FR 2025-01863

The document from the Federal Register announces a request by the National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation to plug and abandon two specific wells in Erie County, New York. Filed on January 3, 2025, this notice falls under sections 157.205 and 157.216 of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) regulations, which pertain to actions under the Natural Gas Act and involve facilities with limited deliverability. The company assures that the service to its customers will be unaffected by this project, suggesting it deems this step necessary and justifiable. The estimated cost heralded is $800,000. This document gives the public a chance to engage in the decision-making process by filing protests, motions to intervene, or comments by March 14, 2025.

Significant Issues and Concerns

The document presents several concerns worth noting:

1. Lack of Cost Breakdown: While the overall project cost is noted as $800,000, there is no detailed breakdown provided. This might raise questions regarding the transparency of expenses and whether the charges are justified or necessary. Stakeholders may find it challenging to evaluate the financial decisions connected to this project without clear insight into how the funding will be allocated.

2. Technical Language and Accessibility: The language used to explain public participation options, such as filing protests or comments, is technical and could be simplified. For individuals unfamiliar with regulatory procedures, these terms could seem daunting, thereby potentially impeding broader public engagement.

3. Rationale for Abandonment: The document does not thoroughly explain why the wells are no longer viable aside from citing "poor deliverability." Additional context on the decision to abandon these wells could help stakeholders better understand the necessity of this measure.

4. Disjointed Instructions for Engagement: Directions on how to interact with the FERC website are scattered throughout the document, which may lead to confusion. A consolidated guide could improve accessibility to resources for potential commenters or those seeking to intervene.

5. Familiarity with Legal References: The text assumes readers have a familiarity with specific regulatory references (such as '18 CFR 157.205'), which may not be easily understood by all without additional context or explanation.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the primary impact of this document is whether services might be disrupted due to the well abandonment. Since the company has claimed that there will be no reduction in service, concern in this area seems minimal for everyday consumers. However, vigilance in overseeing the process through public participation could ensure that the company's assertions hold.

Potential Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders such as landowners near the wells, environmental groups, or community residents, this document presents an opportunity to engage in the regulatory process that oversees energy infrastructure projects. If the wells are in proximity to residential or conserved areas, there may be environmental or safety considerations that merit closer scrutiny.

On a positive note, streamlining or responsibly managing infrastructure might benefit stakeholders in the long run through enhanced safety, environmental protection measures, or even indirect economic benefits. However, without detailed information on implementation and after-effects, the specific advantages remain speculative.

Conclusion

In summary, while the FERC notice about the National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation's actions provides essential information, gaps in detailed rationale and open explanations present room for concern. Stakeholders are encouraged to use the avenues of participation available to ensure thorough vetting and consideration of public and environmental interests. Adjustments in how such documents are presented might improve accessibility, understanding, and engagement among the public, thereby fostering a more informed and participatory decision-making process.

The document under review outlines a proposal by the National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation to abandon certain facilities related to their gas operations due to poor deliverability. A notable financial aspect of this proposal is the estimated cost of $800,000 for the project. This amount is presented as a lump sum without a detailed breakdown, making it challenging for stakeholders to assess the appropriateness or potential efficiency of the expenditure.

Summary of Financial Allocations

The proposal indicates a total estimated cost of $800,000 for the project, which involves plugging and abandoning two specific wells and their associated infrastructure. This figure is solely mentioned without further elaboration on how this amount will be allocated among various activities such as labor, materials, or any associated environmental compliance efforts.

Relation to Identified Issues

1. Lack of Cost Breakdown: The absence of a detailed breakdown raises questions about the justification and transparency of the proposed spend. Interested parties might find it difficult to evaluate whether the $800,000 estimate represents a wise or necessary investment without additional context on how the funds are intended to be used.

2. Need for Additional Context: The document's assertion that these wells exhibit "poor deliverability" provides some basis for the abandonment decision. However, without financial details or an underlying cost-benefit analysis, stakeholders might be unsure of the economic rationale behind the project. Additional financial details could help illustrate whether the abandonment plans are a strategic move to avoid potentially larger future costs or simply part of routine operational adjustments.

3. Public Engagement and Financial Transparency: Engaging the public effectively requires more than just presenting an overall project cost. Clear, detailed financial information could empower community members, landowners, and other stakeholders to make informed evaluations and potentially engage more actively in the decision-making process. Such transparency not only fosters trust but also aligns with the public participation process outlined in the notice.

Overall, a more granular overview of the financial components involved could enhance the document's clarity and strengthen stakeholder understanding and engagement. It would be beneficial for the Commission to consider these aspects in similar future communications to better inform all parties involved.