The proposed Plaquemines LNG export terminal and associated Gator Express pipelines might have adverse environmental impacts that could be less than significant if the sponsor’s proposed impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation plan and additional Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff recommendations are implemented, FERC’s staff said in a May 3 final environmental impact statement.
Venture Global LNG’s proposed terminal in Plaquemines Parish, La., would have a 20 million-tonne/year capacity, with an initial 10 million-tpy phase constructed once all required permits and authorizations are received, and the remainder built later if there’s enough market demand, the sponsor said. The terminal would be built to accommodate ocean-going vessels with an LNG carrying capacity of up to 185,000 cu m.
Two pipelines also would be constructed in phases, Venture Global said. The first would be a 15-mile, 42-in. line and appurtenant facilities that would deliver gas to the Plaquemines liquefaction plant and terminal from new interconnections with Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. LLC and Texas Eastern Transmission LP (TET) offshore, southwest of the terminal site.
The second phase would be a 12-mile, 42-in. line and appurtenant facilities that would deliver additional supplies to the terminal from the interconnection with TET. Each phase will be designed to deliver 1.9 bcfd and will have a maximum allowable operating pressure of 1,200 psi gauge, Venture Global said.
FERC’s environmental staff developed the final EIS’s conclusion and recommendations. The US Army Corps of Engineers, US Coast Guard, US Environmental Protection Agency, and US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration proved input as cooperating agencies. The agencies could develop their own conclusions and recommendations and would adopt the final EIS after an independent review if they conclude their own permitting requirements have been satisfied, FERC’s staff said.
Contact Nick Snow at [email protected].
