Search Results for keywords:"environmental impact"

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.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission announced the application by Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC, to amend its Southgate Project. This project involves building a natural gas pipeline and related facilities in Virginia and North Carolina, costing an estimated $524 million. Public participation is encouraged through comments, protests, or motions to intervene by the deadline of March 11, 2025. Interested parties can obtain more information and submit their input through the Commission's website or by mail.

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.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to regulate hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD), a chemical deemed persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. This rule prohibits almost all manufacturing, processing, and distribution of HCBD and products containing it, except when HCBD is unintentionally produced as a byproduct in the creation of chlorinated solvents and when distributed for incineration as waste fuel. The rule aims to significantly reduce exposure to HCBD to protect human health and the environment, and it becomes effective on March 8, 2021.

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 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 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 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.

Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC has submitted an application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a project in Louisiana. The project aims to upgrade existing equipment and add a new compressor unit, increasing the capacity to transport natural gas to Tampa Electric Company. The public can participate in the review process by commenting, protesting, or intervening before January 30, 2025. More details and instructions on the process for participation are available on the FERC website.