82_FR_36279 82 FR 36131 - WBI Energy Transmission Inc.; Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review of the Valley Expansion Project

82 FR 36131 - WBI Energy Transmission Inc.; Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review of the Valley Expansion Project

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 148 (August 3, 2017)

Page Range36131-36132
FR Document2017-16347

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 148 (Thursday, August 3, 2017) 
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 148 (Thursday, August 3, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36131-36132]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16347]


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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP17-257-000]


WBI Energy Transmission Inc.; Notice of Schedule for 
Environmental Review of the Valley Expansion Project

    On April 26, 2017, WBI Energy Transmission Inc. (WBI Energy) filed 
an application in Docket No. CP17-257-000 requesting a Certificate of 
Public Convenience and Necessity pursuant to Section 7(c) of the 
Natural Gas Act to construct and operate certain natural gas pipeline 
facilities. The proposed project is known as the Valley Expansion 
Project (Project), and would provide an additional 40 million cubic 
feet per day of firm transportation on its system.
    On May 9, 2017, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 
(Commission or FERC) issued its Notice of Application for the Project. 
Among other things, that notice alerted agencies issuing federal 
authorizations of the requirement to complete all necessary reviews and 
to reach a final decision on a request for a federal authorization 
within 90 days of the date of issuance of the Commission staff's 
Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Project. This instant notice 
identifies the FERC staff's planned schedule for the completion of the 
EA for the Project.

Schedule for Environmental Review

Issuance of EA--September 20, 2017
90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline--December 19, 2017.

[[Page 36132]]

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

Project Description

    WBI Energy proposes to construct a new 2,600-horsepower electric-
driven compressor station in Cass County, North Dakota; 38 miles of new 
16-inch-diameter pipeline between Mapleton, North Dakota and Felton, 
Minnesota; and farm taps, valve settings, and ancillary facilities. 
Additionally, WBI Energy proposes to replace two existing town border 
station delivery points and construct one regulator station in 
Burleigh, Stutsman, and Barnes Counties, North Dakota, respectively, to 
increase the operating pressure of a portion of its Line Section 24.

Background

    On November 23, 2016, the Commission issued a Notice of Intent to 
Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Planned Valley Expansion 
Project and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues (NOI). The NOI 
was issued during the pre-filing review of the Project in Docket No. 
PF16-10 and was sent to affected landowners; federal, state, and local 
government agencies; elected officials; Native American tribes; other 
interested parties; and local libraries and newspapers. In response to 
the NOI, commenters raised concerns regarding: watershed and waterbody 
crossings; stormwater discharge; groundwater impacts; flood zone 
impacts; reseeding and species review requirements; Section 106 
consultation; cultural resources and land valuation impacts; route 
variations; project impacts on the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion 
Project; and fugitive dust emissions and noise impacts.

Additional Information

    In order to receive notification of the issuance of the EA and to 
keep track of all formal issuances and submittals in specific dockets, 
the Commission offers a free service called eSubscription. This can 
reduce the amount of time you spend researching proceedings by 
automatically providing you with notification of these filings, 
document summaries, and direct links to the documents. Go to 
www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp.
    Additional information about the Project is available from the 
Commission's Office of External Affairs at (866) 208-FERC or on the 
FERC Web site (www.ferc.gov). Using the eLibrary link, select General 
Search from the eLibrary menu, enter the selected date range and Docket 
Number excluding the last three digits (i.e., CP17-257), and follow the 
instructions. For assistance with access to eLibrary, the helpline can 
be reached at (866) 208-3676, TTY (202) 502-8659, or at 
[email protected]. The eLibrary link on the FERC Web site also 
provides access to the texts of formal documents issued by the 
Commission, such as orders, notices, and rule makings.

    Dated: July 28, 2017.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-16347 Filed 8-2-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 148 / Thursday, August 3, 2017 / Notices 36131 across Columbia Pipeline Group’s • three new compressor stations in assistance, please contact FERC Online system, including the Columbia Gulf Doddridge, Calhoun, and Jackson Support at FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov Leach interconnect with Columbia Gulf. Counties (one that also includes a new or toll free at (866) 208–3676; for TTY, Columbia Gulf requests authorization to regulator station); contact (202) 502–8659. The eLibrary construct and operate seven new natural • two new regulating stations in link also provides access to the texts of gas-fired compressor stations and to Jackson and Cabell Counties; formal documents issued by the upgrade one approved compressor • about 296 feet of new, 10-inch- Commission, such as orders, notices, station and one existing meter station in diameter natural gas pipeline at the and rulemakings. Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Ripley Regulator Station to tie Columbia In addition, the Commission offers a The GXP would provide about 860,000 Gas’ existing X59M1 pipeline into the free service called eSubscription which Dth/d of natural gas delivery to markets MXP–100 pipeline in Jackson County; allows you to keep track of all formal in the Gulf Coast region. • an approximately 0.4-mile-long issuances and submittals in specific The EIS assesses the potential replacement segment of 30-inch- dockets. This can reduce the amount of environmental effects of the diameter natural gas pipeline in Cabell time you spend researching proceedings construction and operation of the MXP County; and by automatically providing you with and GXP in accordance with the • upgrades to one existing notification of these filings, document requirements of the National compressor station (Wayne County) and summaries, and direct links to the Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The two compressor stations (Marshall and documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/docs- FERC staff concludes that approval of Kanawha Counties) that are approved or filing/esubscription.asp. the proposed projects would result in pending, respectively, under separate FERC proceedings. Dated: July 28, 2017. some adverse and significant environmental impacts. However, if the The EIS also addresses the potential Kimberly D. Bose, projects are constructed and operated in environmental effects of the Secretary. accordance with applicable laws and construction and operation of the [FR Doc. 2017–16346 Filed 8–2–17; 8:45 am] regulations, the mitigation measures following GXP facilities: BILLING CODE 6717–01–P discussed in this EIS, and our • Seven new compressor stations in recommendations, these impacts would Kentucky (Rowan, Garrard, and be reduced to acceptable levels. Metcalfe Counties), Tennessee DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY The U.S. Environmental Protection (Davidson and Wayne Counties), and Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi (Union and Granada Federal Energy Regulatory U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, West Counties); Commission Virginia Division of Natural Resources, • upgrades to one approved [Docket No. CP17–257–000] and West Virginia Department of compressor station in Carter County, Environmental Protection participated Kentucky; and WBI Energy Transmission Inc.; Notice as cooperating agencies in the • upgrades at one existing meter of Schedule for Environmental Review preparation of this EIS. Cooperating station in Boyd County, Kentucky. of the Valley Expansion Project agencies have jurisdiction by law or The FERC staff mailed copies of the special expertise with respect to EIS to federal, state, and local On April 26, 2017, WBI Energy resources potentially affected by the government representatives and Transmission Inc. (WBI Energy) filed an proposal and may participate in the agencies; elected officials; application in Docket No. CP17–257– NEPA analysis. The U.S. Army Corps of environmental and public interest 000 requesting a Certificate of Public Engineers would adopt and use the EIS groups; Native American tribes; Convenience and Necessity pursuant to to comply with the requirements of potentially affected landowners and Section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act to NEPA before issuing permits for the other interested individuals and groups; construct and operate certain natural gas projects under section 404 of the Clean and newspapers and libraries in the pipeline facilities. The proposed project Water Act, which governs the discharge project areas. Paper copies of this EIS is known as the Valley Expansion of dredged or fill material into waters of were mailed to those specifically Project (Project), and would provide an the United States (including wetlands). requesting them; all others received a additional 40 million cubic feet per day Although the cooperating agencies CD version. In addition, the EIS is of firm transportation on its system. provided input to the conclusions and available for public viewing on the On May 9, 2017, the Federal Energy recommendations presented in this EIS, FERC’s Web site (www.ferc.gov) using Regulatory Commission (Commission or the agencies would present their own the eLibrary link. A limited number of FERC) issued its Notice of Application conclusions and recommendations in copies are available for distribution and for the Project. Among other things, that their respective records of decision public inspection at: Federal Energy notice alerted agencies issuing federal (where applicable) for the projects. Regulatory Commission, Public authorizations of the requirement to The EIS addresses the potential Reference Room, 888 First Street NE., complete all necessary reviews and to environmental effects of the Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426, (202) reach a final decision on a request for construction and operation in West 502–8371. a federal authorization within 90 days of Virginia of the following MXP facilities: Additional information about the the date of issuance of the Commission • About 164.5 miles of new 36-inch- projects is available from the staff’s Environmental Assessment (EA) diameter natural gas pipeline extending Commission’s Office of External Affairs, for the Project. This instant notice at (866) 208–FERC, or on the FERC Web identifies the FERC staff’s planned mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES from Marshall County to Cabell County (MXP–100); site (www.ferc.gov) using the eLibrary schedule for the completion of the EA • about 6.0 miles of new 24-inch- link. Click on the eLibrary link, click on for the Project. diameter natural gas pipeline in General Search, and enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in Schedule for Environmental Review Doddridge County (MXP–200); the Docket Number field (i.e., CP16–357 Issuance of EA—September 20, 2017 Pool from any source of delivery into Columbia Gas’ and CP16–361). Be sure you have 90-day Federal Authorization Decision system. selected an appropriate date range. For Deadline—December 19, 2017. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:35 Aug 02, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03AUN1.SGM 03AUN1

36132 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 148 / Thursday, August 3, 2017 / Notices If a schedule change becomes eLibrary menu, enter the selected date please contact FERC Online Support at necessary, additional notice will be range and Docket Number excluding the FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, (866) provided so that the relevant agencies last three digits (i.e., CP17–257), and 208–3676 (toll free), or (202) 502–8659 are kept informed of the Project’s follow the instructions. For assistance (TTY). In lieu of electronic filing, please progress. with access to eLibrary, the helpline can send a paper copy to: Secretary, Federal Project Description be reached at (866) 208–3676, TTY (202) Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 502–8659, or at FERCOnlineSupport@ First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. WBI Energy proposes to construct a ferc.gov. The eLibrary link on the FERC The first page of any filing should new 2,600-horsepower electric-driven Web site also provides access to the include docket number P–3267–016. compressor station in Cass County, texts of formal documents issued by the Dated: July 28, 2017. North Dakota; 38 miles of new 16-inch- Commission, such as orders, notices, diameter pipeline between Mapleton, Kimberly D. Bose, and rule makings. North Dakota and Felton, Minnesota; Secretary. and farm taps, valve settings, and Dated: July 28, 2017. [FR Doc. 2017–16350 Filed 8–2–17; 8:45 am] ancillary facilities. Additionally, WBI Kimberly D. Bose, BILLING CODE 6717–01–P Energy proposes to replace two existing Secretary. town border station delivery points and [FR Doc. 2017–16347 Filed 8–2–17; 8:45 am] construct one regulator station in BILLING CODE 6717–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Burleigh, Stutsman, and Barnes AGENCY Counties, North Dakota, respectively, to increase the operating pressure of a DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY [EPA–HQ–OPPT–2016–0713; FRL–9965–53] portion of its Line Section 24. Federal Energy Regulatory Nominations to the Augmented Background Commission Science Advisory Committee on On November 23, 2016, the Chemicals (SACC); Request for [Project No. 3267–016] Commission issued a Notice of Intent to Comments Prepare an Environmental Assessment Chasm Hydro, Inc.; ECOsponsible, AGENCY: Environmental Protection for the Planned Valley Expansion LLC; Notice of Application for Transfer Agency (EPA). Project and Request for Comments on of License and Soliciting Comments, ACTION: Notice. Environmental Issues (NOI). The NOI Motions To Intervene, and Protests was issued during the pre-filing review SUMMARY: This document provides the of the Project in Docket No. PF16–10 On July 10, 2017, Chasm Hydro, Inc. (transferor) and ECOsponsible, LLC names and affiliations of additional and was sent to affected landowners; candidates currently under federal, state, and local government (transferee) filed an application for the transfer of license for the Ballard Mill consideration for appointment to the agencies; elected officials; Native Science Advisory Committee on American tribes; other interested Project No. 3267, from the transferor to the transferee. The project is located on Chemicals (SACC). The purpose of the parties; and local libraries and SACC is to provide independent advice newspapers. In response to the NOI, the Salmon River in Franklin County, New York. The project does not occupy and expert consultation at the request of commenters raised concerns regarding: the EPA Administrator with respect to watershed and waterbody crossings; Federal lands. The applicants seek Commission the scientific and technical aspects of stormwater discharge; groundwater risk assessments, methodologies, and impacts; flood zone impacts; reseeding approval to transfer the license for the Ballard Mills Project from the transferor pollution prevention measures or and species review requirements; approaches. After further consideration Section 106 consultation; cultural to the transferee. Applicant’s Contacts: For Transferor: of the objectives and scope of SACC resources and land valuation impacts; activities, EPA is considering additional route variations; project impacts on the Mr. John Dowd, President, Chasm Hydro, Inc., P.O. Box 265, Chateaugay, candidates for SACC membership from Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project; the August 26, 2016 Federal Register and fugitive dust emissions and noise NY 12920. For Transferee: Mr. Dennis Ryan, notice pool of requested nominees. impacts. These additional candidates are named Manager, ECOsponsible, LLC, P.O. Box Additional Information 114, West Falls, NY 14170. in this notice. The Agency is also FERC Contact: Patricia W. Gillis, (202) considering the 29 candidates for In order to receive notification of the 502–8735, patricia.gillis@ferc.gov. membership previously identified in the issuance of the EA and to keep track of Deadline for filing comments, motions December 9, 2016 Federal Register all formal issuances and submittals in to intervene, and protests: 30 days from notice. Comments that were previously specific dockets, the Commission offers the date that the Commission issues this received on the 29 candidates will also a free service called eSubscription. This notice. The Commission strongly be considered. The Agency, at this time, can reduce the amount of time you encourages electronic filing. Please file anticipates selecting approximately six spend researching proceedings by comments, motions to intervene, and additional SACC members with specific automatically providing you with protests using the Commission’s eFiling expertise and perspectives representing notification of these filings, document system at http://www.ferc.gov/docs- industry, labor, animal protection, summaries, and direct links to the filing/efiling.asp. Commenters can government, public health, and public documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/docs- mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES submit brief comments up to 6,000 interest groups. Public comments on the filing/esubscription.asp. Additional information about the characters, without prior registration, candidates are invited as they will be Project is available from the using the eComment system at http:// used to assist the Agency in selecting Commission’s Office of External Affairs www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ the additional chartered committee at (866) 208–FERC or on the FERC Web ecomment.asp. You must include your members. site (www.ferc.gov). Using the eLibrary name and contact information at the end DATES: Comments must be received on link, select General Search from the of your comments. For assistance, or before September 5, 2017. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:35 Aug 02, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03AUN1.SGM 03AUN1


Document Created: 2017-08-03 07:25:05
Document Modified: 2017-08-03 07:25:05
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 Citation82 FR 36131 
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR