IND-1

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND01 – Luis Vazquez Garcia on behalf of Salinas Municipality 

Mayor, Honorable Karilyn Bonilla Colon

IND01-01 Comment noted. A free shuttle to the public comment meeting was provided. The 

shuttle was advertised in the community and there were two planned pick up stops. 

Additionally, the Puerto Rico Permits Management Office held an additional meeting 

in the community on September 15, 2014. 
IND-2

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND02 – Kathleen de Onis

IND02-01 Comment noted.

IND02-02 See the response to comment CO01-05.

IND02-03 In accordance with CEQ regulations, we determined that the proposed site was 

feasible and would not result in a significant environmental impact. To make this 

determination, we considered Aguirre LLC’s mitigation plans, agency comments 

received, and our recommendations within this EIS. Based on our analysis of the 

proposed site and the alternative sites, we found no compelling reason to review 

additional alternative sites.

IND02-04 Comment noted. We updated section 3.2 with a more detailed discussion of the 

alternative energies available to meet the Project objective. Also see the response to 

comment CO2-32.
IND-3

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND02 – Kathleen de Onis (cont’d)
IND-4

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND03 – Jimmy H. Vazquez
IND-5

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND03 – Jimmy H. Vazquez (cont’d)

IND03-01 Subsequent to a comment from the U.S. Geological Survey on the draft EIS, we 

contacted the Bureau of Reclamation concerning additional fault studies completed in 

the Project area, which were prepared to evaluate the seismic hazards on dams in 

southern Puerto Rico. PREPA provided these studies to the Commission, and they 

are available in our eLibrary system. In reviewing these additional studies, we are 

recommending in section 4.1.3.1 that the Seismic Hazard Analysis Report be revised 

to include both the Great Southern Puerto Rico Fault Zone and Salinas Faults, which 

would be consistent with the location and seismic characterization of these faults 

provided in the May 2014 Bureau of Reclamation reports. If the Project is approved 

by the Commission, it is expected that the condition would be required as part of the

Project authorization.

IND03-02 See the response to comment AG02-27. 
IND-6

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND03 – Jimmy H. Vazquez (cont’d)

IND03-03 Comment noted. The financial status of the applicant is beyond the scope of this EIS.
IND-7

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND03 – Jimmy H. Vazquez (cont’d)
IND-8

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND03 – Jimmy H. Vazquez (cont’d)
IND-9

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND04 – Jimmy H. Vazquez-Aran

IND04-01 Comment noted. We have considered these comments and incorporated the 

applicable information in the final EIS.
IND-10

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND04 – Jimmy H. Vazquez-Aran (cont’d)

IND04-02 The USCG, in developing its Water Suitability Assessment, noted that additional tugs 

would be required. Aguirre LLC would be responsible for obtaining the required 

equipment as well as staff trained to use the equipment.

IND04-03 Comment noted. The financial status of the applicant is beyond the scope of this EIS.
IND-11

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND05 – Victor Gonzalez

IND05-01 The sentence was corrected to reflect the Project's sendout capacity of 500 million 

standard cubic feet per day. 

IND05-02 There are no thresholds of significance criteria established by the EQB or EPA for 

Project GHG emissions. There is no legal precedent to make a damage claim for 

stationary source or Project GHG emissions causing local climate change impacts. 

Climate change is caused by global impacts and effects. However, the GHG 

emissions from the Project and the effects of climate change are properly discussed in 

sections 4.10.1 and 4.12.2.3 of the final EIS, which include the most recent 

information from the U.S. Global Change Research Program. Section 4.12.2.2 further 

discloses the GHG emissions from the Project combined with the Aguirre Plant 

operations.
IND-12

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND05 – Victor Gonzalez (cont’d)

IND05-03 Comment noted. The commentor suggests an analysis that is beyond the scope of this 

EIS. 

IND05-04 The commentor points to the apparent efficiency of the EcoEléctrica Plant. The 

research conducted on alternatives notes the challenge of getting the natural gas from 

EcoEléctrica to the Aguirre Plant. Construction of a pipeline would be required,

which has little support from the government of Puerto Rico or the general public,

and it could not be installed in time to meet the EPA’s mandatory Mercury and Air 

Toxics Standards and other Project objectives. A trucking alternative was researched 

and determined not to be viable due to the dense residential community roads that 

would need to be traversed and the number of trucks (times per day) to deliver the 

required volumes of natural gas. 
IND-13

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND05 – Victor Gonzalez (cont’d)

IND05-05 Comment noted. While the analysis of the cost and effectiveness of the Project is 

appreciated, the facilities under the jurisdiction of PREPA, namely the Aguirre Power 

Complex, are not under the FERC’s jurisdiction and are beyond the scope of this EIS. 
IND-14

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND05 – Victor Gonzalez (cont’d)
IND-15

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND06 – Mithriel MacKay

IND06-01 See response to comment AG02-24.

IND06-02 Table 4.5.3-1 lists the non-ESA-listed marine mammals potentially occurring in the 

Project area. The humpback whale is an ESA-listed species so it was not included in 

the non-ESA-listed species table. Rather, the humpback whale was included in table 

4.6-1 (Threatened and Endangered Species Potentially Occurring in the Project Area).

IND06-03 See the response to comment AG05-04.

IND06-04 Section 4.5.3.1 has been updated to include the preliminary data summarizing the 

presence of these species near the Project area. Also see response to comment AG02-

27.
IND-16

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND06 – Mithriel MacKay (cont’d)

IND06-05 The 2010–2015 Jobos Bay Management Plan was used as a resource for both the draft 

and final EISs and is referenced in section 4 as "(DNER, 2010)." 

IND06-06 Based on our evaluation, we do not anticipate Project activities would likely

adversely affect humpback whales. We will continue to conduct required Section 7 

consultations related to impacts on all ESA species. 

IND06-07 Section 4.5 discusses killer whales and resident dolphins. Table 4.6.3-1 only 

discusses ESA-listed species. 

IND06-08 Sections 4.5.3.3 and 4.6.2 have been updated to include the potential impacts of 

increased vessel traffic on humpback whales and other marine mammals. Also see 

response to comment AG02-27.

IND06-09 Sections 4.5.3.3 and 4.6.2 have been updated to include potential noise impacts on 

humpback whales. 
IND-17

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND06 – Mithriel MacKay (cont’d)

IND06-10 Comment noted. We will continue to consult with NMFS to determine the 

appropriate mitigation for any impacts on marine mammal species.

IND06-11 Comment noted. We will continue to consult with NMFS to determine the 

appropriate mitigation for any impacts on marine mammal species.

IND06-12 We are recommending certain mitigation measures in section 4.5.3.3 to minimize the 

Project’s impacts on marine mammals during construction and operation. 
IND-18

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND06 – Mithriel MacKay (cont’d)

IND06-13 Section 4.6 has been revised to reflect Aguirre LLC's currently proposed action. As 

noted in section 4.6, the FERC will submit a BA to the FWS and NMFS outlining 

impacts on the Antillean manatee and all other ESA-listed species once the final 

pipeline design or route is determined.

IND06-14 Comment noted. Aguirre LLC will consult with NMFS to determine the need for

appropriate surveys or mitigation related to potential Project impacts on marine 

mammal species.
IND-19

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND06 – Mithriel MacKay (cont’d)
IND-20

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND07 – Alfredo Mendez

IND07-01 Comment noted. We conducted further research to determine the accuracy of the 

landowner information for the cays. As needed, these landowners were added to our 

environmental mailing list.

IND07-02 Section 4.0 of the EIS addresses potential water quality changes as a result of the 

Project and reviews how these changes may affect corals and other marine life, 

including mangroves. 

IND07-03 Comment noted.

IND07-04 Submitting comments on the record is an effective form of communicating with the 

Commission about this Project.
IND-21

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND08 – Jacqueline Rosado

IND09 – Noelle Mendez

IND08-01 Comment noted. Section 3.2 of the EIS was updated to evaluate alternative energy 

sources (e.g., solar, wind); however, these alternatives were eliminated from further 

evaluation because they could not meet the objectives of the Project. 

IND09-01 Aguirre LLC has held multiple community informational meetings (“open houses”)

for the Project, and the FERC has held multiple scoping and public comment 

meetings. Newspaper ads and local flyers were posted to inform people about the 

Project, and periodic postcards or newsletters (brochures) have been sent by the 

FERC to the communities and its leaders during this review period. In addition, 

federal and state agencies have been engaged in Project review and comment since 

2012. Also see the responses to comments IND07-01 and IND07-04.
IND-22

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND10 – Walter M. Ruiz

IND10-01 Comment noted.
IND-23

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND10 – Walter M. Ruiz (cont’d)
IND-24

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND11 – Fernando Gomez

IND11-01 See section 4.2 for a discussion on existing contaminants in Jobos Bay. In 2008, 

NOAA collected samples and conducted a baseline assessment of the ecological 

resources of Jobos Bay (Whitall, et al.), the results of which are included in multiple 

locations of the EIS. 

IND11-02 Aguirre LLC revised its pipeline installation method and design to comply with 

U.S. Department of Transportation pipeline regulations. As such, we have updated 

our analysis to include the sedimentation impacts associated with the proposed burial 

method of hand jetting.

IND11-03 See response to comment IND03-01.
IND-25

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND11 – Fernando Gomez (cont’d)

IND11-04 Section 4.3.3.1 was updated to include additional discussion of regional groundwater 

characteristics.
IND-26

PERSONAS INDIVIDUALES

IND12 – Miriam Gallardo

IND12-01 Section 4.6 contains information regarding the presence of manatees and mitigation 

methods that would be employed to minimize risk to the species. See also the 

responses to comments AG02-27 and AG05-04.
PM-1

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico
PM-2

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-3

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-4

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-5

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-6

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-7

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-8

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-9

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-10

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM01-01 Section 4.1.3.1 has been updated to require a revised Seismic Hazard Analysis 

Report that includes both the Great Southern Puerto Rico Fault Zone and Salinas 

Faults, which would be consistent with the location and seismic characterization of 

these faults provided in the May 2014 Bureau of Reclamation reports, which were

prepared to evaluate the seismic hazards on dams in southern Puerto Rico. If the 

Project is approved by the Commission, it is expected that the Commission will 

adopt the recommendation as a required action.

Also see the response to CO01-19.

PM01-02 Sections 4.5 and 4.6 have been updated to discuss sedimentation impacts from 

construction on seagrass and coral habitats. In addition, we are recommending that 

Aguirre LLC finalize its Benthic Resources Mitigation Plan in consultation with 

the FWS, NMFS, DNER, and other appropriate agencies. Aguirre LLC has also

committed to having MMOs on all construction vessels during construction to 

minimize impacts on marine mammals and sea turtles. Finally, we are 

recommending in section 4.5.3.3 that Aguirre LLC coordinate with the NMFS, 

FWS, and DNER to develop an MMO training and response protocol plan for the 

construction and operation phases of the Project. We believe that Aguirre LLC’s 

commitment and our recommendations would minimize impacts on marine 

species. 
PM-11

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM01-03 Section 4.11.8 of the final EIS contains a recommendation for Aguirre LLC to 

develop an Emergency Response Plan in coordination with the USCG and local 

responders. The Emergency Response Plan would include a Cost-Sharing Plan to 

address the cost of ensuring the security and emergency management of the LNG 

facility and the LNG vessels while in transit and unloading at the berth. The 

FSRU firefighting capability is described in section 4.11.5.1, and regulatory 

requirements for LNG carriers are described in section 4.11.7.1.

The USCG, in developing its Water Suitability Assessment, noted that additional 

tugs would be required. Aguirre LLC would be responsible for obtaining the 

required equipment as well as staff trained to use the equipment.
PM-12

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-13

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM01-04 Comment noted. The energy policy in Puerto Rico and practices by PREPA are 

outside of the scope of this environmental analysis. However, our EIS reiterates 

the comment that one of the Project’s objectives is to contribute to energy price 

stabilization in the region. Also see the responses to comments CO07-02 through 

CO07-10
PM-14

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-15

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM01-05 The generation and consumption of the electricity supplied by PREPA to 

Puerto Rico is outside of the scope of this EIS. Further, as described in 

section 1.1 of the EIS, Aguirre LLC developed the Project in response to 

customers’ demands and then filed an application with the FERC for 

authorization to construct and operate the proposed facilities. The EIS is 

limited to assessing the potential environmental impacts of the proposed 

Project. Although the EIS does consider whether alternative actions might

meet the Project’s stated purpose (including meeting customers’ demands), 

the EIS does not consider or reach a conclusion on whether there is a need for 

the proposed Project. Section 1502.13 of CEQ regulations implementing 

NEPA requires that an EIS “briefly specify the underlying purpose and need 

to which the agency is responding in proposing the alternatives including the 

proposed action.” In other words, the EIS states the purpose of and need for a 

proposed project in order to define the range of alternative actions that the 

agency can legitimately consider. The determination of whether there is a 

“need” for the proposed facilities for the purpose of issuing an authorization 

under section 3 of the Natural Gas Act will be made in the subsequent 

Commission Order granting or denying Aguirre LLC’s request for 

authorization and is based on a determination of whether the Project is in the 

public interest, and includes balancing the benefits of the Project against any

adverse impacts.
PM-16

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-17

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-18

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-19

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-20

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-21

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-22

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM01-06 Comments noted.

Specific requests under the Freedom of Information Act must be filed in 

accordance with 18 CFR 388.108.

Section 4.10.1 of the EIS discusses potential air emissions during construction and 

operation of the Project. Section 3.2 evaluates energy alternatives; however, 

renewable energy sources such as solar were determined to be developed in 

insufficient quantity to replace the Project at this time. Also see the responses to 

comments AG06-16, CO02-03 through CO02-05, CO02-08, IND02-04, and 

IND08-01.
PM-23

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-24

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-25

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM01-07 There are no thresholds of significance criteria established by the EQB or EPA for 

Project GHG emissions. There is no legal precedent to make a damage claim for 

stationary source or Project GHG emissions causing local climate change impacts. 

Climate change is caused by global impacts and effects. 

However, the discussion of GHG and climate change in the Cumulative Impacts 

section of the EIS (see section 4.12.2.3) has been updated with the 2014 report 

findings of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (U.S. National Climate 

Assessment, June 2014). 

Also see the responses to comments AG06-30, CO01-05, and CO02-03.

PM01-08 Due to revised construction methods, subsea surface currents are not anticipated to

be significantly affected by the presence of the pipeline. Therefore, no significant 

impacts on coral larvae and ichthyoplankton are anticipated. Pipeline burial would

ensure that the subsea and surface currents are not altered. In addition, we are 

recommending in section 4.5.3.3 that Aguirre LLC develop a lighting plan that 

identifies specific measures to minimize or avoid impacts associated with the 

Project’s operational nighttime lighting on avian species, fish species, marine 

mammals, various life stages of sea turtles, and people on the shoreline. 

Also see the responses to comments AG02-10, AG02-18, AG02-28, AG02-30, and 

CO02-16.
PM-26

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-27

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM01-09 We updated section 4.8.5 to provide a more detailed analysis of the potential 

socioeconomic impacts and mitigation measures associated with the Project. In 

addition, we updated section 4.7.4 to clarify that the amount of recreational and 

commercial fishing provided is a sample and may not list all water-dependent 

activities within Jobos Bay. 
PM-28

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM01-10 We have recommended that Aguirre LLC provide a construction access plan to 

address concerns regarding recreational users of the bay during construction. In 

addition, Aguirre LLC has, in a sworn affidavit, stated its employment plans. 

Regarding issues of seismic activity, FERC has requested additional information 

from Aguirre LLC. Also, all of the information filed by Aguirre LLC can be 

accessed by the public through our eLibrary system. 

PM01-11 The FSRU firefighting capability is described in section 4.11.5.1, and regulatory 

requirements for LNG carriers are described in section 4.11.7.1. Information 

about the manatee and sea turtle and the Project’s potential impact on the manatee 

is provided in section 4.6.1. In addition, we have recommended MMOs be used 

during construction to minimize impacts on these species.
PM-29

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM01-12 Aguirre LLC revised its construction method to include pipeline burial. The 

revised method would result in fewer impacts on species such as the Queen conch. 

The existing vessel traffic through the Boca del Infierno pass would not change 

due to the presence of the pipeline because we are recommending that the pipeline 

be constructed either by HDD through the pass or be rerouted, primarily to avoid 

impacts on coral resources in this area. Further, we are recommending in section 

4.7.7 that Aguirre LLC develop a construction access plan to minimize the impacts 

on the community during construction of the facilities. Section 4.8.5 also 

discusses concerns regarding tourism (and also visual impacts) and references the 

most current economic indicators related to tourism from the U.S. Census Bureau. 

We added additional detail to the final EIS to expand on the potential impacts of 

the offshore terminal on tourism.

PM01-13 See response to comment AG08-06.
PM-30

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM01-14 Sections 4.7.5 and 4.8.3 address that the number of fishers in the area are estimates 

and may vary based upon who is providing the count of total fishers. In addition, 

the construction method has been revised and the pipeline will be buried or 

covered with concrete mats and, therefore, concerns about inadvertent anchor 

strikes should be adequately mitigated. In addition, section 3 provides information 

and analysis on a wide range of alternatives that were considered for the Project. 
PM-31

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-32

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM01-15 The FERC continues to maintain oversight of projects during both construction 

and operation. Through the FERC filing process, the applicant attests under oath 

that all information provided is true and accurate. The proposed environmental 

mitigation measures for the Project are included throughout the EIS. Provided that 

the Commission adopts the recommendations as required actions in any 

authorization for the Project, our conclusions as to the level of impact on the 

resources are valid. Part of FERC’s permitting process requires that an applicant 

address such mandatory conditions during all phases of construction and operation. 

Also see the responses to comments AG02-10 through AG02-17 and CO02-42.
PM-33

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM01-16 The locational coordinates for this Project, provided by Aguirre LLC, are available 

on our eLibrary system.

PM01-17 See the response to comment AG05-21.
PM-34

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM01-18 See the response to comment AG10-04 to AG10-07.

PM01-19 Comment noted.

PM01-20 See the response to comment AG05-08. We have made recommendations 

throughout the EIS regarding the preparation of mitigation plans for the 

environmental resources potentially impacted in Puerto Rico.
PM-35

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM01-21 Comment noted.
PM-36

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM01 – Public Meeting in Guayama, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-37

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico
PM-38

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-39

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-40

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM02-01 Section 4.8.5 of the EIS provides a discussion of tourism and visual impacts, and 

references the most current tourism economic indicators from the U.S. Census 

Bureau. We have revised the text to provide a more detailed analysis of the

potential impacts of the offshore terminal on tourism, including the issues raised

by the Mayor of Salinas.

PM02-02 We have recommended environmental conditions for Commission consideration to 

address mitigation measures for seagrass, coral, entrainment, lighting, and 

construction noise. In addition, the EIS has been revised where appropriate to 

further develop our analysis of the impacts.
PM-41

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM02-03 See the response to comment AG09-03.
PM-42

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-43

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-44

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-45

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-46

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM02-04 The FERC staff are reviewing the design criteria and site-specific information for 

seismic, wind, and wave hazards and have requested additional information from

Aguirre LLC. This information must be provided to the FERC for review and 

approval prior to construction of the Project. In addition, see the responses to 

comments AG05-06 and AG07-01.
PM-47

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM02-05 The draft Benthic Resources Mitigation Plan includes mitigation for impacts on 

coral as well as relocating corals impacted by the pipeline and offshore terminal. 

This Benthic Resources Mitigation Plan will assist in identifying impacts on the 

corals as well as mitigation measures. In addition, we have recommended in 

section 4.5.3.3 that, prior to construction, Aguirre LLC should coordinate with 

appropriate agencies to develop a detailed MMO training and response protocol 

plan for the construction and operation phases of the Project. The plan should 

provide appropriate measures to avoid and minimize potential vessel strikes of 

manatees and sea turtles, and should incorporate the FWS's manatee conservation 

measure for in-water work, where applicable. 

PM02-06 As stated in section 4.11.8 of the final EIS, for emergencies that may impact the 

public, the USCG regulations contain requirements for notification, coordination, 

and cooperation with local officials, hospitals, fire departments, police 

departments, and other emergency response organizations. To address these types 

of impacts, this section of the final EIS also contains a recommendation that would 

require Aguirre LLC to develop an ERP in coordination with the USCG and local 

responders.
PM-48

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM02-07 As discussed in section 4.2.3.2, we commissioned a study to predict the suspended 

sediment concentrations and subsequent transport and deposition resulting from 

hand-jetting/suction activities during the burial of the pipeline. Based on the 

results of these studies, we determined that impacts on ESA species would be 

limited to the construction workspace as described in sections 4.5 and 4.6. Also 

presented in section 4.3.1.3, Aguirre LLC would implement mitigation measures in 

the NPDES construction stormwater discharge permit SWPPP developed for the 

Project to avoid or minimize water quality impacts on shore and in the bay. Also

see the responses to comments AG02-01, AG06-11, AG02-29, and AG08-12 in 

regards to thermal discharge.

PM02-08 To address safety and evacuation plans, section 4.11.8 of the final EIS contains a 

recommendation for Aguirre LLC to develop an ERP in coordination with the 

USCG and local responders.

PM02-09 The discussion in section 4.10.1 provides all of the operating emissions from the 

Project (even those not applicable for certain federal and state air quality 

permitting requirements), including the non-FERC-jurisdictional Aguirre Plant, 

and describes the applicability of these emissions in the context of the federal and 

state regulatory requirements. Notwithstanding, the air quality impacts of the 

Project demonstrated by air dispersion modeling were not required under PSD 

regulations. However, to assess the impacts, we required Aguirre LLC to perform 

an OCD model of the impacts from the offshore stationary sources as well as the 

non-stationary sources even though federal and state regulations do not consider 

the non-stationary sources. In addition, we required Aguirre LLC to model the 

Project and the Aguirre Plant and disclose the air quality impacts; these are 

presented in section 4.12.2.2. The model results showed no adverse impacts. Note 

on commentor’s suggestion that VOC and ozone be modeled: There are no 

stationary source modeling requirements or protocol for VOC and ozone 

modeling. Lastly, in the absence of EPA-defined significance criteria for ozone, 

these modeling results for the ozone precursor, NO2, were presented in the EIS, 

demonstrating no new violations and no increases in the severity or frequency of 

violations of the NAAQS, which EPA established to protect human health and 

public welfare for criteria pollutants, including ozone.
PM-49

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM02-10 Sections 4.7.5 and 4.8.3 address that the number of fishers in the area are estimates 

and may vary based upon who is providing the count of total fishers. The draft 

Benthic Resources Mitigation Plan includes mitigation for impacts on coral as well 

as relocating corals impacted by the pipeline and offshore terminal. This Benthic 

Resources Mitigation Plan will assist in identifying impacts on the corals as well 

as mitigation measures. In addition, We have recommended in section 4.5.3.3 that,

prior to construction, Aguirre LLC should coordinate with appropriate agencies to 

develop a detailed MMO training and response protocol plan for construction and 

operation phases of the Project. Finally, we have recommended that Aguirre LLC 

prepare a Construction Access Plan to minimize impacts on tourism in the Project 

area.

PM02-11 The draft Benthic Resources Mitigation Plan includes mitigation for impacts on 

coral as well as relocating corals impacted by the pipeline and offshore terminal. 

This Benthic Resources Mitigation Plan will assist in identifying impacts on the 

corals as well as potential mitigation measures. In addition, we have 

recommended in section 4.5.3.3 that, prior to construction, Aguirre LLC should 

coordinate with appropriate agencies to develop a detailed MMO training and 

response protocol plan for construction and operation phases of the Project. The 

plan should provide appropriate measures to avoid and minimize potential vessel 

strikes of manatees and sea turtles and incorporate the FWS's manatee 

conservation measure for in-water work, where applicable. 

In regards to employment, see the response to comment CO02-51.
PM-50

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM02-12 The number of jobs (350) to be created by the Project (as shown in section 4.8.1.2)

is the same number that was provided by Aguirre LLC in the Data Response dated 

June 25, 2013.
PM-51

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM02-13 We reviewed the information provided on the Antillean manatee. Additional 

information is provided in the final EIS. In addition, see the responses to 

comments AG10-04 to AG10-07.

PM02-14 The final EIS presents additional information on potential impacts on fisherman 

from the proposed Project. In addition, see the responses to comments CO1-16 

regarding to the safety zone, AG05-05 regarding the Construction Access Plan, 

and AG02-05 regarding post-construction monitoring of impacts.
PM-52

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM02-15 Section 4.8.5 discusses concerns over tourism and references the most current 

economic indicators related to tourism from the U.S. Census Bureau. This 

analysis discusses tourism and visual impacts. Additional text was added to the 

final EIS which discusses in further detail the potential impacts of the offshore 

terminal on tourism, and it addresses concerns that were raised by the Mayor of 

Salinas. 

In addition, we are recommending that an emergency response plan be filed prior 

to commencing operations. 

Regarding the concern over anchor strikes to the pipeline, Aguirre LLC has 

revised its construction method to bury its pipeline or cover it with concrete mats,

thus minimizing the risk of anchor strikes.

See the response to comment CO02-51 regarding employment levels related to

construction and operation of the Project.
PM-53

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM02-16 The Offshore GasPort will have an emergency response plan prepared that 

addresses a number of the concerns raised. Additional information on the items to 

be included in the response plan is provided in section 4.11 of the final EIS.

PM02-17 Aguirre LLC has committed to hiring local people for many of its construction 

activities. In addition, there will be positions added at the Aguirre Plant to support 

operation of the facility, and the staff at the Aguirre Plant will be re-trained to 

support the new fuel source.
PM-54

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02-18 Additional information on the Project area has been included in section 4.8 to 

address the recreational and commercial uses of the area. In addition, additional 

information on tourism is included.

PM02-19 Additional information on the Project area has been included in section 4.8 to 

address the recreational and commercial uses of the area. Additional information 

on tourism is included.
PM-55

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM02-20 See the response to comment CO-01-19 regarding emergencies and emergency 

response plans.
PM-56

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM02-21 See the response to comment CO02-19 regarding emergency response. In 

addition, see comment CO01-16 regarding the response procedures related to fire 

and explosions.

PM02-22 The presence of marine mammals is addressed in the final EIS. See the responses 

to comments AG10-04 to AG10-07 for further information regarding marine 

mammals.

PM02-23 The potential temporary and permanent impacts of the pipeline on fishing and 

recreation activities are addressed in sections 4.7 and 4.8. 
PM-57

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM02-24 The visual impact of the facility on the surrounding area is addressed in section 

4.7.6.

PM02-25 The current environment and impact on marine creatures is addressed in section 

4.5.3. See also the response to comment AG08-06.

PM02-26 The FERC and USCG staff take seriously their responsibility to ensure the safe 

operation of the facility. See the response to comment CO01-19 for additional 

information.
PM-58

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-59

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM02-27 The 2010–2015 Jobos Bay Management Plan was used as a resource in the draft 

and final EISs and is referenced in section 4 as “DNER, 2010.”

PM02-28 The Jobos Bay Management Plan was used in the development of the final EIS.

PM02-29 Comment noted. Air conditions would be monitored under the terms of the air 

quality permit.
PM-60

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
PM-61

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)

PM02-30 Comment noted. The Aguirre Power Complex is required to meet the 

requirements of the EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxics Standard rule. In addition, 

section 3.2 provides an updated review of renewable energy alternatives.

PM02-31 Comment noted.

PM02-32 Comment noted. Aguirre LLC has proposed a change in its construction methods, 

which includes burying the pipeline except at the 1,700-foot section that crosses

the Boca del Infierno pass, where it is proposed to be laid on the surface and 

covered with concrete mats. However, we are recommending that the pipe be 

installed in this area using the HDD method or be rerouted to minimize impacts on 

coral resources.
PM-62

REUNIONES PÚBLICAS

PM02 – Public Meeting in Salinas, Puerto Rico (cont’d)
A

P-1

POSTULANTE

POSTULANTE

AP01 – Aguirre Offshore GasPort, LLC

AP01-01 We updated the applicable sections of the EIS.
A

P-2

POSTULANTE

AP01 – Aguirre Offshore GasPort, LLC (cont’d)