Search Results for keywords:"environmental impact"

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary rule establishing a safety zone in waters near the Glen Island Approach Bridge in Long Island Sound, New Rochelle, NY, due to construction activities. This rule, effective from December 2, 2024, to May 27, 2027, is necessary to protect people and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with the bridge's rehabilitation. During active construction periods, unauthorized persons and vessels are prohibited from entering the designated safety zone. The public is invited to comment on this rule by March 3, 2025, with the Coast Guard committed to maintaining transparent communication through platforms like Local Notice to Mariners.

The Coast Guard has established 55 temporary safety zones around the construction of wind energy facilities for the Empire Wind 1 project, located offshore from Long Island, New York. These zones, each extending 500 meters from the facility's center point, aim to protect life, property, and the environment during construction, which may begin as early as March 2025 and continue through February 2028. During enforcement, only authorized vessels are allowed within these safety zones, and mariners will be notified of enforcement periods through various communication channels. This action was implemented following regulatory processes and public comments, focusing solely on safety rather than the wind energy projects themselves.

Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC submitted an application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requesting permission to construct pipeline extensions and upgrade compressor stations in Florida. Known as the Big Bend Project, it aims to provide additional natural gas transportation services to a power plant in Hillsborough County, with an estimated cost of $37.5 million. The public can engage in the Commission's review by filing protests, motions to intervene, or comments by the deadline of March 5, 2021. This notice also outlines the procedures for interventions and submitting feedback on the project, which can be completed online or by mail.

Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC has submitted a request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for authorization to replace a 490-foot segment of pipeline in Putnam County, New York. The project, estimated to cost $12.5 million, involves installing a new section of the pipeline using conventional boring methods. FERC has outlined ways for the public to get involved, including filing protests, motions to intervene, and comments, with a deadline of February 26, 2021. People interested in the project can track progress and participate through FERC's online services.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has designated a large area in the Pacific Ocean, called the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary, to protect its unique marine environment around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The sanctuary spans about 582,570 square miles and is intended to preserve its invaluable biological, cultural, and historical resources. The rules for this sanctuary involve regulating activities like fishing and anchoring, following existing management frameworks and international guidelines to ensure protection while allowing for some scientific and cultural activities. This designation is in collaboration with various partners, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the State of Hawaii, to enhance the protection and management of this significant marine area.

The Coast Guard has decided to remove a regulated navigation area in Sparkman Channel, Tampa, Florida. Initially, the area restricted vessel drafts to protect navigation due to an underwater pipeline, but advancements in technology have rendered these restrictions unnecessary. The change, effective March 4, 2021, aims to eliminate these outdated limitations, and the Coast Guard sees no significant impact on small businesses or the environment. This action is being taken under the authority granted by U.S. law, and no new rules or navigational hurdles are being introduced by this change.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), part of the Department of Transportation, is proposing new procedures to implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These procedures establish categorical exclusions (CEs), which are categories of actions deemed to typically have minimal environmental impacts. PHMSA invites public comments on these proposed CEs and procedures, aiming to ensure their activities minimize environmental effects and involve public and governmental engagement. Comments must be submitted by January 9, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing a temporary change to its drug testing rules. Currently, rules require oral fluid tests in some situations, but because the necessary laboratories are not certified, these tests can't be performed yet. The new rule aims to temporarily allow directly observed urine tests instead until oral fluid testing becomes available. This interim rule will only be in place until the required facilities and procedures for oral fluid testing are established.

Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC has filed a request with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to plug and abandon one well and its associated pipeline at the Victory A Storage Field in West Virginia due to its low performance and high maintenance costs. The public is invited to participate by filing protests, motions to intervene, or comments on the project by March 17, 2025. Instructions for how to file and participate are provided, and assistance is available from FERC's Office of Public Participation. This project is in compliance with regulations to ensure well integrity and safety.

The Coast Guard is proposing updates to the special regulations for various marine events like parades and regattas in the Ohio Valley area. These changes will include adding new events, revising details of current events, and removing ones that no longer happen. The proposal aims to make the rules more efficient by minimizing administrative costs and keep the public informed. The Coast Guard is inviting the public to provide comments by March 25, 2021, to help shape this rulemaking process.