FERC sets dates for AKLNG public meetings

Petroleum News

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has set dates and locations for public comment meetings on the draft environmental impact statement for the Alaska LNG Project.

FERC said July 26 that its staff will be present to receive comments on the DEIS as follows (note: two hearings are scheduled at different locations on each date):

Sept. 9, 5-8 p.m., Inupiat Heritage Center, Utqiagvik;

Sept. 9, 5-8 p.m., Trapper Creek Elementary School, Trapper Creek;

Sept. 10, 5-8 p.m., Nuiqsut Kisik Community Center, Nuiqsut;

Sept. 10, 5-8 p.m., Houston Fire Station 9-1, Houston;

Sept. 11, 5-8 p.m., Tri-Valley Community Center, Healy;

Sept. 11, 5-8 p.m., Nikiski Recreation Center, Banquet Hall, Nikiski;

Sept. 12, 5-8 p.m., Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor’s Center, Fairbanks; and

Sept. 12, 5-8 p.m., Dena’ina Center Kahtnu 1 Room, Anchorage.

FERC said other federal agency representatives may also be in attendance. While meetings are scheduled from 5-8 p.m., staff may conclude meetings early if all individuals who wish to provide comments have had an opportunity to do so.

The commission said the primary purpose of the meetings is to have those attending “identify specific environmental issues and concerns with the draft Environmental Impact Statement.” A court reporter will record all verbal comments, which will become part of the public record for the proceedings, with transcripts available on FERC’s website. The commission said written comments mailed to the commission and those submitted electronically “are reviewed by staff with the same scrutiny and consideration as the verbal comments given at the public meetings.”

The Bureau of Land Management has public subsistence hearings scheduled in two additional potentially affected communities:

Sept. 17, 6-9 p.m., Anaktuvuk Pass Community Center, Anaktuvuk Pass; and

Sept. 19, 6-9 p.m., Kaktovik Community Center, Kaktovik.

FERC said BLM will be soliciting public testimony as part of its consideration under Section 810(a) the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.

- Petroleum News