| FERC |
Regulatory UpdateOn June 12, 2009, Tricor filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) for authorization to construct and operate its proposed natural gas storage project. The FERC is charged by Congress with determining whether proposed interstate pipeline and storage projects are in the public interest, and it is the lead regulatory agency with primary responsibility for reviewing Tricor’s proposed project pursuant to Section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act (“NGA”). As the lead agency, the FERC will guide and supervise the project’s environmental review process in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) and, in consultation with other federal, state and local agencies, will consider the environmental impacts that could result if it issues to Tricor a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity under the NGA to construct and operate the project. Environmental Assessment of Tricor’s Proposed ProjectIn August, 2009, the FERC initiated the environmental scoping process which it uses to gather input from the public and federal and state agencies on Tricor's project and to determine the scope of issues to be addressed in an Environmental Assessment (EA). On September 15, 2010, the FERC issued a notice of schedule indicating that an EA would issue. On November 29, 2010, the Office of Energy Projects of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) issued its environmental review of Tricor Ten Section Hub, LLC’s proposed natural gas storage project. The FERC is allowing interested parties an opportunity to provide comments on the EA and the agency will consider all comments before it authorizes Tricor to construct and operate the project. The FERC's September 15, 2010 notice of schedule established February 27, 2011 as the date by which all federal and state agencies must complete their review of Tricor's proposed project and provide input to the FERC. Public Meetings and ParticipationOn August 6, 2009, Tricor Ten Section Hub, LLC (Tricor) held a public open house in Bakersfield, California to provide landowners, government agencies and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about its proposed project. In addition, on September 10, 2009, the staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) held a public scoping meeting in Bakersfield, California where the agency gathered input on the project from the public and other interested agencies. The public responded in support of the project, including local elected officials. See instructions below to access a transcript of the FERC’s public scoping meeting on the FERC’s website. Following the scoping meeting, on September 11, 2009, the FERC’s staff led a site visit in Bakersfield, California and allowed all interested parties to join the staff in viewing the site of Tricor’s proposed project. If you were not able to attend Tricor’s open house or FERC’s public scoping meeting but want to ask a question about, or provide input on, the project, you can call Tricor toll free at (877) 323-0998. Certificate AuthorizationOnce the FERC is satisfied that the project is in the public interest, it will issue an Order Granting a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity which will authorize Tricor to construct and operate the project. The certificate will detail the conditions of the approval, including the final route that FERC has authorized, and any mitigation measures that Tricor must implement to avoid or reduce environmental impacts during and following construction. The FERC encourages landowners and other members of the public to get involved in the certificate process. See FERC's Citizen Guide for more information. An Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline on My Land? What Do I Need to Know? Regulatory Documents
To access these documents or any other documents filed with the FERC relative to Tricor’s project, click on http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/elibrary.asp, go to “General Search,” and type in Tricor’s Docket No. “CP09-432.” FERC Contact Information:Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
