A Guide to LNG 

What All Citizens Should Know 

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Office of Energy Projects 

Washington, DC 
I. Background and Purpose

Natural gas accounts for about one quarter of all energy consumed in the United States. 

Approximately 14 percent of U.S. natural gas consumption is for electricity generation. 

Residential uses for heating, cooling and cooking account for 22 percent; industry consumes

40 percent; and the business sector uses 15 percent. Natural gas also serves as the raw 

material to make paint, plastics, fertilizer, steel, fabrics, glass and numerous other 

products. Natural gas is vital to the U.S. economy. 

Natural gas accounts for about one quarter of all energy consumed in the United States. 

Approximately 14 percent of U.S. natural gas consumption is for electricity generation. 

Residential uses for heating, cooling and cooking account for 22 percent; industry consumes

40 percent; and the business sector uses 15 percent. Natural gas also serves as the raw 

material to make paint, plastics, fertilizer, steel, fabrics, glass and numerous other 

products. Natural gas is vital to the U.S. economy. 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts natural gas demand by 2025 will grow

more than 38 percent. With domestic natural gas production apparently at or past its peak, 

liquefied natural gas (LNG) will play an increasingly important role in meeting our nation’s

energy needs. This will require construction of new LNG import terminals. 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts natural gas demand by 2025 will grow

more than 38 percent. With domestic natural gas production apparently at or past its peak, 

liquefied natural gas (LNG) will play an increasingly important role in meeting our nation’s

energy needs. This will require construction of new LNG import terminals. 

This pamphlet, produced by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or

Commission), is intended to provide useful information to citizens regarding the nature of

LNG, the review process used by FERC staff in analyzing proposed LNG facilities, and how to 

participate in the review process. 

This pamphlet, produced by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or

Commission), is intended to provide useful information to citizens regarding the nature of

LNG, the review process used by FERC staff in analyzing proposed LNG facilities, and how to 

participate in the review process. 

II. LNG Facts 

What is LNG? 

Natural gas, primarily methane, is colorless, odorless and non-toxic. LNG is natural gas that 

has been supercooled to a liquid at -260°F (-162.2°C). Liquefying natural gas reduces its 

volume by more than 600 times, making it more practical for storage and transportation.

Natural gas, primarily methane, is colorless, odorless and non-toxic. LNG is natural gas that 

has been supercooled to a liquid at -260°F (-162.2°C). Liquefying natural gas reduces its 

volume by more than 600 times, making it more practical for storage and transportation.

Methane is only flammable at air concentration mixtures of 5%-to-15%. At a higher 

concentration there is not enough oxygen to sustain a flame, while at a lower concentration 

the fuel becomes too diluted to ignite. 

Methane is only flammable at air concentration mixtures of 5%-to-15%. At a higher 

concentration there is not enough oxygen to sustain a flame, while at a lower concentration 

the fuel becomes too diluted to ignite. 

Is LNG Explosive? 

LNG is not at all explosive or flammable in mable in its liquid state.

What happens when LNG is w LNG is warmed? 

As a vapor, natural gas mixed with air is flammable in the air concentrations noted 

previously. As LNG vapor warms above -160°F (-106.7°C), it becomes lighter than air and

will rise and disperse rather than collect near the ground. However, it is not explosive 

unless flammable concentrations of gas occur in enclosed or otherwise confined spaces. 

As a vapor, natural gas mixed with air is flammable in the air concentrations noted 

previously. As LNG vapor warms above -160°F (-106.7°C), it becomes lighter than air and

will rise and disperse rather than collect near the ground. However, it is not explosive 

unless flammable concentrations of gas occur in enclosed or otherwise confined spaces. 

1

A detailed review performed by FERC and other agencies, such as the Coast 

Guard, provides a comprehensive analysis of accident and spill scenarios at an

LNG facility.
Spill sizes as well as fire sizes, vapor clouds, and resulting hazard zones are extensively 

analyzed. The coordinated efforts of FERC, the Coast Guard, U.S. Department of 

sis. 

ars without major accidents 

or safety problems, and no serious accidents involving an LNG terminal facility in the U.S.

storage facility in Cleveland, Ohio, a tank without an 

impoundment dike failed and spilled LNG into the street and storm sewer system. The 

etals were strictly rationed, using a steel 

alloy that had low nickel content. The low nickel content made the tank brittle when 

 materials proven capable of safely containing LNG 

at cryogenic (supercold) temperatures. Modern day spill containment/dike requirements for

9, at the Cove Point LNG import facility in Lusby, Maryland, an operational accident 

occurred when a pump seal failed. Gas vapors entered an electrical conduit and settled in a 

imilarly, a Department of Energy/FERC investigation of an explosion at an LNG liquefaction

facility in Skikda, Algeria in 2004, led to design and hazard monitoring requirements at all 

tation safety record of LNG ships coming to the US? 

transportation in 1959, there have been only eight significant incidents involving LNG ships, 

Natural gas is converted to its liquid state (LNG) at export facilities called liquefaction 

plants. Indonesia, Algeria, Malaysia, Trinidad and Qatar are currently the leading exporters 

of LNG. Nigeria, Russia, Iran, Australia and other countries also have the potential to 

2

pill sizes as well as fire sizes, vapor clouds, and resulting hazard zones are extensively 

analyzed. The coordinated efforts of FERC, the Coast Guard, U.S. Department of 

sis. 

ars without major accidents 

or safety problems, and no serious accidents involving an LNG terminal facility in the U.S.

storage facility in Cleveland, Ohio, a tank without an 

impoundment dike failed and spilled LNG into the street and storm sewer system. The 

etals were strictly rationed, using a steel 

alloy that had low nickel content. The low nickel content made the tank brittle when 

 materials proven capable of safely containing LNG 

at cryogenic (supercold) temperatures. Modern day spill containment/dike requirements for

9, at the Cove Point LNG import facility in Lusby, Maryland, an operational accident 

occurred when a pump seal failed. Gas vapors entered an electrical conduit and settled in a 

imilarly, a Department of Energy/FERC investigation of an explosion at an LNG liquefaction

facility in Skikda, Algeria in 2004, led to design and hazard monitoring requirements at all 

tation safety record of LNG ships coming to the US? 

transportation in 1959, there have been only eight significant incidents involving LNG ships, 

Natural gas is converted to its liquid state (LNG) at export facilities called liquefaction 

plants. Indonesia, Algeria, Malaysia, Trinidad and Qatar are currently the leading exporters 

of LNG. Nigeria, Russia, Iran, Australia and other countries also have the potential to 

Transportation (DOT), and other state and federal organizations strive to assure the safe

transit to and storage at the terminal and are described in great detail in the analy

What is the operational safety record of LNG Facilities? 

Transportation (DOT), and other state and federal organizations strive to assure the safe

transit to and storage at the terminal and are described in great detail in the analy

What is the operational safety record of LNG Facilities? 

LNG has be LNG has been delivere en delivered across the oceans fo across the oceans for more than 45 ye

has happened in over 25 years. 

On October 20, 1944, at an LNG

has happened in over 25 years. 

On October 20, 1944, at an LNG

resulting explosion and fire killed 128 people. 

That tank was built during World War II, when m

resulting explosion and fire killed 128 people. 

That tank was built during World War II, when m

exposed to the extreme cold of LNG. 

Modern LNG tanks are constructed with

exposed to the extreme cold of LNG. 

Modern LNG tanks are constructed with

LNG facilities ensure that in the unlikely event of an LNG spill, none would leave the plant

site. 

In 197

LNG facilities ensure that in the unlikely event of an LNG spill, none would leave the plant

site. 

In 197

confined space. When a worker switched off a circuit breaker the gas ignited causing a 

fatality and heavy damage to the building. Lessons learned from this accident resulted in

changes to the national fire codes to ensure that a similar situation could not reoccur. 

confined space. When a worker switched off a circuit breaker the gas ignited causing a 

fatality and heavy damage to the building. Lessons learned from this accident resulted in

changes to the national fire codes to ensure that a similar situation could not reoccur. 

S

U.S. import facilities.

What is the transpor

U.S. import facilities.

What is the transpor

During mor During more than 33,0 than 33,000 voyages 00 voyages complete completed since the inception of LNG maritim d since the inception of LNG maritime

none of which resulted in spills from cargo tank ruptures.

Where does LNG come from?

none of which resulted in spills from cargo tank ruptures.

Where does LNG come from?

All newly authorized LNG facilities must comply with the latest safety standards.

2
export LNG. The LNG is imported

w

How is LNG shipped? 

Specially designed tankers are used to transport LNG to import terminals. The ships can 

carry LNG over long distances and are constructed of specialized materials an

by many countries, such as the U.S. and especially Japan, 

here natural gas needs are far in excess of the local production capacity. 

d equipped 

with sophisticated systems designed to store LNG safely at temperatures near -260 °F 

esign, with independent tanks, use externally insulated spherical aluminum

tanks or externally insulated prismatic shaped stainless steel tanks that are self supporting 

metimes transported by truck. LNG tanker trucks typically carry 

between 10,000 and 12,000 gallons (38-to-45 m3

) of LNG; enough to supply the daily 

p to 

nverted back to a gas at the terminal, 

which is linked to natural gas pipelines that transport the gas to where it is needed. 

ow is LNG stored? 

ak

the

existing facilities in the U.S. were constructed between 1965 and 1975. 

LNG is stored at very low (near atmospheric) pressure in double-walled, insulated tanks. 

All new LNG facilities are required to have a dike or impounding wall capable of containing

Storage facilities use advanced monitoring systems to immediately detect any liquid or 

natural gas leaks or fires at the plant. 

(-162.2°C). 

There are two basic LNG tanker designs, both of which are double-hulled. In membrane 

tank designs, the cargo containment system consists of a very thin invar or stainless steel

double-walled, insulated cargo envelope that is structurally supported by the vessel’s hull. 

The second d

within the vessel’s hull.

LNG tanker ships are required to meet international maritime construction and operating 

standards as well as rigorous Coast Guard safety and security regulations. 

Once on shore, LNG is so

needs of approximately 1,000 homes. LNG trucks are used to deliver LNG from import 

terminals to remote or satellite storage facilities. 

Where do ships unload LNG?

LNG tankers dock at specially designed terminals where the LNG is pumped from the shi

insulated storage tanks at the terminal. LNG is co

H

LNG is stored at more than 100 U.S. facilities, typically either for use during periods of pe

natural gas demand (“peakshaving”) or as a baseload source of natural gas. Most of

The inner tank contains the LNG, while the outer tank contains the insulation and prevents 

any natural gas vapor from escaping. 

110% of the maximum LNG storage capacity. In the unlikely event of a spill, this feature

will prevent LNG from flowing off site. 

3
Which LNG facilities are authorized by the USCG/MARAD & by FERC? 

Under the Natural Gas Act, FERC has primary jurisdiction over the siting and operation of 

onshore LNG facilities and offshore facilities in state waters, whereas the Coast Guard and 

e

ilities in Federal waters.

dling of Liquefied Natural 

Gas. 

In accordance with federal safety standards, vapor-gas dispersion distances must be 

a fire would burn with intense heat, each onshore LNG container and LNG transfer 

system must also have thermal exclusion zones established in accordance with Title 49, 

Seismic Design Requirements 

n

quake 

ant. These critical components must be designed and 

constructed to maintain LNG containment during and after an earthquake.

What public safety issues are associated with LNG?

concentration 

in the air, the vapor cloud will ignite and burn along a flame-front, back toward the spill site. 

If LNG spills and vaporizes in the presence of an ignition source, a fire likely will result. The 

fire will burn back toward the spill site.

Maritime Administration (MARAD) have jurisdiction under the Deep Water Port Act for th

siting and operation of offshore LNG fac

How are terminals designed? 

All LNG storage facility designs must comply with stringent regulations as required by the

DOT’s safety standards in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 193 - Liquefied 

Natural Gas Facilities: Federal Safety Standards and NFPA (National Fire Protection 

Association) 59A - Standard for the Production, Storage and Han

calculated to determine how far downwind a natural gas cloud could travel from an onshore

storage facility and still be flammable. As required by these regulations, these exclusion

zones must not reach beyond a property line where other development could occur.

Since

CFR, Part 193. These exclusion zones must be legally controlled by the LNG facility

operator, or a government agency, to ensure adequate separation between members of the 

public and the heat from a fire. 

LNG facilities must meet stringent standards to ensure public safety and plant reliability i

the event of an earthquake. Extensive studies of the geological conditions and earth

history of a proposed LNG site are required to determine appropriate design loads on the 

critical components of the LNG pl

If LNG spills it will vaporize. The resulting natural gas vapors will warm and expand, and 

become lighter than air. The vapors will disperse with the prevailing wind.

If a source of ignition is present where a vapor cloud exists at a 5%-to-15%

The FERC Environmental Impact Statement (described below) gives a detailed 

review of potential fires and vapor clouds, their size, and the hazards they create. 

4
5 

Security for LNG Facilities and Ships 

FERC is among several federal agencies overseeing the security of LNG import terminals and 

peakshaving plants. The Coast Guard has lead responsibility for LNG shipping and marine 

terminal security. DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) 

and the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 

have security authority for LNG peakshaving facilities. In addition to federal agencies, state 

and local authorities (police and fire departments) provide security assistance at LNG 

facilities. 

Security measures for both onshore and offshore portions of marine terminals are required 

by Coast Guard regulations under the Maritime Transportation Security Act. Requirements 

for maintaining security of LNG import terminals are in the Coast Guard regulations at 33 

CFR Part 105. The Coast Guard keeps other ships and boats from getting near LNG vessels 

while in transit or docked by enforcing Regulated Navigation Areas and security zones. 

The Coast Guard performs a number of important security and safety checks before allowing 

an LNG tanker to enter a port and unload its LNG. These include: 

• 96-hour advance notification of ship arrival, 

• ship safety inspection, 

• manifest and crew documentation, 

• establishment of a safety zone around ships while en route and during unloading 

operations, and 

• inspection of dock safety systems before allowing LNG to be unloaded 

Facilities are required to have a written Security Plan and an Emergency Response Plan. 

FERC, DOT, and Coast Guard require LNG companies to contact and coordinate procedures 

with local response organizations (local Emergency Planning Committee, local Fire 

Department, State Police, and local navigation and safety committees). 

FERC Security Review 

Safety and security have always been extremely important matters for LNG operators and 

regulators. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, heightened concerns over security 

issues are now being addressed for both operation of existing LNG facilities as well as for 

the approval of new or expanded facilities. 

For example, FERC has removed from its website Critical Energy Infrastructure Information 

(CEII) that includes engineering design details pertaining to LNG storage facilities. 

Examples of CEII are all detailed piping and instrumentation diagrams, and other 

information that could be useful to a person planning an attack on critical infrastructure. 

FERC coordinates closely with the Coast Guard and other agencies to address marine safety 

and security at LNG import facilities. 

FERC coordinates closely with these other agencies when evaluating security 

issues as part of its Cryogenic Design Review Process. 
In February 2004, in an effort to address these and other related issues, the FERC, the 

Coast Guard, and DOT’s PHMSA entered into an Interagency Agreement for the Safety and 

Security Review of Waterfront Import/Export Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities. The 

agreement, among other things, delineates the roles and responsibilities of each agency 

relative to LNG terminals and LNG tanker operations. 

rences

ty issues. 

Moreover, a condition placed in every FERC LNG terminal authorization gives the Director of

otect human life, health, property or the environment, 

including authority to direct the LNG facility to cease operations. 

oughout the United States. FERC 

coordinates closely with the Coast Guard and DOT to assure a complete and seamless 

The project timeline for any LNG project authorization proceeding before the Commission

Pre-Filing Technical Consultation 

Prior to a company filing an LNG-related application, company representatives commonly 

e

ages

tion Plan that identifies 

specific tools and actions to facilitate stakeholder communication and dissemination of 

n

part of the formal Pre-Filing Process (PF). The PF Process requires applicants to engage 

resolution of issues that must be addressed for each 

project. 

e

ting agencies and FERC Commissioners about the potential 

environmental impacts of proposed projects and their alternatives. 

FERC participates in the Coast Guard’s special waterway suitability assessment confe

with other government and law enforcement agencies to address safety and securi

FERC’s Office of Energy Projects (OEP) authority to take whatever steps are necessary to 

ensure operational reliability and to pr

III. The FERC Review Process for LNG Projects (Pre-Filing Through Operation) 

The FERC LNG Program assures the continued safe operation and system reliability of 

proposed and operating jurisdictional LNG facilities thr

review of LNG operations from the point of entry into U.S. waters. 

may be segmented into three distinct phases: pre-filing technical consultation, which might 

include interagency coordination, scoping of issues, alternative siting analysis, and public 

outreach; pre-authorization review; and post-authorization inspection and monitoring. 

meet with FERC staff to explain the proposal and solicit advice. These meetings provid

prospective applicants the opportunity for FERC staff to offer suggestions related to the

environmental, engineering and safety features of the proposal. FERC staff also encour

LNG project proponents to develop and implement a Public Participa

public information.

In this manner, FERC staff learns about future projects that may be filed at the Commissio

and can help direct companies in application preparation. This assistance is provided as

stakeholders in early discussions and

Pre-Authorization Review 

Prior to any Commission decision regarding an application for a new LNG terminal, FERC 

staff prepares an environmental impact statement (EIS) to fulfill the requirements of the 

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The purpose of the document is to inform th

public, other permit

6
As part of its NEPA analysis FERC must comply with certain statutory requirements. These 

include section 307 of the Coastal Zone Management Act, section 7 of the Endangered 

Species Act, section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. As the lead federal agency FERC staff

also coor

As part of its NEPA analysis FERC must comply with certain statutory requirements. These 

include section 307 of the Coastal Zone Management Act, section 7 of the Endangered 

Species Act, section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. As the lead federal agency FERC staff

also coordinates closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. EPA in fulfilling 

the requirements of the Clean Water Act, the Rivers and Harbors Act, and the Clean Air Act. 

st Guard to ensure the waterways management/navigation

safety issues under the Ports and Waterways Safety Act and the maritime security issues 

clude 

• equipment spacing, 

• design spills, and 

Thermal radiation and flammable vapor exclusion zones are required within the facility site 

r on adjacent property controlled by the operator. FERC engineering staff independently 

calculates and verifies the hazard modeling and presents the results in the EIS.

e 

Report: Guidance on Risk Analysis and 

Safety Implications of a Large Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Spill Over Water, and 

cribed in FERC’s ABSG Consulting Inc. study, Consequence 

ds for Incidents Involving Releases from Liquefied Natural Gas 

, as 

well as in establishing potential impact areas for emergency response and evacuation

FERC staff must address any waterway issues that arise during the process. Issues that 

typically come to the fore include vessel traffic congestion and security concerns. 

7

dinates closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. EPA in fulfilling 

the requirements of the Clean Water Act, the Rivers and Harbors Act, and the Clean Air Act. 

st Guard to ensure the waterways management/navigation

safety issues under the Ports and Waterways Safety Act and the maritime security issues 

clude 

• equipment spacing, 

• design spills, and 

Thermal radiation and flammable vapor exclusion zones are required within the facility site 

r on adjacent property controlled by the operator. FERC engineering staff independently 

calculates and verifies the hazard modeling and presents the results in the EIS.

e 

Report: Guidance on Risk Analysis and 

Safety Implications of a Large Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Spill Over Water, and 

cribed in FERC’s ABSG Consulting Inc. study, Consequence 

ds for Incidents Involving Releases from Liquefied Natural Gas 

, as 

well as in establishing potential impact areas for emergency response and evacuation

FERC staff must address any waterway issues that arise during the process. Issues that 

typically come to the fore include vessel traffic congestion and security concerns. 

FERC coordinates with the Coa

under the Maritime Transportati me Transportation Security Act are addressed. are addressed. 

A thorough analysis of every substantive issue is undertaken during th

preparation of an EIS. 

e

The NEPA documents for new LNG facilities (and major expansions of existing sites) in

a robust study of potential impacts to public safety. To protect the public from potential 

incidents at an LNG facility, FERC staff determines if the proposal meets the siting

requirements of DOT’s regulations in 49 CFR 193 and National Fire Protection Association 

Standard (NFPA) 59A. The siting analysis includes: 

• verification of LNG dike and impoundment volumes, 

The NEPA documents for new LNG facilities (and major expansions of existing sites) in

a robust study of potential impacts to public safety. To protect the public from potential 

incidents at an LNG facility, FERC staff determines if the proposal meets the siting

requirements of DOT’s regulations in 49 CFR 193 and National Fire Protection Association 

Standard (NFPA) 59A. The siting analysis includes: 

• verification of LNG dike and impoundment volumes, 

• exclusion zone calculations 

o

FERC staff also determines areas of hazard with respect to LNG spills from ships during th

analysis of an LNG terminal. Staff uses results from the:

• December 2004 Sandia National Laboratories

FERC staff also determines areas of hazard with respect to LNG spills from ships during th

analysis of an LNG terminal. Staff uses results from the:

• December 2004 Sandia National Laboratories

• the method the methodology des

Assessme Assessment Metho

Carriers (June 18, 2004) 

to calculate thermal radiation and flammable vapor dispersion distances. Results from the 

analysis are estimates of an average most probable “worst case” scenario that provides 

guidance in developing the safety and security requirements for LNG vessel transport

to calculate thermal radiation and flammable vapor dispersion distances. Results from the 

analysis are estimates of an average most probable “worst case” scenario that provides 

guidance in developing the safety and security requirements for LNG vessel transport

planning. 

7
Ano r

Design

The m

reliabilit of

the pro

ping and instrumentation, 

• seismic design, 

• hazard detection & control systems, 

• security & emergency plans 

facility and includes staff’s conclusions and 

recommendations concerning the proposed project. Ultimately, these recommendations 

ERC Order approving the project. 

Post u ection and Monitoring

Once p prehensive design review and inspection process 

conti two main phases during construction and during operation. If a

company for a project and has met all pre-construction

condi n C Order, the Director of OEP will authorize construction to 

begin

ction is required to file semi-annual

reports to summarize plant operations, maintenance activity and abnormal events for the 

How will I first hear about proposed facility construction? 

If you live in the vicinity of a proposed project you may first learn of it through newspaper 

the large component of this analysis is accomplished under a separate Cryogenic 

Review, which runs parallel to the environmental review. 

Cryogenic Design Review assures the safe design of the proposed facilities and syste

y. During this phase, OEP engineers (and consultants) perform a detailed review

posed LNG facility design.

FERC engineers evaluate: 

• design features, 

• tank foundations, 

• pi

• pressure relief and venting, 

• spill containment, 

• fire fighting water systems, 

• emergency shutdown, 

The completed Cryogenic Design and Inspection Manual summarizes the design, process 

and equipment proposed at the LNG

appear as conditions in any F

-A thorization Insp

a roject is authorized, the com

nues. This occurs in

 receives FERC Authorization

tio s required by a FER

.

The i ritten authorization before construction is 

allowed to commence. Prior to commencement of service from the LNG

D rector of OEP must issue w

facility, the company must receive written approval from the Director of OEP. 

Only after complying with all pre-operation conditions listed in the 

Commission Order would a company receive authorization to begin operation.

Once in operation, each LNG facility under FERC jurisdi

previous six months. FERC staff conducts regular inspections (focusing on equipment, 

operation, safety and security) of each facility throughout its operational life. 

IV. How to get involved in the review process 

8
notices or a direct mailing from FERC or the Applicant. If the Pre-Filing Process is

im es,

r

a u 

NG terminal 

n application is filed with the Commission.

9

otices or a direct mailing from FERC or the Applicant. If the Pre-Filing Process is

im es,

r

a u 

NG terminal 

n application is filed with the Commission.

plemented on an LNG project you will likely learn about it through a variety of sourc

uch as open-house meetings sponsored by the LNG terminal developer, newspape

dvertisements, notices mailed by FERC, or discussions with friends and neighbors. If yo

wn land within a half mile of a proposed LNG site, you will be notified by the L

eveloper through Certified or First Class mail, in accordance with FERC regulations, once

plemented on an LNG project you will likely learn about it through a variety of sourc

uch as open-house meetings sponsored by the LNG terminal developer, newspape

dvertisements, notices mailed by FERC, or discussions with friends and neighbors. If yo

wn land within a half mile of a proposed LNG site, you will be notified by the L

eveloper through Certified or First Class mail, in accordance with FERC regulations, once

s

o

d

a

How can I obtain more details about the company’s application? 

FERC’s records on a project are publicly accessible and can be obtained from the FERC

website. The application or pre-filing papers may also be viewed or downloaded free of

charge through the Commission’s website, www.ferc.gov

How can I obtain more details about the company’s application? 

FERC’s records on a project are publicly accessible and can be obtained from the FERC

website. The application or pre-filing papers may also be viewed or downloaded free of

charge through the Commission’s website, www.ferc.gov, using the “eLibrary” link and the 

t 1-866-208-3676. 

of maps or similar 

e website will provide 

n directly to FERC: first, if you want FERC to 

consider your views on the various environmental issues involved in the location of the 

kes several levels 

o comment at

nstructions on how to do this are available from the 

Commission’s Office of External Affairs. Becoming an intervenor is not complicated and 

or, you will receive the applicant’s filings and other 

ommission documents related to the case and materials filed by other interested parties. 

appeal the Commission’s final ruling. However, along with these rights come 

sponsibilities. For example, you must serve copies of your filings on all other parties.

project’s docket number. User assistance is available a

Note that in most cases you will not be able to view or print copies

locational information from the Commission’s website. However, th

instructions for obtaining the material.

How do I make my views known? 

You may contact the company through the contact person listed in the notification you

receive. 

There are two ways to make your views know

facility, you can do so by simply writing a letter. The Commission underta

of environmental analysis. The Commission affords you the opportunity t

various stages in this process. Details are available from the Commission’s Office of 

External Affairs at 1-866-208-3372. Check the Commission’s website for details on filing

electronically. By filing comments, your views will be considered and addressed in the 

environmental documents or a final order. Additionally, you will be placed on a mailing list

to receive environmental documents in the case. 

And the second way? 

You may file to become an intervenor. I

gives you official rights. As an interven

C

You will also be able to file briefs, appear at hearings and be heard by the courts if you 

choose to

re

Typically, you must file for intervenor status within 21 days of FERC’s notice of the 

application in the Federal Register, although the Commission may accept late intervention

for good cause. You may also file for intervenor status for the purposes of environmental

issues during the comment period for a draft EIS. 

9

A special case exists for projects FERC staff is reviewing under the Pre-Filing 

(“PF”) Process. On PF cases, the objective is to engage all interested 

stakeholders (private citizens and the general public, affected landowners, as 

well as industry and resource or permitting agencies) in early open 

discussions with the goal of resolving substantive environmental issues before

a formal application is filed.
Formal interventions are premature during a PF review and are not accepted at that tim

Nevertheless, ample opportunity is provided for filing formal interventions after the required

application is filed.

For additional informat

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

Office of External Affairs 

888 First Street, NE 

Washington, DC 20426

202-502-8804 

1-866-208-3372 (toll free) 

202-502-8371 (TTY) 

Formal interventions are premature during a PF review and are not accepted at that tim

Nevertheless, ample opportunity is provided for filing formal interventions after the required

application is filed.

For additional informat

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

Office of External Affairs 

888 First Street, NE 

Washington, DC 20426

202-502-8804 

1-866-208-3372 (toll free) 

202-502-8371 (TTY) 

e.

ion, contact: 

www.ferc.gov

10

e.

ion, contact: 

www.ferc.gov

Other related FERC documents:

• FERC Regulations Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (18 CFR Part 

380)

• Guidance on Risk Analysis and Safety Implication of a Large Liquefied Natural Gas

(LNG) Spill Over Water , Sandia National Laboratory, 2004 [PDF]

• Guidance: FERC Staff NEPA PreFiling Involvement, February 10, 2004 [PDF]

• Consequence Assessment Methods for Incidents Involving Releases From Liquefied 

Natural Gas Carriers [PDF]

• Interagency Agreement For Safety and Security Review of Waterfront Import/Export 

Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities [PDF]

• Staff Report: Ideas for Better Stakeholder Involvement In the Interstate Natural Gas

Pipeline Planning PreFiling Process [PDF] 

April 29, 2005

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