20151105-3062 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 11/05/2015 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Trans-Pecos Pipeline, LLC Docket No. CP15-500-000 NOTICE OF SCHEDULE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF THE PRESIDIO BORDER CROSSING PROJECT (November 5, 2015) On May 28, 2015, Trans-Pecos Pipeline, LLC (Trans-Pecos) filed an application in Docket No. CP15-500-000 pursuant to section 3 of the Natural Gas Act and part 153 of the Commission’s regulations, for an order authorizing construction of new border crossing natural gas pipeline facilities for the exportation of natural gas at the International Boundary between the United States and Mexico in Presidio County, Texas, and for the issuance of a Presidential Permit for those facilities. On June 9, 2015, 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 of the Commission staff’s Environmental Assessment (EA) for the project. This instant notice identifies the FERC staff’s planned schedule for the completion of the EA for the project. Schedule for Environmental Review Issuance of EA 90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline January 4, 2016 April 3, 2016 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 Trans-Pecos proposes to construct and operate the Presidio Border Crossing Project, consisting of approximately 1,093 feet of FERC-jurisdictional 42-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline in Presidio County, Texas. The pipeline would be installed via horizontal directional drill (HDD) beneath the Rio Grande River at the international boundary between the United States and Mexico. The new pipeline would transport natural gas to a new delivery interconnect with pipeline facilities owned by an affiliate of Trans-Pecos at the United States - Mexico border for expanding electric generation and industrial market needs in Mexico. The new pipeline would have a maximum daily export capacity of 1.3 billion cubic feet. 20151105-3062 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 11/05/2015 Docket No. CP15-500-000 -2- Background On July 23, 2015, the Commission issued a Notice Of Intent To Prepare An Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Presidio Border Crossing Project and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues (NOI). The NOI 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 NOI, we received 625 comments, including comments from Congressman Will Hurd of the 23rd District of Texas and Texas State Senator Jose Rodriquez. In addition, the Region 6 Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) filed comments on the proposed project. The primary issues raised pertain to Trans-Pecos’ proposed 143 miles of FERC non-jurisdictional intrastate pipeline through Pecos, Brewster, and Presidio Counties, Texas and stakeholder’s request that the FERC assume regulatory jurisdiction over the construction of this pipeline. The EPA recommended that the EA incorporate a robust alternatives analysis, address potential impacts to surface water and groundwater, identify listed threatened and endangered species and critical habitats, and incorporate a fugitive dust control plan during construction of the pipeline. Comments from the TPWD regarded clearing of vegetation, prevention of invasive plant species, sedimentation impact on surface waters during the HDD and geotechnical drilling investigations, siting of HDD entrance and exit points, migratory bird surveys, as well as surveys for federal and state-protected species. Additional Information In order to receive notification of the issuance of the EA and to keep track of all formal issuances and submittals in specific dockets, the Commission offers a free service called eSubscription. 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. Go to www.ferc.gov/docsfiling/esubscription.asp. 20151105-3062 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 11/05/2015 Docket No. CP15-500-000 -3- 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., CP15-500), 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 FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. 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. Terry L. Turpin, Director Division of Gas – Environment and Engineering 20151105-3062 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 11/05/2015 Document Content(s) CP15-500-000 NOV 5 2015.DOC...........................................1-3