Document ID: FERC-2008-0757-0001
Agency: ferc
Document Type: Notice
Title: Intent to Prepare an Environmental Assessment: South System Expansion III Project and Joint Pipeline Expansion Phase II Project
Posted Date: 2008-05-22T04:00Z

[Federal Register: May 22, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 100)]
[Notices]               
[Page 29747-29750]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22my08-40]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. PF08-13-000; Docket No. PF08-16-000]

 
Southern Natural Gas Company; Southeast Supply Header, LLC; 
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the 
Proposed South System Expansion III Project and Joint Pipeline 
Expansion Phase II Project and Request for Comments on Environmental 
Issues

May 16, 2008.
    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or 
Commission) will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) that will 
address the environmental impacts of the South System Expansion III 
Project (SSEIII Project) proposed by Southern Natural Gas Company (SNG) 
and the Joint Pipeline Expansion Phase II Project (JPE Phase II 
Project) proposed by Southeast Supply Header, LLC (SESH); together they 
are referred to as ``the projects''. The Commission will use the EA in 
its decision-making process to determine whether or not to authorize 
the project. This notice explains the scoping process we \1\ will use 
to gather environmental input from the public and interested agencies 
on the projects. Your input will help the Commission determine the 
issues that need to be evaluated in the EA. Please note that the 
scoping period will close on June 16, 2008.
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    \1\ ``We,'' ``us,'' and ``our'' refer to the environmental staff 
of the FERC's Office of Energy Projects.
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    Details on how to submit written comments are provided in the 
Public Participation section of this notice.
    If you are a landowner receiving this notice, you may be contacted 
by a pipeline company representative about the acquisition of an 
easement to construct, operate, and maintain the proposed project 
facilities. Each pipeline company would seek to negotiate a mutually 
acceptable agreement for its project. However, if the projects are 
approved by the Commission, that approval conveys with it the right of 
eminent domain. Therefore, if easement negotiations fail to produce an 
agreement, the pipeline company could initiate condemnation proceedings 
in accordance with state law.
    This notice is being 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. We encourage government 
representatives to notify their constituents of this planned project 
and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern.
    A fact sheet prepared by the FERC entitled ``An Interstate Natural 
Gas Facility on My Land? What Do I Need To Know?'' is available for 
viewing on the FERC Internet Web site (http://www.ferc.gov). This fact 
sheet addresses a number of typically asked questions, including the 
use of eminent domain and how to participate in the FERC's proceedings.

Summary of the Proposed Projects

    SNG and SESH propose to construct, own, operate, and maintain 
certain natural gas transportation facilities within the states of 
Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The general

[[Page 29748]]

locations of the proposed pipeline and compression facilities are shown 
in the figures included as Appendix 1.\2\ The purpose of the projects 
is to provide natural gas transportation service to Georgia Power 
Company's (Georgia Power) existing Plant McDonough. Georgia Power is 
converting the Plant McDonough electric generation from coal-fueled to 
natural gas-fueled. The SSEIII Project would increase pipeline capacity 
on SNG's existing system to serve Georgia Power, and SESH's proposed 
JPE Phase II Project would provide the required additional upstream 
transportation capacity.
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    \2\ The appendices referenced in this notice are not being 
printed in the Federal Register. Copies of all appendices, other 
than Appendix 1 (maps), are available on the Commission's Web site 
at the ``eLibrary'' link or from the Commission's Public Reference 
Room, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, or call (202) 
502-8371. For instructions on connecting to eLibrary refer to the 
Public Participation section of this notice. Copies of the 
appendices were sent to all those receiving this notice in the mail. 
Requests for detailed maps of the proposed facilities should be made 
directly to SNG or SESH.
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SSEIII Project

    SNG proposes to construct the SSEIII Project in three phases. In 
addition to the listed facilities, SNG would install a cathodic 
protection system to mitigate pipeline corrosion, an AC mitigation 
system where the pipeline would be near high voltage power lines, ten 
pig launchers or receivers, and four mainline valves.
    Phase I would be constructed entirely within the state of Georgia. 
The construction of the meter station would begin during the first 
quarter of 2010 and would have an in-service date in the second quarter 
of 2010. SNG proposes beginning construction of the Phase I pipeline 
facilities in the second quarter of 2010 and having an in-service date 
during the fourth quarter of 2010. The proposed facilities are listed 
below.
     The Plant McDonough Meter Station would be constructed at 
milepost (MP) 1.09 on SNG's South Atlanta-Austell Line in Fulton 
County, Georgia.
     The Thomaston-Griffin Branch Third Loop (Thomaston-Griffin 
Loop) would consist of about 31.2 miles of 30-inch-diameter pipeline 
loop parallel to SNG's existing 20-inch-diameter Thomaston-Griffin 
Branch Second Loop and two pipelines owned and operated by Atlanta Gas 
Light Company between Thomaston and Griffin, Georgia in Upson, Lamar, 
and Spalding Counties. The Thomaston-Griffin Loop would extend from 
SNG's existing Thomaston Compressor Station (MP 0.0) in Upson County to 
the interconnection with SNG's existing Riverdale pipeline in Spalding 
County (MPs 0.0 to 31.2).
     The South Atlanta-Austell Replacement would consist of 
replacement of about 10.9 miles of the existing 18-inch-diameter South 
Atlanta-Austell pipeline with a 30-inch-diameter pipeline between 
Riverdale and Union City in Fulton and Clayton Counties, Georgia (MPs 
0.0 to 10.9).
    Phase II facilities would be constructed within the state of 
Mississippi. SNG proposes to begin their construction during the fourth 
quarter of 2010 and to have an in-service date during the second 
quarter of 2011. The proposed Phase II facilities are listed below.
     The South Main Third Loop Line (Gwinville Loop) would 
consist of about 9.5 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline loop 
constructed adjacent to SNG's existing South Main System in Jefferson 
Davis and Simpson Counties, Mississippi. The Gwinville Loop would 
extend from SNG's existing Gwinville Compressor Station near Gwinville, 
Jefferson Davis County to a point near Magee, Simpson County, 
Mississippi (MPs 0.0 to 9.5).
     An additional 10,310 horsepower (hp) of compression and 
associated ancillary facilities would be installed at SNG's existing 
Bay Springs Compressor Station in Jasper County, Mississippi.
    Phase III facilities would be constructed in the states of 
Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. SNG proposes to begin construction 
of these facilities during the third quarter of 2011 and to have an in-
service date during the second quarter of 2012. The proposed Phase II 
facilities are listed below.
     The South Main Third Loop Line (Enterprise Loop) would 
consist of about 2.8 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline loop 
constructed adjacent to SNG's existing 30-, 24-, and 18-inch-diameter 
pipelines in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. The Enterprise Loop would 
extend between SNG's existing Enterprise and Bay Springs Compressor 
Stations (MPs 89.6 to 92.6).
     The South Main Fourth Loop Line (Gallion Loop) would 
consist of about 6.5 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline loop 
constructed adjacent to SNG's existing 30-, 24-, and dual 18-inch-
diameter pipelines in Hale and Perry Counties, Alabama. The Gallion 
Loop would extend between SNG's existing Gallion and Selma Compressor 
Stations (MPs 149.9 to 156.4).
     The South Main Fourth Loop Line (Elmore Loop) would 
consist of about 11.7 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline loop 
constructed adjacent to SNG's existing 30-, 24-, 18-, and 16-inch-
diameter pipelines in Elmore County, Alabama. The Elmore Loop would 
extend between SNG's existing Elmore and Auburn Compressor Stations 
(MPs 221.6 to 233.3).
     An additional 7,000 hp of compression and associated 
ancillary facilities would be installed at the existing Ellerslie 
Compressor Station in Harris County, Georgia.

JPE Phase II Project

    SESH proposes the installation of additional compression at two of 
its existing compressor stations as described below. SESH proposes 
beginning construction of its facilities in October 2009 and having an 
in-service date in July 2010.
     An additional 13,000 hp of compression and associated 
ancillary facilities would be installed at its Delhi Compressor Station 
in Richland Parish, Louisiana.
     An additional 13,000 hp of compression and associated 
ancillary facilities would be installed at its Gwinville Compressor 
Station in Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi.

Land Requirements for Construction

SSEIII Project

    The typical construction right-of-way width for the SSEIII Project 
loop pipelines would vary between 90 and 100 feet. The majority of this 
construction right-of-way, however, would overlap the existing 
permanent rights-of-way of the adjacent pipelines. Therefore, between 
zero and 30 feet of additional temporary right-of-way would be required 
for construction. Construction of the South Atlanta-Austell Replacement 
would be accomplished within a 65- to 80-foot-wide construction right-
of-way and would require up to 5 feet of additional temporary right-of-
way. The typical construction right-of-way width through wetlands would 
be reduced to 75 feet. Following construction, SNG would retain between 
zero and 20 feet of additional permanent right-of-way for operation.
    Additional temporary extra workspaces beyond the typical 
construction right-of-way limits would be required at certain feature 
crossings (e.g., roads, railroads, wetlands, or waterbodies, 
utilities), in areas with steep side slopes, in association with 
special construction techniques, for topsoil segregation, and for pipe, 
equipment, and contractor yards. SNG would access its project 
construction areas primarily along the existing pipeline right-of-way 
and existing roads; however, other access roads may be required during 
construction.

[[Page 29749]]

    Construction of most of SNG's proposed aboveground facilities would 
be completed within the construction workspaces associated with 
pipeline construction or within or adjacent to its existing compressor 
station yards. Operation of the proposed additional compressor 
facilities would be within the existing compressor station sites. The 
proposed Plant McDonough Meter Station would require about 1.0 acre for 
construction and operation.
    Based on preliminary information, construction of SNG's proposed 
project facilities would affect about 867.5 acres including the 
proposed meter station. Operation of the SSEIII Project would require 
about 45.4 acres as permanent right-of-way that would be restored as 
open land or as industrial where aboveground facilities would be 
operated. The remaining 822.1 acres of temporary workspaces would be 
restored and would return to previous land use. These totals do not 
include the temporary land requirements for access roads or contractor, 
pipe, or equipment yards.

JPE Phase II Project

    SESH would require about 56.0 acres for construction of the 
compressor additions at both project locations of which about 44.0 
acres would be required at the Delhi Compressor Station and about 12.0 
acres would be required at the Gwinville Compressor Station. Operation 
of the proposed facilities would not require any additional land 
outside the existing compressor station sites. Access to both 
construction areas would be along the permanent compressor station 
access roads. No new temporary or permanent roads would be required.

Total Land Requirements

    The total land requirements for the projects would be 923.5 acres 
for construction and about 45.4 acres for operation. The remaining 
878.1 acres of temporary workspace (including all temporary 
construction rights-of-way, extra workspaces, and pipe and contractor 
yards) would be restored and allowed to revert to its former use.

The EA Process

    The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires the 
Commission to take into account the environmental impacts that could 
result from an action when it considers whether or not an interstate 
natural gas pipeline should be approved. The FERC will use the EA to 
consider the environmental impact that could result if the Projects are 
authorized under section 7 of the Natural Gas Act. NEPA also requires 
us to discover and address concerns the public may have about proposals 
to be considered by the Commission. This process is referred to as 
``scoping.'' The main goal of the scoping process is to focus the 
analysis in the EA on the important environmental issues. With this 
Notice of Intent, the Commission staff is requesting public comments on 
the scope of the issues to be addressed in the EA. All comments 
received will be considered during preparation of the EA.
    In the EA we will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of 
the construction and operation of the proposed project under these 
general headings:
     Geology and soils;
     Land use;
     Water resources, fisheries, and wetlands;
     Cultural resources;
     Vegetation and wildlife;
     Threatened and endangered species;
     Air quality and noise;
     Hazardous waste; and
     Public safety.
    In the EA, we will also evaluate possible alternatives to the 
proposed projects or portions of the projects, and make recommendations 
on how to lessen or avoid impacts on affected resources.
    Although no formal application has been filed, the FERC staff has 
already initiated its NEPA review under its NEPA Pre-filing Process. 
The purpose of the Pre-filing Process is to encourage the early 
involvement of interested stakeholders and to identify and resolve 
issues before an application is filed with the FERC.

Public Participation

    You can make a difference by providing us with your specific 
comments or concerns about the proposed project. By becoming a 
commentor, your concerns will be addressed in the EA and considered by 
the Commission. Your comments should focus on the potential 
environmental effects, reasonable alternatives (including alternative 
facility sites and pipeline routes), and measures to avoid or lessen 
environmental impact. The more specific your comments, the more useful 
they will be. To ensure that your comments are timely and properly 
recorded, please carefully follow these instructions:
     Send an original and two copies of your letter to: 
Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 
First St., NE., Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426.
     Label one copy of your comments for the attention of Gas 
Branch 2.
     Reference Docket No. PF08-13-000 for SNG's proposed SSEIII 
Project and PF08-16-000 for SESH's proposed JPE Phase II Project on the 
original and both copies.
     Mail your comments so that they will be received in 
Washington, DC on or before June 16, 2008.
    Please note that the Commission strongly encourages electronic 
filing of any comments or interventions or protests to this proceeding. 
See 18 Code of Federal Regulations 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the 
instructions on the Commission's Internet Web site at http://
www.ferc.gov under the link to ``Documents and Filings'' and 
``eFiling.'' eFiling is a file attachment process and requires that you 
prepare your submission in the same manner as you would if filing on 
paper, and save it to a file on your hard drive. New eFiling users must 
first create an account by clicking on ``Sign up'' or ``eRegister.'' 
You will be asked to select the type of filing you are making. This 
filing is considered a ``Comment on Filing.'' In addition, there is a 
``Quick Comment'' option available, which is an easy method for 
interested persons to submit text only comments on a project. The 
Quick-Comment User Guide can be viewed at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-
filing/efiling/quick-comment-guide.pdf. Quick Comment does not require 
a FERC eRegistration account; however, you will be asked to provide a 
valid e-mail address. All comments submitted under either eFiling or 
the Quick Comment option are placed in the public record for the 
specified docket or project number(s).
    We might mail the EA for comment. If you are interested in 
receiving it, please return the Information Request (Appendix 3). If 
you do not return the Information Request, you will be taken off the 
mailing list.

Additional Information

    Additional information about the project is available from the 
Commission's Office of External Affairs, at 1-866-208-FERC (3372) or on 
the FERC Internet Web site (http://www.ferc.gov) using the ``eLibrary 
link.'' Click on the eLibrary link, select ``General Search'' and enter 
the project docket number excluding the last three digits (i.e., PF06-
1) in the ``Docket Number'' field. Be sure you have selected an 
appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online 
Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at 1-866-208-3676, 
or TTY, contact (202) 502-8659. The eLibrary link on

[[Page 29750]]

the FERC Internet Web site also provides access to the texts of formal 
documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rule 
makings.
    In addition, the FERC now offers a free service called 
eSubscription that allows you to keep track of all formal issuances and 
submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time you 
spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with 
notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to 
the documents. To register for this service, go to http://www.ferc.gov/
esubscribenow.htm.
    SNG has established an Internet Web site for the SSEIII Project at 
http://www.elpaso.com/sse3/default.shtm. The Web site includes a 
description of the project, a map of the proposed pipeline route, and 
contact information. You may also use SNG's toll free telephone number, 
1-800-622-4481 to ask questions about the SSEIII Project.
    SESH has also established an Internet Web site for the JPE Phase II 
Project at http://www.spectraenergy.com/businesses/projects/sesh/. The 
SESH Web site includes contact information and information about its 
proposed project. You may also use SESH's toll free telephone number, 
1-888-312-7374, to ask questions about the JPE Phase II Project.

Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8-11509 Filed 5-21-08; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6717-01-P