Notice2023-13310
Deepwater Port License Application: Grand Isle LNG Operating Company, LLC; Notice of Application
Primary source
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Published
June 27, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentMaritime Administration
Abstract
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) announce that they have received an application from Grand Isle LNG Operating Company, LLC (Applicant) for the licensing of a deepwater port and that the application for the Grand Isle LNG Export Deepwater Port Development Project contains information sufficient to commence processing. This notice summarizes the Applicant's project plans and the procedures that will be considered during the application review process.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 122 (Tuesday, June 27, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 122 (Tuesday, June 27, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41713-41715]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-13310]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Maritime Administration
[Docket Number MARAD-2023-0119]
Deepwater Port License Application: Grand Isle LNG Operating
Company, LLC; Notice of Application
AGENCY: Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the U.S. Coast Guard
(USCG) announce that they have received an application from Grand Isle
LNG Operating Company, LLC (Applicant) for the licensing of a deepwater
port and that the application for the Grand Isle LNG Export Deepwater
Port Development Project contains information sufficient to commence
processing. This notice summarizes the Applicant's project plans and
the procedures that will be considered during the application review
process.
DATES: The Deepwater Port Act of 1974, as amended, (the Act) requires
at least one public hearing on this application to be held in the
designated Adjacent Coastal State(s) (ACS) not later than 240 days
after publication of this notice and a decision on the application not
later than 90 days after the final public hearing(s).
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by DOT Docket Number
MARAD-2023-0119 by any one of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Search MARAD-2023-0119 and follow the instructions
for submitting comments.
<bullet> Mail or Hand Delivery: The Docket Management Facility is
in the West Building, Ground Floor of the U.S. Department of
Transportation. The Docket Management Facility location address is U.S.
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building,
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590, Docket Number MARAD-2023-0119. Call
202-493-0402 to determine facility hours prior to hand delivery.
Note: If you mail or hand-deliver your comments, we recommend
that you include your name and a mailing address, an email
[[Page 41714]]
address, and/or a telephone number on a cover page, so that we can
contact you if we have questions regarding your submission.
Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name
and specific docket number. All comments received will be posted
without change to the docket at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>, including any
personal information provided.
For assistance please contact either the Maritime Administration
via email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8aceefeffafdebfeeff8a4dae5f8fef9caeee5fea4ede5fc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c084a5a5b0b7a1b4a5b2ee90afb2b4b380a4afb4eea7afb6">[email protected]</span></a>, or the U.S. Coast Guard via email
at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9dd9f8f8edeafce9f8efcdf2efe9eedde8eefefab3f0f4f1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6f2b0a0a1f180e1b0a1d3f001d1b1c2f1a1c0c0841020603">[email protected]</span></a>. Include ``MARAD-2023-0119'' in the subject
line of the message. This email will not be relied on for the intake of
comments for this deepwater port license application. To submit written
comments and other material submissions, please follow the directions
above. Please do not submit written comments or other materials to the
email addresses in this section. Improperly submitted comments
interfere with MARAD and USCG's ability to help others seeking
assistance with comment submission or public meeting attendance.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Receipt of Application
On June 1, 2023, MARAD and USCG received an application from the
Applicant for all Federal authorizations required for a license to own,
construct, and operate a deepwater port for the export of liquefied
natural gas (LNG) as authorized by the Act and implemented under 33
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 148, 149, and 150. After a
coordinated completeness review by MARAD, USCG, and other cooperating
Federal agencies, the application is deemed complete and contains
information sufficient to initiate processing.
Background
The Act defines a deepwater port as any fixed or floating manmade
structure other than a vessel, or any group of such structures, that
are located beyond State seaward boundaries and used or intended for
use as a port or terminal for the transportation, storage, and further
handling of oil or natural gas for transportation to, or from, any
State. A deepwater port includes all components and equipment,
including pipelines, pumping or compressor stations, service platforms,
buoys, mooring lines, and similar facilities that are proposed as part
of a deepwater port to the extent they are located seaward of the high-
water mark.
The Secretary of Transportation delegated to the Maritime
Administrator authorities related to licensing deepwater ports (49 CFR
1.93(h)). Statutory and regulatory requirements for processing
applications and licensing appear in 33 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. and 33 CFR
part 148. Under delegations from and agreements between the Secretary
of Transportation and the Secretary of Homeland Security, applications
are jointly processed by MARAD and USCG. Each application is considered
on its merits.
In accordance with 33 U.S.C. 1504(f) for all applications, MARAD
and the USCG, working in cooperation with other involved Federal
agencies and departments, shall comply with the requirements of the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (USACE), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM),
the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), and the
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), among
others, participate in the processing of deepwater port applications
and assist in the NEPA process as described in 40 CFR 1501.8. Each
agency may participate in scoping and/or other public meeting(s) and
may incorporate the MARAD/USCG environmental impact review for purposes
of their jurisdictional permitting processes, to the extent applicable.
Comments related to this deepwater port application addressed to the
EPA, USACE, or other federal agencies should note the federal docket
number, MARAD-2023-0119. Each comment will be incorporated into the
U.S. Department of Transportation docket and substantive comments will
be considered as the environmental impact analysis is developed to
ensure consistency with the NEPA process. All connected actions,
permits, approvals, and authorizations will be considered during the
processing of the Grand Isle LNG Export Deepwater Port Development
Project deepwater port license application.
MARAD, in issuing this Notice of Application pursuant to 33 U.S.C.
1504(c), must designate as an ACS any coastal state which (A) would be
directly connected by pipeline to a deepwater port as proposed in an
application, or (B) would be located within 15 nautical miles of any
such proposed deepwater port (see 33 U.S.C. 1508(a)(1)). Pursuant to
the criteria provided in the Act, Louisiana is the designated ACS for
this application. Other states may request from the Maritime
Administrator designation as an ACS in accordance with 33 U.S.C.
1508(a)(2).
The Act directs that at least one public hearing take place in each
ACS, in this case, Louisiana. Additional public meetings may be
conducted to solicit comments for the environmental analysis to include
public scoping meetings, or meetings to discuss the Draft and Final
Environmental Impact Statement documents prepared in accordance with
NEPA.
MARAD, in coordination with the USCG, will publish additional
Federal Register notices with information regarding these public
meeting(s) and hearing(s) and other procedural milestones, including
the NEPA environmental impact review. The Maritime Administrator's
decision, and other key documents, will be filed in the public docket
for the application at docket number MARAD-2023-0119.
The Act imposes a strict timeline for processing an application.
When MARAD and USCG determine that an application is complete (i.e.,
contains information sufficient to commence processing), the Act
directs that all public hearings on the application be concluded within
240 days from the date the Notice of Application is published.
Within 45 days after the final hearing, the Governor of the ACS, in
this case, the Governor of Louisiana, may notify MARAD of approval,
approval with conditions, or disapproval of the application. If such
approval, approval with conditions, or disapproval is not provided to
the Maritime Administrator by that time, approval shall be conclusively
presumed. MARAD may not issue a license without the explicit or
presumptive approval of the Governor of the ACS. During this 45-day
period, the Governor may also notify MARAD of inconsistencies between
the application and State programs relating to environmental
protection, land and water use, and coastal zone management. In this
case, MARAD may condition the license to make it consistent with such
state programs (33 U.S.C. 1508(b)(1)). MARAD will not consider written
approvals or disapprovals of the application from the Governor of the
ACS until commencement of the 45-day period after the final public
hearing for the Final Environmental Impact Statement is completed. The
Maritime Administrator must render a decision on the application within
90 days after the final hearing.
Should a favorable record of decision be rendered and a license be
issued, MARAD may include specific
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conditions related to design, construction, operations, environmental
permitting, monitoring and mitigations, and financial responsibilities.
If a license is issued, USCG, in coordination with other agencies as
appropriate, would review and approve the deepwater port's engineering,
design, and construction; operations and security procedures; waterways
management and regulated navigation areas; maritime safety and security
requirements; risk assessment; and compliance with domestic and
international laws and regulations for vessels that may call on the
port. The deepwater port would be designed, constructed, and operated
in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
In addition, the installation of pipelines and other structures may
require permits under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10
of the Rivers and Harbors Act, which are administered by the USACE.
Permits from the EPA may also be required pursuant to the
provisions of the Clean Air Act, as amended, and the Clean Water Act,
as amended.
Summary of the Application
The application proposes the ownership, construction, operation,
and eventual decommissioning of the Grand Isle LNG Export Deepwater
Port Development Project deepwater port (``DWP'') to be located
approximately 11.3 nautical miles (13 statute miles, or 20.9
kilometers) offshore Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The project would
involve the installation of two nominal 2.1 MTPA liquefaction systems
installed in the West Delta Outer Continental Shelf Lease Block 35 (WD-
35), in approximately 68 to 72 feet of water. The proposed Grand Isle
LNG Export Deepwater Port Development Project DWP would export
liquefied natural gas (LNG) up to 4.2 million metric tons per annum
(MMTPA).
The proposed Grand Isle LNG Export Deepwater Port Development
Project DWP would consist of fixed and floating components. These
components would include eight (8) platforms, two (2) floating storage
units (FSUs), and three (3) interconnecting lateral pipelines for feed
gas supply. The eight platforms would include two (2) gas treatment
platforms; two (2) LNG liquefaction platforms; two (2) LNG loading
platforms; one (1) accommodations platform; and one (1) thermal
oxidizer platform. Each platform would be connected via a series of
eight (8) linking bridges; the two FSUs would be connected using two
(2) telescopic gangways.
The LNG would be loaded onto standard LNG carriers with nominal
cargo capacities between 125,000 and 180,000 cubic meters (m3) (average
expected size is 155,000 m3) for the export of LNG, including to Free
Trade Agreement (FTA) and non-FTA nations.
The project would be completed in two phases. Phase 1 construction
would include five (5) platforms (a gas treatment platform, an LNG
liquefaction platform, an LNG loading platform, the accommodations
platform, and the thermal oxidizer platform), one (1) FSU, and
interconnect lateral pipelines. Phase 1 would produce 2.1 MMTPA of LNG.
Phase 2 construction would be expected to begin one year after the
beginning of Phase 1 construction. Phase 2 would include the remaining
three (3) platforms (a gas treatment platform, an LNG liquefaction
platform, and an LNG loading platform) and an additional FSU. Phase 2
would increase the production of the project to 4.2 MMTPA of LNG.
The feed gas supply to the project would be transported via three
(3) new pipeline laterals. A new 24-inch-diameter lateral, 1.11 statute
miles (1.79 kilometers) in length, would tie-in to the existing
Kinetica Partners existing 24-inch (61-centimeter) pipeline. A new 20-
inch lateral, 0.43 statute mile (0.69 kilometer) in length, would tie-
in to the existing 20-inch (51-centimeter) Kinetica Partners pipeline.
Finally, a new 20-inch-diameter lateral, 4.75 statute miles (7.64
kilometers) in length, would tie-in to the existing 18-inch (46-
centimeter) High Point Gas Transmission pipeline.
The fabrication and assembly yards for the DWP's fixed components
would be located in south Louisiana. One (1) purpose-built transport
barge and three (3) project-specific tugs would also be built in south
Louisiana. The two (2) FSUs proposed for the project would be
repurposed LNG carriers. These would be converted to FSUs in a shipyard
located in Europe or Asia.
The onshore components would consist of leasing an existing
receiving area/warehouse with an onsite office. These components would
be located at one of the existing fabrication yards in Louisiana.
For Phases 1 and 2, platform and pile fabrication and assembly
would be contracted to various existing fabrication yards in south
Louisiana with the capacity to build and load out up to a 10,000-short-
ton deck. Most of the major equipment (e.g., generators, cranes, gas
compressors, and gas treating equipment) would be purchased,
fabricated, and assembled at vendor suppliers and then shipped pre-
commissioned and ready to install on each of the platform topsides.
The living quarters and helideck that are part of the
accommodations platform would be prefabricated and shipped separately.
The selected contractor would install the prefabricated quarters onto
the accommodations platform deck at the onshore fabrication yard. The
piles and risers would be fabricated at a fabrication yard in the south
Louisiana region. Subsea assemblies would be fabricated and tested at a
fabrication yard.
The purpose-built transport barge and the three project-specific
tugs would be built in a south Louisiana shipyard. The tugs and barge
would be used during both installation phases of the DWP.
Privacy Act
Anyone can search the electronic form of all comments received into
any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment
(or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). For information on DOT's compliance with
the Privacy Act, please visit <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/privacy">https://www.transportation.gov/privacy</a>.
(Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1501, et seq.; 49 CFR 1.93(h))
By Order of the Maritime Administrator.
T. Mitchell Hudson, Jr.,
Secretary, Maritime Administration.
[FR Doc. 2023-13310 Filed 6-26-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-81-P
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