Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2019/11/21/2019-25269.html
Timestamp: 2020-07-03 16:31:22
Document Index: 32109043

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 205', '§ 205', 'art 36', '§ 219', 'art 219', 'art 219', 'art 49', '§ 49', 'art 49', '§ 49', 'art 2', 'art 36', 'art 219', 'art 219']

Jordan Cove Energy Project LP; Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline L.P.; Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Jordan Cove Energy Project, 64315-64317 [2019-25269] :: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission :: Department Of Energy :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Justia Regulation Tracker Department Of Energy Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Jordan Cove Energy Project LP; Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline L.P.; Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Jordan Cove Energy Project, 64315-64317 [2019-25269]
Jordan Cove Energy Project LP; Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline L.P.; Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Jordan Cove Energy Project, 64315-64317 [2019-25269]
Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 225 / Thursday, November 21, 2019 / Notices Applicants: Traverse Wind Energy Holdings LLC. Description: Tariff Amendment: Supplement to Application for MarketBased Rate Authorization to be effective 1/15/2020. Filed Date: 11/15/19. Accession Number: 20191115–5111. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/6/19. Docket Numbers: ER20–389–000. Applicants: Sierra Pacific Power Company. Description: Tariff Cancellation: Notice of Termination of Rate Schedule No. 72 to be effective 1/15/2020. Filed Date: 11/15/19. Accession Number: 20191115–5081. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/6/19. Docket Numbers: ER20–390–000. Applicants: Nevada Power Company. Description: Tariff Cancellation: Notice of Termination of Rate Schedule No. 152 to be effective 1/15/2020. Filed Date: 11/15/19. Accession Number: 20191115–5083. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/6/19. Docket Numbers: ER20–391–000. Applicants: J. Aron & Company LLC. Description: Compliance filing: New eTariff Baseline Filing to be effective 10/ 16/2019. Filed Date: 11/15/19. Accession Number: 20191115–5122. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/6/19. Docket Numbers: ER20–392–000. Applicants: DTE Stoney Corners Wind Farm, LLC. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: Notice of Name Change Filing to be effective 10/17/2019. Filed Date: 11/15/19. Accession Number: 20191115–5148. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/6/19. Docket Numbers: ER20–393–000. Applicants: DTE Garden Wind Farm, LLC. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: Notice of Name Change Filing to be effective 10/17/2019. Filed Date: 11/15/19. Accession Number: 20191115–5152. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 12/6/19. The filings are accessible in the Commission’s eLibrary system by clicking on the links or querying the docket number. Any person desiring to intervene or protest in any of the above proceedings must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission’s Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment date. Protests may be considered, but intervention is necessary to become a party to the proceeding. eFiling is encouraged. More detailed information relating to filing VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:41 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 250001 requirements, interventions, protests, service, and qualifying facilities filings can be found at: http://www.ferc.gov/ docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For other information, call (866) 208–3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502–8659. Dated: November 15, 2019. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2019–25270 Filed 11–20–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket Nos. CP17–494–000;CP17–495–000] Jordan Cove Energy Project LP; Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline L.P.; Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Jordan Cove Energy Project The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission), with the participation of the cooperating agencies listed below, has prepared a final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Jordan Cove Liquefied Natural Gas Project proposed by Jordan Cove Energy Project L.P. (Jordan Cove) and the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline Project proposed by Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline, LP (Pacific Connector) (collectively referred to as the Jordan Cove Energy Project or Project). Under Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA), Jordan Cove requests authorization to construct and operate a liquified natural gas terminal in Coos Bay, Oregon, capable of liquefying up to 1.04 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day for export to overseas markets. Pacific Connector seeks a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity under Section 7 of the NGA to construct and operate a natural gas transmission pipeline providing about 1.2 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas from the Malin hub to the Jordan Cove terminal, crossing portions of Klamath, Jackson, Douglas, and Coos Counties, Oregon. The final EIS assesses the potential environmental effects of the construction and operation of the Project in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). As described in the final EIS, the FERC staff concludes that approval of the Project would result in a number of significant environmental impacts; however, the majority of impacts would be less than PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 64315 significant because of the impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures proposed by Jordan Cove and Pacific Connector and those recommended by staff in the EIS. The United States (U.S.) Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management, (BLM), Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), and Fish and Wildlife Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (Forest Service); U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service; U.S. Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard; the Coquille Indian Tribe; and the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration participated as cooperating agencies in preparation of this EIS. Cooperating agencies have jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to resources potentially affected by the proposal and participate in the NEPA analysis. The cooperating agencies provided input into the analyses, conclusions, and recommendations presented in the EIS. Following issuance of the final EIS, the cooperating agencies will issue subsequent decisions, determinations, permits, or authorizations for the Project in accordance with each individual agency’s regulatory requirements. The BLM, with the concurrence of the Forest Service and Reclamation, would adopt and use the EIS to consider issuing a right-of-way Grant for the portion of the Project on federal lands. Other cooperating agencies would use this EIS in their regulatory process, and to satisfy compliance with NEPA and other related federal environmental laws (e.g., the National Historic Preservation Act). The BLM and the Forest Service would also use this EIS to evaluate proposed amendments to their District or National Forest land management plans that would make provision for the Pacific Connector pipeline. In order to consider the Pacific Connector right-ofway grant, the BLM must amend the affected Resource Management Plans (RMPs). The BLM therefore proposes to amend the RMPs to re-allocate all lands within the proposed temporary use area and right-of-way to a District-Designated Reserve, with management direction to manage the lands for the purposes of the Pacific Connector right-of-way. Approximately 885 acres would be reallocated. District-Designated Reserve allocations establish specific management for a specific use or to E:\FR\FM\21NON1.SGM 21NON1 64316 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 225 / Thursday, November 21, 2019 / Notices protect specific values and resources. In accordance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 36 § 219— Planning, the Forest Service is considering amendments of Land and Resource Management Plans (LRMP) for the Umpqua, Rogue River, and Winema National Forests. Proposed amendments of LRMPs include reallocation of matrix lands to Late Successional Reserves and site-specific exemptions from 15 standards to allow construction of the Pacific Connector pipeline. Exemptions from standards include requirements to protect known sites of Survey and Manage species, changes in visual quality objectives at specific locations, limitations on detrimental soil conditions, removal of effective shade at perennial stream crossings and the construction of utility corridors in riparian areas. The Commission mailed a copy of the Notice of Availability of the final EIS to federal, state, and local government representatives and agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Indian Tribes; potentially affected landowners and other interested individuals and groups; and newspapers and libraries in the Project area. The final EIS is available in hard copy at libraries in the area of the Project and in electronic format. It may be viewed and downloaded from the FERC’s website (www.ferc.gov), on the Environmental Documents page (https:// www.ferc.gov/industries/gas/enviro/ eis.asp). In addition, the final EIS may be accessed by using the eLibrary link on the FERC’s website. Click on the eLibrary link (https://www.ferc.gov/ docs-filing/elibrary.asp), click on General Search, and enter the docket number in the ‘‘Docket Number’’ field, excluding the last three digits (i.e., CP17–494 or CP17–495). Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FercOnlineSupport@ ferc.gov or toll free at (866) 208–3676, or for TTY, contact (202) 502–8659. Questions? 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. The eLibrary link also provides access to the texts of all formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rulemakings. In addition, the Commission 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:41 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 250001 time you spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to the documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/docsfiling/esubscription.as Dated: November 15, 2019. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. Supplemental Information Regarding Procedures of the BLM and the Forest Service Forest Service’s Proposed Action The Forest Service’s purpose and need for the proposed action is to consider and disclose the environmental consequences of construction and operation of the Pacific Connector pipeline on NFS lands and to evaluate proposed LRMP amendments. The Forest Service has determined that the linear nature of the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project would not be consistent with certain requirements of the LRMPs of the Umpqua, Rogue River, and Winema National Forests. To address these inconsistencies, the Forest Service proposes to amend the LRMPs of the respective National Forests to make provision for the Project. The Forest Service will use this EIS to assess substantive requirements of the planning rule that are likely to be directly related to the amendment. The Forest Service is also using this EIS process to identify specific stipulations (including project design features and mitigation measures) related to resources within their jurisdiction for inclusion in the right-of-way Grant when considering issuing its concurrence, pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act. Forest Service’s Draft Record of Decision and Objection Procedures The Pacific Connector pipeline may be implemented across National Forest System (NFS) land if the BLM grants the right-of-way for the Pacific Connector pipeline to cross the Umpqua, Rogue River, and Winema National Forests and the Forest Service amends the respective National Forest LRMPs (Forest Plans). The Forest Supervisor of the Umpqua National Forest, as responsible official for the LRMP amendments, adopts the environmental analysis conducted by FERC (in accordance with 40 CFR 1506.3(a) and (c)) to support the decision to amend the Umpqua, Rogue River, and Winema National Forests LRMPs. She has determined that three parts of the Forest Plans, where 15 standards and two plan-level land allocation adjustments would be modified by a Forest Plan amendment (section 4.7 of the final EIS), meet the substantive requirements of the Forest Service planning regulations (36 CFR part 219); and can be implemented without impairing the long-term productivity of NFS lands. With the amended LRMPs, the Pacific Connector pipeline would be consistent with the Forest Plans. The draft decision is based on a review of the environmental analysis disclosed in the final EIS, the project record, Pacific Connector’s proposed Plan of Development, comments from the public, partners, and other agencies, and a consideration of the 36 CFR part 219 requirements for amending a Forest Plan. PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Decisions by the Forest Service to approve ‘‘plan level’’ amendments to Land Management Plans (proposed amendments UNF–4 and RRNF–7) are subject to the PreDecisional Administrative Review Process Regulations at 36 CFR 219 Subpart B. The term ‘‘plan level’’ refers to plan amendments that would apply to future management actions. Refer to the applicable administrative review regulations for eligibility requirements. Objections to the Forest Service decision must be filed within 60 calendar days from the publication date of the legal notice of the opportunity to object in the newspapers of record for the Umpqua, Rogue River, and Umpqua National Forests (News-Review, Mail Tribune, Herald and News, respectively). Decisions by the Forest Service to approve ‘‘project-specific’’ plan amendments (proposed amendments FS–1, UNF–1, UNF– 3, RRNF–2 thru RRNF–6, and WNF–1 thru WNF–5) are subject to the Administrative Review Process of 36 CFR 218 Subpart A and B, in accordance with 36 CFR 219.59 (b). The term ‘‘project specific’’ refers to amendments that would only apply to the proposed project and would not apply to any future management actions. Refer to the applicable administrative review regulations for eligibility requirements. Refer to the applicable administrative review regulations for eligibility requirements. Objections to the Forest Service decision must be filed within 45 calendar days from the publication date of the legal notice of the opportunity to object in the in the newspapers of record for the Umpqua, Rogue River, and Umpqua National Forests (News-Review, Mail Tribune, Herald and News, respectively). The legal notices contain the details of the objection process. The Forest Service must respond to all objections received before it makes a final decision on the proposed Forest Plan amendments. The final decision on the Forest Plan amendments and the final EIS analysis will inform the Forest Service concurrence to the BLM for its Right-of-Way Grant. A copy of the Forest Service draft Record of Decision (ROD) and of the legal notice for objections can be obtained by any of the following methods: • FERC’s eLibrary; • Internet website: https:// www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=28132; • email: david.krantz@usda.gov; • or regular mail: David Krantz, Project Manager, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, 3040 Biddle Rd., Medford, OR 97504; telephone 541–618–2082. BLM Proposed Resource Management Plan Amendments and Protest Procedures BLM planning regulations state that any person who participated in the planning process and has an interest which is or may be adversely affected may protest the BLM’s Proposed Resource Management Plan Amendments. A person who meets the conditions and files a protest must file the protest within 30 days of the date that the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as E:\FR\FM\21NON1.SGM 21NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 225 / Thursday, November 21, 2019 / Notices amended, the BLM has actively participated as a Cooperating Agency in the preparation of the Jordan Cove Energy Project Final EIS. This final EIS includes the BLM Proposed Plan Amendments to the Northwest and Coastal Oregon Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan (2016) and the Southwestern Oregon Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan (2016) and Proposed right-of-way Actions, in response to an Application for right-of-way submitted by Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline, LP. In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the BLM Proposed Plan Amendments are subject to administrative protest. The Proposed Plan Amendments are described in section 2.1.1.1 of the final EIS and incorporate several specific FERCrecommended conditions and one route variation. BLM planning regulations at 43 CFR 1610.5–2, describe the protest procedures and state that any person who meets the conditions may protest the BLM’s Proposed RMP Amendments. All protests must be filed within 30 days of the date that the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its Notice of Availability of the final EIS in the Federal Register. The FERC-prepared final EIS is available on the FERC docket and on BLM’s ePlanning project website at https://go.usa.gov/xEt7B. Click the Documents link on the left side of the screen to find the electronic version of these materials. All protests must be in writing and filed with the BLM Director, either as a hard copy or electronically via the BLM’s ePlanning project website listed previously. To submit a protest electronically, go to the ePlanning project website and follow the protest instructions highlighted at the top of the home page. If submitting a protest in hard copy, it must be mailed to one of the following addresses: Regular mail: Overnight delivery: BLM Director (210), Attention: Protest Coordinator, P.O. Box 71383, Washington, DC 20024– 1383. BLM Director (210), Attention: Protest Coordinator, 20 M Street SE, Room 2134LM, Washington, DC 20003. Instructions for filing a protest with the Director of the BLM regarding the Proposed Plan Amendments may be found online at https://www.blm.gov/programs/planningand-nepa/public-participation/filing-a-planprotest and at 43 CFR 1610.5–2. All protests must be in writing and mailed to the appropriate address or submitted electronically through the BLM ePlanning project website as described above. Protests submitted electronically by any means other than the ePlanning project website protest section will be invalid unless a protest is also submitted in hard copy. Protests submitted by fax will also be invalid unless also submitted either through ePlanning project website protest section or in hard copy. Before including your phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your protest, you should be aware that your entire protest—including VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:41 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 250001 your personally identifiable information— may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your protest to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6, 40 CFR 1506.10, 43 CFR 1610.2, 43 CFR 1610.5. [FR Doc. 2019–25269 Filed 11–20–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–R08–OAR–2012–0479; FRL–10000– 11–OMS] Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Federal Implementation Plan for Oil and Natural Gas Well Production Facilities, Fort Berthold Indian Reservation (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation), North Dakota (Renewal) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Federal Implementation Plan for Oil and Natural Gas Well Production Facilities, Fort Berthold Indian Reservation (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation), North Dakota (EPA ICR Number 2478.03, OMB Control Number 2008– 0001) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through January 31, 2020. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on June 5, 2019 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. DATES: Additional comments may be submitted on or before December 23, 2019. SUMMARY: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID Number EPA– R08–OAR–2012–0479, to (1) EPA online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), by email to R8AirPermitting@epa.gov, or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 28221T, ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 64317 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460, and (2) OMB via email to oira_submission@omb.eop.gov. Address comments to OMB Desk Officer for EPA. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes profanity, threats, information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gail Fallon, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8, Air and Radiation Division, (Mail Code 8ARD–PM), 1595 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado 80202–1129; telephone number: (303) 312–6281; fax number: (303) 312–6064; email address: fallon.gail@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supporting documents, which explain in detail the information that the EPA will be collecting, are available in the public docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at www.regulations.gov or in person at the EPA Docket Center, WJC West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. The telephone number for the Docket Center is (202) 566–1744. For additional information about EPA’s public docket, visit http://www.epa.gov/ dockets. Abstract: This ICR covers information collection requirements in the final Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) for Oil and Natural Gas Well Production Facilities; Fort Berthold Indian Reservation (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation), North Dakota (40 CFR part 49, subpart K, §§ 49.4161 through 49.4168), herein referred to as the FBIR FIP. In general, owners or operators are required to: (1) Conduct certain monitoring; (2) keep specific records to be made available at the EPA’s request; and (3) to prepare and submit an annual report (40 CFR part 49, subpart K, §§ 49.4166 through 49.4168). These records and reports are necessary for the EPA Administrator (or the tribal agency if delegated), for example, to: (1) confirm compliance status of stationary sources; (2) identify any stationary sources not subject to the requirements and identify stationary sources subject to the regulations; and (3) ensure that the stationary source control requirements are being achieved. All information submitted to us pursuant to the recordkeeping and reporting requirements for which a claim of confidentiality is made is safeguarded according to the agency policies set forth in 40 CFR part 2, subpart B. E:\FR\FM\21NON1.SGM 21NON1
[Pages 64315-64317]
[FR Doc No: 2019-25269]
[Docket Nos. CP17-494-000;CP17-495-000]
Jordan Cove Energy Project LP; Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline
L.P.; Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact
Statement for the Proposed Jordan Cove Energy Project
Commission), with the participation of the cooperating agencies listed
the Jordan Cove Liquefied Natural Gas Project proposed by Jordan Cove
Energy Project L.P. (Jordan Cove) and the Pacific Connector Gas
Pipeline Project proposed by Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline, LP
(Pacific Connector) (collectively referred to as the Jordan Cove Energy
Project or Project). Under Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA),
Jordan Cove requests authorization to construct and operate a liquified
natural gas terminal in Coos Bay, Oregon, capable of liquefying up to
1.04 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day for export to overseas
markets. Pacific Connector seeks a Certificate of Public Convenience
and Necessity under Section 7 of the NGA to construct and operate a
natural gas transmission pipeline providing about 1.2 billion cubic
feet per day of natural gas from the Malin hub to the Jordan Cove
terminal, crossing portions of Klamath, Jackson, Douglas, and Coos
Counties, Oregon.
The final EIS assesses the potential environmental effects of the
construction and operation of the Project in accordance with the
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). As
described in the final EIS, the FERC staff concludes that approval of
the Project would result in a number of significant environmental
impacts; however, the majority of impacts would be less than
significant because of the impact avoidance, minimization, and
mitigation measures proposed by Jordan Cove and Pacific Connector and
those recommended by staff in the EIS.
The United States (U.S.) Department of the Interior Bureau of Land
Management, (BLM), Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), and Fish and
Wildlife Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (Forest
Service); U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Commerce National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries
Service; U.S. Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard; the Coquille
Indian Tribe; and the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration participated as cooperating
agencies in preparation of this EIS. Cooperating agencies have
potentially affected by the proposal and participate in the NEPA
analysis. The cooperating agencies provided input into the analyses,
conclusions, and recommendations presented in the EIS. Following
issuance of the final EIS, the cooperating agencies will issue
subsequent decisions, determinations, permits, or authorizations for
the Project in accordance with each individual agency's regulatory
The BLM, with the concurrence of the Forest Service and
Reclamation, would adopt and use the EIS to consider issuing a right-
of-way Grant for the portion of the Project on federal lands. Other
cooperating agencies would use this EIS in their regulatory process,
and to satisfy compliance with NEPA and other related federal
environmental laws (e.g., the National Historic Preservation Act).
The BLM and the Forest Service would also use this EIS to evaluate
proposed amendments to their District or National Forest land
management plans that would make provision for the Pacific Connector
pipeline. In order to consider the Pacific Connector right-of-way
grant, the BLM must amend the affected Resource Management Plans
(RMPs). The BLM therefore proposes to amend the RMPs to re-allocate all
lands within the proposed temporary use area and right-of-way to a
District-Designated Reserve, with management direction to manage the
lands for the purposes of the Pacific Connector right-of-way.
Approximately 885 acres would be re-allocated. District-Designated
Reserve allocations establish specific management for a specific use or
[[Page 64316]]
protect specific values and resources. In accordance with Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) part 36 Sec.  219--Planning, the Forest
Service is considering amendments of Land and Resource Management Plans
(LRMP) for the Umpqua, Rogue River, and Winema National Forests.
Proposed amendments of LRMPs include reallocation of matrix lands to
Late Successional Reserves and site-specific exemptions from 15
standards to allow construction of the Pacific Connector pipeline.
Exemptions from standards include requirements to protect known sites
of Survey and Manage species, changes in visual quality objectives at
specific locations, limitations on detrimental soil conditions, removal
of effective shade at perennial stream crossings and the construction
of utility corridors in riparian areas.
The Commission mailed a copy of the Notice of Availability of the
final EIS to federal, state, and local government representatives and
agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups;
Indian Tribes; potentially affected landowners and other interested
area. The final EIS is available in hard copy at libraries in the area
of the Project and in electronic format. It may be viewed and
downloaded from the FERC's website (www.ferc.gov), on the Environmental
Documents page (https://www.ferc.gov/industries/gas/enviro/eis.asp). In
addition, the final EIS may be accessed by using the eLibrary link on
the FERC's website. Click on the eLibrary link (https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/elibrary.asp), click on General Search, and enter the
docket number in the ``Docket Number'' field, excluding the last three
digits (i.e., CP17-494 or CP17-495). Be sure you have selected an
appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online
or for TTY, contact (202) 502-8659.
the documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.as
Supplemental Information Regarding Procedures of the BLM and the Forest
Forest Service's Proposed Action
The Forest Service's purpose and need for the proposed action is
to consider and disclose the environmental consequences of
construction and operation of the Pacific Connector pipeline on NFS
lands and to evaluate proposed LRMP amendments. The Forest Service
has determined that the linear nature of the Pacific Connector
Pipeline Project would not be consistent with certain requirements
of the LRMPs of the Umpqua, Rogue River, and Winema National
Forests. To address these inconsistencies, the Forest Service
proposes to amend the LRMPs of the respective National Forests to
make provision for the Project. The Forest Service will use this EIS
to assess substantive requirements of the planning rule that are
likely to be directly related to the amendment. The Forest Service
is also using this EIS process to identify specific stipulations
(including project design features and mitigation measures) related
to resources within their jurisdiction for inclusion in the right-
of-way Grant when considering issuing its concurrence, pursuant to
the Mineral Leasing Act.
Forest Service's Draft Record of Decision and Objection Procedures
The Pacific Connector pipeline may be implemented across
National Forest System (NFS) land if the BLM grants the right-of-way
for the Pacific Connector pipeline to cross the Umpqua, Rogue River,
and Winema National Forests and the Forest Service amends the
respective National Forest LRMPs (Forest Plans). The Forest
Supervisor of the Umpqua National Forest, as responsible official
for the LRMP amendments, adopts the environmental analysis conducted
by FERC (in accordance with 40 CFR 1506.3(a) and (c)) to support the
decision to amend the Umpqua, Rogue River, and Winema National
Forests LRMPs. She has determined that three parts of the Forest
Plans, where 15 standards and two plan-level land allocation
adjustments would be modified by a Forest Plan amendment (section
4.7 of the final EIS), meet the substantive requirements of the
Forest Service planning regulations (36 CFR part 219); and can be
implemented without impairing the long-term productivity of NFS
lands. With the amended LRMPs, the Pacific Connector pipeline would
be consistent with the Forest Plans. The draft decision is based on
a review of the environmental analysis disclosed in the final EIS,
the project record, Pacific Connector's proposed Plan of
Development, comments from the public, partners, and other agencies,
and a consideration of the 36 CFR part 219 requirements for amending
a Forest Plan.
Decisions by the Forest Service to approve ``plan level''
amendments to Land Management Plans (proposed amendments UNF-4 and
RRNF-7) are subject to the Pre-Decisional Administrative Review
Process Regulations at 36 CFR 219 Subpart B. The term ``plan level''
refers to plan amendments that would apply to future management
actions. Refer to the applicable administrative review regulations
for eligibility requirements. Objections to the Forest Service
decision must be filed within 60 calendar days from the publication
date of the legal notice of the opportunity to object in the
newspapers of record for the Umpqua, Rogue River, and Umpqua
National Forests (News-Review, Mail Tribune, Herald and News,
Decisions by the Forest Service to approve ``project-specific''
plan amendments (proposed amendments FS-1, UNF-1, UNF-3, RRNF-2 thru
RRNF-6, and WNF-1 thru WNF-5) are subject to the Administrative
Review Process of 36 CFR 218 Subpart A and B, in accordance with 36
CFR 219.59 (b). The term ``project specific'' refers to amendments
that would only apply to the proposed project and would not apply to
any future management actions. Refer to the applicable
administrative review regulations for eligibility requirements.
Refer to the applicable administrative review regulations for
eligibility requirements. Objections to the Forest Service decision
must be filed within 45 calendar days from the publication date of
the legal notice of the opportunity to object in the in the
The legal notices contain the details of the objection process.
The Forest Service must respond to all objections received before it
makes a final decision on the proposed Forest Plan amendments. The
final decision on the Forest Plan amendments and the final EIS
analysis will inform the Forest Service concurrence to the BLM for
its Right-of-Way Grant.
A copy of the Forest Service draft Record of Decision (ROD) and
of the legal notice for objections can be obtained by any of the
FERC's eLibrary;
Internet website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=28132;
email: [email protected];
or regular mail: David Krantz, Project Manager, Rogue
River-Siskiyou National Forest, 3040 Biddle Rd., Medford, OR 97504;
telephone 541-618-2082.
BLM Proposed Resource Management Plan Amendments and Protest Procedures
BLM planning regulations state that any person who participated
in the planning process and has an interest which is or may be
adversely affected may protest the BLM's Proposed Resource
Management Plan Amendments. A person who meets the conditions and
files a protest must file the protest within 30 days of the date
that the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its Notice of
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969, as
amended, the BLM has actively participated as a Cooperating Agency
in the preparation of the Jordan Cove Energy Project Final EIS. This
final EIS includes the BLM Proposed Plan Amendments to the Northwest
and Coastal Oregon Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan
(2016) and the Southwestern Oregon Record of Decision and Resource
Management Plan (2016) and Proposed right-of-way Actions, in
response to an Application for right-of-way submitted by Pacific
Connector Gas Pipeline, LP.
In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of
1976, as amended, the BLM Proposed Plan Amendments are subject to
administrative protest. The Proposed Plan Amendments are described
in section 2.1.1.1 of the final EIS and incorporate several specific
FERC-recommended conditions and one route variation. BLM planning
regulations at 43 CFR 1610.5-2, describe the protest procedures and
state that any person who meets the conditions may protest the BLM's
Proposed RMP Amendments. All protests must be filed within 30 days
of the date that the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its
Notice of Availability of the final EIS in the Federal Register.
The FERC-prepared final EIS is available on the FERC docket and
on BLM's ePlanning project website at https://go.usa.gov/xEt7B.
Click the Documents link on the left side of the screen to find the
electronic version of these materials.
All protests must be in writing and filed with the BLM Director,
either as a hard copy or electronically via the BLM's ePlanning
project website listed previously. To submit a protest
electronically, go to the ePlanning project website and follow the
protest instructions highlighted at the top of the home page. If
submitting a protest in hard copy, it must be mailed to one of the
Regular mail:                     Overnight delivery:
BLM Director (210), Attention: Protest      BLM Director (210),
Coordinator, P.O. Box 71383, Washington,    Attention: Protest
DC 20024-1383.                              Coordinator, 20 M Street
SE, Room 2134LM,
regarding the Proposed Plan Amendments may be found online at
https://www.blm.gov/programs/planning-and-nepa/public-participation/filing-a-plan-protest and at 43 CFR 1610.5-2. All protests must be
in writing and mailed to the appropriate address or submitted
electronically through the BLM ePlanning project website as
described above. Protests submitted electronically by any means
other than the ePlanning project website protest section will be
invalid unless a protest is also submitted in hard copy. Protests
submitted by fax will also be invalid unless also submitted either
through ePlanning project website protest section or in hard copy.
personal identifying information in your protest, you should be
aware that your entire protest--including your personally
identifiable information--may be made publicly available at any
time. While you can ask us in your protest to withhold your personal
identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that
Authority:  40 CFR 1506.6, 40 CFR 1506.10, 43 CFR 1610.2, 43 CFR
[FR Doc. 2019-25269 Filed 11-20-19; 8:45 am]