The U.S. Department of Energy announces its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to assess the potential environmental impacts of a project proposed by Excelsior Energy Inc., to design, construct, and operate (potentially under an agreement with an operating company) a coalbased, Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) electric generating facility on the Iron Range of northern Minnesota.

1. Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 192 / Wednesday, October 5, 2005 / Notices 58207
Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877– presentations. Oral presentations should Washington, DC, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
8339. not exceed ten minutes. Testimony will eastern standard time.
[FR Doc. 05–19963 Filed 10–4–05; 8:45 am]
become part of the public record. Dated: September 30, 2005.
All views will be considered by the Munira Mwalimu,
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
Governing Board Committee when it
Operations Officer, National Assessment
takes final action on the NAEP 2009 Governing Board.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Science Framework, which is
[FR Doc. 05–19957 Filed 10–4–05; 8:45 am]
anticipated in November 2005.
BILLING CODE 4000–01–M
Notice of Public Hearing To register to present oral testimony
on October 25, 2005 at the Phoenix Park
AGENCY: National Assessment Hotel, please call Tessa Regis, of the
Governing Board; Education NAGB staff, at (202) 357–7500 or send DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
SUMMARY: The National Assessment an e-mail to tessa.regis@ed.gov by
Governing Board is announcing a public Notice of Intent To Prepare an
Friday, October 21. Written testimony
hearing on October 25, 2005 to obtain Environmental Impact Statement and
should be sent by mail, fax or e-mail for
comment on the draft 2009 Science Notice of Proposed Floodplain and
receipt in the Board office by October
Framework for the National Assessment Wetlands Involvement for the Mesaba
26.
of Educational Progress (NAEP). Public Energy Project Integrated Gasification
Testimony should be sent to:
and private parties and organizations Combined Cycle (IGCC) Demonstration
National Assessment Governing Board, Plant Northern Minnesota Iron Range,
are invited to present written and/or 800 North Capitol Street, NW.—Suite
oral testimony. The forum will be held Itasca County, MN
825, Washington, DC 20002, Attn:
at the Phoenix Park Hotel, 520 North Mary Crovo, Fax: (202) 357–6945, E- AGENCY: Department of Energy.
Capitol Street, NW., Washington, DC mail: mary.crovo@ed.gov. ACTION:Notice of intent and notice of
from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern proposed floodplain and wetlands
For further information, please
Standard Time. involvement.
Background: Under Public Law 107– contact Charles Smith or Mary Crovo at
279, the Governing board is responsible (202) 357–6938.
This document is intended to notify SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of
for determining the content and Energy (DOE) announces its intent to
the general public of their opportunity
methodology of NAEP assessments. The prepare an Environmental Impact
to attend. Individuals who will need
Board also has responsibility for Statement (EIS) pursuant to the National
accommodations for a disability in order
developing ‘‘a process for review of the Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the
to attend the meeting (i.e., interpreting
[NAEP] assessment, which includes the Council on Environmental Quality
services, assistive listening devices,
active participation of teachers, NEPA regulations (40 Code of Federal
materials in alternative format) should
curriculum specialists, local school Regulations [CFR] parts 1500–1508),
notify Munira Mwalimu at (202) 357–
board administrators, parents, and and the DOE NEPA regulations (10 CFR
6938 or at munira.mwalimu@ed.gov no
concerned members of the public.’’ The part 1021) to assess the potential
later than October 17, 2005. We will
draft framework is the result of a environmental impacts of a project
attempt to meet requests after this date,
comprehensive process involving proposed by Excelsior Energy Inc.
but cannot guarantee availability of the (Excelsior), to design, construct, and
participants from all these groups.
The framework, subject to approval by requested accommodation. The meeting operate (potentially under an agreement
the Governing Board, describes the site is accessible to individuals with with an operating company) a coal-
content and format for a new NAEP disabilities. based, Integrated Gasification Combined
science assessment to be administered SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Cycle (IGCC) electric generating facility
beginning in 2009 at grades 4, 8, and 12. National Assessment Governing Board on the Iron Range of northern Minnesota
The frame work covers a broad range is established under section 412 of the (hereafter termed the ‘‘Mesaba Energy
of scientific content and practices in National Education Statistics Act of Project’’ or the ‘‘Project’’). The proposed
Physical, Life, and Earth/Space 1994, as amended. Project, selected for further
sciences. It was developed by panels of The Board is established to set policy consideration under DOE’s Clean Coal
educators, scientists, and interested for the National Assessment of Power Initiative competitive
members of the public through a Educational Progress (NAEP). The solicitation, would demonstrate
widely-inclusive process. Board’s responsibilities include advanced technologies to produce
The draft framework is available on selecting subject areas to be assessed, electricity via the IGCC process,
the Web site of the Governing Board at developing assessment objectives, including advanced gasification and air
http://www.nagb.org. Other related developing appropriate student separation systems, feedstock flexibility,
material on the Governing Board and achievement levels for each grade and improved environmental performance,
the National Assessment may be found subject tested, planning and executing and improved thermal efficiency. The
at this Web site and at http:// the initial public release of NAEP Project would represent the first phase
nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard. reports, and developing guidelines for of a proposed two-phase generating
The Board is seeking comment from reporting and disseminating results. station, each phase of which would
policymakers, science educators, Summaries of the forum, which are nominally generate 600 megawatts of
researchers, state and local school informative to the public and consistent electricity (MWe) for export to the
administrators, assessment specialists, with the policy of section 5 U.S.C. electrical grid. The EIS will consider the
parents of children in elementary and 552b(c), will be available to the public impacts of both phases, even though
secondary schools, and interested within 14 days of the meeting. Records DOE’s potential funding would only be
members of the public. Representatives are kept of all Board proceedings and provided in support of phase one. The
of the National Assessment Governing are available for public inspection at the EIS will evaluate the proposed Project
Board will conduct the hearing to U.S. Department of Education, National and reasonable alternatives. Because the
receive testimony, and may ask Assessment Governing Board, Suite proposed Project may affect floodplains
clarifying questions or respond to #825, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., and wetlands on the Iron Range of
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2. 58208 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 192 / Wednesday, October 5, 2005 / Notices
northern Minnesota, the EIS will MN, on Wednesday, October 26, 2005, implement the President’s National
include a floodplain and wetlands beginning at 7 p.m. (see ‘‘Public Scoping Energy Policy (NEP) recommendation to
assessment, and DOE will prepare a Process below.’’) The public is invited increase investment in clean coal
statement of findings in accordance to an informal session at each location technology and reduce the use of
with DOE regulations for Compliance beginning at 4 p.m. on the date of each imported energy sources. That
with Floodplain and Wetlands meeting during which DOE personnel recommendation addresses a national
Environmental Review Requirements will be present to discuss the proposed challenge of ensuring the reliability of
(10 CFR part 1022). Wetland permitting Project and the EIS process. Displays electric supply while simultaneously
and mitigation would be conducted in and other forms of information about protecting the environment.
accordance with the rules and policies the proposed agency action and the The goal of the CCPI program is to
of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act demonstration plant will be made accelerate commercial deployment of
and under the Minnesota Wetland available to the public for review. advanced coal technologies that provide
Conservation Act. ADDRESSES: Written comments on the the United States with clean, reliable,
The EIS will help DOE decide proposed EIS scope and requests to and affordable energy. Through
whether to provide approximately $36 participate in the public scoping cooperative agreements established
million in cost-shared funding (the meeting should be addressed to the pursuant to the CCPI program, DOE
estimated total Project cost is $1.97 NEPA Document Manager for the would accelerate deployment of
billion). DOE may also provide a loan Project: Mr. Richard Hargis, M/S 922– innovative technologies to: meet near-
guarantee, pursuant to the Energy Policy 342C, U.S. Department of Energy, term energy and environmental goals;
Act of 2005, to guarantee a portion of National Energy Technology Laboratory, reduce technological risk to the business
the private sector financing for the P.O. Box 10940, Pittsburgh, PA 15236– community to an acceptable level; and
Project. 0940. Individuals who would like to provide private sector incentives
The purpose of this Notice of Intent otherwise participate in the public required for continued activity in
is to inform the public about the scoping process should contact Mr. innovative research and development
proposed Project; invite public Richard Hargis directly by telephone: directed at providing solutions to long-
participation in the EIS process; 412–386–6065; toll free number: 888– range energy supply problems.
announce the plans for a public scoping 322–7436 ext. 6065; fax: 412–386–4775; Proposed Action: The proposed action
meeting; explain the EIS scoping or electronic mail: is for DOE to provide, through a
process; and solicit public comments for richard.hargis@netl.doe.gov. cooperative agreement with Excelsior,
consideration in establishing the and possibly through a loan guarantee
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
proposed scope of the EIS. Because the for up to 80% of the total Project cost,
information regarding the Mesaba financial assistance for the proposed
proposed facility is considered a Large Energy Project or to receive a copy of Project. The proposed IGCC
Electric Power Generating Plant, the the draft EIS for review when it is demonstration plant would be designed
Project is subject to the Minnesota issued, contact Mr. Richard Hargis as for long-term commercial operation
Power Plant Siting Act (Minnesota described above. Those seeking general following completion of an anticipated
Statutes 116C.51–.69), which requires information on the DOE NEPA process 12-month minimum demonstration
the preparation of a state-equivalent EIS. should contact: Ms. Carol M. Borgstrom, period under a cooperative agreement
The EIS requirements under NEPA and Director, Office of NEPA Policy and with DOE. The Project would cost a
the Minnesota Power Plant Siting Act Compliance (EH–42), U.S. Department total of approximately $1.97 billion;
are substantially similar, and it is DOE’s of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, DOE’s share would be approximately
intent to prepare, in cooperation with SW., Washington, DC 20585–0119; $36 million. The Project would
the Minnesota Department of Commerce Telephone: (202) 586–4600, Facsimile: represent the first phase of a proposed
and the Minnesota Public Utilities (202) 586–7031 or leave a toll-free two-phase generating station; each
Commission, an EIS that will fulfill the message at: 800–472–2756. phase would nominally generate 600
requirements of both laws. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: MWe (net) for a nominal combined
DATES: To ensure that all of the issues Background and Need for Agency generating capacity of 1,200 MWe (net).
related to this proposal are addressed, Action: Since the early 1970’s, DOE and DOE plans to complete the EIS within
DOE invites comments on the proposed its predecessor agencies have supported 15 months following publication of this
scope of the EIS from all interested research and development programs Notice of Intent and, subsequently, to
parties. Comments must be received by that include long-term, high-risk issue a Record of Decision. The EIS will
November 14, 2005, to ensure activities for the development of a wide consider the impacts of both phases,
consideration. Late comments will be variety of innovative coal technologies even though DOE s potential funding
considered to the extent practicable. In through the proof-of-concept stage. would only be provided in support of
addition to receiving comments in However, the availability of a phase one.
writing and by telephone (see technology at the proof-of-concept stage The Project would use
ADDRESSES below), DOE will conduct is not sufficient to ensure continued ConocoPhillips’ E-GasTM Technology for
two public scoping meetings in which development and subsequent solid feedstock gasification. The starting
agencies, organizations, and the general commercialization. Before any point for the project design is the 262
public are invited to present oral technology can be considered seriously MWe (net) Wabash River Coal
comments or suggestions with regard to for commercialization, it must first be Gasification Repowering Project
the range of alternatives and demonstrated. The financial risk (Wabash) in Terre Haute, Indiana,
environmental issues to be considered associated with technology which was built under the DOE’s Clean
in the EIS. The scoping meetings will be demonstration is, in general, too high Coal Technology Program (predecessor
held at the Taconite Community Center, for the private sector to assume in the to the CCPI) and has been in operation
26 Haynes Street, Taconite, MN, on absence of strong incentives. Congress since 1995. Wabash has achieved an
Tuesday, October 25, 2005, beginning at established the Clean Coal Power emissions profile that compares
7 p.m., and at Hoyt Lakes Arena, 106 Initiative (CCPI) in 2002 as a favorably to alternative technologies
Kennedy Memorial Drive, Hoyt Lakes, government/industry partnership to being proposed and permitted today for
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3. Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 192 / Wednesday, October 5, 2005 / Notices 58209
new coal-based power projects. Based 6), sub-bituminous coal (Powder River without using any additional oxygen.
on subsequent DOE-funded studies of Basin), blends of sub-bituminous coal The thermal heat of the hot syngas from
potential performance and technological and petroleum coke, and/or other the first stage volatilizes the slurry fed
upgrades, and nearly 1,600 design and combinations of these feedstocks. to the second stage and converts that
operational lessons learned from • Improved Environmental portion of the feedstock to additional
Wabash, the E-GasTM team identified Performance—The Project is intended to syngas.
five areas for continued research and improve upon Wabash by deploying The two-stage gasifier, coupled with
development to improve and advance processes and technologies that would E-GasTM unique application of a firetube
gasification technologies toward make it among the cleanest coal-based syngas cooler design, minimizes the size
commercial acceptance. The areas power generating plant in the world. and temperature level requirements for
address improvements in operational Emission levels for criteria pollutants the high temperature heat recovery
availability, capital costs and financing, (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon system, which is cost-effective and
operating costs, feedstock flexibility, monoxide, volatile organic compounds, yields high conversion efficiencies. Raw
and environmental performance. and particulate matter) and mercury are synthesis gas exiting the gasifier
Based in part on the achievements expected to be equal to or below those contains entrained solids that are
and lessons learned from Wabash, the of the lowest emission rates for utility- removed and recycled to the first stage
Mesaba Energy Project directly scale, coal-based generation fueled by of the gasifier. Recycling of these solids
addresses the principal barriers similar feedstocks. In addition, carbon also enhances efficiency and
hindering IGCC penetration into the dioxide emissions are expected to be 15 consolidates the solid effluent from the
power market. The Project would to 20% lower than the current average process into one stream as slag leaving
integrate numerous design for U.S. coal-based power plants fueled the gasifier. Sulfur in the initial
improvements that would substantially by similar feedstocks. feedstock is recovered in the process as
advance the original Wabash • Thermal Efficiency—With a design a molten liquid and sold as a byproduct.
technology, design, and systems heat rate of about 8,600 Btu/kilowatt- The process yields a desulfurized
integration. The Project would hour when using bituminous coal, syngas that can be used as a fuel gas for
demonstrate the following features and Mesaba would demonstrate a significant power generation in advanced
technologies to improve and advance heat rate improvement over Wabash. combustion turbines.
IGCC processes toward commercial From a broad perspective, the Project Excelsior plans to construct the
acceptance: would demonstrate the commercial Mesaba Generating Station in two
• Increased Capacity—With more development, engineering, and design phases, of which the Project would
than double the generating capacity of necessary to construct a large feedstock- represent the first phase. Plant start-up,
Wabash, the Project would demonstrate flexible reference plant for IGCC and system and feedstock testing, and long-
the economies of scale attainable at thus establish a standard replicable term performance and reliability
larger commercial operations. When design configuration complete with demonstration for the Project would
complete, the installed cost is expected installed cost information for future require approximately one year, after
to be 30% lower per kilowatt than a commercialization. Major components which the plant could continue in
plant based on the original Wabash of the Project would include feedstock commercial operation. A minimum 12-
design. acceptance and storage; slurry month demonstration period is planned
• Advanced Gasifier—The Project preparation; oxygen preparation via the to begin in 2011.
would demonstrate a significantly more ASU; feedstock gasification and slag Alternatives: NEPA requires that
advanced full-slurry quench, multiple- handling; synthesis gas preparation (i.e., agencies evaluate reasonable
train gasifier system. Two gasifiers particulate matter removal, char re- alternatives to the proposed action in an
would be operated simultaneously to injection, water scrubbing, acid gas EIS. The purpose for agency action
supply two combustion turbines and removal, and mercury removal); sulfur determines the range of reasonable
one steam turbine, each coupled recovery; synthesis gas combustion alternatives. Congress established the
directly to its own generator. One or (using nitrogen dilution to reduce CCPI Program to help implement the
more additional or redundant gasifiers formation of nitrogen oxides) with President’s NEP recommendation to
would be included to help ensure an concomitant electricity production increase investment in clean coal
operational availability of about 90% or (using combustion turbine generators); technology by addressing national
better. and electricity production via heat challenges of ensuring the reliability of
• Air Separation Unit (ASU)—The recovery (using steam turbine domestic electric and energy supplies
Project would be the first IGCC plant in generators). while simultaneously protecting the
the U.S. designed to demonstrate a The ConocoPhillips E-GasTM environment. The Program was
configuration to extract bleed air from gasification technology utilizes a slurry- structured to achieve NEP goals by
the combustion turbine to reduce the fed, two-stage gasifier to convert promoting private sector initiatives to
parasitic load of the main air carbonaceous feedstock to a synthesis invest in demonstrations of advanced
compressor in the ASU, increasing net gas (syngas) and a vitrified, inert slag. technologies that could be widely
plant output and reducing capital cost. The first stage is operated at an elevated deployed commercially to ensure that
Nitrogen extracted from air entering the temperature using oxygen and the United States has clean, reliable,
ASU would be recycled for injection feedstock-water slurry to drive off and affordable energy.
into the combustion turbine to reduce volatile matter from the feedstock and Private sector investments and
formation of nitrogen oxides by facilitate the removal of its mineral deployment of energy systems in the
reducing the flame temperature of the content as a molten slag. The first stage United States place DOE in a more
combustor and the time that combustion also produces a raw, hot syngas that limited role than if the Federal
gases remain at elevated temperatures. requires cooling and cleaning before Government were the owner and
• Feedstock Flexibility—The Project being used as fuel gas to generate power operator of the energy systems. In the
would demonstrate greater feedstock in the gas turbines. The second stage latter situation, DOE would be
flexibility with the capability of provides the initial cooling of the hot responsible for a comprehensive review
gasifying bituminous coal (Illinois No. syngas by quenching it with slurry, of reasonable alternatives for siting the
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4. 58210 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 192 / Wednesday, October 5, 2005 / Notices
system. However, in dealing with wastewater disposal; and connection to Under the no-action alternative, DOE
applicants under the CCPI solicitation, existing natural gas pipelines. would not provide partial funding for
the scope of alternatives is necessarily Both sites are fairly remote wooded the final engineering, construction, and
more restrictive, because DOE must areas, with access to water supplies, rail operation of the plant. In the absence of
focus on alternative ways to accomplish and highway transportation, natural gas DOE funding, the sponsor may still
its purpose and need, which reflects pipelines and high-voltage transmission construct the Project, but it might not
both the application before it and the lines. At either site, construction of the demonstrate all features as proposed for
functions that DOE plays in the decision proposed facilities would require CCPI Program support.
process. Moreover, under the CCPI approximately 85 acres for the IGCC Preliminary Identification of
Program, DOE’s role is limited to complex associated with the Project; an Environmental Issues: The following
approving or disapproving the project as identical amount of land would be environmental issues have been
proposed by the applicant. Therefore, required for the Phase II facilities. Since tentatively identified for analysis in the
the only alternative to the proposed both sites are ‘‘greenfield’’ sites, EIS. This list, which was developed
action, other than the alternative site development of infrastructure at either from reviews of the proposed
discussed below, is the no-action site would include railroad spurs, plant technology and of the scope of the
alternative. road construction, water pipelines, Project and similar projects, and which
Alternatives considered by Excelsior natural gas pipelines and upgrades to is presented to facilitate public
in developing the Project will be high voltage transmission lines. A major comment on the planned scope of the
presented in the EIS. Legislation difference between the sites is that the EIS, is neither intended to be all
enacted by the State of Minnesota in West Range site lies outside the Lake inclusive nor a pre-determined set of
2003 provides the Project an exemption Superior Basin Watershed. potential impacts. Additions to or
Construction of the proposed Project deletions from this list may occur as a
from obtaining a Certificate of Need (see
potentially would affect jurisdictional result of the public scoping process. The
Minn. Stat. 216B.1694 Subd. 2 (a)(1)),
wetlands located within the West Range environmental issues include:
but also requires the Project to be
or East Range sites and their associated 1. Atmospheric resources: Potential
located in the Taconite Tax Relief Area
transportation/utility corridors. air quality impacts resulting from
(in northeastern Minnesota) [(at
Approximately 300 acres of wetlands emissions during construction and
Minnesota Statutes 216B.1694 Sub.
are located within the boundary of the operation of the Project, including
1(3))]. Therefore, the range of sites
1,260 acres of property currently potential impacts on Class I areas in the
considered by Excelsior will necessarily
optioned for the West Range Site. vicinity (Voyageurs National Park and
be limited to a plant located within the
Additional wetlands exist within Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Taconite Tax Relief Area of Minnesota. transportation and utility corridors Wilderness) and local odor impacts.
Excelsior is proposing a preferred and located outside the optioned property 2. Water resources: Potential impacts
alternative site for the proposed Project. and through which project-related on surface and groundwater resources
The preferred site is the West Range infrastructure must traverse on route to and water quality, including effects of
site, which is located just north of the this site. Construction and operation of water usage, wastewater management,
city of Taconite in Itasca County, the proposed Project at the West Range storm water management, and soil
Minnesota. The East Range site is the site potentially would result in long- erosion and sedimentation in the
alternative site, and is located about one term impacts to wetlands within the Mississippi River and Great Lakes
mile north of the city of Hoyt Lakes in optioned property and these Basins.
St. Louis County, Minnesota. In the case transportation/utility corridors; 3. Cultural resources: Including
of the West Range site, the Project’s construction of buried and overhead potential effects on historic and
generating facilities would connect to utilities could result in temporary archaeological resources and Native
the power grid via new and existing construction impacts to additional American tribal resources.
high voltage transmission line (HVTL) wetlands therein. Approximately 300 4. Ecological resources: Potential
corridors to a substation near the acres of wetlands are located within the onsite and offsite impacts to vegetation,
unincorporated community of boundary of the approximately 825 wildlife, protected species, and
Blackberry; in the case of the East Range acres of property currently identified for ecologically sensitive habitats.
site, the generating facilities would the East Range Site. The potential for 5. Floodplains and Wetlands:
connect to the grid via existing HVTL wetland impacts from facility Including potential impacts on wetlands
corridors that lead to a substation near construction and operation on the East located within the East Range and West
the unincorporated community of Range Site is similar to those identified Range sites and their associated
Forbes. Excelsior would reconstruct for the West Range Site. No floodplain transportation/utility corridors, and
and/or reinforce the HVTL areas are located on the West Range or potential impacts on floodplains within
infrastructure within the final corridors East Range sites, but construction of the transportation/utility corridors for
selected. In conjunction with both surface, buried, and overhead utilities both sites. In accordance with DOE
phases of the Project, Excelsior will traverse the floodplain areas of regulations (10 CFR part 1022), the final
anticipates that network reinforcements several rivers and streams. Wetland EIS will include a floodplain and/or
would be required within other existing impact avoidance, minimization and wetlands assessment and a statement of
HVTL corridors leading to load centers other mitigation will be described in findings.
and/or at substations down-network of accordance with Section 404 of the 6. Terrestrial resources: Land
the existing substations identified. In Clean Water Act and the Minnesota requirements and compatibility of plant
addition to these siting and Wetland Conservation Act. The final EIS facilities and operations, access roads,
transmission alternatives, the EIS also will include a floodplain and wetlands rail alignments, and potential new
would analyze alternatives for assessment and a statement of findings corridors for HVTL and natural gas lines
feedstocks and feedstock blends; access in accordance with DOE regulations for with adjacent and surrounding land
to the facility and means of transport Compliance with Floodplain and uses.
(road and rail) for feedstocks, Wetlands Environmental Review 7. Utility and transportation
byproducts, and wastes; water sources; Requirements (10 CFR part 1022). infrastructure requirements for delivery
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5. Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 192 / Wednesday, October 5, 2005 / Notices 58211
of feedstocks and process chemicals to information about the proposed agency Applicants: PJM Interconnection,
the facility. action and the demonstration plant will LLC.
8. Health and safety impacts, be available, and DOE personnel will be Description: PJM Interconnection LLC
including construction-related safety present to discuss the proposed action submits the fourth of four six-month
and process-related safety associated and the NEPA process. reports on the effects of its credit policy
with handling and management of DOE requests those who wish to for virtual bidders as required by
process chemicals. speak at either public scoping meeting Commission Orders issued 9/22/03 and
9. Noise: Potential impacts resulting to contact Mr. Richard Hargis, either by 12/20/04.
from construction and operation of the phone, fax, e-mail, or in writing (See Filed Date: 09/22/2005.
proposed plant and from transportation ADDRESSES above). Attendees wishing to Accession Number: 20050926–0044.
of feedstocks, process materials, and speak, but who have not requested to do Comment Date: 5 p.m. eastern time on
plant byproducts. so in advance, may register at the Thursday, October 13, 2005.
10. Community resources: Potential meeting and will be provided Docket Numbers: ER04–435–016.
impacts on local traffic patterns, opportunities to speak following Applicants: Southern California
socioeconomic impacts of plant previously scheduled speakers. Edison Company.
construction and operation, including Speakers who may need more than five Description: Southern California
effects on public services and minutes should indicate the length of Edison Co submits revisions to its
infrastructure resulting from the influx time desired in their request. Depending Transmission Owner Tariff, FERC
of construction personnel and plant on the number of speakers, DOE may Electric Tariff, Second Revised Volume
operating staff, and environmental need to limit speakers to five minutes No. 6, in compliance with Commission
justice issues. initially but will provide additional Order issued 7/1/05.
11. Aesthetic and scenic resources: opportunity as time permits. Speakers Filed Date: 09/23/2005
Potential visual effects associated with may also provide written materials to Accession Number: 20050927–0042
plant structures and operations. supplement their presentations. Oral Comment Date: 5 p.m. eastern time on
12. Cumulative effects that result from
and written comments will be given Friday, October 14, 2005.
the incremental impacts of the proposed
equal consideration. Docket Numbers: ER05–1085–001;
plant when added to the other past, DOE will begin each meeting with an
present, and reasonably foreseeable ER04–458–008
overview of the proposed Project. The Applicants: Midwest Independent
future activities in the Iron Range area. meeting will not be conducted as an
13. Connected actions, including the Transmission System Operator, Inc.
evidentiary hearing, and speakers will Description: Midwest Independent
effects of construction and operation of
not be cross-examined. However, Transmission System Operator, Inc.
the second phase of the Mesaba
speakers may be asked questions to help submits proposed revision to
Generating Station resulting in a
ensure that DOE fully understands their Attachment AA (Compensation & Cost
combined, nominal 1,200 MWe (net)
comments or suggestions. A presiding Recovery for Actions During Emergency
power generating facility on the selected
officer will establish the order of Condition) of the Open Access
site.
Public Scoping Process: To ensure speakers and provide any additional Transmission & Energy Market Tariff,
that all issues related to this proposal procedures necessary to conduct the Third Revised Volume No. 1.
are addressed, DOE will conduct an meeting. Filed Date: 09/23/2005
open process to define the scope of the Issued in Washington, DC, on this 29th day Accession Number: 20050927–0028
EIS. The public scoping period will end of September, 2005. Comment Date: 5 p.m. eastern time on
on November 14, 2005. Interested John Spitaleri Shaw, Friday, October 14, 2005.
agencies, organizations, and the general Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety Docket Numbers: ER05–1308–001
public are encouraged to submit and Health. Applicants: New England Power
comments or suggestions concerning the [FR Doc. 05–19972 Filed 10–4–05; 8:45 am] Company
content of the EIS, issues and potential BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
Description: New England Power Co
impacts to be addressed in the EIS, and submits an amendment to its 8/9/05
alternatives that should be considered. interconnection & support agreement
Scoping comments should identify DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY with Massachusetts Electric Co & the
specific issues or topics that the EIS Town of Marblehead Municipal Light
should address in order to assist DOE in Federal Energy Regulatory Dept.
identifying significant issues for Commission Filed Date: 09/23/2005
analysis. Written, e-mailed, faxed, or Accession Number: 20050927–0025
Combined Notice of Filings #1 Comment Date: 5 p.m. eastern time on
recorded comments should be
communicated by November 14, 2005 Friday, October 14, 2005.
September 29, 2005.
(See ADDRESSES). Take notice that the Commission Docket Numbers: ER05–1451–001
DOE will conduct public scoping received the following electric rate Applicants: Southwestern Public
meetings at the Taconite Community filings: Service Company
Center, 26 Haynes Street, Taconite, MN, Docket Numbers: ER02–2310–003. Description: Southwestern Public
on Tuesday, October 25, 2005, Applicants: Crescent Ridge LLC. Service Co submits an amended Notice
beginning at 7 p.m., and at Hoyt Lakes Description: Crescent Ridge LLC of Cancellation of the SPS Rate
Arena, 106 Kennedy Memorial Drive, submits an amendment to its market- Schedule FERC No. 108, Agreement for
Hoyt Lakes, MN on Wednesday, October based rate tariff in compliance with Wholesale Full Requirements Electric
26, 2005, and beginning at 7 p.m. In Commission Order issued 6/7/05. Power Service entered on 11/14/89.
addition, the public is invited to an Filed Date: 09/22/2005. Filed Date: 09/22/2005
informal session at each location Accession Number: 20050926–0043. Accession Number: 20050926–0042
beginning at 4 p.m. on the date of each Comment Date: 5 p.m. eastern time on Comment Date: 5 p.m. eastern time on
meeting to learn more about the Thursday, October 13, 2005. Thursday, October 13, 2005.
proposed action. Displays and other Docket Numbers: ER03–1101–010. Docket Numbers: ER05–1498–000
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