In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
01/31/2020
36 Months From Approved
01/31/2017
25,232
0
25,232
332,378
0
332,378
0
0
0
Environmental concerns play a significant role in the review of certificate construction applications. Pipelines are facing increased opposition from landowners as new projects are proposed, especially in more heavily populated areas. FERC has to balance the benefits of alternative supplies of natural gas with the environmental impact of a project. Critical to the Commissionâs efforts to balance benefits and environmental impacts are the general and project-specific environmental conditions the Commission applies to jurisdictional facilities.
Applicants have to conduct appropriate studies which are necessary to evaluate the impact of the construction and/or operation of the proposed jurisdictional facilities on human and natural resources and the measures which may be necessary to protect the values of the affected area.
In 2013 , FERC added new sections in its regulations (18 CFR) under Sections 2.55(c) and 380.15(b)(1) whereby a natural gas company must notify affected landowners at least five days prior to coming onto their property. The notifications were to include: (1) a brief description of the activity to be conducted or facilities to be constructed/replaced and the effects that the activities are expected to have on the landownerâs property; (2) the name and phone number of the company representative that is knowledgeable about the project; and (3) a description of the Commissionâs Dispute Resolution Service Helpline, as explained in Section 1b.21(g) of the Commissionâs regulations, and the Dispute Resolution Service Helpline number.
FERC defined âaffected landownersâ as owners of property interests, as noted in their most recent tax notice, whose property is directly affected (i.e. crossed or used) by the proposed activity, including all rights-of-way, facility sites, access roads, pipe and contractor yards, and temporary workspace.
The Commission collects the bulk of the information under the FERC-577 in order to comply with applicable environmental statutes. The Commission needs to know about the consequences of companiesâ activities to be able to ensure that FERC is complying with NEPA requirements. In particular, FERC wants to ensure that construction and operation activities are done in a manner that does not violate FERCâs findings that there are no significant adverse impacts. The FERC-577 cannot be discontinued or conducted less frequently.
US Code:
15 USC 717 to 717w
Name of Law: Natural Gas Act
US Code:
42 USC 4321
Name of Law: National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
FERC-577 supporting statement.docx
42 USC 4321.pdf
Gas Pipeline Certificates: Environmental Impact Statement