81_FR_28149 81 FR 28060 - Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC; Supplemental Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and Proposed Land and Resource Plan Amendment(s) for the Proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues Related to New Route and Facility Modifications, and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings

81 FR 28060 - Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC; Supplemental Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and Proposed Land and Resource Plan Amendment(s) for the Proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues Related to New Route and Facility Modifications, and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 89 (May 9, 2016)

Page Range28060-28064
FR Document2016-10784

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 89 (Monday, May 9, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 89 (Monday, May 9, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28060-28064]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-10784]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket Nos. CP15-554-000; CP15-554-001]


Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC; Supplemental Notice of Intent To 
Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and Proposed Land and 
Resource Plan Amendment(s) for the Proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline, 
Request for Comments on Environmental Issues Related to New Route and 
Facility Modifications, and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings

    On February 27, 2015, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 
(FERC or Commission) issued in Docket Nos. PF15-5-000 and PF15-6-000 a 
Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the 
Planned Supply Header Project and Atlantic Coast Pipeline Project, and 
Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and Notice of Public 
Scoping Meetings (NOI). On September 18, 2015, Atlantic Coast Pipeline, 
LLC (Atlantic) and Dominion Transmission, Inc. (DTI) filed applications 
with the FERC in Docket Nos. CP15-554-000 and CP15-555-000 pursuant to 
sections 7(b) and 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) and Parts 157 and 
284 of the Commission's regulations. Atlantic and DTI are seeking 
Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (Certificates) to 
construct, own, and operate a natural gas pipeline and related 
facilities. On March 1, 2016, Atlantic filed an amendment to its 
application to incorporate route and facility modifications in West 
Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. This Supplemental Notice is 
being issued to seek comments on the new pipeline route and facility 
modifications and opens a new scoping period for interested parties to 
file comments on environmental issues specific to these modifications.
    Information about the facilities proposed by Atlantic and DTI can 
be found on our public dockets referenced above and on each applicant's 
Web site at www.dom.com/corporate/what-we-do/atlantic-coast-pipeline or 
www.dom.com/corporate/what-we-do/natural-gas/supply-header-project. The 
FERC's environmental impact statement (EIS) will encompass all proposed 
facilities and be used by the Commission in its decision-making process 
to determine whether the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) and Supply 
Header Project are in the public convenience and necessity.
    The FERC will be the lead federal agency for the preparation of the 
EIS. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is participating as a cooperating 
agency because the ACP would cross the Monongahela National Forest 
(MNF) and the George Washington National Forest (GWNF) in West Virginia 
and Virginia. As a cooperating agency, the USFS intends to adopt the 
EIS per Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1506.3 to 
meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) regarding Atlantic's application for a Right-of-Way Grant and 
Temporary Use Permit for crossing federally administered lands. In 
addition, there may be a need for the USFS to amend the MNF and GWNF 
Land and Resource Management Plans (LRMP) to allow for the ACP to be 
constructed on USFS lands. The EIS will also provide the documentation 
to support needed amendments to the LRMPs. Additional details on the 
USFS' LRMP Amendment Process is provided on page 8.
    The Commission previously solicited public input on the ACP in the 
spring of 2015. We \1\ are specifically seeking comments on the new 
pipeline route and facility modifications to help the Commission staff 
determine what issues need to be evaluated in the EIS. Your comments 
should focus on the potential environmental effects, reasonable 
alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental impacts 
from the new route and proposed modifications. To ensure that your 
comments are timely and properly recorded, please send your comments so 
that the Commission receives them in Washington, DC on or before June 
2, 2016. If you have previously provided comments on the ACP or Supply 
Header Projects, you do not need to resubmit them.
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    \1\ ``We,'' ``us,'' and ``our'' refer to the environmental staff 
of the Commission's Office of Energy Projects.
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    You may submit comments in written form or verbally. In lieu of or 
in addition to sending written comments, the Commission invites you to 
attend the public scoping meetings scheduled as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Date and time                          Location
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, May 20, 2016, 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.  Marlinton Community Wellness
                                             Center, 320 9th Street,
                                             Marlinton, WV 24954.
Saturday, May 21, 2016, 10:00 a.m.-7:00     Bath County High School, 464
 p.m.                                        Charger Lane, Hot Springs,
                                             VA 24445.
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[[Page 28061]]

    The purpose of these scoping meetings is to provide an opportunity 
to verbally comment on the project modifications. You may attend at any 
time during the meeting, as the primary goal of a scoping meeting is 
for us to hear and document your environmental concerns. There will not 
be a formal presentation by Commission staff; however, we will be 
available to answer your questions about the FERC environmental review 
process. Representatives of Atlantic will also be present to answer 
questions about the project.
    Verbal comments will be recorded by a court reporter and 
transcripts will be placed into the docket for the project and made 
available for public viewing on FERC's eLibrary system (see page 12 
``Additional Information'' for instructions on using eLibrary). It is 
important to note that verbal comments hold the same weight as written 
or electronically submitted comments. If a significant number of people 
are interested in providing verbal comments, a time limit of 3 to 5 
minutes may be implemented for each commenter to ensure all those 
wishing to comment have the opportunity to do so within the designated 
meeting time. Time limits will be strictly enforced if they are 
implemented.
    This Supplemental Notice is being sent to the Commission's current 
environmental mailing list for this project, including those landowners 
that are newly affected by the proposed pipeline route modifications. 
State and local government representatives are asked to notify their 
constituents of this proposed project and encourage them to comment on 
their areas of concern.
    If you are a newly affected 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 
agreement. However, if the Commission approves the project, that 
approval conveys with it the right of eminent domain. Therefore, if the 
easement negotiations fail to produce an agreement, the pipeline 
company could initiate condemnation proceedings where compensation 
would be determined 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 Web site (www.ferc.gov). This fact sheet addresses 
a number of typically asked questions, including the use of eminent 
domain and how to participate in the Commission's proceedings.

Summary of Project Modifications

    In its amended application, Atlantic proposes a major route change 
through the MNF and GWNF that would affect landowners in Randolph and 
Pocahontas Counties, West Virginia and Highland, Bath, and Augusta 
Counties, Virginia. Other, smaller route changes proposed in the 
amendment would affect landowners in Nelson and Dinwiddie Counties, 
Virginia; and Cumberland and Johnston Counties, North Carolina. The 
amended facilities would increase the total length of the pipeline from 
about 556 miles to 599.7 miles and compressor station horsepower from 
40,715 horsepower to 53,515 horsepower at the proposed Buckingham 
County, Virginia compressor station, all as more fully described in the 
amended application. An overview map of the proposed ACP and SHP and 
illustrations of these alternatives are provided in Appendix 1. 
Detailed alternative route location information can be found on DTI's 
interactive web mapping application at https://www.dom.com/corporate/what-we-do/atlantic-coast-pipeline.

GWNF 6 Route Modification (Randolph and Pocahontas Counties, West 
Virginia; Highland, Bath, and Augusta Counties, Virginia)

    To reduce potential impacts on the Cheat Mountain salamander, West 
Virginia Northern flying squirrel, and Cow Knob salamander, and to 
avoid sensitive habitats and land uses, Atlantic incorporated the GWNF 
6 Alternative into its proposed pipeline route between AP-1 mileposts 
(MPs) 47.5 and 115.2. Relative to Atlantic's originally proposed route, 
the GWNF 6 Route Modification initially heads south approximately 13 
miles, passing east of Hicks Ridge and west of Kumbrabow State Forest. 
The route continues south/southeast approximately 13 miles, crossing 
Point Mountain and passing east of Elk Mountain and Mingo Knob. The 
route enters Pocahontas County, West Virginia southeast of Mingo Knob 
at Valley Mountain, and continues south approximately 8 miles, crossing 
Mace, Tallow, and Gibson Knobs, passing west of the Snowshoe Ski 
Resort. South of Gibson Knob, the route heads southeast approximately 
17 miles, passing south of Cheat Mountain and Back Allegheny Mountain; 
crossing Cloverlick Mountain, Seneca State Forest, and Michael 
Mountain; and entering Highland County, Virginia just west of Big 
Crooked Ridge.
    After entering Virginia, the GWNF 6 Alternative continues east 
approximately 3 miles then southeast approximately 8 miles, crossing 
Little Ridge, Big Ridge, and Little Mountain and passing east of Piney 
Ridge. The route enters Bath County, Virginia near U.S. Highway 220, 
and continues southeast approximately 14 miles, crossing Back Creek 
Mountain, Jack Mountain, and Tower Hill Mountain and passing south of 
Shenandoah Mountain at South Sister Knob. The route heads northeast 
approximately 20 miles, passing north of Chestnut Ridge; entering 
Augusta County, Virginia near Brushy Ridge; and crossing Deerfield 
Valley on the east side of Shenandoah Mountain. The GWNF 6 Alternative 
intersects Atlantic's filed route near MP 115.2 at Broad Draft near 
West Augusta, Virginia.
    In addition to the route modification described above, Atlantic 
also proposes to increase the horsepower of its proposed Compressor 
Station 2 in Buckingham County, Virginia and install eight additional 
valve sites.

Snowshoe Route Adjustment (Randolph and Pocahontas Counties, Virginia)

    Atlantic incorporated the Snowshoe Route Variation into its 
proposed route between AP-1 MPs 66.7 and 70.1 to avoid modeled habitat 
for the Cheat Mountain salamander and the Cheat Mountain Civil War 
Battlefield, as well as reducing the amount of forest land and other 
sensitive environmental features crossed. Relative to Atlantic's 
originally proposed route, the Snowshoe Route Variation initially heads 
west/southwest for 0.8 mile, crossing the main ridge on Valley 
Mountain, then continuing for approximately 2.6 miles, descending 
Valley Mountain, crossing Dry Fork Spring and Middle Mountain, and 
entering the valley along Big Fork Spring. The route then crosses 
Highway 56 in the valley, and continues to the south/southwest for 
approximately 1.3 miles, ascending Tallow Knob and reconnecting to the 
originally proposed route at MP 70.1.

Singleton Route Adjustment (Bath County, Virginia)

    Atlantic incorporated the Singleton Route Adjustment into its 
proposed route between AP-1 MPs 91.9 and 92.7 to avoid an open-space 
conservation easement held by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. 
Relative to Atlantic's originally proposed route, the Singleton Route 
Adjustment is generally parallel to and within 0.3 mile of the 
corresponding segment of the originally proposed route.

[[Page 28062]]

Horizons Village 2 Route Adjustment (Nelson County, Virginia)

    In response to our environmental information request dated December 
4, 2015, and to avoid crossing the Spruce Creek Tributary Conservation 
Site, Atlantic incorporated the Horizons Village 2 Route Adjustment 
into its proposed pipeline route between AP-1 MPs 162.0 and 162.8. 
Relative to Atlantic's originally proposed route, the Horizons Village 
2 Route Adjustment would pass approximately 310 feet south of the 
conservation site.

Highway 29 Route Adjustment (Nelson County, Virginia)

    In response to our environmental information request dated December 
4, 2015, and to avoid an area of high slip potential, improve the 
location for the crossing of Highway 29, and optimize the amount of 
agricultural and open land crossed, Atlantic incorporated the Highway 
29 Route Variation into its proposed pipeline route between AP-1 MPs 
167.0 and 171.1. Relative to Atlantic's originally proposed route, the 
Highway 29 Route Variation initially heads south for approximately 0.2 
mile following a ridge to the top of Roberts Mountain, then continues 
southeast for approximately 1.7 miles following a ridge to the base of 
Roberts Mountain at the crossing of Davis Creek. This segment of the 
route crosses Highway 29 on the same north trending finger ridge as the 
proposed route, but in an area with flatter terrain at the crossing. On 
the south side of the highway, the route continues to the southeast for 
approximately 2.2 miles, including a 0.2-mile-long segment parallel to 
Starvale Lane. The Highway 29 Route Variation reconnects to the 
originally proposed route on the east side of Wheelers Cove Road at 
approximately MP 171.1.

Beaver Pond Creek Route Adjustment (Dinwiddie County, Virginia)

    In response to our environmental information request dated December 
4, 2015, and to reduce the number of crossings of Beaver Pond Creek and 
address comments provided by the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation, 
Atlantic incorporated the Beaver Pond Creek Route Variation into its 
proposed pipeline route between AP-1 MPs 256.5 and 259.3. Relative to 
Atlantic's originally proposed route, the Beaver Pond Creek Route 
Variation initially heads south/southwest for approximately 111.1 miles 
to a point just south of Whitmore Road, then heads south for 
approximately 1.6 miles over mostly upland terrain, crossing Beaver 
Creek Pond in one location, reconnecting with the originally proposed 
route near MP 259.3.

Juniper Farms Route Adjustment (Johnston County, North Carolina)

    Atlantic incorporated the Juniper Farms Route Variation into its 
proposed route between AP-2 MPs 96.9 and 98.4 to avoid a wetland 
mitigation bank, and to reduce the amount of sensitive environmental 
features and constraints crossed. Relative to Atlantic's originally 
proposed route, the Juniper Farms Route Variation initially heads 
southwest for approximately 1.2 miles, passing east of the eastern 
boundary of the mitigation bank. The route variation then reconnects 
with the originally proposed route at MP 98.4 on the north side of the 
Neuse River crossing.

Fayetteville Major Route Modification (Cumberland County, North 
Carolina)

    In response to our environmental information request dated December 
4, 2015, and to increase collocation with an existing Progress Energy 
Carolinas (PEC) 500 kilovolt electric transmission line, and reduce the 
number of affected property owners, the number of waterbody crossings, 
and temporary wetland impacts, Atlantic incorporated the Fayetteville 
Major Route Alternative into its proposed pipeline route between AP-2 
MPs 133.1 and 157.5. Relative to Atlantic's originally proposed route, 
the Fayetteville Major Route Alternative initially heads south/
southeast for approximately 3.9 miles to the point where it intersects 
the existing PEC electric transmission line, crossing Drum Road, 
Interstate 95, and Goldsboro Road. The route then heads south for 
approximately 16.7 miles, parallel to and adjacent to the electric 
transmission line corridor, and crosses Clinton Road and Cedar Creek 
Road. The route continues west for approximately 5.5 miles, crossing 
Tabor Church Road, Cape Fear River, and North Carolina State Highway 87 
reconnecting with the originally proposed route near MP 157.5.

The EIS 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 of Public Convenience and Necessity. 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 EIS on the 
important environmental issues. By this notice, the Commission requests 
public comments on the scope of the issues to address in the EIS. We 
will consider all filed comments during the preparation of the EIS.
    In the EIS we will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of 
the construction and operation of the proposed projects under these 
general headings:

[ballot] Geology and soils;
[ballot] land use;
[ballot] water resources, fisheries, and wetlands;
[ballot] cultural resources;
[ballot] vegetation and wildlife;
[ballot] air quality and noise;
[ballot] endangered and threatened species;
[ballot] outdoor recreation and scenery
[ballot] socioeconomics; and
[ballot] public safety.

    We will also evaluate reasonable alternatives to the proposed 
project or portions of the project, and make recommendations on how to 
lessen or avoid impacts on the various resource areas.
    The EIS will present our independent analysis of the issues. We 
will publish and distribute the draft EIS for public comment. After the 
comment period, we will consider all timely comments and revise the 
document, as necessary, before issuing a final EIS. To ensure we have 
the opportunity to consider and address your comments, please carefully 
follow the instructions in the Public Participation section beginning 
on page 9.
    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and USFS also have 
responsibilities under NEPA and can adopt the EIS for their own 
agencies purposes. The USFS intends to use this EIS to evaluate the 
effects of the ACP on lands and facilities managed by the agency and to 
address any proposed amendments of applicable LRMPs that would be 
necessary to make provisions for the projects.
    With this Supplemental Notice, we are asking agencies with 
jurisdiction by law and/or special expertise with respect to the 
environmental issues related to these projects to formally cooperate 
with us in the preparation of the EIS.\2\ 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. As discussed above, the USFS has expressed its intention to 
participate as a cooperating agency in the preparation of the EIS to 
satisfy its NEPA

[[Page 28063]]

responsibilities related to these projects. In addition to the USFS, 
the USACE, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, West Virginia 
Department of Environmental Protection, and West Virginia Division of 
Natural Resources have also agreed to participate as cooperating 
agencies.
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    \2\ The Council on Environmental Quality regulations addressing 
cooperating agency responsibilities are at Title 40, Code of Federal 
Regulations, Part 1501.6.
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Proposed Actions of the U.S. Forest Service

    On November 12, 2015 Atlantic submitted a right-of-way grant 
application to the USFS to construct, operate, maintain, and eventually 
decommission a natural gas pipeline that crosses lands and facilities 
administered by the USFS. In addition, there is a need for the USFS to 
consider amending affected LRMPs to make provision for the ACP right-
of-way.
    The proposed action before the USFS has two components. First, in 
accordance with the Minerals Leasing Act, the USFS would issue a right-
of-way grant in response to ACP's application for the project to occupy 
federal lands. The USFS may submit specific stipulations, including 
mitigation measures, for inclusion in the right-of-way grant related to 
lands, facilities, and easements within its jurisdiction. Second, the 
USFS may need to amend its LRMPs for the Monongahela and George 
Washington National Forests if analysis shows that construction of the 
ACP would not be consistent with the LRMP standards or other plan 
components. In addition, the ACP, as proposed, does not follow a 
designated utility corridor through the GWNF. If the proposed route 
were authorized with the right-of-way grant, the GWNF LRMP would need 
to be amended to change the current Management Areas in the corridor to 
Management Area 5C-Designated Utility Corridors. The MNF does not have 
LRMP direction that would require a similar plan amendment to 
reallocate management prescriptions.
    The USFS Regional Foresters of the respective national forests have 
authority to grant a right-of-way in response to Atlantic's application 
for natural gas transmission on federal lands under the Mineral Leasing 
Act of 1920. The Responsible Official for amendment of Forest Service 
LRMPs is the Forest Supervisor of the applicable national forest. 
However, the Regional Forester of the applicable national forest may 
elect to be the Responsible Official for the plan amendments as well, 
since the Regional Forester will be the Responsible Official for the 
right-of-way grant.
    This NOI initiates the scoping process for the potential LRMP 
amendments and for the issuance of the right-of-way grant. The 
decisions will be tiered to the analysis contained in the FERC EIS for 
the ACP. The Notice of Availability for the FERC draft EIS will contain 
more detailed information associated with the LRMP amendments.

Consultations 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, we are using this notice to initiate consultation 
with the applicable State Historic Preservation Offices, and to solicit 
their views and those of other government agencies, interested Indian 
tribes, and the public on the projects' potential effects on historic 
properties.\3\ We will define the project-specific Area of Potential 
Effects (APE) in consultation with the SHPOs as the projects develop. 
On natural gas facility projects, the APE at a minimum encompasses all 
areas subject to ground disturbance (examples include construction 
right-of-way, contractor/pipe storage yards, compressor stations, and 
access roads). Our EIS for these projects will document our findings on 
the impacts on historic properties and summarize the status of 
consultations under Section 106.
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    \3\ The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation 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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Public Participation

    You can make a difference by providing us with your specific 
comments or concerns about the ACP and proposed USFS LRMP amendments. 
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 your comments so that the Commission receives them in Washington 
DC on or before June 2, 2016. If you have previously provided comments 
on the ACP or Supply Header Projects, you do not need to resubmit them.
    The USFS is participating as a cooperating agency with the FERC in 
this public scoping process. With this notice, the USFS is requesting 
public comments on the issuance of the ROW Grant that would allow the 
ACP to occupy federal land. The USFS is also requesting public comments 
on the potential amendments of USFS LRMPs to make provision for the ACP 
right-of-way on the Monongahela and George Washington National Forests.
    Comments on actions by the USFS should be submitted through the 
FERC comment process and within the timeline described. The submission 
of timely and specific comments can affect a reviewer's ability to 
participate in subsequent administrative or judicial review of USFS 
decisions. Comments concerning USFS actions submitted anonymously will 
be accepted and considered; however, such anonymous submittals will not 
provide the commenters with standing to participate in administrative 
or judicial review of USFS decisions.
    For your convenience, there are three methods you can use to submit 
your comments to the Commission. In all instances, please reference the 
appropriate project docket number (CP15-554-000 for the ACP) with your 
submission. The Commission will provide equal consideration to all 
comments received, whether filed in written form or provided verbally. 
The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and has expert 
staff available to assist you at (202) 502-8258 or [email protected]. 
Please carefully follow these instructions so that your comments are 
properly recorded.
    (1) You can file your comments electronically using the eComment 
feature located on the Commission's Web site (www.ferc.gov) under the 
link to Documents and Filings. This is an easy method for interested 
persons to submit brief, text-only comments on a project;
    (2) You can file your comments electronically using the eFiling 
feature located on the Commission's Web site (www.ferc.gov) under the 
link to Documents and Filings. 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 must select the type of filing you are making. If 
you are filing a comment on a particular project, please select 
``Comment on a Filing;'' or
    (3) You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to 
the following address: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Room 1A, Washington, DC 
20426.

[[Page 28064]]

Environmental Mailing List

    The environmental mailing list 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, as well as anyone who 
submits comments on the projects. We will update the environmental 
mailing list as the analysis proceeds to ensure that we send the 
information related to this environmental review to all individuals, 
organizations, and government entities interested in and/or potentially 
affected by the planned projects.
    Copies of the completed draft EIS will be sent to the environmental 
mailing list for public review and comment. If you would prefer to 
receive a paper copy of the document instead of the CD version or would 
like to remove your name from the mailing list, please return the 
attached Information Request (appendix 2).

Becoming an Intervenor

    In addition to involvement in the EIS scoping process, you may want 
to become an ``intervenor'' which is an official party to the 
Commission's 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 the proceeding by filing a 
request to intervene. Instructions for becoming an intervenor are in 
the User's Guide under the ``e-filing'' link on the Commission's Web 
site.

Administrative Review of USFS Decisions

    Decisions by the USFS to issue ROW Grants and amend LRMPs are 
subject to administrative review. Pre-decisional objections to the ROW 
Grant decisions and project-specific MNF and GWNF LRMP amendments that 
are applicable only to the ACP, as provided under Title 36 of the Code 
of Federal Regulations Part 219.59(b) (36 CFR 219.59[b]), may be filed 
under the 36 CFR 218 regulations, Subparts A and B. For objection 
eligibility (218.5), only those who have submitted timely, specific 
written comments during any designated opportunity for public comment 
may file an objection. Issues to be raised in objections must be based 
on previously submitted specific written comments regarding the 
proposed project and attributed to the objector, unless the issue is 
based on new information that arose after a designated opportunity for 
comment (218.8(c)). The GWNF plan amendment for the reallocation of 
management areas to Management Area 5C-Designated Utility Corridors 
would be subject to the pre-decisional objection process under the 
regulations at 36 CFR 219, Subpart B. For objection eligibility 
(219.53), only those who have submitted substantive formal comments 
related to a plan amendment during the opportunities for public comment 
during the planning process for that decision may file an objection. 
Objections must be based on previously submitted substantive formal 
comments attributed to the objector unless the objection concerns an 
issue that arose after the opportunities for formal comment.

Additional Information

    Additional information about the ACP 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. Click on the 
eLibrary link, click on ``General Search,'' and enter the docket 
number, excluding the last three digits (i.e., CP15-554). Be sure you 
have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact 
FERC Online Support at [email protected] or toll free at (866) 
208-3676, or for TTY, contact (202) 502-8659. The eLibrary link also 
provides access to the texts of formal documents issued by the 
Commission, such as orders, notices, and rulemakings.
    In addition, the Commission offers a free service called 
eSubscription which 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. Go to www.ferc.gov/esubscribenow.htm.
    Finally, public meetings or site visits will be posted on the 
Commission's calendar located at www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx along with other related information.

    Dated: May 3, 2016.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-10784 Filed 5-6-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6717-01-P



                                                  28060                           Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 89 / Monday, May 9, 2016 / Notices

                                                  Saddlehorn Pipeline Company, LLC                        DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY                                     The FERC will be the lead federal
                                                  (‘‘Saddlehorn’’), filed an amended                                                                            agency for the preparation of the EIS.
                                                  petition for a declaratory order                        Federal Energy Regulatory                             The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is
                                                  concerning clarifying language to its                   Commission                                            participating as a cooperating agency
                                                  rules and regulations tariff governing                  [Docket Nos. CP15–554–000; CP15–554–                  because the ACP would cross the
                                                  line fill, to accommodate the                           001]                                                  Monongahela National Forest (MNF)
                                                  restructuring of the original Saddlehorn                                                                      and the George Washington National
                                                  project into an undivided joint interest                Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC;                         Forest (GWNF) in West Virginia and
                                                  pipeline with Grand Mesa Pipeline,                      Supplemental Notice of Intent To                      Virginia. As a cooperating agency, the
                                                  LLC, all as more fully explained in the                 Prepare an Environmental Impact                       USFS intends to adopt the EIS per Title
                                                                                                          Statement and Proposed Land and                       40 of the Code of Federal Regulations,
                                                  petition, as amended.
                                                                                                          Resource Plan Amendment(s) for the                    Part 1506.3 to meet its responsibilities
                                                     Any person desiring to intervene or to               Proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline,                     under the National Environmental
                                                  protest this filing must file in                        Request for Comments on                               Policy Act (NEPA) regarding Atlantic’s
                                                  accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of                    Environmental Issues Related to New                   application for a Right-of-Way Grant
                                                  the Commission’s Rules of Practice and                  Route and Facility Modifications, and                 and Temporary Use Permit for crossing
                                                  Procedure (18 CFR 385.211, 385.214).                    Notice of Public Scoping Meetings                     federally administered lands. In
                                                  Protests will be considered by the                                                                            addition, there may be a need for the
                                                                                                             On February 27, 2015, the Federal
                                                  Commission in determining the                           Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC                    USFS to amend the MNF and GWNF
                                                  appropriate action to be taken, but will                or Commission) issued in Docket Nos.                  Land and Resource Management Plans
                                                  not serve to make protestants parties to                PF15–5–000 and PF15–6–000 a Notice                    (LRMP) to allow for the ACP to be
                                                  the proceeding. Any person wishing to                   of Intent to Prepare an Environmental                 constructed on USFS lands. The EIS
                                                  become a party must file a notice of                    Impact Statement for the Planned                      will also provide the documentation to
                                                  intervention or motion to intervene, as                 Supply Header Project and Atlantic                    support needed amendments to the
                                                  appropriate. Such notices, motions, or                  Coast Pipeline Project, and Request for               LRMPs. Additional details on the USFS’
                                                  protests must be filed on or before the                 Comments on Environmental Issues,                     LRMP Amendment Process is provided
                                                  comment date. Anyone filing a motion                    and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings                 on page 8.
                                                  to intervene or protest must serve a copy               (NOI). On September 18, 2015, Atlantic                   The Commission previously solicited
                                                  of that document on the Petitioner.                     Coast Pipeline, LLC (Atlantic) and                    public input on the ACP in the spring
                                                                                                          Dominion Transmission, Inc. (DTI) filed               of 2015. We 1 are specifically seeking
                                                     The Commission encourages                                                                                  comments on the new pipeline route
                                                  electronic submission of protests and                   applications with the FERC in Docket
                                                                                                          Nos. CP15–554–000 and CP15–555–000                    and facility modifications to help the
                                                  interventions in lieu of paper using the                                                                      Commission staff determine what issues
                                                                                                          pursuant to sections 7(b) and 7(c) of the
                                                  ‘‘eFiling’’ link at http://www.ferc.gov.                                                                      need to be evaluated in the EIS. Your
                                                                                                          Natural Gas Act (NGA) and Parts 157
                                                  Persons unable to file electronically                   and 284 of the Commission’s                           comments should focus on the potential
                                                  should submit an original and 5 copies                  regulations. Atlantic and DTI are                     environmental effects, reasonable
                                                  of the protest or intervention to the                   seeking Certificates of Public                        alternatives, and measures to avoid or
                                                  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,                   Convenience and Necessity                             lessen environmental impacts from the
                                                  888 First Street NE., Washington, DC                    (Certificates) to construct, own, and                 new route and proposed modifications.
                                                  20426.                                                  operate a natural gas pipeline and                    To ensure that your comments are
                                                     This filing is accessible on-line at                 related facilities. On March 1, 2016,                 timely and properly recorded, please
                                                  http://www.ferc.gov, using the                          Atlantic filed an amendment to its                    send your comments so that the
                                                  ‘‘eLibrary’’ link and is available for                  application to incorporate route and                  Commission receives them in
                                                                                                          facility modifications in West Virginia,              Washington, DC on or before June 2,
                                                  review in the Commission’s Public
                                                                                                          Virginia, and North Carolina. This                    2016. If you have previously provided
                                                  Reference Room in Washington, DC.
                                                                                                          Supplemental Notice is being issued to                comments on the ACP or Supply Header
                                                  There is an ‘‘eSubscription’’ link on the                                                                     Projects, you do not need to resubmit
                                                  Web site that enables subscribers to                    seek comments on the new pipeline
                                                                                                          route and facility modifications and                  them.
                                                  receive email notification when a                                                                                You may submit comments in written
                                                  document is added to a subscribed                       opens a new scoping period for
                                                                                                          interested parties to file comments on                form or verbally. In lieu of or in
                                                  docket(s). For assistance with any FERC                                                                       addition to sending written comments,
                                                                                                          environmental issues specific to these
                                                  Online service, please email                                                                                  the Commission invites you to attend
                                                                                                          modifications.
                                                  FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, or call                        Information about the facilities                   the public scoping meetings scheduled
                                                  (866) 208–3676 (toll free). For TTY, call               proposed by Atlantic and DTI can be                   as follows:
                                                  (202) 502–8659.                                         found on our public dockets referenced
                                                     Comment Date: 5:00 p.m. Eastern time                 above and on each applicant’s Web site                  Date and time                 Location
                                                  on May 11, 2016.                                        at www.dom.com/corporate/what-we-                     Friday, May 20,       Marlinton Community
                                                    Dated: May 3, 2016.
                                                                                                          do/atlantic-coast-pipeline or                           2016, 10:00           Wellness Center, 320
                                                                                                          www.dom.com/corporate/what-we-do/                       a.m.–7:00 p.m.        9th Street, Marlinton,
                                                  Kimberly D. Bose,                                       natural-gas/supply-header-project. The                                        WV 24954.
                                                  Secretary.                                              FERC’s environmental impact statement
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                                                                                                                                                                Saturday, May         Bath County High School,
                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–10787 Filed 5–6–16; 8:45 am]              (EIS) will encompass all proposed                       21, 2016,             464 Charger Lane, Hot
                                                  BILLING CODE 6717–01–P                                  facilities and be used by the                           10:00 a.m.–           Springs, VA 24445.
                                                                                                          Commission in its decision-making                       7:00 p.m.
                                                                                                          process to determine whether the
                                                                                                          Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) and                       1 ‘‘We,’’ ‘‘us,’’ and ‘‘our’’ refer to the
                                                                                                          Supply Header Project are in the public               environmental staff of the Commission’s Office of
                                                                                                          convenience and necessity.                            Energy Projects.



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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 89 / Monday, May 9, 2016 / Notices                                              28061

                                                     The purpose of these scoping                         participate in the Commission’s                         After entering Virginia, the GWNF 6
                                                  meetings is to provide an opportunity to                proceedings.                                          Alternative continues east
                                                  verbally comment on the project                                                                               approximately 3 miles then southeast
                                                                                                          Summary of Project Modifications
                                                  modifications. You may attend at any                                                                          approximately 8 miles, crossing Little
                                                  time during the meeting, as the primary                    In its amended application, Atlantic               Ridge, Big Ridge, and Little Mountain
                                                  goal of a scoping meeting is for us to                  proposes a major route change through                 and passing east of Piney Ridge. The
                                                  hear and document your environmental                    the MNF and GWNF that would affect                    route enters Bath County, Virginia near
                                                  concerns. There will not be a formal                    landowners in Randolph and                            U.S. Highway 220, and continues
                                                  presentation by Commission staff;                       Pocahontas Counties, West Virginia and                southeast approximately 14 miles,
                                                  however, we will be available to answer                 Highland, Bath, and Augusta Counties,                 crossing Back Creek Mountain, Jack
                                                  your questions about the FERC                           Virginia. Other, smaller route changes                Mountain, and Tower Hill Mountain
                                                  environmental review process.                           proposed in the amendment would                       and passing south of Shenandoah
                                                  Representatives of Atlantic will also be                affect landowners in Nelson and                       Mountain at South Sister Knob. The
                                                  present to answer questions about the                   Dinwiddie Counties, Virginia; and                     route heads northeast approximately 20
                                                  project.                                                Cumberland and Johnston Counties,                     miles, passing north of Chestnut Ridge;
                                                     Verbal comments will be recorded by                  North Carolina. The amended facilities                entering Augusta County, Virginia near
                                                  a court reporter and transcripts will be                would increase the total length of the                Brushy Ridge; and crossing Deerfield
                                                  placed into the docket for the project                  pipeline from about 556 miles to 599.7                Valley on the east side of Shenandoah
                                                  and made available for public viewing                   miles and compressor station                          Mountain. The GWNF 6 Alternative
                                                  on FERC’s eLibrary system (see page 12                  horsepower from 40,715 horsepower to                  intersects Atlantic’s filed route near MP
                                                  ‘‘Additional Information’’ for                          53,515 horsepower at the proposed                     115.2 at Broad Draft near West Augusta,
                                                  instructions on using eLibrary). It is                  Buckingham County, Virginia                           Virginia.
                                                  important to note that verbal comments                  compressor station, all as more fully                   In addition to the route modification
                                                  hold the same weight as written or                      described in the amended application.                 described above, Atlantic also proposes
                                                  electronically submitted comments. If a                 An overview map of the proposed ACP                   to increase the horsepower of its
                                                  significant number of people are                        and SHP and illustrations of these                    proposed Compressor Station 2 in
                                                  interested in providing verbal                          alternatives are provided in Appendix 1.              Buckingham County, Virginia and
                                                  comments, a time limit of 3 to 5 minutes                Detailed alternative route location                   install eight additional valve sites.
                                                  may be implemented for each                             information can be found on DTI’s
                                                  commenter to ensure all those wishing                                                                         Snowshoe Route Adjustment (Randolph
                                                                                                          interactive web mapping application at
                                                  to comment have the opportunity to do                                                                         and Pocahontas Counties, Virginia)
                                                                                                          https://www.dom.com/corporate/what-
                                                  so within the designated meeting time.
                                                                                                          we-do/atlantic-coast-pipeline.                          Atlantic incorporated the Snowshoe
                                                  Time limits will be strictly enforced if
                                                  they are implemented.                                   GWNF 6 Route Modification (Randolph                   Route Variation into its proposed route
                                                     This Supplemental Notice is being                    and Pocahontas Counties, West                         between AP–1 MPs 66.7 and 70.1 to
                                                  sent to the Commission’s current                        Virginia; Highland, Bath, and Augusta                 avoid modeled habitat for the Cheat
                                                  environmental mailing list for this                     Counties, Virginia)                                   Mountain salamander and the Cheat
                                                  project, including those landowners that                                                                      Mountain Civil War Battlefield, as well
                                                  are newly affected by the proposed                         To reduce potential impacts on the                 as reducing the amount of forest land
                                                  pipeline route modifications. State and                 Cheat Mountain salamander, West                       and other sensitive environmental
                                                  local government representatives are                    Virginia Northern flying squirrel, and                features crossed. Relative to Atlantic’s
                                                  asked to notify their constituents of this              Cow Knob salamander, and to avoid                     originally proposed route, the Snowshoe
                                                  proposed project and encourage them to                  sensitive habitats and land uses,                     Route Variation initially heads west/
                                                  comment on their areas of concern.                      Atlantic incorporated the GWNF 6                      southwest for 0.8 mile, crossing the
                                                     If you are a newly affected landowner                Alternative into its proposed pipeline                main ridge on Valley Mountain, then
                                                  receiving this notice, a pipeline                       route between AP–1 mileposts (MPs)                    continuing for approximately 2.6 miles,
                                                  company representative may contact                      47.5 and 115.2. Relative to Atlantic’s                descending Valley Mountain, crossing
                                                  you about the acquisition of an                         originally proposed route, the GWNF 6                 Dry Fork Spring and Middle Mountain,
                                                  easement to construct, operate, and                     Route Modification initially heads south              and entering the valley along Big Fork
                                                  maintain the proposed facilities. The                   approximately 13 miles, passing east of               Spring. The route then crosses Highway
                                                  company would seek to negotiate a                       Hicks Ridge and west of Kumbrabow                     56 in the valley, and continues to the
                                                  mutually acceptable agreement.                          State Forest. The route continues south/              south/southwest for approximately 1.3
                                                  However, if the Commission approves                     southeast approximately 13 miles,                     miles, ascending Tallow Knob and
                                                  the project, that approval conveys with                 crossing Point Mountain and passing                   reconnecting to the originally proposed
                                                  it the right of eminent domain.                         east of Elk Mountain and Mingo Knob.                  route at MP 70.1.
                                                  Therefore, if the easement negotiations                 The route enters Pocahontas County,
                                                                                                                                                                Singleton Route Adjustment (Bath
                                                  fail to produce an agreement, the                       West Virginia southeast of Mingo Knob
                                                                                                                                                                County, Virginia)
                                                  pipeline company could initiate                         at Valley Mountain, and continues
                                                  condemnation proceedings where                          south approximately 8 miles, crossing                   Atlantic incorporated the Singleton
                                                  compensation would be determined in                     Mace, Tallow, and Gibson Knobs,                       Route Adjustment into its proposed
                                                  accordance with state law.                              passing west of the Snowshoe Ski                      route between AP–1 MPs 91.9 and 92.7
                                                     A fact sheet prepared by the FERC                    Resort. South of Gibson Knob, the route               to avoid an open-space conservation
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                                                  entitled ‘‘An Interstate Natural Gas                    heads southeast approximately 17 miles,               easement held by the Virginia Outdoors
                                                  Facility on My Land? What Do I Need                     passing south of Cheat Mountain and                   Foundation. Relative to Atlantic’s
                                                  To Know?’’ is available for viewing on                  Back Allegheny Mountain; crossing                     originally proposed route, the Singleton
                                                  the FERC Web site (www.ferc.gov). This                  Cloverlick Mountain, Seneca State                     Route Adjustment is generally parallel
                                                  fact sheet addresses a number of                        Forest, and Michael Mountain; and                     to and within 0.3 mile of the
                                                  typically asked questions, including the                entering Highland County, Virginia just               corresponding segment of the originally
                                                  use of eminent domain and how to                        west of Big Crooked Ridge.                            proposed route.


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                                                  28062                           Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 89 / Monday, May 9, 2016 / Notices

                                                  Horizons Village 2 Route Adjustment                     Beaver Creek Pond in one location,                    comments on the scope of the issues to
                                                  (Nelson County, Virginia)                               reconnecting with the originally                      address in the EIS. We will consider all
                                                    In response to our environmental                      proposed route near MP 259.3.                         filed comments during the preparation
                                                  information request dated December 4,                                                                         of the EIS.
                                                                                                          Juniper Farms Route Adjustment
                                                  2015, and to avoid crossing the Spruce                                                                           In the EIS we will discuss impacts
                                                                                                          (Johnston County, North Carolina)
                                                  Creek Tributary Conservation Site,                                                                            that could occur as a result of the
                                                                                                             Atlantic incorporated the Juniper                  construction and operation of the
                                                  Atlantic incorporated the Horizons                      Farms Route Variation into its proposed
                                                  Village 2 Route Adjustment into its                                                                           proposed projects under these general
                                                                                                          route between AP–2 MPs 96.9 and 98.4                  headings:
                                                  proposed pipeline route between AP–1                    to avoid a wetland mitigation bank, and
                                                  MPs 162.0 and 162.8. Relative to                                                                              b Geology and soils;
                                                                                                          to reduce the amount of sensitive                     b land use;
                                                  Atlantic’s originally proposed route, the               environmental features and constraints
                                                  Horizons Village 2 Route Adjustment                                                                           b water resources, fisheries, and
                                                                                                          crossed. Relative to Atlantic’s originally               wetlands;
                                                  would pass approximately 310 feet                       proposed route, the Juniper Farms Route
                                                  south of the conservation site.                                                                               b cultural resources;
                                                                                                          Variation initially heads southwest for               b vegetation and wildlife;
                                                  Highway 29 Route Adjustment (Nelson                     approximately 1.2 miles, passing east of              b air quality and noise;
                                                  County, Virginia)                                       the eastern boundary of the mitigation                b endangered and threatened species;
                                                                                                          bank. The route variation then                        b outdoor recreation and scenery
                                                    In response to our environmental                      reconnects with the originally proposed               b socioeconomics; and
                                                  information request dated December 4,                   route at MP 98.4 on the north side of the             b public safety.
                                                  2015, and to avoid an area of high slip                 Neuse River crossing.
                                                  potential, improve the location for the                                                                          We will also evaluate reasonable
                                                  crossing of Highway 29, and optimize                    Fayetteville Major Route Modification                 alternatives to the proposed project or
                                                  the amount of agricultural and open                     (Cumberland County, North Carolina)                   portions of the project, and make
                                                  land crossed, Atlantic incorporated the                                                                       recommendations on how to lessen or
                                                                                                             In response to our environmental
                                                  Highway 29 Route Variation into its                                                                           avoid impacts on the various resource
                                                                                                          information request dated December 4,
                                                  proposed pipeline route between AP–1                                                                          areas.
                                                                                                          2015, and to increase collocation with
                                                  MPs 167.0 and 171.1. Relative to                                                                                 The EIS will present our independent
                                                                                                          an existing Progress Energy Carolinas
                                                  Atlantic’s originally proposed route, the                                                                     analysis of the issues. We will publish
                                                                                                          (PEC) 500 kilovolt electric transmission
                                                  Highway 29 Route Variation initially                                                                          and distribute the draft EIS for public
                                                                                                          line, and reduce the number of affected
                                                  heads south for approximately 0.2 mile                                                                        comment. After the comment period, we
                                                                                                          property owners, the number of
                                                  following a ridge to the top of Roberts                                                                       will consider all timely comments and
                                                                                                          waterbody crossings, and temporary
                                                  Mountain, then continues southeast for                                                                        revise the document, as necessary,
                                                                                                          wetland impacts, Atlantic incorporated
                                                  approximately 1.7 miles following a                                                                           before issuing a final EIS. To ensure we
                                                                                                          the Fayetteville Major Route Alternative
                                                  ridge to the base of Roberts Mountain at                                                                      have the opportunity to consider and
                                                                                                          into its proposed pipeline route between
                                                  the crossing of Davis Creek. This                                                                             address your comments, please carefully
                                                                                                          AP–2 MPs 133.1 and 157.5. Relative to
                                                  segment of the route crosses Highway 29                                                                       follow the instructions in the Public
                                                                                                          Atlantic’s originally proposed route, the
                                                  on the same north trending finger ridge                                                                       Participation section beginning on page
                                                                                                          Fayetteville Major Route Alternative
                                                  as the proposed route, but in an area                                                                         9.
                                                                                                          initially heads south/southeast for
                                                  with flatter terrain at the crossing. On                                                                         The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
                                                                                                          approximately 3.9 miles to the point
                                                  the south side of the highway, the route                                                                      (USACE) and USFS also have
                                                                                                          where it intersects the existing PEC
                                                  continues to the southeast for                                                                                responsibilities under NEPA and can
                                                                                                          electric transmission line, crossing
                                                  approximately 2.2 miles, including a                                                                          adopt the EIS for their own agencies
                                                                                                          Drum Road, Interstate 95, and
                                                  0.2-mile-long segment parallel to                                                                             purposes. The USFS intends to use this
                                                                                                          Goldsboro Road. The route then heads
                                                  Starvale Lane. The Highway 29 Route                                                                           EIS to evaluate the effects of the ACP on
                                                                                                          south for approximately 16.7 miles,
                                                  Variation reconnects to the originally                                                                        lands and facilities managed by the
                                                                                                          parallel to and adjacent to the electric
                                                  proposed route on the east side of                                                                            agency and to address any proposed
                                                                                                          transmission line corridor, and crosses
                                                  Wheelers Cove Road at approximately                                                                           amendments of applicable LRMPs that
                                                                                                          Clinton Road and Cedar Creek Road.
                                                  MP 171.1.                                                                                                     would be necessary to make provisions
                                                                                                          The route continues west for
                                                                                                                                                                for the projects.
                                                  Beaver Pond Creek Route Adjustment                      approximately 5.5 miles, crossing Tabor                  With this Supplemental Notice, we
                                                  (Dinwiddie County, Virginia)                            Church Road, Cape Fear River, and                     are asking agencies with jurisdiction by
                                                                                                          North Carolina State Highway 87                       law and/or special expertise with
                                                    In response to our environmental                      reconnecting with the originally
                                                  information request dated December 4,                                                                         respect to the environmental issues
                                                                                                          proposed route near MP 157.5.                         related to these projects to formally
                                                  2015, and to reduce the number of
                                                  crossings of Beaver Pond Creek and                      The EIS Process                                       cooperate with us in the preparation of
                                                  address comments provided by the                          NEPA requires the Commission to                     the EIS.2 Agencies that would like to
                                                  Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation,                        take into account the environmental                   request cooperating agency status
                                                  Atlantic incorporated the Beaver Pond                   impacts that could result from an action              should follow the instructions for filing
                                                  Creek Route Variation into its proposed                 whenever it considers the issuance of a               comments provided under the Public
                                                  pipeline route between AP–1 MPs 256.5                   Certificate of Public Convenience and                 Participation section of this notice. As
                                                  and 259.3. Relative to Atlantic’s                       Necessity. NEPA also requires us to                   discussed above, the USFS has
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                                                  originally proposed route, the Beaver                   discover and address concerns the                     expressed its intention to participate as
                                                  Pond Creek Route Variation initially                    public may have about proposals. This                 a cooperating agency in the preparation
                                                  heads south/southwest for                               process is referred to as scoping. The                of the EIS to satisfy its NEPA
                                                  approximately 111.1 miles to a point                    main goal of the scoping process is to                  2 The Council on Environmental Quality
                                                  just south of Whitmore Road, then                       focus the analysis in the EIS on the                  regulations addressing cooperating agency
                                                  heads south for approximately 1.6 miles                 important environmental issues. By this               responsibilities are at Title 40, Code of Federal
                                                  over mostly upland terrain, crossing                    notice, the Commission requests public                Regulations, Part 1501.6.



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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 89 / Monday, May 9, 2016 / Notices                                                  28063

                                                  responsibilities related to these projects.               This NOI initiates the scoping process                  comments on the issuance of the ROW
                                                  In addition to the USFS, the USACE,                     for the potential LRMP amendments and                     Grant that would allow the ACP to
                                                  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,                   for the issuance of the right-of-way                      occupy federal land. The USFS is also
                                                  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Great                    grant. The decisions will be tiered to the                requesting public comments on the
                                                  Dismal Swamp National Wildlife                          analysis contained in the FERC EIS for                    potential amendments of USFS LRMPs
                                                  Refuge, West Virginia Department of                     the ACP. The Notice of Availability for                   to make provision for the ACP right-of-
                                                  Environmental Protection, and West                      the FERC draft EIS will contain more                      way on the Monongahela and George
                                                  Virginia Division of Natural Resources                  detailed information associated with the                  Washington National Forests.
                                                  have also agreed to participate as                      LRMP amendments.                                             Comments on actions by the USFS
                                                  cooperating agencies.                                                                                             should be submitted through the FERC
                                                                                                          Consultations Under Section 106 of the
                                                  Proposed Actions of the U.S. Forest                     National Historic Preservation Act                        comment process and within the
                                                  Service                                                                                                           timeline described. The submission of
                                                                                                            In accordance with the Advisory
                                                                                                                                                                    timely and specific comments can affect
                                                     On November 12, 2015 Atlantic                        Council on Historic Preservation’s
                                                                                                                                                                    a reviewer’s ability to participate in
                                                  submitted a right-of-way grant                          implementing regulations for Section
                                                  application to the USFS to construct,                                                                             subsequent administrative or judicial
                                                                                                          106 of the National Historic
                                                  operate, maintain, and eventually                                                                                 review of USFS decisions. Comments
                                                                                                          Preservation Act, we are using this
                                                  decommission a natural gas pipeline                                                                               concerning USFS actions submitted
                                                                                                          notice to initiate consultation with the
                                                  that crosses lands and facilities                                                                                 anonymously will be accepted and
                                                                                                          applicable State Historic Preservation
                                                  administered by the USFS. In addition,                                                                            considered; however, such anonymous
                                                                                                          Offices, and to solicit their views and
                                                  there is a need for the USFS to consider                                                                          submittals will not provide the
                                                                                                          those of other government agencies,
                                                  amending affected LRMPs to make                                                                                   commenters with standing to participate
                                                                                                          interested Indian tribes, and the public
                                                  provision for the ACP right-of-way.                                                                               in administrative or judicial review of
                                                                                                          on the projects’ potential effects on
                                                     The proposed action before the USFS                                                                            USFS decisions.
                                                                                                          historic properties.3 We will define the
                                                  has two components. First, in                           project-specific Area of Potential Effects                   For your convenience, there are three
                                                  accordance with the Minerals Leasing                    (APE) in consultation with the SHPOs                      methods you can use to submit your
                                                  Act, the USFS would issue a right-of-                   as the projects develop. On natural gas                   comments to the Commission. In all
                                                  way grant in response to ACP’s                          facility projects, the APE at a minimum                   instances, please reference the
                                                  application for the project to occupy                   encompasses all areas subject to ground                   appropriate project docket number
                                                  federal lands. The USFS may submit                      disturbance (examples include                             (CP15–554–000 for the ACP) with your
                                                  specific stipulations, including                        construction right-of-way, contractor/                    submission. The Commission will
                                                  mitigation measures, for inclusion in the               pipe storage yards, compressor stations,                  provide equal consideration to all
                                                  right-of-way grant related to lands,                    and access roads). Our EIS for these                      comments received, whether filed in
                                                  facilities, and easements within its                    projects will document our findings on                    written form or provided verbally. The
                                                  jurisdiction. Second, the USFS may                      the impacts on historic properties and                    Commission encourages electronic filing
                                                  need to amend its LRMPs for the                         summarize the status of consultations                     of comments and has expert staff
                                                  Monongahela and George Washington                       under Section 106.                                        available to assist you at (202) 502–8258
                                                  National Forests if analysis shows that                                                                           or efiling@ferc.gov. Please carefully
                                                  construction of the ACP would not be                    Public Participation                                      follow these instructions so that your
                                                  consistent with the LRMP standards or                      You can make a difference by                           comments are properly recorded.
                                                  other plan components. In addition, the                 providing us with your specific                              (1) You can file your comments
                                                  ACP, as proposed, does not follow a                     comments or concerns about the ACP                        electronically using the eComment
                                                  designated utility corridor through the                 and proposed USFS LRMP                                    feature located on the Commission’s
                                                  GWNF. If the proposed route were                        amendments. Your comments should                          Web site (www.ferc.gov) under the link
                                                  authorized with the right-of-way grant,                 focus on the potential environmental                      to Documents and Filings. This is an
                                                  the GWNF LRMP would need to be                          effects, reasonable alternatives, and                     easy method for interested persons to
                                                  amended to change the current                           measures to avoid or lessen                               submit brief, text-only comments on a
                                                  Management Areas in the corridor to                     environmental impacts. The more                           project;
                                                  Management Area 5C-Designated Utility                   specific your comments, the more useful
                                                  Corridors. The MNF does not have                                                                                     (2) You can file your comments
                                                                                                          they will be. To ensure that your                         electronically using the eFiling feature
                                                  LRMP direction that would require a                     comments are timely and properly
                                                  similar plan amendment to reallocate                                                                              located on the Commission’s Web site
                                                                                                          recorded, please send your comments so                    (www.ferc.gov) under the link to
                                                  management prescriptions.                               that the Commission receives them in
                                                     The USFS Regional Foresters of the                                                                             Documents and Filings. With eFiling,
                                                                                                          Washington DC on or before June 2,                        you can provide comments in a variety
                                                  respective national forests have                        2016. If you have previously provided
                                                  authority to grant a right-of-way in                                                                              of formats by attaching them as a file
                                                                                                          comments on the ACP or Supply Header                      with your submission. New eFiling
                                                  response to Atlantic’s application for                  Projects, you do not need to resubmit
                                                  natural gas transmission on federal                                                                               users must first create an account by
                                                                                                          them.                                                     clicking on ‘‘eRegister.’’ You must select
                                                  lands under the Mineral Leasing Act of                     The USFS is participating as a
                                                  1920. The Responsible Official for                                                                                the type of filing you are making. If you
                                                                                                          cooperating agency with the FERC in
                                                  amendment of Forest Service LRMPs is                                                                              are filing a comment on a particular
                                                                                                          this public scoping process. With this
                                                  the Forest Supervisor of the applicable                                                                           project, please select ‘‘Comment on a
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                                                                                                          notice, the USFS is requesting public
                                                  national forest. However, the Regional                                                                            Filing;’’ or
                                                  Forester of the applicable national forest                3 The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation            (3) You can file a paper copy of your
                                                  may elect to be the Responsible Official                regulations are at Title 36, Code of Federal              comments by mailing them to the
                                                  for the plan amendments as well, since                  Regulations, part 800. Those regulations define           following address: Kimberly D. Bose,
                                                                                                          historic properties as any prehistoric or historic
                                                  the Regional Forester will be the                       district, site, building, structure, or object included
                                                                                                                                                                    Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory
                                                  Responsible Official for the right-of-way               in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register     Commission, 888 First Street NE., Room
                                                  grant.                                                  of Historic Places.                                       1A, Washington, DC 20426.


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                                                  28064                           Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 89 / Monday, May 9, 2016 / Notices

                                                  Environmental Mailing List                              designated opportunity for public                     DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
                                                     The environmental mailing list                       comment may file an objection. Issues to
                                                                                                          be raised in objections must be based on              Federal Energy Regulatory
                                                  includes federal, state, and local
                                                                                                          previously submitted specific written                 Commission
                                                  government representatives and
                                                  agencies; elected officials;                            comments regarding the proposed
                                                                                                          project and attributed to the objector,               Combined Notice of Filings
                                                  environmental and public interest
                                                                                                          unless the issue is based on new                        Take notice that the Commission has
                                                  groups; Native American Tribes; other
                                                                                                          information that arose after a designated             received the following Natural Gas
                                                  interested parties; and local libraries
                                                                                                          opportunity for comment (218.8(c)). The               Pipeline Rate and Refund Report filings:
                                                  and newspapers. This list also includes
                                                                                                          GWNF plan amendment for the
                                                  all affected landowners (as defined in                                                                        Filings Instituting Proceedings
                                                                                                          reallocation of management areas to
                                                  the Commission’s regulations) who are
                                                                                                          Management Area 5C-Designated Utility                    Docket Numbers: RP16–873–000.
                                                  potential right-of-way grantors, whose
                                                                                                          Corridors would be subject to the pre-                   Applicants: Elba Express Company,
                                                  property may be used temporarily for
                                                                                                          decisional objection process under the                L.L.C.
                                                  project purposes, or who own homes
                                                                                                          regulations at 36 CFR 219, Subpart B.                    Description: § 4(d) Rate Filing: Fuel
                                                  within certain distances of aboveground
                                                                                                          For objection eligibility (219.53), only              Tracker Filing—2016 to be effective 6/
                                                  facilities, as well as anyone who
                                                                                                          those who have submitted substantive                  1/2016.
                                                  submits comments on the projects. We
                                                                                                          formal comments related to a plan
                                                  will update the environmental mailing                                                                            Filed Date: 4/26/16.
                                                                                                          amendment during the opportunities for
                                                  list as the analysis proceeds to ensure                                                                          Accession Number: 20160426–5081.
                                                                                                          public comment during the planning
                                                  that we send the information related to                                                                          Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 5/9/16.
                                                                                                          process for that decision may file an
                                                  this environmental review to all                                                                                 Docket Numbers: RP16–874–000.
                                                                                                          objection. Objections must be based on
                                                  individuals, organizations, and                                                                                  Applicants: Questar Overthrust
                                                                                                          previously submitted substantive formal
                                                  government entities interested in and/or                                                                      Pipeline Company.
                                                                                                          comments attributed to the objector
                                                  potentially affected by the planned                                                                              Description: § 4(d) Rate Filing:—
                                                                                                          unless the objection concerns an issue
                                                  projects.                                                                                                     14.7—Imbalances on Inactive Contracts
                                                                                                          that arose after the opportunities for
                                                     Copies of the completed draft EIS will                                                                     Version 1.0.0 to be effective 5/26/2016.
                                                                                                          formal comment.
                                                  be sent to the environmental mailing list                                                                        Filed Date: 4/26/16.
                                                  for public review and comment. If you                   Additional Information                                   Accession Number: 20160426–5115.
                                                  would prefer to receive a paper copy of                    Additional information about the ACP                  Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 5/9/16.
                                                  the document instead of the CD version                  is available from the Commission’s
                                                  or would like to remove your name from                                                                           Docket Numbers: RP16–875–000.
                                                                                                          Office of External Affairs, at (866) 208–                Applicants: Cameron Interstate
                                                  the mailing list, please return the                     FERC or on the FERC Web site
                                                  attached Information Request (appendix                                                                        Pipeline, LLC.
                                                                                                          (www.ferc.gov) using the eLibrary link.                  Description: Annual Report of
                                                  2).                                                     Click on the eLibrary link, click on                  Interruptible Transportation Revenue
                                                  Becoming an Intervenor                                  ‘‘General Search,’’ and enter the docket              Sharing of Cameron Interstate Pipeline,
                                                                                                          number, excluding the last three digits               LLC under RP16–875.
                                                    In addition to involvement in the EIS                 (i.e., CP15–554). Be sure you have
                                                  scoping process, you may want to                                                                                 Filed Date: 4/26/16.
                                                                                                          selected an appropriate date range. For                  Accession Number: 20160426–5138.
                                                  become an ‘‘intervenor’’ which is an                    assistance, please contact FERC Online
                                                  official party to the Commission’s                                                                               Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 5/9/16.
                                                                                                          Support at FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov
                                                  proceeding. Intervenors play a more                     or toll free at (866) 208–3676, or for                   The filings are accessible in the
                                                  formal role in the process and are able                 TTY, contact (202) 502–8659. The                      Commission’s eLibrary system by
                                                  to file briefs, appear at hearings, and be              eLibrary link also provides access to the             clicking on the links or querying the
                                                  heard by the courts if they choose to                   texts of formal documents issued by the               docket number.
                                                  appeal the Commission’s final ruling.                   Commission, such as orders, notices,                     Any person desiring to intervene or
                                                  An intervenor formally participates in                  and rulemakings.                                      protest in any of the above proceedings
                                                  the proceeding by filing a request to                      In addition, the Commission offers a               must file in accordance with Rules 211
                                                  intervene. Instructions for becoming an                 free service called eSubscription which               and 214 of the Commission’s
                                                  intervenor are in the User’s Guide under                allows you to keep track of all formal                Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and
                                                  the ‘‘e-filing’’ link on the Commission’s               issuances and submittals in specific                  385.214) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern
                                                  Web site.                                               dockets. This can reduce the amount of                time on the specified comment date.
                                                  Administrative Review of USFS                           time you spend researching proceedings                Protests may be considered, but
                                                  Decisions                                               by automatically providing you with                   intervention is necessary to become a
                                                                                                          notification of these filings, document               party to the proceeding.
                                                    Decisions by the USFS to issue ROW                                                                             eFiling is encouraged. More detailed
                                                                                                          summaries, and direct links to the
                                                  Grants and amend LRMPs are subject to                                                                         information relating to filing
                                                                                                          documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/
                                                  administrative review. Pre-decisional                                                                         requirements, interventions, protests,
                                                                                                          esubscribenow.htm.
                                                  objections to the ROW Grant decisions                      Finally, public meetings or site visits            service, and qualifying facilities filings
                                                  and project-specific MNF and GWNF                       will be posted on the Commission’s                    can be found at: http://www.ferc.gov/
                                                  LRMP amendments that are applicable                     calendar located at www.ferc.gov/                     docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For
                                                  only to the ACP, as provided under Title
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                                                                                                          EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx along                   other information, call (866) 208–3676
                                                  36 of the Code of Federal Regulations                   with other related information.                       (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502–8659.
                                                  Part 219.59(b) (36 CFR 219.59[b]), may
                                                  be filed under the 36 CFR 218                             Dated: May 3, 2016.                                   Dated: April 27, 2016.
                                                  regulations, Subparts A and B. For                      Kimberly D. Bose,                                     Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
                                                  objection eligibility (218.5), only those               Secretary.                                            Deputy Secretary.
                                                  who have submitted timely, specific                     [FR Doc. 2016–10784 Filed 5–6–16; 8:45 am]            [FR Doc. 2016–10768 Filed 5–6–16; 8:45 am]
                                                  written comments during any                             BILLING CODE 6717–01–P                                BILLING CODE 6717–01–P




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Document Created: 2018-02-07 14:50:19
Document Modified: 2018-02-07 14:50:19
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
FR Citation81 FR 28060 

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