Draft EIS recommends approval of Sempra’s proposed Port Arthur LNG and pipeline project in Texas and Louisiana (Docket No. CP05-83-000)
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Staff recommends approval for the project because:
* The LNG terminal facility would make use of a site previously used for a dredge material placement area;
* The LNG terminal facility would be located in an area with access to a deep water federal navigation channel;
* Sempra would implement the FERC staff’s Plan and Procedures to mitigate impacts on soils, wetlands, and waterbodies;
* Sempra would implement an approved Aquatic Resources Mitigation Plan to mitigate for, and minimize impacts, on wetlands and essential fish habitat;
* Sempra has routed the pipeline to avoid placement of the construction work area near most residences;
* Appropriate consultations with the FWS, NOAA Fisheries, the COE, SHPOs, the Railroad Commission of Texas and the LADNR (for the coastal zone management plan consistency determinations) would be required before Sempra would be allowed to begin construction;
* Safety features would be incorporated into the design and operation of the LNG import terminal and LNG vessels, and can be expected to operate safely;
* Operational controls would be imposed by the local pilots and Coast Guard to direct the movement of LNG ships, and the security provisions to deter attacks by potential terrorists; and
* An environmental inspection and mitigation monitoring program would be implemented to ensure compliance with all mitigation measures that become conditions of any FERC authorization.
FERC Commissioners will take into consideration staff's recommendations and the FEIS when they make a decision on the project. |
