FERC Releases Supplemental Draft EIS for Downeast LNG Import Project
Today, FERC released a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) for the Downeast LNG Project, a proposed LNG import terminal and interconnected pipeline to be constructed in Washington County, Maine. The SDEIS addresses new information regarding the reliability and safety analysis of the proposed LNG terminal and related carrier transit. The SDEIS concludes (1) that the preliminary engineering design of the terminal would be acceptable provided Downeast addresses mitigation measures relating to reliability, operability, and safety; (2) that the terminal site would meet the thermal radiation exclusion zone requirements, but that the vapor dispersion analysis would not meet the requirements of other Department of Transportation regulations; and (3) that the waterway along the proposed carrier transit route would be suitable for the proposed LNG marine traffic, contingent on the implementation of measures to manage maritime safety and security risks. Comments on the SDEIS are due May 20, 2013. The SDEIS can be found on eLibrary under Docket No. CP07-52.