Notice2022-02700
Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Virginia Electrification Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and Schedule for Environmental Review
Primary source
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Published
February 9, 2022
Issuing agencies
Energy DepartmentFederal Energy Regulatory Commission
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 27 (Wednesday, February 9, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 27 (Wednesday, February 9, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7444-7446]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02700]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Docket No. CP21-498-000]
Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Virginia
Electrification Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues,
and Schedule for Environmental Review
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 the Virginia Electrification
Project (Project) involving construction and operation of facilities by
Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC (Columbia) in Louisa County, Virginia;
Goochland County, Virginia; and Prince George County, Virginia. The
Commission will use this EIS in its decision-making process to
determine whether the Project is in the public convenience and
necessity. The schedule for preparation of the EIS is discussed in the
Schedule for Environmental Review section of this notice.
This notice announces the opening of the scoping process the
Commission will use to gather input from the public and interested
agencies regarding the project. As part of the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) review process, the Commission takes into account
concerns the public may have about proposals and the environmental
impacts that could result from its action whenever it considers the
issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. This
gathering of public input is referred to as ``scoping.'' The main goal
of the scoping process is to focus the analysis in the environmental
document on the important environmental issues. Additional information
about the Commission's NEPA process is described below in the NEPA
Process and the EIS section of this notice.
By this notice, the Commission requests public comments on the
scope of issues to address in the environmental document, including
comments on potential alternatives and impacts, and any relevant
information, studies, or analyses of any kind concerning impacts
affecting the quality of the human environment. To ensure that your
comments are timely and properly recorded, please submit your comments
so that the Commission receives them in Washington, DC on or before
5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 3, 2022. Further details on how to
submit comments are provided in the Public Participation section of
this notice.
If you are a landowner receiving this notice, a pipeline company
representative may contact you about the acquisition of an easement to
construct, operate, and maintain the proposed facilities. The company
would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable easement agreement. You
are not required to enter into an agreement. However, if the Commission
approves the Project, the Natural Gas Act conveys the right of eminent
domain to the company. Therefore, if you and the company do not reach
an easement agreement, the pipeline company could initiate condemnation
proceedings in court. In such instances, compensation would be
determined by a judge in accordance with state law. The Commission does
not grant, exercise, or oversee the exercise of eminent domain
authority. The courts have exclusive authority to handle eminent domain
cases; the Commission has no jurisdiction over these matters.
Columbia provided landowners with a fact sheet prepared by the FERC
entitled ``An Interstate Natural Gas Facility On My Land? What Do I
Need To Know?'' which addresses typically asked questions, including
the use of eminent domain and how to participate in the Commission's
proceedings. This fact sheet along with other landowner topics of
interest are available for viewing on the FERC website (<a href="http://www.ferc.gov">www.ferc.gov</a>)
under the Natural Gas Questions or Landowner Topics link.
Public Participation
There are three methods you can use to submit your comments to the
Commission. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and
has staff available to assist you at (866) 208-3676 or
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a3e5c6d1c0eccdcfcacdc6f0d6d3d3ccd1d7e3c5c6d1c08dc4ccd5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b2f4d7c0d1fddcdedbdcd7e1c7c2c2ddc0c6f2d4d7c0d19cd5ddc4">[email protected]</span></a>. Please carefully follow these instructions
so that your comments are properly recorded.
(1) You can file your comments electronically using the eComment
feature, which is located on the Commission's website (<a href="http://www.ferc.gov">www.ferc.gov</a>)
under the link to FERC Online. Using eComment is an easy method for
submitting brief, text-only comments on a project;
(2) You can file your comments electronically by using the eFiling
feature, which is located on the Commission's website (<a href="http://www.ferc.gov">www.ferc.gov</a>)
under the link to FERC Online. With eFiling, you can provide comments
in a variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your
submission. New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking
on ``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 can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to
the Commission. Be sure to reference the project docket number (CP21-
498-000) on your letter. Submissions sent via the U.S. Postal Service
must be addressed to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Room 1A, Washington, DC
20426. Submissions sent via any other carrier must be addressed to:
Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,
12225 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20852.
Additionally, 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 <a href="https://www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview">https://www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview</a> to register
for eSubscription.
Summary of the Proposed Project, the Project Purpose and Need, and
Expected Impacts
Columbia proposes modifications and a certificated horsepower
increase to Columbia's existing Boswells Tavern Compressor Station and
expansion of the existing Boswells Tavern point of receipt in Louisa
County, Virginia; modifications and a certificated horsepower increase
to Columbia's existing Goochland Compressor Station in Goochland
County, Virginia; and a certificated horsepower increase at Columbia's
existing Petersburg Compressor Station in Prince George County,
Virginia. The Project would provide about 35,000 dekatherms per day of
incremental mainline capacity on Columbia's pipeline system. According
to Columbia, its Project would address a request from Columbia Gas of
Virginia, an unaffiliated local distribution
[[Page 7445]]
company, for firm transportation service to meet growing energy demand
in the southeast Virginia market area off of Columbia's existing VM-
107, VM-108, and VM-109 pipelines. Columbia states the Project would
reduce greenhouse gas emissions on Columbia's pipeline system through
the modification and optimization of existing infrastructure.
The Project would consist of the following facilities all located
in Virginia:
<bullet> Installation of one zero emission electric motor
compressor unit at the Boswell Tavern Compressor Station located in
Louisa County;
<bullet> facility modifications to the Boswells Tavern point of
receipt located in Louisa County to increase capacity;
<bullet> replacement of all five existing gas-powered compressor
units at the Goochland Compressor Station, located in Goochland County,
with new units that will run exclusively on electric motors, but will
have the ability to run on gas in order to ensure reliability; and
<bullet> status change of an existing compressor unit from backup
mode to active mode and increase the site-rated station horsepower to
5,500 horsepower at the Petersburg Compressor Station located in Prince
George County.
The general location of the Project facilities is shown in appendix
1.\1\
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\1\ The appendices referenced in this notice will not appear in
the Federal Register. Copies of the appendices were sent to all
those receiving this notice in the mail and are available at
<a href="http://www.ferc.gov">www.ferc.gov</a> using the link called ``eLibrary''. For instructions on
connecting to eLibrary, refer to the last page of this notice. At
this time, the Commission has suspended access to the Commission's
Public Reference Room due to the proclamation declaring a National
Emergency concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19),
issued by the President on March 13, 2020. For assistance, contact
FERC at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection" class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="63252631202c0d0f0a0d06301613130c111723050611004d040c15">[email protected]</a> or call toll free, (886) 208-3676
or TTY (202) 502-8659.
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Based on the environmental information provided by Columbia, the
proposed Project would result in new temporary and permanent impacts at
the Boswells Tavern and Goochland Compressor Station sites. Work
associated with the Boswells Tavern point of receipt would occur within
the temporary and permanent workspaces used for the Boswells Tavern
Compressor Station. No workspace would be required at the Petersburg
Compressor Station, as no construction or ground-disturbing activities
are proposed at this site. A total of 15.8 acres would be temporarily
disturbed for construction activities. Following construction, Columbia
would retain a total of 5.8 acres of land for operations, of which 1.3
acres will be new permanent easement. All land affected by the Project
is either currently owned or leased by Columbia.
The NEPA Process and the EIS
The EIS issued by the Commission will discuss impacts that could
occur as a result of the construction and operation of the proposed
Project under the relevant general resource areas:
<bullet> Geology and soils;
<bullet> water resources and wetlands;
<bullet> vegetation and wildlife;
<bullet> threatened and endangered species;
<bullet> cultural resources;
<bullet> land use;
<bullet> socioeconomics and environmental justice;
<bullet> air quality and noise;
<bullet> climate change; and
<bullet> reliability and safety.
Commission staff will also make recommendations on how to lessen or
avoid impacts on the various resource areas. Your comments will help
Commission staff focus its analysis on the issues that may have a
significant effect on the human environment.
The EIS will present Commission staff's independent analysis of the
issues. Staff will prepare a draft EIS which will be issued for public
comment. Commission staff will consider all timely comments received
during the comment period on the draft EIS and revise the document, as
necessary, before issuing a final EIS. Any draft and final EIS will be
available in electronic format in the public record through eLibrary
\2\ and the Commission's natural gas environmental documents web page
(<a href="https://www.ferc.gov/industries-data/natural-gas/environment/environmental-documents">https://www.ferc.gov/industries-data/natural-gas/environment/environmental-documents</a>). If eSubscribed, you will receive instant
email notification when the environmental document is issued.
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\2\ For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the
last page of this notice.
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Alternatives Under Consideration
The EIS will evaluate reasonable alternatives that are technically
and economically feasible and meet the purpose and need for the
proposed action.\3\ Alternatives currently under consideration include:
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\3\ 40 CFR 1508.1(z).
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<bullet> The no-action alternative, meaning the Project is not
implemented;
<bullet> the systems alternative, which would consist of pipeline
looping or an alternative configuration of the compressor stations.
With this notice, the Commission requests specific comments
regarding any additional potential alternatives to the proposed action
or segments of the proposed action. Please focus your comments on
reasonable alternatives (including alternative facility sites and
pipeline routes) that meet the Project objectives, are technically and
economically feasible, and avoid or lessen environmental impact.
Consultation Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation
Act
In accordance with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's
implementing regulations for section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act, the Commission is using this notice to initiate
consultation with the applicable State Historic Preservation Office(s),
and other government agencies, interested Indian tribes, and the public
to solicit their views and concerns regarding the Project's potential
effects on historic properties.\4\ The Project EIS will document
findings on the impacts on historic properties and summarize the status
of consultations under section 106.
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\4\ The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's regulations
are at Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 800. Those
regulations define historic properties as any prehistoric or
historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in
or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic
Places.
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Schedule for Environmental Review
On October 5, 2021 the Commission issued its Notice of Application
for the Project. Among other things, that notice alerted other agencies
issuing federal authorizations of the requirement to complete all
necessary reviews and to reach a final decision on the request for a
federal authorization within 90 days of the date of issuance of the
Commission staff's final EIS for the Project. This notice identifies
the Commission staff's planned schedule for completion of the final EIS
for the Project, which is based on an issuance of the draft EIS in
August 2022
Issuance of Notice of Availability of the final EIS: December 16, 2022
90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline: \5\ March 16, 2023
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\5\ 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.
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If a schedule change becomes necessary for the final EIS, an
additional notice will be provided so that the relevant agencies are
kept informed of the Project's progress.
Permits and Authorizations
The table below lists the anticipated permits and authorizations
for the Project required under federal law. This
[[Page 7446]]
list may not be all-inclusive and does not preclude any permit or
authorization if it is not listed here. Agencies with jurisdiction by
law and/or special expertise may formally cooperate in the preparation
of the Commission's EIS and may adopt the EIS to satisfy its NEPA
responsibilities related to this Project. Agencies that would like to
request cooperating agency status should follow the instructions for
filing comments provided under the Public Participation section of this
notice.
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Agency Permit
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Federal Energy Regulatory Commission... Certificate of Public
Convenience and Necessity
under Section 7(c) of the
Natural Gas Act.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Consultation under Section 7 of
Virginia Ecological Field Services the Endangered Species Act,
Office. the Migratory Bird Treaty Act,
and the Bald and Gold Eagle
Protection Act.
Virginia Department of Environmental Minor New Source Review (NSR)
Quality--Air Division. Permit Modifications for
Compressor Stations.
Virginia Department of Environmental Virginia Water Protection
Quality--Water Division. Permit.
Virginia Department of Environmental Water Quality Certification
Quality--Water Division. under Section 401 of the Clean
Water Act.
Virginia Department of Environmental Consistency Determination under
Quality--Coastal Zone Management the Virginia Coastal Zone
Program. Management Program.
Virginia Department of Historical Consultation under Section 106
Resources. of the National Historic
Preservation Act.
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Environmental Mailing List
This notice is being sent to the Commission's current environmental
mailing list for the Project which includes federal, state, and local
government representatives and agencies; elected officials;
environmental and public interest groups; Native American Tribes; other
interested parties; and local libraries and newspapers. This list also
includes all affected landowners (as defined in the Commission's
regulations) who are potential right-of-way grantors, whose property
may be used temporarily for Project purposes, or who own homes within
certain distances of aboveground facilities, and anyone who submits
comments on the Project and includes a mailing address with their
comments. Commission staff will update the environmental mailing list
as the analysis proceeds to ensure that Commission notices related to
this environmental review are sent to all individuals, organizations,
and government entities interested in and/or potentially affected by
the proposed Project. State and local government representatives should
notify their constituents of this proposed project and encourage them
to comment on their areas of concern.
If you need to make changes to your name/address, or if you would
like to remove your name from the mailing list, please complete one of
the following steps:
(1) Send an email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#94d3f5e7c4e6fbfef1f7e0d5f0f0e6f1e7e7d7fcf5faf3f1d4f2f1e6f7baf3fbe2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="db9cbaa88ba9b4b1beb8af9abfbfa9bea8a898b3bab5bcbe9bbdbea9b8f5bcb4ad">[email protected]</span></a> stating your
request. You must include the docket number CP21-498-000 in your
request. If you are requesting a change to your address, please be sure
to include your name and the correct address. If you are requesting to
delete your address from the mailing list, please include your name and
address as it appeared on this notice. This email address is unable to
accept comments.
OR
(2) Return the attached ``Mailing List Update Form'' (appendix 2).
Additional Information
Additional information about the Project is available from the
Commission's Office of External Affairs, at (866) 208-FERC, or on the
FERC website at <a href="http://www.ferc.gov">www.ferc.gov</a> using the eLibrary link. Click on the
eLibrary link, click on ``General Search'' and enter the docket number
in the ``Docket Number'' field, excluding the last three digits (i.e.,
CP21-498). Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For
assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#094f6c7b6a46676560676c5a7c7979667b7d496f6c7b6a276e667f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bbfddec9d8f4d5d7d2d5dee8cecbcbd4c9cffbdddec9d895dcd4cd">[email protected]</span></a> or (866) 208-3676, or for TTY, contact (202)
502-8659. The eLibrary link also provides access to the texts of all
formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and
rulemakings.
Public sessions or site visits will be posted on the Commission's
calendar located at <a href="https://www.ferc.gov/news-events/events">https://www.ferc.gov/news-events/events</a> along with
other related information.
Dated: February 3, 2022.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2022-02700 Filed 2-8-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
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