FR 2021-01556

Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC has submitted a request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for permission to abandon ten gas wells along with related infrastructure located in Ohio. This move is part of what is known as the Southcentral Ohio Well Abandonments Project. According to Columbia, there will be no impact on the storage capacity or service of the existing fields owing to this abandonment. The public has been invited to participate by either filing protests, intervening, or providing comments by March 15, 2021. More details on participation can be found on the FERC website.

Key Issues and Concerns

The document raises several issues that warrant attention:

1. Lack of Justification for Abandonment: The notice does not provide a compelling rationale for why these ten wells and associated infrastructure need to be abandoned. This absence of explanation can raise concerns about whether the endeavor is justified and if the decision aligns with strategic operational objectives or simply represents a wasteful expenditure without proper analysis.

2. Environmental and Community Impact: There is a lack of detailed information regarding the potential impact of the abandonment project on local communities, the environment, or Columbia’s future operations. Understanding these impacts is crucial for ensuring that local communities and ecosystems are not adversely affected.

3. Complex Technical Jargon: The document uses technical terms such as 'reservoir pressure', 'reservoir and buffer boundaries', and 'certificated capacity' without providing simplifications that a lay audience might find useful. This can make it difficult for the general public to fully understand the implications of the abandonment.

4. Barriers to Public Participation: While there are instructions for filing protests, motions to intervene, and comments, these may still be complex for individuals unfamiliar with federal regulatory processes. Simplifying the language or providing a step-by-step guide could enhance public participation.

5. Implications of Non-Participation: The document does not clearly outline the consequences of not filing protests or motions to intervene, which could be important for the public to understand their rights and future legal options.

6. Economic and Stakeholder Impact: The notice does not discuss how the proposed abandonment might impact natural gas supply, energy prices, or the local economy. These factors could significantly influence stakeholders, including local businesses and residents.

Public and Stakeholder Impact

From a broader perspective, this document and its directives may have varied impacts on different stakeholders:

• General Public: The public's ability to engage with and understand this regulatory process is crucial. Those without detailed knowledge of energy regulations might find the process intimidating and challenging, possibly leading to a lack of engagement.

• Local Stakeholders: For residents and businesses in Ohio, understanding how this project might affect local employment or energy prices is essential. Any changes to energy supply could potentially lead to price fluctuations or service changes impacting local economies.

• Environmental Stakeholders: Environmental groups might be concerned about the broader ecological impacts of abandoning infrastructure without a clear understanding of whether or not the natural environment will suffer as a result.

• Regulatory Bodies and Industry Groups: These entities might be more focused on the procedural aspects of the abandonment, examining whether Columbia’s proposal aligns with regulatory expectations and the potential impact on industry standards.

In conclusion, while Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC's notice to FERC highlights an administrative procedure, the document raises important questions and issues around transparency, impact, and public engagement that should be addressed to better inform and involve all affected parties.