New Projects Announced:
LNG storage site proposed in southern Virginia
Dominion Energy plans to construct a liquefied natural gas facility at its Greensville County Power Station in Virginia to provide backup fuel at the power station. The facility would have 15 million cubic feet per day of liquefaction capacity and a 25-million-gallon storage tank. Dominion plans to begin operation of the LNG facility in 2026.
Enbridge announces plans to expand capacity along major Texas crude pipeline
On November 29, Enbridge announced plans to expand capacity along its existing Gray Oak Pipeline by 200,000 barrels per day through exports at the Ingleside Energy Center. The 850-mile-long Gray Oak Pipeline carries crude oil from the Permian Basin in West Texas and the Eagle Ford shale formation in South Texas to industrial centers in Corpus Christi and Freeport.
Public comment opportunities:
Environmental assessment issued for gas pipeline expansion in Alabama and Georgia
On Nov. 27, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued an environmental assessment for the Alabama Georgia Connector Project, which would add and upgrade compressor units in Alabama and Georgia to add more gas to existing pipelines. Public comments on the environmental assessment can be submitted until Dec. 27, 2023 (CP23-194). Please see the public notice for more information.
Draft operating permit issued for gas processing facility on Alaska’s North Slope
On Nov. 28, 2023, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation issued a draft permit for the continued operation of Exxon’s Point Thomson Production Facility, which processes natural gas. A draft permit was first issued in January 2023, but that draft was incomplete. Public comments on the current draft permit can be submitted until Dec. 28, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
Application submitted to increase plastic resin production near Houston
On Nov. 17, 2023, Equistar submitted an application to construct a new propylene and butene plant at its Channelview Complex in Harris County, Texas. The new plant would have the capacity to produce 950 million pounds of propylene and could emit up to 19 tons of volatile organic compounds each year. Comments and requests for a contested case hearing can be submitted until Dec. 28, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
FERC conducting scoping on proposed East Texas pipeline capacity expansion
On Nov. 30, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission announced that it is beginning scoping for Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America’s application to increase capacity on Kinder Morgan’s existing Louisiana Line. The proposed project would modify two compressor stations in East Texas, which would allow for direct deliveries to the Sabine Pass and Golden Pass LNG export terminals. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is accepting public comments on the potential environmental impacts of the project until January 2, 2024 (CP24-8). Please see the public notice for more information.
Construction Updates:
New Louisiana crude oil pipelines begin operating
On Dec. 1, 2023, Enercoast began operating two new crude oil pipelines in Louisiana. The Enercoast Northline travels from the town of St. James in St. James Parish, to Anchorage, West Baton Rouge Parish, and the Southline extends south to Raceland in LaFourche Parish. The two pipelines add 122 miles and 210,000 barrels per day of transport capacity.
Updates for the week of Nov. 27, 2023
Public comment opportunities:
Comment period open on Wyoming gas pipeline expansion
On Nov. 6, 2023, MountainWest Pipeline LLC submitted an application to expand its natural gas pipeline in Wyoming through the addition of compression capacity at two compressor stations in Sweetwater County (Rock Springs Compressor Station and Point of Rocks Compressor Station). The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is accepting comments on the application until Dec. 6, 2023 (CP24-13). Please see the public notice for more information.
Public meeting on pipeline expansion in Delaware and Maryland to be held Dec. 13
On Nov. 22, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission announced a public scoping session on the environmental impacts of the proposed Worcester Resiliency Upgrade Project, which would increase storage and transport capacity in Delaware and Maryland along Eastern Shore Natural Gas LLC’s pipeline. The scoping session will be held on Dec. 13, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. Eastern at the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department in Bishopville, Maryland. Please see the public notice for more information.
Public hearing on Houston-area chemical plant operating permit to be held Feb. 5, 2024
On Nov. 21, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality announced that it will hold a public hearing regarding the operating permit renewal for ExxonMobil’s Baytown Chemical Plant in Harris County, Texas. The public hearing will be on Feb. 5, 2024 at 6 p.m. Central at the Marriott Springhill Suites in Baytown, Texas. Please see the public notice for more information.
Initial operating permit under review for southern New Mexico gas plant
On Nov. 22, 2023, the New Mexico Environment Department issued a draft operating permit for the Crestwood Willow Lake Gas Processing Plant in Eddy County, New Mexico. The plant processes natural gas and can operate as a compressor station. Public comments on the draft operating permit can be submitted until Dec. 22, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
New Projects Announced:
Two new hydrogen plants proposed in Louisiana
FusionOne recently announced plans to build two new hydrogen production plants in Louisiana, one in New Orleans and one in Iberia Parish two hours west of New Orleans. The plants would process waste plastic and old tires to produce hydrogen, which would then be used as fuel. FusionOne applied to Louisiana Economic Development for significant tax breaks for both plants.
Updates for the week of Nov. 20, 2023
Public comment opportunities:
Draft construction permit issued for long-delayed Illinois ammonia plant
On Nov. 15, 2023, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued a draft permit to authorize construction of the Cronus Ammonia Plant in Douglas County, Illinois. The plant, which was first proposed in 2013, would produce up to 3,031 tons of ammonia fertilizer per day and could emit over 2 million tons of greenhouse gases per year, equivalent to half of the emission from a coal-fired power plant. Comments on the draft permit can be submitted until Dec. 15, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
Environmental assessment issued for proposed pipeline modifications in southeastern U.S.
On Nov. 17, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued an environmental assessment for the proposed East Tennessee Natural Gas System Alignment Program. The project would modify gas pipeline segments in Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina to increase bidirectional capability. Comments on the environmental assessment can be submitted here until Dec. 18, 2023 (CP23-131).
Public meeting regarding operation of southeast New Mexico compressor to be held Dec. 18
On Dec. 18, 2023, the New Mexico Environment Department will hold a virtual public meeting to hear comments on a proposed operating permit for the Big Lizard Compressor Station in Lea County, New Mexico. The meeting will be held at 1 p.m. local time on Webex. More information on how to attend is available here.
Construction of ammonia plant in eastern Louisiana would impact 100 acres of wetlands and waterways
On Nov. 20, 2023, the New Orleans District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a public notice asking for comments on a permit that would authorize wetland impacts from the proposed Ascension Clean Energy Facility near Donaldsonville, Louisiana. The project would consist of a new ammonia plant, carbon capture equipment, a heavy haul road, and a marine terminal. More information about the project’s impact on wetlands and waterbodies, as well as the company’s plans to mitigate those impacts, can be found in the public notice. Public comments will be accepted between Nov. 20 and Dec. 19, 2023.
Permit applications submitted
Unbuilt western Louisiana methanol plant originally authorized in 2016 reapplies for new permit
On Oct. 26, 2023, Lake Charles Methanol submitted a new application to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to build a methanol plant in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. The facility was first authorized in 2016, but after seven years of delays the company is applying for fresh construction permits. The new plant would be able to process 10,000 metric tons of methanol per day. Construction could begin as early as June 2024, with operations expected to begin in 2027.
Construction Updates:
Proposed rule change would allow carbon dioxide storage in national forests
On Nov. 3, 2023, the U.S. Forest Service published a proposed rule change that would allow carbon dioxide to be sequestered on national forest land. Current Forest Service regulations prohibit “exclusive and perpetual” uses of forest service land, but this update to the rule would create an exemption. If carbon dioxide were to be sequestered in national forests, pipelines to transport the gas to sequestration sites would likely be built in national forests as well. Public comments on the proposed change are being accepted here until Jan. 2, 2024.
Updates for the week of Nov. 13, 2023
Public comment opportunities:
Pipeline tweaks would increase gas delivery to two LNG export terminals on Texas-Louisiana border
On Oct. 18, 2023, the Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America applied to increase capacity on Kinder Morgan’s existing Louisiana Line by modifying two compressor stations in Southeast Texas, which would allow for direct deliveries to the Sabine Pass and Golden Pass LNG export terminals. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is accepting public comments on the proposed project until 5 p.m. Eastern time on Nov. 21, 2023. Protests and motions to intervene can be submitted here (docketCP24-8). For more information, please refer to the public notice.
Draft air permit proposed for renewable fuels plant in Port Arthur, Texas
On Oct. 31, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a draft permit that would authorize already completed changes to the Diamond Green Diesel Renewable Fuels Plant in Jefferson County, Texas. The plant, which is located next to the Valero Port Arthur Refinery, makes renewable diesel and aviation fuel from animal fats and cooking oils. Public comments on the proposed permit are being accepted until at least Nov. 30, 2023. Please refer to the public notice for more information.
Modified permit would weaken wastewater testing requirements for chemical complex east of Houston
On Nov. 7, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a draft wastewater discharge permit for Targa’s Mont Belvieu Complex in Chambers County, Texas. The proposed permit would allow the facility to discharge wastewater from steam condensate and hydrostatic test water and remove a testing requirement called Whole Effluent Toxicity at three outfalls where wastewater from the facility enters nearby waterways. Comments on the proposed permit can be submitted at least until Dec. 9, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
Draft permit would increase wastewater discharge from petrochemical plant in Harris County, Texas
On Nov. 7, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a draft wastewater discharge permit for Enterprise’s Pasadena Plant in Harris County, Texas. The proposed permit includes a modification that would increase the effluent flow limit at a single outfall by 13,000 gallons per day. Comments on the proposed permit can be submitted at least until Dec. 9, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
New Projects Announced:
Dominion Energy planning new natural gas storage facility in Central North Carolina
Dominion Energy is planning to build a 25 million gallon liquified natural gas storage facility in Person County, North Carolina. Construction could begin in early 2024 and the facility is anticipated to be in service in late 2026.
Company plans to double processing capacity at West Texas gas plant
WTG Midstream plans to expand its Red Lake Gas Plant with two capacity expansions of 200 million cubic feet per day each. One expansion would beginning operations this year, with the other beginning in 2026. The facility is located in Martin County, Texas, in the Permian Basin, and currently has a capacity of 400 million cubic feet per day.
Construction Updates:
Federal appeals court strikes down construction permit for Port Arthur LNG in Texas
On Nov. 14, 2023, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals halted construction of the Port Arthur LNG Terminal, ruling that Texas regulators failed to follow the Clean Air Act in issuing a permit for the project. The panel of federal judges, based in New Orleans, wrote that they struck down the state air pollution control permit because the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality "declined to impose certain emissions limits on a new natural gas facility that it had recently imposed on another such facility. ... It therefore acted arbitrarily and capriciously under Texas law." The decision came in response to an appeal by the Port Arthur Community Action Network, represented by the Environmental Integrity Project and Lone Star Legal Aid.
Updates for the week of Nov. 6, 2023
Public comment opportunities
FERC accepting comments on proposed pipeline expansion in North Dakota
On Oct. 30, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a notice requesting comments on potential environmental issues related to the Bison XPress Pipeline Project, which would expand three compression stations in North Dakota and increase the gas pipeline's capacity by 300 million cubic feet per day. Comments on the proposed project can be submitted here until Nov. 29, 2023 (docket CP23-544).
Permit applications submitted
Houston-area plastics plant applies to increase daily wastewater discharge
On Aug. 31, 2023, Braskem USA applied to modify and renew the wastewater discharge permit for its La Porte Plant in Harris County, Texas. The modified permit, if approved, would increase the facility’s maximum daily average wastewater discharge from 622,000 gallons per day to 850,000 gallons per day.
Southeast Texas refinery applies to modify wastewater discharge permit
On Sept. 11, 2023, an affiliate of Chevron applied to renew the wastewater discharge permit for its Pasadena Refinery in Harris County, Texas. The refinery, one of the oldest on the Houston Ship Channel, can process over 115,000 barrels of crude oil every day.
New Projects Announced
Enterprise plans major expansion of petrochemical pipeline network in Texas
On Oct. 31, 2023, Enterprise Products Partners LP announced plans to build a new 550-mile-long natural gas liquids (NGL) pipeline in Texas. The Bahia NGL Pipeline would originate in the Permian basin of West Texas and carry 600,000 barrels of NGLs per day to the Mont Belvieu Fractionation Complex in Chambers County. The company also announced plans to convert the existing Seminole Red Pipeline back to NGL service while it builds the new Bahia pipeline, which is expected to begin operating in 2025.
Gas plant expansions are ongoing in West Texas and nearby New Mexico
Recently announced expansion projects at gas plants in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico could add 2.5 billion standard cubic feet per day of processing capacity. Western Midstream is adding capacity in Loving County with two planned projects, followed by a second processing train at the Dos Picos Gas Plant in Midland County in early 2024. Enterprise Midstream is adding gas processing capacity in Midland and Loving Counties with the Orion Gas Plant and Mentone IV Plant, both scheduled to begin operations in 2025. Brazos Midstream and MPLX both plan to build a new facilities in the Texas Permian, while Salt Creek Midstream plans to expand its Reeves County facility. Finally, Durango Midstream plans to build a new processing facility in Eddy County, New Mexico in two phases.
Updates for the week of Oct. 30, 2023
Public comment opportunities
Public meeting Nov. 7 for proposed carbon capture project in Southwest Louisiana
The Department of Energy Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations plans to hold a public meeting on Nov. 7 from 5:30-7:20 p.m. local time at the West-Cal Events Center (401 Arena Road Sulphur, LA 70665) to discuss the proposed Project Cypress Direct Air Capture Hub in Southwest Louisiana. The hub, which has received federal funding, is expected to capture up to one million tons of carbon dioxide from the air each year.
Louisiana natural gas pipeline expansion proposed
On Oct. 4, 2023, Cameron Interstate Pipeline LLC applied to expand the Holbrook Compressor Station in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. The expansion would add 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas transport capacity per day to the pipeline, which leads to Cameron LNG Terminal. Public comments can be submitted until Nov. 9, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
Permit would allow continued operation of largest U.S. above-ground crude oil storage facility
On Oct. 10, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a draft operating permit to Energy Transfer’s Nederland Crude Terminal. The renewal would allow continued operation of the terminal, which can store approximately 31 million barrels of oil. Public comments on the draft permit can be submitted until Nov. 23, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
Application filed for LNG export from proposed Southwest Louisiana terminal
On Aug. 18, 2023, Lake Charles Exports LLC applied for authorization to export about 851 million cubic feet of liquefied natural gas per year from its proposed LNG export terminal in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. Public comments on the application can be submitted until Nov. 6, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information. Comments can also be submitted using the Sierra Club’s website here.
New natural gas processing facility proposed in northern West Virginia
On Oct. 6, 2023, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection issued a draft permit for a new proposed compressor station in Tyler County, West Virginia. The Torreys Peak Compressor would annually emit up to 70 tons of volatile organic compounds, which can cause respiratory irritation. Public comments on the draft permit can be submitted until Nov. 17, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
Draft wastewater permit issued for chemical plant in Houston area
On Oct. 24, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a draft wastewater discharge permit for Arkema’s Houston Plant in Harris County, Texas. Comments on the proposed permit can be submitted at least until Nov. 23, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
Chemical plant to discharge wastewater to James River southeast of Richmond, Virginia
On Oct. 24, 2023, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality issued a draft wastewater discharge permit for AdvanSix's Hopewell Plant. It also issued a draft discharge permit for a neighboring municipal wastewater treatment plant, called Hopewell Water Renewal, which treats process wastewater from the AdvanSix site before discharging it to the James River and nearby tributaries. Public comments will be accepted between Oct. 31 and Nov. 30, 2023.
Agency proposes wastewater discharge permit for Louisiana chemical plant
On Oct. 27, 2023, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality issued a draft wastewater discharge permit for NOVA Chemicals’ Geismar Ethylene Plant which is located in both Ascension Parish and Iberville Parish. Public comments will be accepted until Nov. 30, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
Proposed Southeast Texas hydrogen plant applies for wastewater discharge permit
On Sept. 8, 2023, Linde Inc submitted an application to discharge wastewater from its proposed hydrogen manufacturing facility in Jefferson County, Texas. The wastewater would flow to the Neches River Tidal and Taylor Bayou Above Tidal. Public comments and requests for a public hearing regarding the application are currently being accepted. Please see the public notice for more information.
Permit renewal would allow Houston-area refinery to continue discharging wastewater
On Sept. 18, 2023, Valero applied to renew its wastewater discharge permit for its Texas City Refinery in Galveston County, Texas. The refinery has a capacity of 260,000 barrels per day and currently discharges to the Texas City Ship Channel. Public comments and requests for a public hearing regarding the application can currently be submitted. Please see the public notice for more information.
Application filed for gas export from Georgia LNG terminal
On Sept. 26, 2023, Southern LNG Company applied for authorization to export approximately 28.25 billion cubic feet of liquefied natural gas per year from its LNG terminal in Chatham County, Georgia. Public comments on the application can be submitted until Dec. 26, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
Permit applications submitted
Southeast Louisiana LNG terminal applies to increase greenhouse gas emissions
On October 23, Venture Global applied to modify its Clean Air Act permit for the Plaquemines LNG Terminal in Southeast Louisiana. The modified permit, if approved, would increase potential greenhouse gas emissions by over one million tons per year, equivalent to about 6,000 railcars worth of coal burned.
New Projects Announced
Gas plant expansions are ongoing in West Texas and nearby New Mexico
Companies operating in the oil fields of West Texas and southeastern New Mexico continue to plan gas plant expansions. Matador Resources, Stakeholder Midstream, and Targa Resources have all announced plans to expand gas processing capacity over the next two years. Targa plans to build a new plant and expand its Greenwood Plant in West Texas, and Matador and Stakeholder both plan to build new plants in the same region. These additions would increase gas processing capacity by 830 million standard cubic feet per day.
Updates for the week of Oct. 23, 2023
Public comment opportunities
Public hearing scheduled Nov. 30 for proposed Southeast Texas plastics plant
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will hold a public hearing 7 p.m. local time on Nov. 30, 2023, to hear community feedback on the proposed ethane cracker in Jefferson County, Texas. Ethane crackers produce ethylene, an ingredient in many chemicals and plastics, by heating ethane from natural gas to very high temperatures. The proposed cracker could emit up to five million tons of greenhouse gases per year—far more than the average coal-fired power plant. More information on the public meeting is available here.
Houston-area chemical manufacturer to increase fertilizer production
On Sept. 26, 2023, Foremark Performance Chemicals submitted an application to construct equipment to produce pressurized liquid ammonia and liquid fertilizer solutions at its facility in Harris County, Texas. These units would be used to produces low-release fertilizer, which gradually releases nutrients into soil. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is accepting comments on the application at least until Nov. 17, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
Draft wastewater permit proposed for chemical plant in South Texas
On Oct. 18, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a notice of preliminary decision that would slightly adjust the language permit for OQ Chemicals Bay City Plant in Matagorda County, Texas. The change would only modify the description of the wastewater from "treated process wastewater from the neutral effluent treatment (NET) system" to "treated process wastewater". Comments on the proposed permit can be submitted at least until Nov. 17, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
Permit applications submitted
Construction permit pending for huge new ammonia plant near Corpus Christi, Texas
On Oct. 12, 2023, Enbridge and Yara International submitted an application to construct a hydrogen and ammonia facility in San Patricio County, Texas. The facility would produce up to 2.8 million metric tons of ammonia and could emit as much as 3.3 million tons of greenhouse gases per year, nearly as much as a coal-fired power plant, although the companies plan to incorporate carbon capture at the facility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is currently accepting comments and requests for public hearing on this application. Please see the public notice for more information.
Plastics plant near Baton Rouge applies for sixth construction permit modification
On Oct. 18, 2023, Shintech Louisiana submitted an application to modify its Clean Air Act pre-construction permit for its ethylene production unit in Iberville Parish, Louisiana. The updated permit would authorize construction of a new boiler and increase air pollution emission limits. Shintech’s Plaquemine plant manufactures ingredients used to produce plastic products, including polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC.
New projects announced
New ammonia plant proposed in Lake Charles, Louisiana, near Texas border
On Oct. 17, 2023, Proman, the Swiss parent company behind the Big Lake Fuels Methanol Plant, signed an agreement with Japan's Mitsubishi Corporation to build a new ammonia plant in Lake Charles, Louisiana, near the Texas border. The new ammonia plant would be built at the existing Big Lake Fuels site and would be able to produce 1.2 million metric tons of ammonia each year, with carbon dioxide emissions captured and sequestered.
New chemical plastics recycling plant proposed between Phoenix and Tuscon
Freepoint Ecosystems recently announced plans to construct a new chemical recycling plant in Pinal County, Arizona. It would process up to 180,000 tons of waste plastic per year using pyrolysis, a process where plastic is heated until it becomes liquid. This is Freepoint’s third proposed chemical recycling plant, none of which have begun operating.
Updates for the week of Oct. 16, 2023
Public comment opportunities:
Comment period open on proposed North Dakota pipeline expansion
On Sept. 15, 203, the Northern Border Pipeline Company submitted an application to authorize its Bison Xpress Project, which would expand three compression stations in North Dakota to increase the gas pipeline's capacity by 300 million cubic feet per day. Comments on the proposed expansion can be submitted here until Oct. 23, 2023 (docket CP23-544).
Companies seek extension to finish building Driftwood LNG Terminal and pipeline
On Oct. 4, 2023, Driftwood LNG LLC and Driftwood Pipeline LLC submitted a request to extend the deadline to finish building the proposed Driftwood LNG Terminal and associated pipeline. The pipeline would transport natural gas to the terminal, and the terminal would produce 27.6 million tons of liquefied natural gas annually. If approved, the extension would give the companies an additional three years, until April 18, 2029, to construct and place the projects into service. Comments on the proposed extension can be submitted here until Oct. 26, 2023 (dockets CP17-117 and CP17-118).
Draft operating permit issued for West Texas gas plant
On Oct. 6, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued an initial draft operating permit to WTG North Permian Midstream for its Red Lake Gas Plant, a new 400 million cubic feet per day gas processing plant located in Martin County, Texas. Public comments can be submitted until at least Nov. 6, 2023; please see the public notice for more information.
Draft permit would let largest crude oil storage facility in U.S. continue operations
On Oct. 10, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a draft operating permit renewal for Energy Transfer’s Nederland Crude Terminal, located in Jefferson County, Texas. Public comments can be submitted until at least Nov. 9, 2023; please see the public notice for more information.
Public comment open on wastewater discharge permit at crude oil processing plant near Houston
On Oct. 10, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a notice of preliminary decision to modify the wastewater discharge permit for Kinder Morgan’s Condensate Splitter Facility in Harris County, Texas. Comments on the proposed permit can be submitted at least until Nov. 9, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
Natural gas pipeline company planning to expand capacity in Delaware and Maryland
On Oct. 11, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a notice requesting comments on potential environmental issues related to the Worcester Resiliency Upgrade Project, which would increase storage and transport capacity in Delaware and Maryland along Eastern Shore Natural Gas LLC’s pipeline. Comments on the proposed project can be submitted here until Nov. 10, 2023 (docket CP23-536).
Wastewater discharge monitoring requirements to be removed at Corpus Christi refinery
On Oct. 12, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a notice of preliminary decision to modify the wastewater discharge permit for CITGO’s Corpus Christi Refinery in Nueces County, Texas. Comments on the proposed permit can be submitted at least until Nov. 13, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
Regulatory agency to issue wastewater discharge permit to storage terminal in Southeast Texas
On Oct. 12, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a notice of preliminary decision to modify the wastewater discharge permit for Motiva’s Port Arthur Terminal in Jefferson County, Texas. Comments on the proposed permit can be submitted at least until Nov. 13, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
Draft permit would allow construction of southeast Texas ethylene cracker
On Oct. 12, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a draft construction permit for the proposed Nederland Ethylene Cracker. The cracker could emit up to five million tons of greenhouse gases per year—well above the average coal-fired power plant. Public comments can be submitted at least until November 13, 2023: please see the public notice for more information.
Draft permit would allow western Louisiana compressor station to increase emissions
On Oct. 12, 2023, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality issued a draft operating permit modification and renewal to the Cheniere Gillis Compressor Station in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana. The permit would increase emission limits for the compressor. Public comments on the proposed permit can be submitted until Nov. 16, 2023; please see the public notice for more information.
FERC accepting comments on proposed new compressor station in western South Carolina
On Sept. 28, 2023, Carolina Gas Transmission submitted an application to construct and operate the Aiken Compressor Expansion Project, which would include installation of a new compressor station in Aiken County, South Carolina. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is accepting comments on the application until Dec. 5, 2023 (docket CP23-549); please see the public notice for more information.
New projects announced:
Oklahoma-based company planning two major pipeline expansions
ONEOK is planning to expand its natural gas liquids (NGLs) pipeline capacity with two new projects: an expansion of the Elk Creek Pipeline, which transports NGLs from eastern Montana to central Kansas, and an expansion of the WTX NGL Pipeline in the Permian Basin. Few details have been released about the Elk Creek Expansion, but the WTX NGL expansion would involve construction of 550 miles of new pipeline and could be completed by 2025.
Construction Updates:
DOE announces federal funding for seven hydrogen hubs
On Oct. 13, 2023, the Department of Energy announced seven regional hydrogen hubs that will receive a cumulative $7 billion in funding. The selected projects include the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2), which would involve construction of four facilities in West Virginia (in Mingo County, Wood County, Mason County, and Kanawha County), and the Heartland Hydrogen Hub, which would include facilities in Wright County and Stevens County, Minnesota. A full list of funded hydrogen hubs is available in the announcement.
Updates for the week of Oct. 9, 2023
Public comment opportunities:
Public comment period open on Houston-area refinery’s request to increase wastewater discharge to Dickinson Bayou
On Oct. 6, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a notice of preliminary decision for the modification of the wastewater discharge permit for the Calumet Dickinson Plant in Galveston County, Texas. Comments on the proposed permit can be submitted at least until Nov. 2, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
Draft permit would let Enterprise gas plant in West Texas continue operations
On Sept. 19, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality proposed a draft renewal of Newberry Gas Processing Plant’s operating permit. The plant is part of Enterprise Midstream’s Midland Basin Processing Complex and is located in Midland County, Texas. Public comment on the proposed operating permit is open at least until Oct. 19, 2023; please see the public notice for more information.
Houston chemical plant seeks operating permit renewal
On Oct. 4, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality proposed a draft renewal of the operating permit for TPC Group’s Houston Plant. The plant, located in Harris County, produces petrochemicals used to make products like synthetic rubbers, fuel additives, and plastics. Public comment on the proposed operating permit is open at least until Nov. 4, 2023; please see the public notice for more information.
State agency poised to let Houston refinery continue discharging wastewater to San Jacinto River Basin
On Oct. 3, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a notice of preliminary decision for the renewal of the wastewater discharge permit for LyondellBasell’s Houston Refinery in Harris County, Texas. Comments on the proposed permit can be submitted at least until Nov. 5, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
FERC accepting comments on proposed expansion of Sabine Pass LNG terminal
On Oct. 6, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a notice requesting comments on potential environmental issues related to the Sabine Pass Stage 5 Expansion Project, which would increase the liquefied natural gas terminal’s processing capacity by 19.5 million metric tons per year. Comments on the proposed project can be submitted here until Nov. 6, 2023 (docket PF23-2).
Permit applications submitted:
Companies seek extension to finish Driftwood LNG terminal and pipeline in Louisiana
On Oct. 4, 2023, Driftwood LNG LLC and Driftwood Pipeline LLC submitted a request to extend the deadline to finish building the proposed Driftwood LNG Terminal and associated pipeline. The pipeline would transport natural gas to the terminal, and the terminal would produce 27.6 million tons of liquefied natural gas annually for export. If approved, the extension would give the companies an additional three years, until April 18, 2029, to build the projects and place them into service.
Construction updates:
Construction permit issued for hydrogen plant supplying Southeast Texas ammonia facility
On Oct. 5, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a construction permit for Linde’s proposed hydrogen plant in Jefferson County, Texas, near the Louisiana state line. The plant would produce 300,000 tons per year of hydrogen, which will supply the proposed OCI Clean Ammonia Complex.
New projects announced:
New ammonia plant proposed for Houston Ship Channel
Four companies are proposing to build a new ammonia plant on the Houston Ship Channel. The plant would produce more than 1.1 million tons of ammonia annually, most of which would be exported to Asia, and the companies plan to capture and sequester at least 1.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the manufacturing process each year.
Company plans to build carbon sequestration hub in Texas's Permian Basin
Ozona CCS LLC announced plans to build a carbon capture and sequestration hub in the Permian basin of West Texas. The proposed hub would have the capacity to store 120 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, which would be captured at oil and gas facilities in the Permian Basin and transported by pipeline to multiple sequestration wells, each able to inject 25,000 barrels per day
Updates for the week of Oct. 2, 2023
Public comment opportunities:
State agency poised to let Houston petrochemical plant continue discharging wastewater to Greens Bayou
On Sept. 27, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued notice of preliminary decision for the renewal of the wastewater discharge permit for the Sasol Greens Bayou Plant in Houston. Comments on the proposed permit can be submitted at least until Oct. 27, 2023. Please see the public notice for more information.
Natural gas liquids export terminal, pipeline would impact 550 acres of Texas wetlands
TXGC LLC plans to build a natural gas liquids (NGL) export terminal in Sabine Pass, Texas, as well as a pipeline connecting the Mont Belvieu Fractionator in Chambers County, Texas, to the new NGL terminal. The proposed export terminal and pipeline would impact more than 550 total acres of wetlands. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is accepting public comments on the application until Oct. 20, 2023; please see the public notice for more information.
Company applies to expand natural gas storage in Jefferson County, Texas
On Sept. 12, 2023, Golden Triangle Storage LLC applied to expand its existing natural gas storage site in Jefferson County, Texas. Gas stored at the site in underground salt dome caverns. The expansion would add two new caverns to increase storage capacity by 14.4 billion cubic feet. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is accepting comments on the proposed expansion until Oct. 20, 2023; please see the public notice for more information.
Draft permit proposed for new unit at Southeast Texas plastics plant
On Sept. 27, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a draft permit that, if approved, would authorize construction of a new ethylene derivatives unit at the Chevron Phillips Chemical Orange Polyethylene Plant in Orange County, Texas. Public comments on the draft permit are being accepted at least until Oct. 27, 2023; please see the public notice for more information.
Construction updates:
Company hits pause on construction of polymer plant in Corpus Christi, Texas
On Sept 27, 2023, Corpus Christi Polymers announced that construction on its planned polymer resin plant near Corpus Christi, Texas, has been paused while it considers unexpected costs and a labor shortage. The project was first permitted in 2014 but has undergone several delays, including another construction interruption in July 2020. The plant is supposed to begin operations in early 2025.
Permit applications submitted:
Algonquin Gas Transmission plans to expand existing gas pipeline in New England, New York
Algonquin Gas Transmission announced that it plans to expand pipeline capacity between Salem, Massachusetts, and Ramapo, New York, along its existing gas pipeline. Algonquin will submit an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission once its bidding process is complete on Nov. 17, 2023.
