Mira Compressor Station Project
Environmental Protection
Gulf Crossing will construct and operate the Project in a manner intended to minimize any adverse environmental impacts. The proposed compressor station facilities sites were selected to avoid adversely affecting streams, forests, any threatened or endangered species or any cultural resource. An Environmental Report of the proposed compressor station sites conducted by a third party concluded that with appropriate mitigation measures the Project will not significantly affect the quality of the natural or human environment of the sites and surrounding communities.
Environmental Positives and Protections
The Project will represent an environmental plus by making it possible for greater quantities of clean-burning natural gas to be transported from the Haynesville Shale to areas of need. The turbine compressor units for the Project will be fueled by a small portion of the natural gas it will compress. The burning of natural gas produces lower emissions and residual waste compared to any other available fossil fuels. The turbines will employ the latest technology in emissions reduction to comply with FERC standards and minimize their impact on surronding air quality.
Regarding noise, the Project's stations will meet or be quieter than the FERC not-to-exceed standard for compressor stations. The FERC's standard equates to the noise level of normal background conversation in an open office or home environment.
In terms of visual aesthetics, the sites proposed are at significant distances from homes and will have minimal visual impact on the surrounding landscape.
Environmental Compliance
Gulf Crossing will comply with all environmental requirements including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and FERC’s Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation and Maintenance Plan (Plan) and Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures.
Notifications, Permitting and Clearances
Government agencies with environmental jurisdiction related to the project have been notified as to the scope of this project, and where required, permits and/or clearances will be obtained. A representative list of these agencies and the facet of environmental protection each of these agencies has jurisdiction over are indicated as follows:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) – Federally Listed Endangered Species
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Louisiana Historic Preservation Program
Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
Channels for Environmental Input from Interested Parties
Gulf Crossing conducted open houses April 6, 2009 in Minden, Louisiana and April 7 in Richmond, Louisiana hosted by company subject matter experts, including one in environmental protection, to listen to any environmental concerns expressed by attendees and respond accordingly. In addition, Legal Notice ads were placed in the Madison Journal and the Bienville Democrat newspapers in May, 2009 informing the public how they could view the application on the FERC Web site, where they could also view it at county libraries and how they could submit environmental questions or concerns to the FERC.
Elements of Environmental Protection
Through the processes just described, the environmental impact of the Project has been evaluated and documented and appropriate protection measures will be taken for all elements of the environment, such as:
Environmental Protection During Construction
Before construction begins, all construction personnel will receive environmental training focusing on their duties on the project. Construction activities will fully comply with the requirements and provisions of environmental permits issued and, as mentioned earlier, the requirements of FERC’s plans and procedures. Gulf Crossing will employ environmental inspectors separate from the construction staff and contractors, who will oversee and enforce adherence to environmental requirements. These environmental inspectors will have the authority to shut down construction if necessary to ensure environmental compliance.