[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 218 (Tuesday, November 14, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78012-78013]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-25039]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP23-542-000]


Golden Triangle Storage, L.L.C.; Notice of Schedule for the 
Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Golden Triangle 
Storage Expansion Project

    On September 12, 2023, Golden Triangle Storage, L.L.C. (GTS) filed 
an application in Docket No. CP23-542-000 requesting a Certificate of 
Public Convenience and Necessity pursuant to section 7(c) of the 
Natural Gas Act to construct and operate certain natural gas storage 
facilities. The proposed project is known as the Golden Triangle 
Storage Expansion Project (Project) and would authorize GTS to 
construct additional storage caverns, compressor units, and appurtenant 
facilities at its existing storage facility in Jefferson County, Texas. 
According to GTS, the Project would add approximately 14.4 billion 
cubic feet of new natural gas storage capacity to meet market demand in 
the Gulf Coast Region and enhance operational capabilities at the 
existing storage facilities.
    On September 20, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 
(Commission or FERC) issued its Notice of Application for the Project. 
Among other things, that notice alerted agencies issuing Federal 
authorizations of the requirement to complete all necessary reviews and 
to reach a final decision on a request for a Federal authorization 
within 90 days of the date of issuance

[[Page 78013]]

of the Commission staff's environmental document for the Project.
    This notice identifies Commission staff's intention to prepare an 
environmental assessment (EA) for the Project and the planned schedule 
for the completion of the environmental review.\1\
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    \1\ 40 CFR 1501.10 (2020).
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Schedule for Environmental Review

Issuance of EA--February 1, 2024
90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline \2\--May 1, 2024
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    \2\ The Commission's deadline applies to the decisions of other 
Federal agencies, and State agencies acting under federally 
delegated authority, that are responsible for Federal 
authorizations, permits, and other approvals necessary for proposed 
projects under the Natural Gas Act. Per 18 CFR 157.22(a), the 
Commission's deadline for other agency's decisions applies unless a 
schedule is otherwise established by Federal law.

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

Project Description

    GTS proposes to construct and operate two underground salt dome 
natural gas storage caverns at its existing storage site, six 
additional 5,500 horsepower compressor units at its existing compressor 
station, a new brine disposal well and brine pipeline, and appurtenant 
facilities, in Jefferson County, Texas. Construction of the proposed 
facilities would temporarily disturb about 31 acres of land. Following 
construction, GTS would maintain about 5.2 acres of land for permanent 
operation of the Project's facilities; the remaining acreage would be 
restored and revert to former uses.

Background

    On September 21, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Scoping 
Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed 
Golden Triangle Storage Expansion Project (Notice of Scoping). The 
Notice of Scoping was sent to affected landowners; Federal, State, and 
local government agencies; elected officials; environmental and public 
interest groups; Native American Tribes; other interested parties; and 
local libraries and newspapers. In response to the Notice of Scoping, 
the Commission received comments from the Texas Parks and Wildlife 
Department, the Sierra Club, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 
The primary issues raised by the commentors are construction 
procedures, flood risks, effects on threatened and endangered species, 
water quality, air quality, hazardous waste management, and impacts to 
environmental justice communities. All substantive comments will be 
addressed in the EA.

Additional Information

    In order to receive notification of the issuance of the EA and to 
keep track of formal issuances and submittals in specific dockets, the 
Commission offers a free service called eSubscription. This service 
provides automatic notification of filings made to subscribed dockets, 
document summaries, and direct links to the documents. Go to https://www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview to register for eSubscription.
    The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports 
meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission 
proceedings. OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, 
environmental justice communities, Tribal members and others, access 
publicly available information and navigate Commission processes. For 
public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as 
interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, the public is 
encouraged to contact OPP at (202) 502-6595 or <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2a657a7a6a4c4f5849044d455c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="145b444454727166773a737b62">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Additional information about the Project is available from the 
Commission's Office of External Affairs at (866) 208-FERC or on the 
FERC website (www.ferc.gov). Using the ``eLibrary'' link, select 
``General Search'' from the eLibrary menu, enter the selected date 
range and ``Docket Number'' excluding the last three digits (i.e., 
CP23-542), and follow the instructions. For assistance with access to 
eLibrary, the helpline can be reached at (866) 208-3676, TTY (202) 502-
8659, or at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#24626176676b4a484d4a41775154544b565064424156470a434b52"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="15535047565a7b797c7b70466065657a676155737067763b727a63">[email protected]</span></a>. The eLibrary link on the FERC 
website also provides access to the texts of formal documents issued by 
the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rule makings.

    Dated: November 7, 2023.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023-25039 Filed 11-13-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


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