California State Lands Commission; Questar Southern Trails Pipeline Company; Notice of Intent/Preparation to Prepare a Joint Environmental Impact Statement/Report for the Proposed Questar Southern Trails Pipeline Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings and Route Inspection

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[FERC Docket Nos. CP99-163-000 CA State Clearinghouse No. 99041103 CSLC

EIR No. 696]

California State Lands Commission; Questar Southern Trails

Pipeline Company; Notice of Intent/Preparation to Prepare a Joint

Environmental Impact Statement/Report for the Proposed Questar Southern

Trails Pipeline Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues,

and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings and Route Inspection

April 26, 1999.

The staffs of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and

the California State Lands Commission (CSLC) will jointly prepare an

environmental impact statement/report (EIS/EIR) that will analyze and

present the environmental impacts of the construction and operation of

facilities proposed in Questar Southern Trails Pipeline Company's (QST)

Southern Trails Pipeline Project.\1\ The FERC will use this EIS/EIR in

its decision-making process, i.e., whether or not to issue a

Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the proposed

project. The CSLC will use the document to consider QST's application

for leasing the State's Sovereign and School Lands for the pipeline.

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\1\ QST's application was filed with the FERC pursuant to

section 7 of the Natural Gas Act and Part 157 of the FERC's

regulations.

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The FERC will be the lead Federal agency in the preparation of this

EIS/EIR while the CSLC will be the State Lead Agency for California.

The document, which will avoid much duplication of environmental

analyses, will satisfy the requirements of both the National

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental

Quality Act (CEQA).

Additionally, with this notice the FERC is inviting other Federal

agencies and two Native American Tribes to participate (see appendix 1)

in the preparation of the EIS/EIR.\2\ These entities may choose to

become cooperating agencies once they have evaluated QST's proposal

relative to their respective responsibilities.

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\2\ ``We, ``us,'' and ``our'' refer to the staffs of the CSLC

and the FERC's Office of Pipeline Regulation. The appendices

referenced in this notice are not being printed in the Federal

Register. Copies are available from the FERC's Public Reference and

Files Maintenance Branch, 888 First Street, NE, Washington, DC

20462, or call (202) 208-1371. Copies of the appendices were sent to

all those receiving this notice in the mail.

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If you are a landowner receiving this notice, you may be contacted

by a QST representative about the acquisition of an easement to

construct, operate, and maintain the Southern Trails Pipeline System.

QST would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement. However,

if the project is approved by the FERC, that approval conveys with it

the right of eminent domain. Therefore, if easement negotiations fail

to produce an agreement, QST could initiate condemnation proceedings in

accordance with state law. A fact sheet addressing a number of

typically-asked questions, including the use of eminent domain, is

attached to this notice as appendix 2.

Summary of the Proposed Facilities

QST acquired Four Corners Line 90 and portions of Line 91 and 92

from ARCO Pipeline Company. This existing crude oil pipeline network

extends from the Four Corners area of New Mexico, into southern Utah,

and across Arizona to Long Beach, California. Southern Trails requests

FERC authorization to convert the existing pipeline from crude oil to

natural gas service, and to operate these pipeline and additional

compression facilities as a new natural gas transmission system. QST

proposes to construct five new pipeline extensions and interconnects,

realign/reroute five existing pipeline segments, replace a number of

short segments of existing pipeline, and construct seven compressor

stations. The conversion and construction of these facilities would

enable QST to transport 80 to 90 million cubic feet of natural gas per

day (MMcfd) to customers in New Mexico and Arizona, and 120 MMcfd to

customers in southern California.

Overall, the proposed Southern Trails Pipeline Project consists of

the following facilities:

About 693 miles of existing pipeline, to be converted

from crude oil to natural gas service (610 miles of 16-inch, 80

miles of 12-inch, and 3 miles of 20-inch-diameter pipeline);

Five new pipeline extensions and interconnects totaling

about 59.8 miles (36.1 miles in New Mexico; 17.4 miles in Arizona;

6.8 miles in California) with diameters of 20 and 22 inches (only

one 0.6-mile segment would be 22 inches in diameter);

Five reroutes/realignments of the existing pipeline

totaling about 8.7 miles of 16-inch-diameter pipe in California.

41 replacement segments of the existing pipeline

totaling about 9.5 miles (4.6 miles in California; 4.9 miles in

Arizona) of 16-inch-diameter pipe;

Seven new compressor stations (6 of which would be

located on existing oil pump station sites), with a total of 17,356

horsepower of compression (3 sites in California; 2 sites in

Arizona; 1 site in Utah; 1 site in New Mexico); and

Construction of 9 new meter stations, about 50 new

block valves and related appurtenant facilities.

The general locations of the facilities proposed by QST are shown

in appendix 3. A detailed listing of the facilities is presented in

table 1.

Land Requirements for Construction

QST proposes to build its new pipeline extensions, reroutes, and

replacement segments in construction rights-of-way ranging from 24 to

60 feet wide. After construction, 0 to 60 feet of new right-of-way

would be maintained as permanent easement. Specific widths of the

rights-of-way would vary, depending on the proposed pipeline diameter

for each location. The extensions would be built generally parallel and

adjacent to existing pipelines, using as much of the existing rights-

of-way as possible during construction. Of the seven compressor

stations to be constructed, only the one proposed for a new site (in

Mohave Valley, Arizona) would require additional acreage (1.7 acres).

The other six compressor stations would be located on existing oil pump

station sites.

Additional temporary work space may be required at river, road, or

railroad crossings, or where similar obstacles are encountered. QST

would purchase the temporary and permanent easements necessary for

constructing and operating the project.

Construction of the pipeline extensions and reroute segments would

normally follow standard pipeline construction methods: right-of-way

clearing and grading; trenching; pipe stringing, bending, welding,

joint coating, and lowering in; backfilling of the trench; and cleanup

and restoration. QST would implement site-specific erosion control and

revegetation measures and use special construction techniques for

wetland and water crossings and for construction in residential/urban

areas. These construction procedures and mitigation plans will be

presented and their adequacy assessed in the Draft EIS/EIR. Where

necessary, the joint FERC-CSLC staffs will make appropriate

recommendations to avoid or mitigate potential impact.

[[Page 23066]]

Table 1.--Facilities Associated with the Questar Southern Trails Pipeline Project

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New

Proposed facilities Pipe diameter Pipe length compression County

(inches) (miles) (horsepower)

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New Mexico:

TransColorado Extension........ 20 35.4 .............. San Juan.

Shiprock Compressor Station.... N/A N/A 2,350 San Juan.

Utah:

Red Mesa Compressor Station.... N/A N/A 2,195 San Juan.

Arizona:

Replacement (Mohave County).... 16 .50 .............. Mohave.

Replacement (Mohave County).... 16 .24 .............. Mohave.

Replacement at Kayenta......... 16 1.80 .............. Navajo.

Replacement at Dennehotso...... 16 1.61 .............. Apache.

Transwestern Extension......... 16 .40 .............. Mohave.

Topock Extension............... 20 17.14 .............. Mohave.

Chaco Extension................ 22 .50 .............. San Juan.

Mohave Valley Compressor N/A N/A 3,936 Mohave.

Station.

Cameron Compressor Station..... N/A N/A 1,770 Coconino.

Cameron Tap Site............... N/A N/A .............. Coconino.

Tuba City Tap Site............. N/A N/A .............. Coconino.

Kayenta Tap Site............... N/A N/A .............. Navajo.

Red Mesa Tap Site.............. N/A N/A .............. Apache.

California:

Replacement (Danby--Ward 16 .07 .............. San Bernardino.

Valley).

Replacement (Danby--Ward 16 .17 .............. San Bernardino.

Valley).

Replacement (Danby--Ward 16 .33 .............. San Bernardino.

Valley).

Replacement (Danby--Ward 16 .15 .............. San Bernardino.

Valley).

Replacement (Danby--Ward 16 .08 .............. San Bernardino.

Valley).

Replacement (Danby--Ward 16 .48 .............. San Bernardino.

Valley).

Replacement (Danby--Ward 16 .41 .............. San Bernardino.

Valley).

Replacement (Danby--Ward 16 .09 .............. San Bernardino.

Valley).

Replacement (Danby--Ward 16 .30 .............. San Bernardino.

Valley).

Replacement (Danby--Ward 16 .44 .............. San Bernardino.

Valley).

Replacement (Danby--Ward 16 .07 .............. San Bernardino.

Valley).

Replacement (Danby--Ward 16 .16 .............. San Bernardino.

Valley).

Replacement (Danby--Ward 16 .01 .............. San Bernardino.

Valley).

Replacement (Danby--Ward 16 .42 .............. San Bernardino.

Valley).

Replacement (Danby--Ward 16 .36 .............. San Bernardino.

Valley).

Reroute at City of Orange...... 16 .76 .............. Orange.

Realignment at Corona #1 16 .06 .............. Riverside.

(Rincon Street & Sheridan

Street).

Realignment at Corona #2 (San 16 .06 .............. Riverside.

Miguel Drive & Laguna Drive).

Realignment at Corona #3 16 .06 .............. Riverside.

(Mariposa Drive).

Reroute at Cabazon............. 16 8.0 .............. Riverside.

Del Amo Extension.............. 20 6.50 .............. Los Angeles.

Beaumont Compressor Station.... N/A N/A 1,934 Riverside.

Morongo Valley Compressor N/A N/A 2,372 San Bernardino.

Station.

Danby Compressor Station....... N/A N/A 2,372 San Bernardino.

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All components of the proposed pipeline system would be designed

and tested in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation safety

standards and specifications found at Title 49 of the Code of Federal

Regulations, Part 192 (49 CFR 192), Transportation of Natural and other

Gas by Pipeline; Minimum Federal Safety Standards. The existing

pipeline would be cleaned and the entire system hydrostatically tested

before being placed in service. QST would be required to obtain

appropriate Federal, state, and/or Tribal discharge permits prior to

pipeline cleaning and hydrostatic testing.

The EIS/EIR Process

NEPA requires the FERC to take into account the environmental

impacts that could result from a major Federal action whenever it

considers the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and

Necessity. The CSLC, as State Lead Agency for California, is required

to consider the same potential impacts within the State of California

under CEQA. The EIS/EIR we are preparing will give both the CSLC and

the FERC the information we need to do that.

NEPA and CEQA also require us to discover and address concerns the

public may have about proposals. We call this ``scoping''. The main

goal of the scoping process is to focus the analysis in the EIS/EIR on

the important environmental issues, and to separate those issues that

are insignificant and do not require detailed study. By this NOI/NOP,

we are requesting public comments on the scope of the issues to be

analyzed and presented in the EIS/EIR. All comments received will be

considered during the preparation of the document. State and local

government representatives are encouraged to notify their constituents

of QST's proposal and encourage them to comment on their areas of

concern.

The EIS/EIR will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of

the construction and operation of the proposed project. These impacts

may include, but are not limited to:

Geology and Soils

--Landslide and seismic hazards

--Erosion and sedimentation control

--Right-of-way restoration

Water Resources

--Impact on wetland hydrology

--Effect of pipeline crossings on streams and canals

[[Page 23067]]

Biologic Resources

--Short- and long-term effects of right-of-way clearing and

maintenance on wetlands and riparian areas

--Effects of habitat alteration

--Impact on threatened and endangered species

--Impact on fisheries

Cultural Resources

--Impact on historic and prehistoric sites

--Native American and tribal concerns

Socioeconomics

--Effects of construction workforce demands on public services

--Effects of increased employment and taxes on local economy

Air quality

--Effect of compressor station emissions on air quality

Noise

--Effect of compressor station operation on nearby noise-sensitive

receptors

Reliability and Safety

--Assessment of hazards associated with natural gas transmission

pipelines

Land Use

--Impact on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

--Effect of right-of-way clearing and construction of aboveground

facilities on visual aesthetics in residential and scenic areas

--Consistency with city and county land use plans

--Impact on residences

--Construction impact on urban traffic flow

Paleontology

--Impact on significant fossil resources encountered during

pipeline construction

Cumulative Impacts

--Identification of projects likely to take place in the time frame

and/or proximity of the proposed project

--Analysis of cumulative impact and mitigation measures

We will also evaluate possible alternatives to the project,

including the No-Action/Project alternative. The EIS/EIR will include

recommendations for specific mitigation measures to lessen or avoid

impacts on the various resource areas, as well as a Mitigation

Monitoring Program.

Our independent analysis of the issues will result in the

publication of a Draft EIS/EIR which will be mailed to Federal, state,

and local agencies, reservations crossed by the pipeline or disturbed

by construction, public interest groups, interested individuals,

affected landowners, newspapers, libraries, and the FERC's official

service list for these proceedings. A 45-day comment period will be

allocated for the review of the Draft EIS/EIR. We will consider all

comments on the Draft EIS/EIR and revise the document, as necessary,

before issuing a Final EIS/EIR. The Final EIS/EIR will include our

response to each comment received.

Public Participation and Scoping Meetings

You can help us by sending a letter with your specific

environmental comments or concerns about the project. You should focus

on the potential environmental effects of the proposal, alternatives to

the proposal (including alternative routes), and measures to avoid or

lessen environmental impact. The more specific your comments, the more

useful they will be. Please follow the instructions below to ensure

that your comments are received and properly recorded.

Send your letter to: David P. Boergers, Secretary, Federal

Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE, Room 1A,

Washington, DC 20426;

Reference Docket No. CP99-163-000;

Send a copy of your letter to the following individuals:

Branch Chief, PR-11.1, Environmental Review & Compliance Branch,

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE, Room 72-50,

Washington, DC 20426

Daniel Gorfain, EIR Project Manager, California State Lands Commission,

100 Howe Avenue, Suite 100 South, Sacramento, CA 95825-8202; and

Mail your comments so that they will be received in

Washington, DC on or before May 26, 1999.

In addition to asking for written comments, we invite you to attend

any of the joint public scoping meetings the FERC and CSLC will

conduct. The purpose of the scoping meetings is to provide state and

local agencies, interested groups, landowners, and the general public

with an opportunity to learn more about the project and another chance

to prevent us with environmental issues or concerns they believe should

be addressed in the EIS/EIR. QST representatives will be present at the

meetings to describe the proposed project, both in general and for the

specific area where each meeting is held.

The locations and times for these meetings are listed on the next

page. Priority will be given to commenters who represent groups, and a

transcript of each meeting will be made so that your comments will be

accurately recorded.

Route Inspection

On May 3-13, 1999, we will also be conducting an inspection of the

existing and proposed routes and locations of facilities associated

with QST's proposal. This inspection will include both aerial and

ground components. Anyone interested in participating in the inspection

activities may contact the FERC's Office of External Affairs

(identified at the end of this notice) for more details and must

provide their own transportation.

Becoming an Intervenor

In addition to involvement in the EIS/EIR scoping process, you may

want to become an official party to the FERC proceeding by becoming an

``intervenor.'' Among other things, intervenors have the right to

receive copies of case-related FERC documents and filings by other

intervenors. Likewise, each intervenor must provide copies of its

filings to all other parties. If you want to become an intervenor, you

must file a Motion to Intervene according to Rule 214 of the FERC's

Rules of Practices and Procedure (18 CFR 385.214) which is attached as

appendix 4.

The date for filing timely motions to intervene in this proceeding

has passed. Therefore, parties now seeking to file late interventions

must show good cause, as required by Section 385.214(b)(3), why this

time limitation should be waived. Environmental issues have been viewed

as good cause for late intervention. You do not need intervenor status

to have your scoping comments considered or to speak at a meeting.

Schedule for EIS/EIR Public Scoping Meetings

[Note: All meetings will last for 1 hour, or until the submission of public comments is concluded (whichever

occurs later)]

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Date and time Community Location

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Tuesday, May 4, 1999, 7:00 pm...... Farmington, NM............. Holiday Inn, 600 East Broadway, Animas Room.

[[Page 23068]]

Wednesday, May 5, 1999, 5:00 pm.... Kayenta, AZ................ Kayenta Chapter House.

Thursday, May 6, 1999, 7:00 pm..... Kingman, AZ................ Kingman Area Office, Bureau of Land

Management, Conference Room.

Monday, May 10, 1999, 7:00 pm...... Anaheim, CA................ Embassy Suites Hotel, 3100 East Frontera,

(junc. state highways 91 & 57), Cresent Court

Room.

Tuesday, May 11, 1999, 6:30 pm..... Norco, CA (Corona)......... Norco Board Council Chamber, 2820 Clark

Street.

Wednesday, May 12, 1999, 6:30 pm... Long Beach, CA............. Los Cerritos Elementary School, 515 West San

Antonio Drive.

Thursday, May 13, 1999, 4:00 pm- Banning, CA................ Council Chambers, 99 East Ramsey Street.

7:00 pm.

Orange, CA................. DoubleTree Inn, 100 The City Drive.

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Environmental Mailing List

This notice is being sent to individuals, organizations, and

government entities interested in and/or potentially affected by the

proposed project. It is also being sent to all individuals who own

property crossed by the existing pipeline, individuals who own property

adjacent to the existing pipeline (where the pipeline is in a utility

right-of-way and construction/disturbance is proposed within 50 feet of

the adjacent property), and identified potential right-of-way grantors.

Overall, the notice will be delivered to more than 2,100 individual

parties.

Everyone who responds to this notice or comments on the

environmental document will be retained on our mailing list. If you

don't want to send comments at this time but still want to keep

informed and receive copies of the Draft and Final EIS/EIR, you must

return the attached mailer (see appendix 5). Given the size of our

initial mailing list and our desire to be responsible (both fiscally

and with the use of resources), You Must Send Comments or Return the

Attached Mailer for Your Name to Remain on the Mailing List.

Additional Questions?

Further information about the proposed project is available from

Mr. Paul McKee of the FERC's Office of External Affairs at (202) 208-

1088.

QST's application and other supplemental filings are also available

for viewing on the FERC Internet website (www.ferc.fed.us). Click on

the ``RIMS'' link, select ``Docket No. CP99-163'' from the RIMS menu,

and follow the instructions. For assistance with access to RIMS, the

RIMS helpline can be reached at (202) 208-2222. Similarly, the ``CIPS''

link on the FERC website provides access to the texts of formal

documents issued by the FERC, such as orders, notices, and rulemakings.

From the FERC website, click on the ``CIPS'' link, select the ``Docket

#'' of interest from the CIPS menu, and follow the instructions. For

assistance with access to CIPS, the CIPS helpline can be reached at

(202) 208-2474.

Information concerning the involvement of the CSLC in the EIS/EIR

process may be obtained from Dan Gorfain, EIR Project Manager, at (916)

574-1889.

Information regarding the involvement of the U.S. Department of the

Interior's Bureau of Land Management as a cooperating agency in the

environmental analysis process may be obtained from Mr. Steven Johnson,

California Desert District Office, at (909) 697-5233.

Daniel Gorfain,

Project Manager, CSLC.

David P. Boergers,

Secretary, FERC.

[FR Doc. 99-10682 Filed 4-28-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6717-01-M