies issuing federal 
authorizations of the requirement to complete all necessary reviews and 
to reach a final decision on a request for a federal authorization 
within 90 days of the date of issuance of the Commission staff's 
environmental document for the Project.
    This notice identifies Commission staff's intention to prepare an 
environmental assessment (EA) for the Project and the planned schedule 
for the completion of the environmental review.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ 40 CFR 1501.10 (2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schedule for Environmental Review

Issuance of EA--March 8, 2024
90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline \3\--June 6, 2024
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ The Commission's deadline applies to the decisions of other 
federal agencies, and state agencies acting under federally 
delegated authority, that are responsible for federal 
authorizations, permits, and other approvals necessary for proposed 
projects under the Natural Gas Act. Per 18 CFR 157.22(a), the 
Commission's deadline for other agency's decisions applies unless a 
schedule is otherwise established by federal law.

    If a schedule change becomes necessary, additional notice will be 
provided so that the relevant agencies are kept informed of the 
Project's progress.

Project Description

    The Companies propose to amend its June 1, 2016 Order (2016 Order) 
to modify certain Movable Modular Liquefaction System (MMLS) 
Dehydration and Heavies Removal units that would reduce the fouling 
rate in the liquefaction units, reduce the resultant flaring events 
associated with cold box deriming, and therefore allow the MMLS to 
operate in an optimized condition for longer periods of time without 
fouling within the existing Elba Island LNG terminal in Chatham County, 
Georgia. Specifically, the Companies would make modifications to ten 
MMLS units; construct and operate a new condensate plant; install three 
new liquid nitrogen vaporizers; and increase the total liquefaction 
capacity of the MMLS units up approximately 0.4 million tonnes per 
annum (MTPA) from 2.5 to 2.9 MTPA.

Background

    On June 9, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Scoping Period 
Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Elba 
Liquefaction Optimization Project (Notice of Scoping). The Notice of 
Scoping was 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. In response to the Notice of Scoping, 
the Commission received comments from the National Park Service and the 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, citing concerns regarding impacts to 
noise sensitive areas, cultural landscapes, and endangered species from 
additional facility lighting and increased noise.
    All substantive comments will be addressed in the EA.

Additional Information

    In order to receive notification of the issuance of the EA and to 
keep track of formal issuances and submittals in specific dockets, the 
Commission offers a free service called eSubscription. This service 
provides automatic notification of filings made to subscribed dockets, 
document summaries, and direct links to the documents. Go to https://www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview to register for eSubscription.
    The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports 
meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission 
proceedings. OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, 
environmental justice communities, Tribal members and others, access 
publicly available information and navigate Commission processes. For 
public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as 
interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, the public is 
encouraged to contact OPP at (202) 502-6595 or [email protected].
    Additional information about the Project is available from the 
Commission's Office of External Affairs at (866) 208-FERC or on the 
FERC website (www.ferc.gov). Using the ``eLibrary'' link, select 
``General Search'' from the eLibrary menu, enter the selected date 
range and ``Docket Number'' excluding the last three digits (i.e., 
CP23-375), and follow the instructions. For assistance with access to 
eLibrary, the helpline can be reached at (866) 208-3676, TTY (202) 502-
8659, or at [email protected]. The eLibrary link on the FERC 
website also provides access to the texts of formal documents issued by 
the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rule makings.

    Dated: August 9, 2023.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023-17468 Filed 8-14-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P