80 FR 78216 - Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC ; Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review of the Proposed Line WB2VA Integrity Project
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 241 (December 16, 2015)
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 241 (December 16, 2015)
| Page Range | 78216-78217 | |
| FR Document | 2015-31609 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 241 (Wednesday, December 16, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 78216-78217] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-31609] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP15-150-000] Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC ; Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review of the Proposed Line WB2VA Integrity Project On April 2, 2015, Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC (Columbia) filed an application in Docket No. CP15-150-000, requesting authorization and a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity pursuant to section 7(b) and 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act, to abandon, modify, and install certain natural gas pipeline facilities. The proposed project is known as the Line WB2VA Integrity Project. The purpose of the project is to allow the use of modern inline inspection devices and upgrade pipeline segments in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards. On April 15, 2015, 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 Assessment (EA) for the project. This instant notice identifies the FERC staff's planned schedule for the completion of the EA for the project. Schedule for Environmental Review Issuance of EA--January 28, 2016. 90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline--April 27, 2016. 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 Line WB2VA Integrity Project would include modifications to Columbia's existing facilities at 17 sites in Hardy County, West Virginia, and Shenandoah, Page, Rockingham, and Greene Counties, Virginia. Proposed modifications include installation of pig launchers and receivers; replacement of short sections of existing pipeline, mainline valves, and other appurtenant facilities; and abandonment of two existing 20-inch-diameter pipelines beneath the South Fork of the Shenandoah River that would be replaced with a new 24-inch-diameter pipeline. Background On May 14, 2015, we issued a Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed WB2VA Integrity Project and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues (NOI). The NOI was published in the Federal Register and was mailed to 163 interested parties, including federal, state, and local government representatives and agencies; elected officials; affected landowners; environmental and public interest groups; potentially interested Native American tribes; other interested parties; and local libraries and newspapers. In response to the NOI, the Commission received comments from non- government organizations, and federal and state agencies. The primary environmental issues raised by the commentors include: air quality, steep slopes and slope-prone soils, recreation, public lands, karst topography, threatened and endangered species, [[Page 78217]] wetlands and waterbodies, cumulative impacts, and alternatives. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection are cooperating agencies for preparation of the EA. Additional Information In order to receive notification of the issuance of the EA and to keep track of all formal issuances and submittals, the Commission offers a free service called eSubscription. 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 www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp. Additional information about the project is available from the Commission's Office of External Affairs at (866) 208-FERC or on the FERC Web site (www.ferc.gov). Using the ``eLibrary'' link, select ``General Search'' from the menu, enter the selected date range and ``Docket Number'' excluding the last three digits (i.e., CP15-150), and follow the instructions. For assistance with eLibrary, the helpline can be reached at (866) 208-3676, TTY (202) 502-8659, or at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. 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. Dated: December 10, 2015. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015-31609 Filed 12-15-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
![78216 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 241 / Wednesday, December 16, 2015 / Notices
this time, DOE is only accepting necessary to demonstrate adequate FERC) issued its Notice of Application
applications from owners and metering. The final guidance is available for the project. Among other things, that
authorized operators of qualified at: http://energy.gov/eere/water/water- notice alerted agencies issuing federal
hydroelectric facilities for power-program. Each application will authorizations of the requirement to
hydroelectricity generated and sold in be reviewed based on the guidance. complete all necessary reviews and to
calendar year 2014. DOE notes that applicants that received reach a final decision on a request for
DATES: DOE is currently accepting payments for calendar year 2013 and a federal authorization within 90 days of
applications from December 16, 2015 that are eligible for calendar year 2014 the date of issuance of the Commission
through February 1, 2016. Applications payments must still submit a full staff’s Environmental Assessment (EA)
must be sent to hydroincentive@ calendar year 2014 application. for the project. This instant notice
ee.doe.gov by midnight EDT, February When submitting information to DOE identifies the FERC staff’s planned
1, 2016, or they will not be considered for the Section 242 program, it is schedule for the completion of the EA
timely filed for calendar year 2014 recommended that applicants carefully for the project.
incentive payments. read and review the complete content of
the Guidance for this process. When Schedule for Environmental Review
ADDRESSES: DOE’s guidance is available
at: http://energy.gov/eere/water/water- reviewing applications, DOE may Issuance of EA—January 28, 2016.
power-program. corroborate the information provided 90-day Federal Authorization Decision
Written correspondence may be sent with information that DOE finds Deadline—April 27, 2016.
to the Office of Energy Efficiency and through FERC e-filings, contact with
If a schedule change becomes
Renewable Energy (EE–4), by email at power off-taker, and other due diligence
necessary, additional notice will be
hydroincentive@ee.doe.gov. measures carried out by reviewing
provided so that the relevant agencies
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
officials. DOE may require the applicant
are kept informed of the project’s
to conduct and submit an independent
Requests for additional information progress.
audit at its own expense, or DOE may
should be directed to Mr. Steven
conduct an audit to verify the number Project Description
Lindenberg, Office of Energy Efficiency
of kilowatt-hours claimed to have been
and Renewable Energy (EE–4), U.S. The Line WB2VA Integrity Project
generated and sold by the qualified
Department of Energy, 1000 would include modifications to
hydroelectric facility and for which an
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, Columbia’s existing facilities at 17 sites
incentive payment has been requested
DC 20585–0121, (202) 586–2783, in Hardy County, West Virginia, and
or made.
hydroincentive@ee.doe.gov. Electronic Shenandoah, Page, Rockingham, and
communications are recommended for Issued in Washington, DC, on December Greene Counties, Virginia. Proposed
correspondence and required for 10, 2015. modifications include installation of pig
submission of application information. Douglas Hollett, launchers and receivers; replacement of
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renewable short sections of existing pipeline,
Power, Energy Efficiency and Renewable mainline valves, and other appurtenant
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005;
Energy.
Pub. L. 109–58), Congress established a facilities; and abandonment of two
[FR Doc. 2015–31618 Filed 12–15–15; 8:45 am] existing 20-inch-diameter pipelines
new program to support the expansion
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P beneath the South Fork of the
of hydropower energy development at
existing dams and impoundments Shenandoah River that would be
through an incentive payment replaced with a new 24-inch-diameter
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY pipeline.
procedure. Under section 242 of EPAct
2005, the Secretary of Energy is directed Federal Energy Regulatory Background
to provide incentive payments to the Commission
owner or authorized operator of On May 14, 2015, we issued a Notice
qualified hydroelectric facilities for [Docket No. CP15–150–000] of Intent to Prepare an Environmental
electric energy generated and sold by a Assessment for the Proposed WB2VA
Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC ; Integrity Project and Request for
qualified hydroelectric facility for a
Notice of Schedule for Environmental Comments on Environmental Issues
specified 10-year period (See 42 U.S.C.
Review of the Proposed Line WB2VA (NOI). The NOI was published in the
15881). The conference report to the law
Integrity Project Federal Register and was mailed to 163
that made appropriations for Fiscal Year
2015 includes $3,960,000 for On April 2, 2015, Columbia Gas interested parties, including federal,
conventional hydropower under section Transmission, LLC (Columbia) filed an state, and local government
242 of EPAct 2005. application in Docket No. CP15–150– representatives and agencies; elected
DOE developed and announced 000, requesting authorization and a officials; affected landowners;
guidance in January 2015 describing the Certificate of Public Convenience and environmental and public interest
application process and the information Necessity pursuant to section 7(b) and groups; potentially interested Native
necessary for DOE to make a 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act, to abandon, American tribes; other interested
determination of eligibility under modify, and install certain natural gas parties; and local libraries and
section 242. See 80 FR 2685 (January 20, pipeline facilities. The proposed project newspapers.
2015). The guidance announced today is known as the Line WB2VA Integrity In response to the NOI, the
includes certain minor modifications to Project. The purpose of the project is to Commission received comments from
tkelley on DSK9F6TC42PROD with NOTICES
the January 2015 guidance based on allow the use of modern inline non-government organizations, and
DOE’s experience with the January 2015 inspection devices and upgrade pipeline federal and state agencies. The primary
application process. Specifically, DOE is segments in compliance with U.S. environmental issues raised by the
amending some portions of the guidance Department of Transportation safety commentors include: air quality, steep
document to more precisely describe standards. slopes and slope-prone soils, recreation,
what types of production are considered On April 15, 2015, the Federal Energy public lands, karst topography,
‘‘new’’ production and the information Regulatory Commission (Commission or threatened and endangered species,
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 241 / Wednesday, December 16, 2015 / Notices 78217
wetlands and waterbodies, cumulative Docket Numbers: ER15–1045–002. Filed Date: 12/10/15.
impacts, and alternatives. Applicants: Pilot Hill Wind, LLC. Accession Number: 20151210–5046.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Description: Notice of Non-Material
Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/31/15.
West Virginia Department of Natural Change in Status of Pilot Hill Wind,
Resources, and West Virginia LLC. Docket Numbers: ER16–494–000.
Department of Environmental Protection Filed Date: 12/9/15. Applicants: MidAmerican Energy
are cooperating agencies for preparation Accession Number: 20151209–5174. Company.
of the EA. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/30/15. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing:
Additional Information Docket Numbers: ER16–341–000; MidAmerican-Ameren Amended Trans
ER16–343–000. Interconnection Agreement to be
In order to receive notification of the Applicants: RE Astoria LLC, RE
issuance of the EA and to keep track of effective 12/31/9998.
Astoria 2 LLC.
all formal issuances and submittals, the Filed Date: 12/10/15.
Description: Clarification to
Commission offers a free service called November 17, 2015 RE Astoria LLC and Accession Number: 20151210–5051.
eSubscription. This can reduce the November 18, 2015 RE Astoria 2 LLC Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/31/15.
amount of time you spend researching tariff filings.
proceedings by automatically providing Docket Numbers: ER16–495–000.
Filed Date: 11/24/15.
you with notification of these filings, Accession Number: 20151125–5059. Applicants: Prairie Breeze Wind
document summaries, and direct links Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/21/15. Energy LLC.
to the documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/ Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing:
Docket Numbers: ER16–341–000;
docs-filing/esubscription.asp. Filing of Amended Assignment, Co-
Additional information about the ER16–343–000.
Applicants: RE Astoria LLC, RE Tenancy, and Shared Facilities
project is available from the Agreement to be effective 12/11/2015.
Commission’s Office of External Affairs Astoria 2 LLC.
Description: Second Clarification to Filed Date: 12/10/15.
at (866) 208–FERC or on the FERC Web
November 17, 2015 RE Astoria LLC and Accession Number: 20151210–5054.
site (www.ferc.gov). Using the
November 18, 2015 RE Astoria 2 LLC Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/31/15.
‘‘eLibrary’’ link, select ‘‘General Search’’
tariff filings.
from the menu, enter the selected date Take notice that the Commission
Filed Date: 12/4/15.
range and ‘‘Docket Number’’ excluding received the following foreign utility
Accession Number: 20151204–5285.
the last three digits (i.e., CP15–150), and Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/21/15. company status filings:
follow the instructions. For assistance
with eLibrary, the helpline can be Docket Numbers: ER16–490–000. Docket Numbers: FC16–1–000.
reached at (866) 208–3676, TTY (202) Applicants: Midcontinent
Independent System Operator, Inc. Applicants: Wind Service Sp. z.o.o.
502–8659, or at FERCOnlineSupport@ Description: Self-Certification of
ferc.gov. The eLibrary link on the FERC Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing:
2015–12–09_MISO–PJM JOA Eliminate Foreign Utility Company Status of Wind
Web site also provides access to the Service Sp. z.o.o.
texts of formal documents issued by the $20M Project Threshold to be effective
Commission, such as orders, notices, 2/8/2016. Filed Date: 12/10/15.
Filed Date: 12/9/15. Accession Number: 20151210–5080.
and rule makings.
Accession Number: 20151209–5114.
Dated: December 10, 2015. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/30/15. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/31/15.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Docket Numbers: ER16–491–000. The filings are accessible in the
Deputy Secretary. Applicants: Duke Energy Florida, Commission’s eLibrary system by
[FR Doc. 2015–31609 Filed 12–15–15; 8:45 am] LLC. clicking on the links or querying the
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: TEA docket number.
Amended Firm PTP SA No. 140 to be Any person desiring to intervene or
effective 12/10/2015. protest in any of the above proceedings
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Filed Date: 12/9/15. must file in accordance with Rules 211
Accession Number: 20151209–5116. and 214 of the Commission’s
Federal Energy Regulatory Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/30/15.
Commission Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and
Docket Numbers: ER16–492–000. 385.214) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern
Combined Notice of Filings #1 Applicants: Wabash Valley Power time on the specified comment date.
Association, Inc. Protests may be considered, but
Take notice that the Commission Description: Application of Wabash intervention is necessary to become a
received the following electric corporate Valley Power Association, Inc. for party to the proceeding.
filings: Approval to Establish a Regulatory eFiling is encouraged. More detailed
Docket Numbers: EC16–48–000. Asset Related to Planned Early information relating to filing
Applicants: Longview Power. Retirements and Recovery of Such Costs requirements, interventions, protests,
Description: Application of Longview through Formulary Rate Tariff. service, and qualifying facilities filings
Power, LLC for Authorizations Pursuant Filed Date: 12/9/15. can be found at: http://www.ferc.gov/
to Section 203 of the Federal Power Act Accession Number: 20151209–5167. docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For
and Requests for Expedited Action and Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/30/15. other information, call (866) 208–3676
Waivers of Certain Filing Requirements.
tkelley on DSK9F6TC42PROD with NOTICES
Docket Numbers: ER16–493–000. (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502–8659.
Filed Date: 12/9/15. Applicants: Southwest Power Pool,
Accession Number: 20151209–5168. Dated: December 10, 2015.
Inc.
Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/30/15. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Take notice that the Commission 1977R7 Nemaha-Marshall Electric Deputy Secretary.
received the following electric rate Cooperative NITSA and NOA to be [FR Doc. 2015–31606 Filed 12–15–15; 8:45 am]
filings: effective 12/1/2015. BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
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Document Created: 2015-12-16 01:01:12
Document Modified: 2015-12-16 01:01:12
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 78216 |
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