Regulatory Processing
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is the regulatory agency that oversees the U.S. interstate natural gas pipeline industry. The FERC regulates both the construction of natural gas pipeline systems, including compressor stations, and the transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce.
Pipeline Companies such as Paiute Pipeline Company (Paiute) wanting to build and operate interstate natural gas pipelines and/or compressor stations must first file an application with the FERC for approval. This is done to assure that pipeline facilities benefit consumers, are compatible with the environment, and minimize interference with the public and landowners along the pipeline rights-of-way.
To obtain information about the FERC's role as a regulator of interstate transmission of natural gas, about getting involved in the regulatory process and to access information that summarize your rights and the process when dealing with FERC-regulated energy project licensing, visit the FERC's Website at www.ferc.gov .
Before a pipeline company, like Paiute, obtains authorization to construct an interstate transmission pipeline, it must first file a detailed project plan with the FERC. This plan is formally called an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (Certificate Application). The Certificate Application is a comprehensive document that describes the proposed project, its need, and potential environmental impacts.
FERC Pre-Filing
Pipeline companies typically initiate what is known as the FERC pre-filing process. The pre-filing process is designed to encourage involvement by all stakeholders (citizens, government entities and other interested parties) during the development of a proposed project to help identify and resolve issues before an official project application is submitted to the FERC. Paiute entered into the pre-filing process in October 2016, and it was assigned Docket Number PF17-2. Paiute submitted its formal certificate application on July 5, 2017. The Commission assigned the filing Docket No. CP17-471.
Once the pre-filing process begins, all documents and correspondence submitted to or issued by FERC regarding the Project can be accessed on this website under News or by referencing the Docket Number on the FERC's e-library website.
As part of the pre-filing process, Paiute will host open houses in Carson City, Nevada. The purpose of these public meetings is to provide you with more detailed information and an opportunity to provide feedback to Paiute and the FERC Staff on the planned project.
The FERC may also host scoping meetings as part of the federal environmental process. These meetings also will be open to the public. The purpose of the scoping meetings is to gather comments and input from the public and other interested stakeholders on the proposed pipeline project.
Certificate Application
Paiute filed its Certificate Application for this project at FERC on July 5, 2017. The FERC assigned the file as docket number CP17-471. Among other things, the Certificate Application contains a description of the new facilities, the need for the project, detailed maps, schedules and various environmental reports. The information contained in the application and related environmental reports will detail the various studies and analyses that Paiute has conducted to determine what effect construction and operation could potentially have on the environment and community.
The environmental reports will include an analysis of alternatives, as well as an analysis of potential impacts to water resources, vegetation and wildlife, cultural resources, socioeconomics, soils, geology and land use.
When the Certificate Application is filed and a certificate proceeding (CP) docket number assigned (CP17-471), a copy of the public version of the application will be made available:
Environmental Evaluation
The FERC will prepare an environmental evaluation using information included in the certificate application, supplemental information that may be provided by Paiute upon request, information assembled by FERC staff, as well as information provided by state and federal agencies and the public. The evaluation will describe the proposed project and alternatives, as well as identify existing environmental conditions and potential impacts from the project. The evaluation also will indicate what mitigation measures, construction procedures, and route modifications could be included to eliminate or reduce impacts.
FERC’s environmental document will be made available to federal, state, and local government agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Native American tribes; affected landowners; other interested parties and newspapers. The FERC will establish a public comment period with ample time for review and evaluation of the document. Once the comment period ends, the FERC may address comments received in the final order.
If the FERC determines that the project is environmentally acceptable – and is satisfied the project is in the public interest – it will issue an order granting a certificate of public convenience and necessity. The FERC issues this document to signify that approval has been granted to build and operate the pipeline. The certificate will detail the conditions of the approval, including the final route the FERC has authorized, and construction and mitigation measures that must be followed.
Comments to the FERC
When providing comments to the FERC, you should reference the FERC docket number. Comments may be filed via the Internet on the FERC’s website using the eComment link.
You may also send written comments to the FERC at:
Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First St., N.E., Room 1A
Washington, DC 20426
Other State & Federal Authorizations
Paiute is working closely with other state and federal agencies to obtain the necessary permits and authorizations to construct the pipeline project.
Additional Resources
Additional information is available on this website and on the FERC website. Two of the guides that are available on the FERC website are hyperlinked below:
“An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land? – What Do I Need to Know” and
“Your Guide to Electronic Information at FERC.”