83_FR_64594 83 FR 64354 - Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Riley Ridge to Natrona Project, Wyoming

83 FR 64354 - Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Riley Ridge to Natrona Project, Wyoming

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 240 (December 14, 2018)

Page Range64354-64355
FR Document2018-27154

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, and the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rock Springs Field Office has prepared a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Riley Ridge to Natrona Project (RRNP or Project) and by this notice announces a 30-day availability period before making any final decisions.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 240 (Friday, December 14, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 240 (Friday, December 14, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64354-64355]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-27154]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[LLWYD04000-L51010000-ER0000-LVRWK16K1600 16X]


Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact 
Statement for the Riley Ridge to Natrona Project, Wyoming

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969 (NEPA), as amended, and the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as 
amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 
(FLPMA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rock Springs Field Office 
has prepared a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Riley 
Ridge to Natrona Project (RRNP or Project) and by this notice announces 
a 30-day availability period before making any final decisions.

DATES: The BLM will not issue a final decision on the proposal for a 
minimum of 30 days after the date on which the Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) publishes its Notice of Availability (NOA) of the final 
EIS in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the final EIS have been sent to affected Federal, 
State, and local governments; public libraries in the Project area; and 
interested parties that previously requested a copy. The final EIS and 
other supporting documents will be available electronically on the 
following BLM website: https://go.usa.gov/xPfkk.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Mackiewicz, BLM Senior National 
Project Manager, telephone 435-636-3616; address 280 Highway 191 North, 
Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901; email [email protected].
    Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may 
call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to speak with 
Mr. Mackiewicz during normal business hours. The FRS is available 24 
hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question for the 
above individual. You will receive a reply during normal business 
hours.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The BLM is responding to four applications 
for right-of-way grants submitted by Denbury Green Pipeline-Riley 
Ridge, LLC (Denbury) and PacifiCorp, doing business as Rocky Mountain 
Power (collectively referred to as the Applicant), to the BLM for the 
Project. Denbury submitted an ``Application for Transportation and 
Utility Systems and Facilities on Federal Lands'' (Standard Form 299) 
to the BLM for two underground pipeline projects: (1) The Riley Ridge 
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Pipeline Project (WYW-167867) and (2) 
the Bairoil to Natrona CO2 Pipeline Project (WYW-168290). In 
addition, Denbury has proposed two hydrogen sulfide (H2S) 
injection wells (WYW-181373) to be sited near the proposed Riley Ridge 
Sweetening Plant, which is included in the Riley Ridge CO2 
Pipeline Project application. PacifiCorp submitted an application for a 
right-of-way for a 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line (WYW-185369) to 
supply energy to the Riley Ridge Sweetening Plant. The applications for 
right-of-way grants for Denbury's Proposed Action were submitted to the 
BLM on February 19, 2013 (Denbury), and January 25, 2016 (PacifiCorp); 
the proposal for the injection wells was submitted to the BLM on 
September 12, 2013. Collectively, the Project consists of the following 
components (as proposed):
     An underground non-gaseous H2S/CO2 
pipeline from the existing Riley Ridge Treating Plant (a methane and 
helium recovery facility) to the proposed Riley Ridge Sweetening Plant, 
consisting of 31 miles of 16-inch-diameter pipe within Sublette County;

[[Page 64355]]

     A CO2 underground pipeline from the proposed 
Riley Ridge Sweetening Plant to the Bairoil Interconnect, consisting of 
129 miles of 24-inch-diameter pipe, and continuing from the 
interconnect another 84 miles to the terminus at the Natrona Hub within 
Natrona County;
     The 4.3-acre proposed Riley Ridge Sweetening Plant, 
located on BLM-administered lands, constructed and operated to separate 
the CO2 from the H2S; the H2S would be 
reinjected into deep geologic formations via two proposed injection 
wells;
     An approximately 1-mile-long 230 kV overhead transmission 
line that would bring power to the Riley Ridge Sweetening Plant from an 
existing 230 kV transmission line; and
     Ancillary facilities, such as roads, valves, flowlines, 
etc.
    The purpose of this Federal action is to respond to the Applicant's 
right-of-way applications for construction, operation, and maintenance 
of the Project infrastructure across Federal land. Section 28 of the 
Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 provides authority for BLM to issue right-
of-way grants for pipeline purposes, and FLPMA provides the BLM with 
discretionary authority to grant use of public lands, including rights-
of-way, taking into consideration impacts on natural, cultural, and 
historical resources.
    The BLM is the lead Federal agency for this EIS as defined at 40 
CFR part 1501.5. Cooperating agencies include U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, National Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; the State 
of Wyoming; Freemont, Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater, and Natrona 
counties in Wyoming; and the Natrona County, Popo Agie, Sublette 
County, and Sweetwater County conservation districts in Wyoming.
    In accordance with NEPA, the BLM prepared an EIS analyzing the 
right-of-way applications using an interdisciplinary approach to 
consider a variety of resource issues and concerns identified during 
internal, interagency, and public scoping. The BLM published a NOA of 
the Draft EIS for public review and comment in the Federal Register on 
March 23, 2018 (83 FR 12810). The EPA published a NOA of the Draft EIS 
for public review and comment in the Federal Register on the same day, 
which initiated a 45-day public review period.
    To allow the public an opportunity to review information associated 
with the Project and comment on the Draft EIS, the BLM hosted four 
public meetings in April 2018. The public meetings on the Draft EIS 
were held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the following locations:

[ssquf] April 9--Ramada Plaza Riverside, 300 West F Street, Casper, 
Wyoming
[ssquf] April 10--Rodeway Inn/Pronghorn Lodge, 150 East Main Street, 
Lander, Wyoming
[ssquf] April 11--Marbleton Town Hall, 10700 Highway 189, Marbleton, 
Wyoming
[ssquf] April 12--BLM High Desert District Office, 280 Highway 191 
North, Rock Springs, Wyoming

    During the 45-day comment period, 19 submittals offering comments 
on the Draft EIS were received from various federal, State, and local 
agencies; various special interest groups; corporations; and public 
citizens. This included 14 letters, 3 comment forms, and 2 emails with 
comments submitted at the public open house meetings and mailed to the 
BLM. In compliance with the requirements of the Council on 
Environmental Quality regulations for implementing NEPA, all 
substantive comments received were assessed and a response provided. Of 
the 19 comment submittals received, 70 comments were identified as 
substantive according to BLM guidelines.
    The BLM responded to comments received on the draft EIS in the 
final EIS. After the final waiting period, and based on the 
environmental analysis in the final EIS, the BLM will prepare a Record 
of Decision documenting the BLM Authorized Officer's decision.

    Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 43 CFR 1610.2.

Tim Wakefield,
High Desert District Manager.
[FR Doc. 2018-27154 Filed 12-13-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4310-22-P

64354 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 240 / Friday, December 14, 2018 / Notices DATES: A person or party who wishes to in the notice of protest will be stayed ADDRESSES: Copies of the final EIS have protest this decision must file a notice pending consideration of the protest. A been sent to affected Federal, State, and of protest in time for it to be received plat of survey will not be officially filed local governments; public libraries in in the BLM Montana State Office no until the next business day after all the Project area; and interested parties later than 30 days after the date of this timely protests have been dismissed or that previously requested a copy. The publication. otherwise resolved, including appeals. final EIS and other supporting ADDRESSES: A copy of the plats may be If a notice of protest is received after documents will be available obtained from the Public Room at the the scheduled date of official filing and electronically on the following BLM BLM Montana State Office, 5001 the 10 calendar day grace period website: https://go.usa.gov/xPfkk. Southgate Drive, Billings, Montana provided in 43 CFR 4.401(a), the notice FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 59101, upon required payment. The of protest will be untimely, may not be Mark Mackiewicz, BLM Senior National plats may be viewed at this location at considered, and may be dismissed. Project Manager, telephone 435–636– no cost. Before including your address, phone 3616; address 280 Highway 191 North, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh number, email address, or other Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901; email Alexander, BLM Chief Cadastral personal identifying information in a BLM_WY_RRNP@blm.gov. Surveyor for Montana; telephone: (406) notice of protest or statement of reasons, Persons who use a 896–5123; email: jalexand@blm.gov. you should be aware that the documents telecommunications device for the deaf Persons who use a telecommunications you submit—including your personal (TDD) may call the Federal Relay device for the deaf (TDD) may call the identifying information—may be made Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339 to Federal Relay Service (FRS) at (800) publicly available in their entirety at speak with Mr. Mackiewicz during 877–8339 to contact the above any time. While you can ask us to normal business hours. The FRS is individual during normal business withhold your personal identifying available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, hours. The FRS is available 24 hours a information from public review, we to leave a message or question for the day, 7 days a week, to leave a message cannot guarantee that we will be able to above individual. You will receive a or question with the above individual. do so. reply during normal business hours. You will receive a reply during normal Authority: 43 U.S.C. chapter 3. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The BLM business hours. is responding to four applications for Joshua F. Alexander, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The lands right-of-way grants submitted by Chief Cadastral Surveyor for Montana. surveyed are: Denbury Green Pipeline-Riley Ridge, [FR Doc. 2018–27066 Filed 12–13–18; 8:45 am] Principal Meridian, Montana LLC (Denbury) and PacifiCorp, doing BILLING CODE 4310–DN–P business as Rocky Mountain Power T. 2 S., R. 42 E. secs. 29 and 30. (collectively referred to as the T. 26 N., R. 44 E. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Applicant), to the BLM for the Project. secs. 10 and 15. Denbury submitted an ‘‘Application for T. 27 N., R. 47 E. Bureau of Land Management Transportation and Utility Systems and secs. 21, 28, 29, and 33. Facilities on Federal Lands’’ (Standard T. 27 N., R. 50 E. [LLWYD04000–L51010000–ER0000– Form 299) to the BLM for two secs. 17, 19, and 20. LVRWK16K1600 16X] underground pipeline projects: (1) The A person or party who wishes to Notice of Availability of the Final Riley Ridge Carbon Dioxide (CO2) protest an official filing of a plat of Environmental Impact Statement for Pipeline Project (WYW–167867) and (2) survey identified above must file a the Riley Ridge to Natrona Project, the Bairoil to Natrona CO2 Pipeline written notice of protest with the BLM Wyoming Project (WYW–168290). In addition, Chief Cadastral Surveyor for Montana at Denbury has proposed two hydrogen the address listed in the ADDRESSES AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, sulfide (H2S) injection wells (WYW– section of this notice. The notice of Interior. 181373) to be sited near the proposed protest must identify the plat(s) of ACTION: Notice of availability. Riley Ridge Sweetening Plant, which is survey that the person or party wishes included in the Riley Ridge CO2 to protest. The notice of protest must be SUMMARY: In accordance with the Pipeline Project application. PacifiCorp received in the BLM Montana State National Environmental Policy Act of submitted an application for a right-of- Office no later than the scheduled date 1969 (NEPA), as amended, and the way for a 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission of the proposed official filing for the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as line (WYW–185369) to supply energy to plat(s) of survey being protested; if amended, and the Federal Land Policy the Riley Ridge Sweetening Plant. The received after regular business hours, a and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), applications for right-of-way grants for notice of protest will be considered filed the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Denbury’s Proposed Action were the next business day. A written Rock Springs Field Office has prepared submitted to the BLM on February 19, statement of reasons in support of the a final Environmental Impact Statement 2013 (Denbury), and January 25, 2016 protest, if not filed with the notice of (EIS) for the Riley Ridge to Natrona (PacifiCorp); the proposal for the protest, must be filed with the BLM Project (RRNP or Project) and by this injection wells was submitted to the Chief Cadastral Surveyor for Montana notice announces a 30-day availability BLM on September 12, 2013. within 30 calendar days after the notice period before making any final Collectively, the Project consists of the of protest is received. decisions. following components (as proposed): amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 If a notice of protest of the plat(s) of DATES: The BLM will not issue a final • An underground non-gaseous H2S/ survey is received prior to the decision on the proposal for a minimum CO2 pipeline from the existing Riley scheduled date of official filing or of 30 days after the date on which the Ridge Treating Plant (a methane and during the 10 calendar day grace period Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) helium recovery facility) to the provided in 43 CFR 4.401(a) and the publishes its Notice of Availability proposed Riley Ridge Sweetening Plant, delay in filing is waived, the official (NOA) of the final EIS in the Federal consisting of 31 miles of 16-inch- filing of the plat(s) of survey identified Register. diameter pipe within Sublette County; VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:57 Dec 13, 2018 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\14DEN1.SGM 14DEN1

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 240 / Friday, December 14, 2018 / Notices 64355 • A CO2 underground pipeline from Draft EIS were held from 4 to 7 p.m. at Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the the proposed Riley Ridge Sweetening the following locations: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Plant to the Bairoil Interconnect, D April 9—Ramada Plaza Riverside, 300 (BOEM) announced its intent, in the consisting of 129 miles of 24-inch- West F Street, Casper, Wyoming Federal Register (83 FR 57749), to diameter pipe, and continuing from the D April 10—Rodeway Inn/Pronghorn prepare an Environmental Impact interconnect another 84 miles to the Lodge, 150 East Main Street, Lander, Statement (EIS) for the proposed 2019 terminus at the Natrona Hub within Wyoming Beaufort Sea Lease Sale in the Beaufort Natrona County; D April 11—Marbleton Town Hall, Sea Planning Area. Because of • The 4.3-acre proposed Riley Ridge 10700 Highway 189, Marbleton, earthquakes in Alaska, BOEM has Sweetening Plant, located on BLM- Wyoming rescheduled some of its scoping administered lands, constructed and D April 12—BLM High Desert District meetings and extended the comment operated to separate the CO2 from the Office, 280 Highway 191 North, Rock period. H2S; the H2S would be reinjected into Springs, Wyoming DATES: deep geologic formations via two During the 45-day comment period, Comments: All interested parties, proposed injection wells; 19 submittals offering comments on the including Federal, State, Tribal, and • An approximately 1-mile-long 230 Draft EIS were received from various local governments, and the general kV overhead transmission line that federal, State, and local agencies; public, may submit written comments would bring power to the Riley Ridge various special interest groups; by January 4, 2019, on the scope of the Sweetening Plant from an existing 230 corporations; and public citizens. This 2019 Beaufort Sea Lease Sale EIS, kV transmission line; and included 14 letters, 3 comment forms, significant issues, reasonable • Ancillary facilities, such as roads, and 2 emails with comments submitted alternatives, potential mitigation valves, flowlines, etc. at the public open house meetings and measures, and the foreseeable types of The purpose of this Federal action is mailed to the BLM. In compliance with oil and gas activities in the proposed to respond to the Applicant’s right-of- the requirements of the Council on lease sale area. way applications for construction, Environmental Quality regulations for Comments may be made on-line. operation, and maintenance of the implementing NEPA, all substantive Navigate to http://www.regulations.gov Project infrastructure across Federal comments received were assessed and a and search for Docket BOEM–2018– land. Section 28 of the Mineral Leasing response provided. Of the 19 comment 0054, or ‘‘Oil and Gas Lease Sales: Act of 1920 provides authority for BLM submittals received, 70 comments were Alaska Outer Continental Shelf; 2019 to issue right-of-way grants for pipeline identified as substantive according to Beaufort Sea Lease Sale’’, and click on purposes, and FLPMA provides the BLM guidelines. the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ button. Enter BLM with discretionary authority to The BLM responded to comments your information and comment, and grant use of public lands, including received on the draft EIS in the final then click ‘‘Submit.’’ Before including rights-of-way, taking into consideration EIS. After the final waiting period, and your address, phone number, email impacts on natural, cultural, and based on the environmental analysis in address, or other personal identifying historical resources. the final EIS, the BLM will prepare a information in your comment, you The BLM is the lead Federal agency Record of Decision documenting the should be aware that your entire for this EIS as defined at 40 CFR part BLM Authorized Officer’s decision. comment—including your personal 1501.5. Cooperating agencies include Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 43 CFR identifying information—may be made U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National 1610.2. publicly available at any time. While Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of you can ask us in your comment to Tim Wakefield, Engineers; the State of Wyoming; withhold your personal identifying Freemont, Lincoln, Sublette, High Desert District Manager. information from public review, we Sweetwater, and Natrona counties in [FR Doc. 2018–27154 Filed 12–13–18; 8:45 am] cannot guarantee that we will be able to Wyoming; and the Natrona County, BILLING CODE 4310–22–P do so. Popo Agie, Sublette County, and ADDRESSES: Sweetwater County conservation Scoping Meetings: Pursuant to the districts in Wyoming. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR regulations implementing the In accordance with NEPA, the BLM Bureau of Ocean Energy Management procedural provisions of NEPA, BOEM prepared an EIS analyzing the right-of- will hold public scoping meetings. The way applications using an [Docket No. BOEM–2018–0054] purpose of these meetings is to solicit interdisciplinary approach to consider a comments on the scope of the 2019 variety of resource issues and concerns Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), Alaska Beaufort Sea Lease Sale EIS. The identified during internal, interagency, Region (AK), Beaufort Sea Program meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, on and public scoping. The BLM published Area, Proposed 2019 Beaufort Sea Oil December 6, 2018, was held as a NOA of the Draft EIS for public review and Gas Lease Sale scheduled. The remaining meetings will and comment in the Federal Register on AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy all start at 7:00 p.m. and conclude at March 23, 2018 (83 FR 12810). The EPA Management, Interior. 9:00 p.m., and are rescheduled as published a NOA of the Draft EIS for ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an follows: public review and comment in the environmental impact statement, • December 17, 2018, Inupiat Federal Register on the same day, announce the area identified for leasing, Heritage Center, Utqiaġvik, Alaska; amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 which initiated a 45-day public review extension of comment period and • December 18, 2018, Kisik period. prescheduling of public scoping Community Center, Nuiqsut, Alaska; To allow the public an opportunity to meetings. and review information associated with the • December 19, 2018, Community Project and comment on the Draft EIS, SUMMARY: On November 16, 2018, Center, Kaktovik, Alaska. the BLM hosted four public meetings in consistent with the regulations FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For April 2018. The public meetings on the implementing the National information on the 2019 Beaufort Sea VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:57 Dec 13, 2018 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\14DEN1.SGM 14DEN1


Document Created: 2018-12-14 03:49:38
Document Modified: 2018-12-14 03:49:38
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
ActionNotice of availability.
DatesThe BLM will not issue a final decision on the proposal for a minimum of 30 days after the date on which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes its Notice of Availability (NOA) of the final EIS in the Federal Register.
ContactMark Mackiewicz, BLM Senior National
FR Citation83 FR 64354 
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