FR 2021-01872

The document in question is an official notice from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding a request by the Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (often referred to as Transco), to abandon certain offshore pipelines in Louisiana. These pipelines have not been used for the past 12 months, and Transco asserts that their removal will neither reduce the capacity of their system nor negatively impact current customers. FERC is seeking public involvement through protests, motions to intervene, and comments on this request, with a deadline set for March 23, 2021.

Summary of the Document

The document notifies the public of Transco's intent to decommission a total of over 13 miles of offshore pipelines and associated facilities that are no longer servicing any customers. This move is part of regulatory processes governed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Issues and Concerns

A primary concern about this document is the lack of detailed cost analysis. The abandonment process is anticipated to cost approximately $3.18 million, but without a breakdown, stakeholders could worry about potential inefficiencies or transparency issues in spending.

Furthermore, the document makes references to specific legal codes and regulatory sections without explanation, such as "sections 157.205 and 157.216". For individuals not familiar with these sections, this could lead to confusion and a lack of understanding of the broader implications or requirements of the request.

The document also lacks clarity regarding why these supply laterals are being abandoned and why they were not used over the past year. For parties with a direct interest, such insights could have been valuable for context.

Finally, information on how to access further assistance or how to file electronically is dispersed throughout the document, making it less user-friendly.

Potential Impact on the Public

On a broad scale, the public might not see immediate tangible impacts from this decision since the pipelines in question are not actively serving any customers. However, stakeholders such as regulatory bodies, environmental advocates, and local communities might have vested interests. Abandonment of pipelines typically involves environmental considerations and may also relate to broader energy infrastructure strategies.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For existing customers of Transco, the company's assurance that their service will remain unaffected is positive. This clarification shields them from concerns over service disruptions or capacity reductions due to the abandonment.

Regulatory entities such as environmental and energy organizations could see both opportunities and challenges. Opportunities may exist in assessing and potentially influencing the manner in which the abandonment is conducted, ensuring compliance with environmental standards. Challenges could arise from scrutinizing the justifications provided, particularly if there is any legal objection or environmental concern related to decommissioning activities in a marine area.

In sum, while the document provides notice of a regulatory process that seems straightforward, the lack of detailed context around legal references and financial estimates requires consideration by any involved or interested parties. The public is encouraged to participate and provide input before the March 23, 2021 deadline. The process is an example of how public infrastructure changes undergo necessary scrutiny, allowing various community and stakeholder voices to be considered in the regulatory framework.

In reviewing the document regarding the Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC's request under blanket authorization, the financial references present a noteworthy aspect that warrants discussion.

Summary of Financial References

The document highlights a specific financial allocation related to the abandonment of certain pipeline segments. The estimated cost of this abandonment project is $3,182,902. This figure represents the anticipated expense required to decommission 6.57 miles of an 8-inch-diameter supply lateral and approximately 6.56 miles of three 16-inch-diameter supply laterals. These pipelines extend between specific offshore platforms located in offshore Louisiana.

Relation to Identified Issues

A primary issue flagged in relation to this financial reference is the absence of a detailed breakdown of the $3,182,902 cost. For stakeholders and the general public, understanding the specific expenditures that sum up to this total can be crucial. Transparency in financial matters ensures stakeholders are clear about how funds are spent and whether those expenditures are justified given the project's aims.

Without such transparency, there may be concerns about potential wasteful spending or inefficiencies in the abandonment process. The lack of clarity could also raise broader questions about oversight and accountability within the project's financial management. Ensuring that detailed cost analyses are available could address these concerns and foster greater trust in the entities managing the project.

Overall, while the total cost of abandonment is clearly specified, a more thorough explanation of how these funds are intended to be utilized could enhance public understanding and support effective decision-making processes.