“The tradition among all armed services, are much older than any government, more conservative than any department of government, and more sure to build on a foundation that they are certain of, rather than to take any chance of making a mistake.”
--- General William "Billy" Mitchell - United States Army
Biophysical Aspects of Environment. Environmental assessment (EA) is the assessment of the environmental consequences (positive and negative) of a plan, policy, program, or actual projects prior to the decision to move forward with the proposed action. In this context, the term "environmental impact assessment" (EIA) is usually used when applied to actual projects by individuals or companies and the term "strategic environmental assessment" (SEA) applies to policies, plans and programmes most often proposed by organs of state. Environmental assessments may be governed by rules of administrative procedure regarding public participation and documentation of decision making, and may be subject to judicial review.
The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that decision makers consider the environmental impacts when deciding whether or not to proceed with a project. The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) defines an environmental impact assessment as "the process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social, and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made". EIAs are unique in that they do not require adherence to a predetermined environmental outcome, but rather they require decision makers to account for environmental values in their decisions and to justify those decisions in light of detailed environmental studies and public comments on the potential environmental impacts.
“The tradition among all armed services, are much older than any government, more conservative than any department of government, and more sure to build on a foundation that they are certain of, rather than to take any chance of making a mistake.”
--- General William "Billy" Mitchell - United States Army
Biophysical Aspects of Environment. Environmental assessment (EA) is the assessment of the environmental consequences (positive and negative) of a plan, policy, program, or actual projects prior to the decision to move forward with the proposed action. In this context, the term "environmental impact assessment" (EIA) is usually used when applied to actual projects by individuals or companies and the term "strategic environmental assessment" (SEA) applies to policies, plans and programmes most often proposed by organs of state. Environmental assessments may be governed by rules of administrative procedure regarding public participation and documentation of decision making, and may be subject to judicial review.
The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that decision makers consider the environmental impacts when deciding whether or not to proceed with a project. The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) defines an environmental impact assessment as "the process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social, and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made". EIAs are unique in that they do not require adherence to a predetermined environmental outcome, but rather they require decision makers to account for environmental values in their decisions and to justify those decisions in light of detailed environmental studies and public comments on the potential environmental impacts.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Overview - Helen Clough, Judith Kurt...rshimoda2014
Clough, Helen - Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, retired
Judith Kurtzman - Utah State University
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) has been in effect for over 40 years. The current federal regulations that implement the law have been in place for almost 30 years. Federal agencies with river management responsibilities have similar rules and procedures for implementing NEPA. This session will provide a general overview of NEPA with emphasis and examples relevant to rivers and river management.
Topics covered include the purpose and procedural requirements of NEPA; how NEPA is used in making decisions; applicability of NEPA; different levels of NEPA analysis including Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments, and Categorical Exclusions. The basic components of NEPA analysis including public involvement will be covered. There will be a brief discussion of other related laws and how NEPA is integrated into natural resource agency planning and decision making. Relevant examples from river management will be discussed.
This session is a prerequisite for those with little or no knowledge of NEPA.
A serious disruption of the functioning of the society, caused by a hazard or otherwise, having widespread human, material, environmental and other losses, which exceed the ability of the affected society to cope using its own resources
Environmental Impact Assessment and Meaningful Citizen ParticipationPublic Affairs Centre
A presentation by Prarthana Rao, Public Affairs Centre, on Environmental Impact Assessment and Meaningful Citizen Participation. The presentation was made at a colloquium on Citizen Voices in Environmental Governance on August 23, 2012 organised by the Public Affairs Centre in Bangalore, India.
A project done for sustainability lecture in Dublin Institute of technology for the course of Construction Management giving an introduction to Environmental Impact assessment.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic and integrative process for considering possible impacts prior to a decision being taken on whether or not a proposal should be given approval to proceed. (Wood 2003)
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Overview - Helen Clough, Judith Kurt...rshimoda2014
Clough, Helen - Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, retired
Judith Kurtzman - Utah State University
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) has been in effect for over 40 years. The current federal regulations that implement the law have been in place for almost 30 years. Federal agencies with river management responsibilities have similar rules and procedures for implementing NEPA. This session will provide a general overview of NEPA with emphasis and examples relevant to rivers and river management.
Topics covered include the purpose and procedural requirements of NEPA; how NEPA is used in making decisions; applicability of NEPA; different levels of NEPA analysis including Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments, and Categorical Exclusions. The basic components of NEPA analysis including public involvement will be covered. There will be a brief discussion of other related laws and how NEPA is integrated into natural resource agency planning and decision making. Relevant examples from river management will be discussed.
This session is a prerequisite for those with little or no knowledge of NEPA.
A serious disruption of the functioning of the society, caused by a hazard or otherwise, having widespread human, material, environmental and other losses, which exceed the ability of the affected society to cope using its own resources
Environmental Impact Assessment and Meaningful Citizen ParticipationPublic Affairs Centre
A presentation by Prarthana Rao, Public Affairs Centre, on Environmental Impact Assessment and Meaningful Citizen Participation. The presentation was made at a colloquium on Citizen Voices in Environmental Governance on August 23, 2012 organised by the Public Affairs Centre in Bangalore, India.
A project done for sustainability lecture in Dublin Institute of technology for the course of Construction Management giving an introduction to Environmental Impact assessment.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic and integrative process for considering possible impacts prior to a decision being taken on whether or not a proposal should be given approval to proceed. (Wood 2003)
Dr. Alicia Monroe (Rowan University): Internships as Opportunities for Experi...The Watershed Institute
Dr. Alicia Monroe, Assistant Director of the Career Management Center at Rowan University, covers her most important takeaways and best practices for nonprofits in finding and managing interns.
Laura Szwak, Director of Education and Outreach at the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, describes her top ten suggestions for successfully and effectively working with interns.
This presentation was given by Dr. Matthew Weber of Rutgers University's School of Communication and Information at the "Marketing Planning for Nonprofits" workshop on 3/24/15.
Deanna’s Input for Question 2As the legislative assistant to t.docxedwardmarivel
Deanna’s Input for Question 2
As the legislative assistant to the Chief Administrator for Riverside County some of the key functions include monitoring pending legislation, conducting research, drafting legislation, giving advice and counsel, and making recommendations.
Identify the policy issues;
Riverside County has experienced negative propaganda on our water quality. However, Riverside County provides an annual drinking water quality report to ensure full transparency, clear communication, and information on how the county’s water met or surpassed all state and federal drinking water quality standards each year. Although Riverside County meets the quality standards each year, California’s booming population growth is impacting Riverside County drinking water quality sustainability. The following is a brief for a new water management policy to help sustain water quality in the County, which includes the development of a new drinking water treatment plant. The proposed drinking water treatment plant will also reduce the region’s dependence on imported water and eliminate as many contaminants in drinking water for public health. In addition, the county could potentially sell water to neighboring counties and the agricultural sector to help increase local revenue to the county.
Identify the stakeholders (public and private) and concerns
· Government agencies and agents – Local and state elected officials (e.g., mayors, county supervisors, etc.); local municipal water board; Western Municipal Water District; the State Water Resources Control Board, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Water Resources, Water Management Group, Public Health Officials, Water Utility Company in Riverside County, State water quality control board, and local land management and recreation agencies. Potential concerns may include the following: jurisdiction disputes; competing and conflicting existing public policies and regulations; differing political opinions regarding solutions to water crises; access to needed capital to develop and run proposed drinking water treatment plants; and unanticipated future operating expenses.
· Private sector – water study groups; local business and landowners; energy companies; and agricultural land groups; and legal counsel and experts. Potential concerns may include the following: land-right disputes; competing energy industries (traditional vs solar) and loss of revenue; operational constraints due to potential new regulations; and fear of increased operating costs due to added taxes to help offset costs of new drinking water treatment plant.
· Non-profit sector – environmental organizations, preservation and advocacy groups. Potential concerns may include the following: safety and water quality, and the capacity to support a three percent growth every year through 2045. Management of hazardous waste and environmental pollutants and impact on climate change due to large amounts of electrica.
Here is a link to Vermont's Superfund Clean up Sites, the EPA actually deletes sites after a while?
Vermont's EPA Superfund Sites:
https://www.epa.gov/vt/list-superfund-npl-sites-vermont
Superfund Clean up Grants:
https://tools.niehs.nih.gov/srp/programs/index.cfm
Canadian environmental lawyer and author of Unnatural Law: Rethinking Canadian Environmental Law and Policy gave the keynote address at the Commission for Environmental Cooperation/Mexico's National Human Rights Commission seminar on Human Rights and Access to Environmental Justice seminar in Mexico City on September 26.
Deanna’s Input for Question 1As Chief Executive Officer of Ri.docxedwardmarivel
Deanna’s Input for Question 1:
As Chief Executive Officer of Riverside County, water resources are a top priority to ensure public needs are adequately being met for all county communities. Water is essential and a human right. Without water, life will not exist. The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottle water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, springs, and wells. It is extremely important to eliminate as much contaminants in drinking water for the public health. As such high demands in the county for clean drinking water, there is a need to create a new water management policy, which includes the development of a new drinking water treatment plant to respond to this critical need. The following steps are proposed to help coordinate the new water management policy.
The first step is to ensure that choices are rational and based on facts to the highest extent possible. This will help to reduce the tendency for decisions to be driven by individual and/or groups who may be motivated by personal and political interests. One way I would go about this task is to ensure the process is rational and use a policy development framework such as the Eightfold Path. The process includes the following steps.
Policy Development Framework – Eightfold Path
1. Define the problem – review literature to determine conditions that cause the identified problem.
2. Assemble evidence – review sources to ensure they are coming from a trustworthy scholarly source, for example: college or public library; peer-reviewed journal; and database which contains peer-reviewed journals. Additional reputable policy review sources include: Public Policy Institute of California; Legislative Analyst’s Office; United States Government Accountability Office; and the Congressional Research Service.
3. Construct alternatives – review and report on alternative policy options.
4. Select criteria – introduce evaluative criteria for the policy (e.g., efficiency, policy sustainability, political acceptability, etc.).
5. Project outcomes – develop outcomes matrix; include project outcomes that others may be interested in.
6. Confront trade-offs – conduct marginal analysis; clarify the trade-offs between outcomes associated with various policy options.
7. Narrow and decide – determine plausibility of proposed course of action.
8. Communicate and disseminate – ensure final narrative is digestible and not too technical in nature; tailor final report to meet the needs of county’s audience (community business owners, residents and environmentalist)
Stakeholder -
Due to high demands and the complexity of the issue, the challenge of creating a new water management policy would be best undertaken through a collective effort of government, private and non-profit sector leaders. Engaged leadership is extremely important for a successful planning process. Leading an effort to coordinate a new water management policy for t.
Rural Climate Dialogues: Developing a Citizen-Based Response nado-web
Rural communities are at risk to be disproportionately affected by the direct impacts of climate change and by efforts to mitigate climate change. Learn more about the Rural Climate Dialogues, organized by the Jefferson Center and the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, which use the innovative and time-tested Citizens Jury method to bring together a microcosm of the community to generate a shared community response to climate change and extreme weather events. Learn how the process has depoliticized climate change, connected climate policy with rural economic development concerns, empowered three rural communities forward to address their unique concerns, and identified cross-agency opportunities for improving programs and policies to better enable local governments to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Anna Clausen, Director, Rural Strategies, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Minneapolis, MN
Andrew Rockway, Program Director, Jefferson Center, St. Paul, MN
1) EIA – Definition, History and Objective.
2) Reasons for using EIA
3) Key elements of EIA
4) Benefits of an EIA
5) Major Environmental Issues
6) PROCEDURE FOR EIA
7) IMPACT OF A PROPOSED PAPER INDUSTRY
8) Impact Mitigation
9) Key components of Monitoring
10) Public Involvement in the EIA Steps
11) Hierarchy in EIA
12)Impact indicators
Learn how New Zealand protects its natural heritage, manages its bountiful resources, encourages business, and integrates indigenous beliefs into a national environmental program based on minimal legislation and watershed orientation.
Overview of the California Environmental Quality Act: statute adoption, legal basis, implementation, technical considerations and methodologies, impact assessment, mitigation and litigation.
Best Practices for NEPA Compliance and Related Permitting for Projects on In...Trihydro Corporation
Regulatory framework for permitting wells and pipelines
Typical timeframes and hang-ups in the permitting process
Best practices for permitting
Programmatic approaches to well field development on tribal lands, including potential benefits to tribes, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and operators
Environmental Permitting in Indian CountryAshleyTso1
During the Construction in Indian Country 2018 Annual Conference, Eunice Tso led a workshop session on Friday morning called “Environmental Permitting in Indian Country.”
These slides were part of the presentation given by Alix Bacon of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation at the "Pipelines and Preserved Lands" forum on 2/10/15.
This presentation was given by Dr. Amy Soli of the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association at the "Pipelines and Preserved Lands" forum on 2/10/15.
Micro RNA genes and their likely influence in rice (Oryza sativa L.) dynamic ...Open Access Research Paper
Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs molecules having approximately 18-25 nucleotides, they are present in both plants and animals genomes. MiRNAs have diverse spatial expression patterns and regulate various developmental metabolisms, stress responses and other physiological processes. The dynamic gene expression playing major roles in phenotypic differences in organisms are believed to be controlled by miRNAs. Mutations in regions of regulatory factors, such as miRNA genes or transcription factors (TF) necessitated by dynamic environmental factors or pathogen infections, have tremendous effects on structure and expression of genes. The resultant novel gene products presents potential explanations for constant evolving desirable traits that have long been bred using conventional means, biotechnology or genetic engineering. Rice grain quality, yield, disease tolerance, climate-resilience and palatability properties are not exceptional to miRN Asmutations effects. There are new insights courtesy of high-throughput sequencing and improved proteomic techniques that organisms’ complexity and adaptations are highly contributed by miRNAs containing regulatory networks. This article aims to expound on how rice miRNAs could be driving evolution of traits and highlight the latest miRNA research progress. Moreover, the review accentuates miRNAs grey areas to be addressed and gives recommendations for further studies.
Natural farming @ Dr. Siddhartha S. Jena.pptxsidjena70
A brief about organic farming/ Natural farming/ Zero budget natural farming/ Subash Palekar Natural farming which keeps us and environment safe and healthy. Next gen Agricultural practices of chemical free farming.
Characterization and the Kinetics of drying at the drying oven and with micro...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of this work is to contribute to valorization de Nephelium lappaceum by the characterization of kinetics of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum. The seeds were dehydrated until a constant mass respectively in a drying oven and a microwawe oven. The temperatures and the powers of drying are respectively: 50, 60 and 70°C and 140, 280 and 420 W. The results show that the curves of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum do not present a phase of constant kinetics. The coefficients of diffusion vary between 2.09.10-8 to 2.98. 10-8m-2/s in the interval of 50°C at 70°C and between 4.83×10-07 at 9.04×10-07 m-8/s for the powers going of 140 W with 420 W the relation between Arrhenius and a value of energy of activation of 16.49 kJ. mol-1 expressed the effect of the temperature on effective diffusivity.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT GREEN WASHING IS!.pdfJulietMogola
Many companies today use green washing to lure the public into thinking they are conserving the environment but in real sense they are doing more harm. There have been such several cases from very big companies here in Kenya and also globally. This ranges from various sectors from manufacturing and goes to consumer products. Educating people on greenwashing will enable people to make better choices based on their analysis and not on what they see on marketing sites.
WRI’s brand new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices” gives food service operators the very latest strategies for creating dining environments that empower consumers to choose sustainable, plant-rich dishes. This research builds off our first guide for food service, now with industry experience and insights from nearly 350 academic trials.
Diabetes is a rapidly and serious health problem in Pakistan. This chronic condition is associated with serious long-term complications, including higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Aggressive treatment of hypertension and hyperlipideamia can result in a substantial reduction in cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes 1. Consequently pharmacist-led diabetes cardiovascular risk (DCVR) clinics have been established in both primary and secondary care sites in NHS Lothian during the past five years. An audit of the pharmaceutical care delivery at the clinics was conducted in order to evaluate practice and to standardize the pharmacists’ documentation of outcomes. Pharmaceutical care issues (PCI) and patient details were collected both prospectively and retrospectively from three DCVR clinics. The PCI`s were categorized according to a triangularised system consisting of multiple categories. These were ‘checks’, ‘changes’ (‘change in drug therapy process’ and ‘change in drug therapy’), ‘drug therapy problems’ and ‘quality assurance descriptors’ (‘timer perspective’ and ‘degree of change’). A verified medication assessment tool (MAT) for patients with chronic cardiovascular disease was applied to the patients from one of the clinics. The tool was used to quantify PCI`s and pharmacist actions that were centered on implementing or enforcing clinical guideline standards. A database was developed to be used as an assessment tool and to standardize the documentation of achievement of outcomes. Feedback on the audit of the pharmaceutical care delivery and the database was received from the DCVR clinic pharmacist at a focus group meeting.
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Artificial Reefs by Kuddle Life Foundation - May 2024punit537210
Situated in Pondicherry, India, Kuddle Life Foundation is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the living standards of coastal communities and simultaneously placing a strong emphasis on the protection of marine ecosystems.
One of the key areas we work in is Artificial Reefs. This presentation captures our journey so far and our learnings. We hope you get as excited about marine conservation and artificial reefs as we are.
Please visit our website: https://kuddlelife.org
Our Instagram channel:
@kuddlelifefoundation
Our Linkedin Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kuddlelifefoundation/
and write to us if you have any questions:
info@kuddlelife.org
3. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL
POLICY ACT -- NEPA
The stated purpose of NEPA
“To declare a national policy which will encourage productive and enjoyable
harmony between man and his environment;
To promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and
biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of man;
To enrich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources
important to the Nation; and
To establish a Counci on Environmental Quality.”
4. NEPA REQUIRES
All agencies of the federal government shall:
”…include in every recommendation or report on proposals for
legislation and other major Federal actions significantly affecting the
quality of the human environment, a detailed statement ….on –
(i) The environmental impact of the proposed action,
(ii) Any adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should
the proposal be implemented,
(iii) Alternatives to the proposed action”
5. NEPA IS PURELY PROCEDURAL
NEPA
requires
that
federal
agencies
fully
consider
the
environmental
effects
of
proposed
major
federal
ac.ons,
prior
to
undertaking
that
ac=on.
NEPA
regula=ons
put
in
place
procedural
requirements
to
guide
federal
agencies
in
considering
the
environmental
impacts
of
their
proposals,
projects
and/or
ac=ons.
NEPA
does
not
mandate
any
par=cular
outcome.
NEPA
simply
ensures
an
informa=onal
exercise
intended
to
inform
decisionmaking..
6. EIS VS EA
Generally an Environmental
Assessment is prepared in
order to determine if the
more complete and robust
review of an Environmental
Impact Statement is needed.
FERC has already determined
an EIS is warranted for
PennEast.
7. NEPA PROCESS FOR PENN EAST
Scoping
Draft EIS
Comment period
Final EIS
Review period (maybe more comment)
Decision
Record of Decision Issued
8. WHAT IS SCOPING
Scoping is held early in the NEPA process in order to:
• Determine the scope of the issues to be addressed in
the EIS
• For identifying significant issues related to the
proposed action that should be studied in depth
• Narrow the scope of issues to be studied by
eliminating issues that are not significant or have been
covered by prior environmental review
9. GENERALLY EIS INCLUDES:
• Statement of purpose and need
• Description of the affected environment
• Discussion of significant environmental impacts
• Information on reasonable alternatives
• The “No Action” alternative
• Discussion of environmental consequences – including
both direct and indirect effects
• Mitigation measures not already a part of the proposal
or alternatives reviewed to address impacts
10. You will be asked to state your name & address when you testify in person.
Bring a copy of your full written testimony to submit, but pare down your
personal testimony to 4-5 minutes (5 minutes goes fast)
(Okay to submit written later if you choose)
The more specific your comments, the more useful they will be.
If you cannot attend a scoping meeting send your comments to the Commission
before February 27, 2015.
THE FERC SCOPING MEETING
PREPARATION:
1) READTHE FERC NOTICE OF HEARING
2) AREYOU UPTO DATE ON CURRENT FILINGS?
3) GENERAL INFORMATION:
11. In written testimony include:
Project docket number (PF15-1-000)
Your Name
Street Address/Mailing Address
Phone #
Email Address
If you don’t testify in persons there are 3 ways to submit comments to FERC: !
1. Electronically using eComment - text only. A CD or written testimony by mail can include
photos
2. Electronically using the eFiling - With eFiling, you can provide attachments, files/photos etc.
3. New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking on “eRegister.” select “Comment
on a Filing”;
4. Paper copy of your comments by mailing them to the following address:
Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street NE, Room 1A
Washington, DC 20426
Copy legislators, municipality officials and other interested parties
12. Before giving testimony, I would like to state for the record:
These meetings are not serving the purpose of informing the NEPA process.
It is arbitrary and capricious to be holding these at this juncture; they are
inappropriately timed and serve to further disenfranchise citizens with a lack of
current siting proposals, mapping and accurate information.
Good Start - Repetitive Reinforcement
Let’s all open with the following:
13. In light of the alternative route, or routes, number of miles being proposed, combination of old
and new routes, and lack of public information in regard to these alternatives, these meetings
are capricious and premature:
• Per Penn East Alisa Harris’ email correspondence, January 19, 2015 @ 11:56 AM: Penn East
has “…reached out to the companies that own or lease land in the existing powerline
corridor as well as private landowners. Those negotiations could result in several different
outcomes: we could locate within the existing ROW, directly adjacent to the existing ROW or
slightly farther away. That said, it is too early to say whether or not we will need to physically
widen the existing ROW until we have agreements along that corridor”
• Ms Harris additionally stated, You are correct, the NOI includes the original map. We are in
the process of updating our website with a revised map.”
• Information provided to citizens/stakeholders in the Notice of Intent announcing these
meetings is inaccurate, incomplete and alone provides the necessary basis for postponing all
scheduled scoping meetings for at least 30 days – or a second set of meetings to be set.
• As citizens exercising our rights as (landowner/muni) to participate in the FERC siting review
process, we see a mockery of the system and further indication for total reform of the filing
process.
Repetitive Reinforcement
Other Positive Process Points Worth Making
14. Tell your own story...in your own words
Use photographs, data, diagrams - Report
trespassing or any other egregious occurrences.
(statements, threats of ED, letters, etc)
Tie your story to the things FERC must
consider (to be discussed later)
Find Penn East’s weakest links…. detail them
Detail the worst harms to be created
15. · purpose and need for the Project;
· impacts on forested areas including fragmentation;
· impacts on agricultural areas and soils;
· impacts on residential areas and use of eminent domain;
· public safety and reliability;
· cumulative environmental impacts;
· impacts on recreational areas including parks and nature preserves
including AppalachianTrail, Sourland Conservancy, and other state managed
and preserved lands;
Issues to Focus on
Specific to this Project:
16. · geology;
· soils;
· water resources, including surface water and groundwater;
· wetlands;
· vegetation and wildlife, including migratory birds;
· fisheries and aquatic resources;
· threatened, endangered and other special status species
· land use, recreation, special interest areas, and visual resources;
· socioeconomics;
· cultural resources;
· impacts on air quality during construction and in operation
Issues to Focus on Specific to this Project (cont.):
17. • impacts on preservation easements on private lands or conservation
easements and property values;
• impacts on surface water including Susquehanna, Delaware, and Lehigh Rivers;
• impacts on groundwater including wells and springs;
• impacts on wildlife and vegetation;
• impacts on federal and state-listed threatened, endangered, and sensitive
species;
• geologic hazards including karst and seismic areas;
• assessment of alternative pipeline routes and compressor station locations;
Issues to Focus on Specific to this Project (cont.):
18. Be sure to mention:
impacts that could occur as a result of the construction and operation
and maintenance* of the planned Project
“Maintenance” should be
discussed in terms of in
perpetuity and include
anticipated maintenance
such as replacing/
repairing lines or
infrastructure.
19. Demand for public release, within 30 days of this hearing, the Potential
Impact Radius disclosure for your property and the entire project,
including for for:
o Private Homes
o Schools
o Hospitals
o Historic Sites
o Archeological or Artifact concerns
o Conservation / Open Space Easements
o Preserved Farmland
o Scenic/ recreational sites
o Wetland Stream crossings
o Forests
20. BE SURE TO STRESS –
THE RANGE OF IMPACTS
» Ecological impacts
» Impacts to the physical environment
» Economic impacts
» Social impacts
» Impacts to community quality of life
» Impacts to historic and cultural resources
» Policy implications -- Possible conflicts with objectives of
federal, regional, state, local land use plans, policies and
controls for the area concerned
21. BE SURE TO INCLUDE –
CONTEXT
The significance of the action on:
Ø Society as a whole
Ø The affected region
Ø The affected interests
Ø The locality
Picture by Wendy Selepouchin
22. BE SURE TO STRESS –
THE “NO ACTION” ALTERNATIVE
23. BE SURE TO STRESS –
IMPACTS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
“December 18, 2014, CEQ released revised draft guidance for public
comment that describes how Federal departments and agencies should
consider the effects of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change in
their NEPA reviews.”
“This guidance explains that agencies should consider both the potential
effects of a proposed action on climate change, as indicated by its
estimated greenhouse gas emissions, and the implications of climate
change for the environmental effects of a proposed action.”
24. BE SURE TO STRESS –
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
This includes “the impact on the environment which results from the
incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present and
reasonably foreseeable future actions” regardless of who undertakes them.
“Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively
significant actions taking place over a period of time.”
When thinking about PennEast think about cumulative impacts across the
project, the drilling it will induce (reasonably foreseeable) and the impacts
of the end use (also reasonably foreseeable)
25. It is a
CRUCIAL TIME FOR CUMULATIVE IMPACTS –
STRESS IT
We have explained that “a meaningful cumulative impact analysis must
identify (1) the area in which the effects of the proposed project will be felt;
(2) the impacts that are expected in that area from the proposed project; (3)
other actions – past, present, and proposed, and reasonably foreseeable –
that have had or are expected to have impacts in the same area; (4) the
impacts or expected impacts from these other actions; and (5) the overall
impact that can be expected if the individual impacts are allowed to
accumulate.”
Delaware Riverkeeper Network, NJ Sierra Club, NJ Highlands Coalition v. FERC
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, June 6, 2014
26. BE SURE TO STRESS –
DIRECT INDIRECT EFFECTS
Direct – effects caused by the action and that occur at the same
time and place
Indirect – caused by the action and are later in time or farther
removed in distance but are still reasonably foreseeable.
Example of indirect effects:
» Inducing development that results in increased air or water pollution.
» Induced or supported shale gas drilling and its resulting pollution and climate changing impacts are
reasonably foreseeable indirect effects.
» Erosion or flooding from increased stormwater runoff due to loss of trees and soil compaction.
27. BE SURE TO INCLUDE:
INTENSITY
• The severity of the impact.
• The degree to which the proposal impacts public health or safety
• Unique characteristics of the geographic area such as proximity to historic or cultural
resources, park lands, prime farmlands, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, ecologically
critical areas.
• The degree to which the effects are to be highly controversial
• The degree to which th possible effects are highly certain or involved unique or
unknown risks
• The degree to which the action sets precedent for future actions
• Degree to which affects districts, structures, or objects listed or eligible for listing in the
National Register of Historic Places
• Degree to which may cause loss or destruction of significant scientific, cultural or
historical resources.
• Degree to which may affect endangered or threatened species or its habitat
28. Consider Commenting on:
Where and how PennEast is NOT following protocol or not being specific in responses.
E.g. PennEast’s Monthly Reports - question misleading, nonspecific reporting.
Approx 59 miles of the 108 miles of the mainline are available for survey activities.
WHAT DOES AVAILABLE MEAN,WHAT % OFTHE PROJECT AND WHAT % HAS BEEN SURVEYED
WHAT % OF SURVEYS HAVE BEEN DENIED
Approximately 45 miles of biological survey have been completed.
IDENTIFYTHOSE AREAS FINDINGS - WHAT % OFTHE PROJECT HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND
HOW DOES MUCH IS RELEVANTTO NEW PROPOSALS.
Approximately 40 miles of cultural resources have been surveyed.
IDENTIFYTHOSE AREAS FINDINGS - WHAT % OFTHE PROJECT IDS 40% HOW DOES MUCH IS
RELEVANTTO NEW PROPOSALS.
If the company is innaccurate, misleading, and/or does not follow the rules now, what can
the community expect IF the pipeline is in the ground?
29. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
Resource Report 1
1. Provide PennEast’s anticipated construction schedule.
2. Provide a table that identifies all counties crossed by the pipeline, including the length of crossing.
3. On page 1-6, provide more detail on footnote (a).
4. In Section 1.2.2, provide an approximate milepost for the compressor station.
5. Assess the feasibility of installing electric compressor station units instead of the three natural gas currently proposed. InTable 1.2-3, provide an
explanation for footnote 1.
6. Section 1.3.1 states that under certain conditions that are still being evaluated, additional workspace may be necessary beyond the standard
construction right-of-way. Identify these extra work space locations, or provide a schedule for when this information would be available.
7. Section 1.3.1,Access Roads, states that PennEast will require temporary staging areas along several access roads and that these areas will be
identified during the design phase of the project. Indicate whether PennEast would provide agency consultation and resource surveys as
appropriate for these staging areas as well as any additional workspace not previously identified.
8. In Section 1.3.2 andTable 1.3-4, provide the permanent land required for operation (acres) for all aboveground facilities, even if the aboveground
facilities are located within the pipeline right-of-way.
9. Cumulative impacts can extend beyond the county boundary, especially when considering impacts on air and water resources. In Section 1.4,
include a cumulative impacts analysis for projects within the PennEast Pipeline Project air and watersheds.Also, provide an estimated size or area
of impact (acres) for each project listed inTable 1.4-1, and include any permits the proposed or potential projects have received.
10. Revise table 1.4-1 to identify past, present, and reasonably foreseeable Marcellus shale wells in the potential resource area of impact that could be
affected by the Project and any permit(s) the wells have obtained or applied for.
January 7, 2015 FERC issued Staff Comments on PennEast’s November 10, 2014 Draft Resource Report 1
Ask FERC the questions FERC is asking Penn East
30. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION REQUEST
11. Section 1.5.1 states that the Project ESCP is consistent with the May 2013 versions of the FERC’s Upland Erosion Control,
Revegetation, and Maintenance Plan, and Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures. For any measures of the
ESCP that are not identical to the FERC’s Plan and Procedures, identify each specific measure and provide an explanation for how the
proposed alternative measure would provide an equal or greater level of protection.
12. Section 1.5.1 states that pipe welding will follow “required, specified techniques.” Identify the techniques referred to.
13. In Section 1.5.1, Rock Removal and Blasting, provide a detailed description of how PennEast will manage or dispose of excess rock
generated during trenching and/or right-of-way preparation. In addition provide a blasting plan.
14. Section 1.5.2 states that in some instances, re-fueling or lubrication of equipment may occur within 100 feet of a wetland or waterbody.
Identify all areas where re-fueling or equipment lubrication may be required within 100 feet of a wetland or waterbody and provide site
specific justification.
15. Section 1.5.2 states that extra temporary workspace may be required within 50 feet of wetlands or waterbodies. Identify all areas
where extra temporary workspace may be required within 50 feet of a wetland or waterbody and provide site specific justification.
16. In Section 1.5.2 identify any waterbody timing restrictions or other crossing requirements for New Jersey.
17. Provide a horizontal directional drill contingency plan.
18. Define the industry standards referenced in Section 1.5.3.
19. In Section 1.8, confirm that the open house invite and other landowner Project material was sent to landowners within 0.5 mile of the
proposed compressor station location.
20. In Section 2.1 of Appendix H, define “nationally recognized standards.”
31. 21. Section 2.2 of Appendix H states that “contractor shall file all inspections records.” Identify to whom and to what agency inspection records will be filed.
22. In Section 3.1.3 of Appendix H, discuss how it was determined that “a discharge from the construction site into waters of the state is unlikely to occur.” Indicate
whether this would also be true for waters of the United States.
23. In Section 3.1.3 of Appendix H identify who the contractor would submit the secondary containment plan to for approval.
24. In Section 3.1.4 of Appendix H, specify what types of tanks and/or tank requirements would meet PennEast requirements for fuel and material storage.
25. Provide the PennEast Standard Operating Procedures referenced in Section 3.1.5 of Appendix H.
26. In Section 3.1.6 of Appendix H, define what constitutes a “moderate oil and/or fuel spill.”
27. In Section 3.1.7 of Appendix H, confirm that all concrete coating will be performed more than 100 feet from wetlands and waterbodies.
28. In Section 3.1.3 of Appendix H, identify any requirements in New Jersey regarding spills. Does PennEast plan to adhere to New Jersey requirements as well?
29. Section 5 of Appendix H only identifies Pennsylvania regulations; provide applicable regulations for New Jersey.
30. Appendix K (Unanticipated Discoveries Plan) only discusses New Jersey. Provide procedures and contact information for Pennsylvania. In addition, provide
documentation of approval from both State Historic Preservation Offices.
31. Provide plot/site plans of the compressor stations showing the location of the nearest noise sensitive area.
32. Table 1.7-1 does not indicate consultation on migratory birds with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Migratory BirdTreaty Act. Confirm you have initiated this
consultation and append the table accordingly.
33. Discuss potential project impacts onThe Cooks Creek Watershed Protection Plan and measures PennEast has and/or would take to avoid or minimize impacts.
34. Discuss potential impacts from construction and operation of the project on the Borough of Riegelsville Wellhead Protection Zone.
35. Discuss impacts to the Rosemont Ridge Agricultural District and all other state protected lands in New Jersey. Provide all relevant correspondence with agencies and
interested parties regarding these lands.
36. Discuss potential impacts to the Sourland Mountain Region and measures PennEast has and/or would take to avoid or minimize impacts.