For the purposes of this part—

For the purposes of § 157.21 of this part, Director means the Director of the Commission's Office of Energy Projects.

Indian tribe means, in reference to a proposal or application for a certificate or abandonment, an Indian tribe which is recognized by treaty with the United States, by federal statute, or by the U.S. Department of the Interior in its periodic listing of tribal governments in the Federal Register in accordance with 25 CFR 83.6(b), and whose legal rights as a tribe may be affected by the proposed construction, operation or abandonment of facilities or services (as where the construction or operation of the proposed facilities could interfere with the tribe's hunting or fishing rights or where the proposed facilities would be located within the tribe's reservation).

Resource agency means a Federal, state, or interstate agency exercising administration over the areas of recreation, fish and wildlife, water resource management, or cultural or other relevant resources of the state or states in which the facilities or services for which a certificate or abandonment is proposed are or will be located.

[Order 608, 64 FR 51220, Sept. 22, 1999, as amended by Order 665, 70 FR 60440, Oct. 18, 2005]

(a) Applications under section 7 of the Natural Gas Act shall set forth all information necessary to advise the Commission fully concerning the operation, sales, service, construction, extension, or acquisition for which a certificate is requested or the abandonment for which permission and approval is requested. Some applications may be of such character that an abbreviated application may be justified under the provisions of § 157.7. Applications for permission and approval to abandon pursuant to section 7(b) of the Act shall conform to § 157.18 and to such other requirements of this part as may be pertinent. However, every applicant shall file all pertinent data and information necessary for a full and complete understanding of the proposed project, including its effect upon applicant's present and future operations and whether, and at what docket, applicant has previously applied for authorization to serve any portion of the market contemplated by the proposed project and the nature and disposition of such other project.

(b) Every requirement of this part shall be considered as a forthright obligation of the applicant which can only be avoided by a definite and positive showing that the information or data called for by the applicable rules is not necessary for the consideration and ultimate determination of the application.

(c) This part will be strictly applied to all applications as submitted and the burden of adequate presentation in intelligible form as well as justification for omitted data or information rests with the applicant.

[17 FR 7386, Aug. 14, 1952, as amended by Order 280, 29 FR 4876, Apr. 7, 1964]

(a) Applicable rules—(1) Submission required to be furnished by applicant under this subpart. Applications, amendments thereto, and all exhibits and other submissions required to be furnished by an applicant to the Commission under this subpart must be submitted in an original and 7 conformed copies. To the extent that data required under this subpart has been provided to the Commission, this data need not be duplicated. The applicant must, however, include a statement identifying the forms and records containing the required information and when that form or record was submitted.

(2) Maps and diagrams. An applicant required to submit a map or diagram under this subpart must submit one paper copy of the map or diagram.

(3) The following must be submitted in electronic format as prescribed by the Commission:

(i) Applications filed under this part 157 and all attached exhibits;

(ii) Applications covering acquisitions and all attached exhibits;

(iii) Applications for temporary certificates and all attached exhibits;

(iv) Applications to abandon facilities or services and all attached exhibits;

(v) The progress reports required under § 157.20(c) and (d);

(vi) Applications submitted under subpart E of this part and all attached exhibits;

(vii) Applications submitted under subpart F of this part and all attached exhibits;

(viii) Requests for authorization under the notice procedures established in § 157.205 and all attached exhibits;

(ix) The annual report required by § 157.207;

(x) The report required under § 157.214 when storage capacity is increased;

(xi) Amendments to any of the foregoing.

(4) All filings must be signed in compliance with the following.

(i) The signature on a filing constitutes a certification that: The signer has read the filing signed and knows the contents of the paper copies and electronic filing; the paper copies contain the same information as contained in the electronic filing; the contents as stated in the copies and in the electronic filing are true to the best knowledge and belief of the signer; and the signer possesses full power and authority to sign the filing.

(ii) A filing must be signed by one of the following:

(A) The person on behalf of whom the filing is made;

(B) An officer, agent, or employee of the governmental authority, agency, or instrumentality on behalf of which the filing is made; or,

(C) A representative qualified to practice before the Commission under § 385.2101 of this chapter who possesses authority to sign.

(5) Other requirements. Applications under section 7 of the Natural Gas Act must conform to the requirements of §§ 157.5 through 157.14. Amendments to or withdrawals of applications must conform to the requirements of §§ 385.215 and 385.216 of this chapter. If the application involves an acquisition of facilities, it must conform to the additional requirements prescribed in §§ 157.15 and 157.16. If the application involves an abandonment of facilities or service, it must conform to the additional requirements prescribed in § 157.18.

(b) General content of application. Each application filed other than an application for permission and approval to abandon pursuant to section 7(b) shall set forth the following information:

(1) The exact legal name of applicant; its principal place of business; whether an individual, partnership, corporation, or otherwise; State under the laws of which organized or authorized; and the name, title, and mailing address of the person or persons to whom communications concerning the application are to be addressed.

(2) The facts relied upon by applicant to show that the proposed service, sale, operation, construction, extension, or acquisition is or will be required by the present or future public convenience and necessity.

(3) A concise description of applicant's existing operations.

(4) A concise description of the proposed service, sale, operation, construction, extension, or acquisition, including the proposed dates for the beginning and completion of construction, the commencement of operations and of acquisition, where involved.

(5) A full statement as to whether any other application to supplement or effectuate applicant's proposals must be or is to be filed by applicant, any of applicant's customers, or any other person, with any other Federal, State, or other regulatory body; and if so, the nature and status of each such application.

(6) A table of contents which shall list all exhibits and documents filed in compliance with §§ 157.5 through 157.18, as well as all other documents and exhibits otherwise filed, identifying them by their appropriate titles and alphabetical letter designations. The alphabetical letter designations specified in §§ 157.14, 157.16, and 157.18 must be strictly adhered to and extra exhibits submitted at the volition of applicant shall be designated in sequence under the letter Z (Z1, Z2, Z3, etc.).

(7) A form of notice of the application suitable for publication in the Federal Register in accordance with the specifications in § 385.203(d) of this chapter.

(8) For applications to construct new facilities, detailed cost-of-service data supporting the cost of the expansion project, a detailed study showing the revenue responsibility for each firm rate schedule under the pipeline's currently effective rate design and under the pipeline's proposed rates, a detailed rate impact analysis by rate schedule (including by zone, if applicable), and an analysis reflecting the impact of the fuel usage resulting from the proposed expansion project (including by zone, if applicable).

(c) Requests for shortened procedure. If shortened procedure is desired a request therefor shall be made in conformity with § 385.802 of this chapter and may be included in the application or filed separately.

(d) Landowner notification. (1) For all applications filed under this subpart which include construction of facilities or abandonment of facilities (except for abandonment by sale or transfer where the easement will continue to be used for transportation of natural gas), the applicant shall make a good faith effort to notify all affected landowners and towns, communities, and local, state and federal governments and agencies involved in the project:

(i) By certified or first class mail, sent within 3 business days following the date the Commission issues a notice of the application; or

(ii) By hand, within the same time period; and

(iii) By publishing notice twice of the filing of the application, no later than 14 days after the date that a docket number is assigned to the application, in a daily or weekly newspaper of general circulation in each county in which the project is located.

(2) All affected landowners includes owners of property interests, as noted in the most recent county/city tax records as receiving the tax notice, whose property:

(i) Is directly affected (i.e., crossed or used) by the proposed activity, including all facility sites (including compressor stations, well sites, and all above-ground facilities), rights of way, access roads, pipe and contractor yards, and temporary workspace;

(ii) Abuts either side of an existing right-of-way or facility site owned in fee by any utility company, or abuts the edge of a proposed facility site or right-of-way which runs along a property line in the area in which the facilities would be constructed, or contains a residence within 50 feet of the proposed construction work area;

(iii) Is within one-half mile of proposed compressors or their enclosures or LNG facilities; or

(iv) Is within the area of proposed new storage fields or proposed expansions of storage fields, including any applicable buffer zone.

(3) The notice shall include:

(i) The docket number of the filing;

(ii) The most recent edition of the Commission's pamphlet that explains the Commission's certificate process and addresses the basic concerns of landowners. Except: pipelines are not required to include the pamphlet in notifications of abandonments or in the published newspaper notice. Instead, they should provide the title of the pamphlet and indicate its availability at the Commission's Internet address;

(iii) A description of the applicant and the proposed project, its location (including a general location map), its purpose, and the timing of the project;

(iv) A general description of what the applicant will need from the landowner if the project is approved, and how the landowner may contact the applicant, including a local or toll-free phone number and a name of a specific person to contact who is knowledgeable about the project;

(v) A brief summary of what rights the landowner has at the Commission and in proceedings under the eminent domain rules of the relevant state. Except: pipelines are not required to include this information in the published newspaper notice. Instead, the newspaper notice should provide the Commission's Internet address and the telephone number for the Commission's Office of External Affairs; and

(vi) Information on how the landowner can get a copy of the application from the company or the location(s) where a copy of the application may be found as specified in § 157.10.

(vii) A copy of the Commission's notice of application, specifically stating the date by which timely motions to intervene are due, together with the Commission's information sheet on how to intervene in Commission proceedings. Except: pipelines are not required to include the notice of application and information sheet in the published newspaper notice. Instead, the newspaper notice should indicate that a separate notice is to be mailed to affected landowners and governmental entities.

(4) If the notice is returned as undeliverable, the applicant will make a reasonable attempt to find the correct address and notify the landowner.

(5) Within 30 days of the date the application was filed, applicant shall file an updated list of affected landowners, including information concerning notices that were returned as undeliverable.

(6) If paragraph (d)(3) of this section requires an applicant to reveal Critical Energy Infrastructure Information (CEII), as defined by § 388.113(c) of this chapter, to any person, the applicant shall follow the procedures set out in § 157.10(d).

[17 FR 7386, Aug. 14, 1952] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 157.6, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

(a) General. When the operations sales, service, construction, extensions, acquisitions or abandonment proposed by an application do not require all the data and information specified by this part to disclose fully the nature and extent of the proposed undertaking, an abbreviated application may be filed in the manner prescribed in § 385.2011 of this chapter, provided it contains all information and supporting data necessary to explain fully the proposed project, its economic justification, its effect upon applicant's present and future operations and upon the public proposed to be served, and is otherwise in conformity with the applicable requirements of this part regarding form, manner of presentation, and filing. Such an application shall (1) state that it is an abbreviated application; (2) specify which of the data and information required by this part are omitted; and (3) relate the facts relied upon to justify separately each such omission.

[Order 280, 29 FR 4876, Apr. 7, 1964] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 157.7, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

Applications will be docketed when received and the applicant so advised.

(a) If an application patently fails to comply with applicable statutory requirements or with applicable Commission rules, regulations, and orders for which a waiver has not been granted, the Director of the Office of Energy Projects or the Director of the Office of Energy Market Regulation may reject the application within 10 business days of filing as provided by § 385.2001(b) of this chapter. This rejection is without prejudice to an applicant's refiling a complete application. However, an application will not be rejected solely on the basis of:

(1) Environmental reports that are incomplete because the company has not been granted access by the affected landowner(s) to perform required surveys; or,

(2) Environmental reports that are incomplete, but where the minimum checklist requirements of part 380, appendix A of this chapter have been met.

(b) An application which relates to an operation, sale, service, construction, extension, acquisition, or abandonment concerning which a prior application has been filed and rejected, shall be docketed as a new application. Such new application shall state the docket number of the prior rejected application.

(c) The Director of the Office of Energy Projects or the Director of the Office of Energy Market Regulation may also reject an application after it has been noticed, at any time, if it is determined that such application does not conform to the requirements of this part.

[Order 603-A, 64 FR 54536, Oct. 7, 1999, as amended by Order 699, 72 FR 45325, Aug. 14, 2007; Order 701, 72 FR 61054, Oct. 29, 2007]

(a) Notice of each application filed, except when rejected in accordance with § 157.8, will be issued within 10 business days of filing, and subsequently will be published in the Federal Register and copies of such notice sent to States affected thereby, by electronic means if practical, otherwise by mail. Persons desiring to receive a copy of the notice of every application shall so advise the Secretary.

(b) For each application that will require an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement, notice of a schedule for the environmental review will be issued within 90 days of the notice of the application, and subsequently will be published in the Federal Register.

[Order 653, 70 FR 8724, Feb. 23, 2005, as amended by Order 687, 71 FR 62920, Oct. 27, 2006]

(a) Notices of applications, as provided by § 157.9, will fix the time within which any person desiring to participate in the proceeding may file a petition to intervene, and within which any interested regulatory agency, as provided by § 385.214 of this chapter, desiring to intervene may file its notice of intervention.

(1) Any person filing a petition to intervene or notice of intervention shall state specifically whether he seeks formal hearing on the application.

(2) Any person may file to intervene on environmental grounds based on the draft environmental impact statement as stated at § 380.10(a)(1)(i) of this chapter. In accordance with that section, such intervention will be deemed timely as long as it is filed within the comment period for the draft environmental impact statement.

(3) Failure to make timely filing will constitute grounds for denial of participation in the absence of extraordinary circumstances or good cause shown.

(4) Protests may be filed in accordance with § 385.211 of this chapter within the time permitted by any person who does not seek to participate in the proceeding.

(b) A copy of each application, supplement and amendment thereto, including exhibits required by §§ 157.14, 157.16, and 157.18, shall upon request be promptly supplied by the applicant to anyone who has filed a petition for leave to intervene or given notice of intervention.

(1) An applicant is not required to serve voluminous or difficult to reproduce material, such as copies of certain environmental information, to all parties, as long as such material is publicly available in an accessible central location in each county throughout the project area.

(2) An applicant shall make a good faith effort to place the materials in a public location that provides maximum accessibility to the public.

(c) Complete copies of the application must be available in accessible central locations in each county throughout the project area, either in paper or electronic format, within three business days of the date a filing is issued a docket number. Within five business days of receiving a request for a complete copy from any party, the applicant must serve a full copy of any filing on the requesting party. Such copy may exclude voluminous or difficult to reproduce material that is publicly available. Pipelines must keep all voluminous material on file with the Commission and make such information available for inspection at buildings with public access preferably with evening and weekend business hours, such as libraries located in central locations in each county throughout the project area.

(d) Critical Energy Infrastructure Information. (1) If this section requires an applicant to reveal Critical Energy Infrastructure Information (CEII), as defined in § 388.113(c) of this chapter, to the public, the applicant shall omit the CEII from the information made available and insert the following in its place:

(i) A statement that CEII is being withheld;

(ii) A brief description of the omitted information that does not reveal any CEII; and

(iii) This statement: “Procedures for obtaining access to Critical Energy Infrastructure Information (CEII) may be found at 18 CFR 388.113. Requests for access to CEII should be made to the Commission's CEII Coordinator.”

(2) The applicant, in determining whether information constitutes CEII, shall treat the information in a manner consistent with any filings that applicant has made with the Commission and shall to the extent practicable adhere to any previous determinations by the Commission or the CEII Coordinator involving the same or like information.

(3) The procedures contained in §§ 388.112 and 388.113 of this chapter regarding designation of, and access to, CEII, shall apply in the event of a challenge to a CEII designation or a request for access to CEII. If it is determined that information is not CEII or that a requester should be granted access to CEII, the applicant will be directed to make the information available to the requester.

(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any persons from voluntarily reaching arrangements or agreements calling for the disclosure of CEII.

[Order 603-A, 64 FR 54536, Oct. 7, 1999, as amended by Order 643, 68 FR 52095, Sept. 2, 2003]

(a) General. The Commission will schedule each application for public hearing at the earliest date possible giving due consideration to statutory requirements and other matters pending, with notice thereof as provided by § 1.19(b) of this chapter: Provided, however, That when an application is filed less than fifteen days prior to the commencement of a hearing theretofore ordered on a pending application and seeks authority to serve some or all of the markets sought in such pending application or is otherwise competitive with such pending application, the Commission will not schedule the new application for hearing until it has rendered its final decision on such pending application, except when, on its own motion, or on appropriate application, it finds that the public interest requires otherwise.

(b) Shortened procedure. If no protest or petition to intervene raises an issue of substance, the Commission may upon request of the applicant dispose of an application in accordance with the provisions of § 385.802 of this chapter.

[17 FR 7386, Aug. 14, 1952, as amended by Order 225, 47 FR 19057, May 3, 1982]

Except for good cause shown, failure of an applicant to go forward on the date set for hearing and present its full case in support of its application will constitute ground for the summary dismissal of the application and the termination of the proceedings.

[17 FR 7386, Aug. 14, 1952]

Each exhibit attached to an application must conform to the following requirements:

(a) General requirements. Each exhibit must be submitted in the manner prescribed in §§ 157.6(a) and 385.2011 of this chapter and contain a title page showing applicant's name, docket number (to be left blank), title of the exhibit, the proper letter designation of the exhibit, and, if of 10 or more pages, a table of contents, citing by page, section number or subdivision, the component elements or matters therein contained.

(b) Reference to annual reports and previous applications. An application may refer to annual reports and previous applications filed with the Commission and shall specify the exact pages or exhibit numbers of the filing to which reference is made, including the page numbers in any exhibit to which reference is made. When reference is made to a previous application the docket number shall be stated. No part of a rejected application may be incorporated by reference.

(c) Interdependent applications. When an application considered alone is incomplete and depends vitally upon information in another application, it will not be accepted for filing until the supporting application has been filed. When applications are interdependent, they shall be filed concurrently.

(d) Measurement base. All gas volumes, including gas purchased from producers, shall be stated upon a uniform basis of measurement, and, in addition, if the uniform basis of measurement used in any application is other than 14.73 p.s.i.a., then any volume or volumes delivered to or received from any interstate natural-gas pipeline company shall also be stated upon a basis of 14.73 p.s.i.a.; similarly, total volumes on all summary sheets, as well as grand totals of volumes in any exhibit, shall also be stated upon a basis of 14.73 p.s.i.a. if the uniform basis of measurement used is other than 14.73 p.s.i.a.

[17 FR 7387, Aug. 14, 1952, as amended by Order 185, 21 FR 1486, Mar. 8, 1956; Order 280, 29 FR 4877, Apr. 7, 1964; Order 493, 53 FR 15029, Apr. 27, 1988]

(a) To be attached to each application. All exhibits specified must accompany each application when tendered for filing. Together with each exhibit applicant must provide a full and complete explanation of the data submitted, the manner in which it was obtained, and the reasons for the conclusions derived from the exhibits. If the Commission determines that a formal hearing upon the application is required or that testimony and hearing exhibits should be filed, the Secretary will promptly notify the applicant that submittal of all exhibits and testimony of all witnesses to be sponsored by the applicant in support of his case-in-chief is required. Submittal of these exhibits and testimony must be within 20 days from the date of the Secretary's notice, or any other time as the Secretary will specify. Exhibits, except exhibits F, F- 1, G, G-I, and G-II, must be submitted to the Commission on electronic media as prescribed in § 385.2011 of this chapter. Receipt and delivery point information required in various exhibits must be labeled with a location point name and code in conformity with the location name and code the pipeline has adopted in conformance with § 284.13(f) of this chapter. Intervenors and persons becoming intervenors after the date of the Secretary's notice must be advised by the applicant of the afore-specified exhibits and testimony, and must be furnished with copies upon request. If this section requires an applicant to reveal Critical Energy Infrastructure Information (CEII), as defined by § 388.113(c) of this chapter, to any person, the applicant shall follow the procedures set out in § 157.10(d).

(1) Exhibit A—Articles of incorporation and bylaws. If applicant is not an individual, a conformed copy of its articles of incorporation and bylaws, or other similar documents.

(2) Exhibit B—State authorization. For each State where applicant is authorized to do business, a statement showing the date of authorization, the scope of the business applicant is authorized to carry on and all limitations, if any, including expiration dates and renewal obligations. A conformed copy of applicant's authorization to do business in each State affected shall be supplied upon request.

(3) Exhibit C—Company officials. A list of the names and business addresses of applicant's officers and directors, or similar officials if applicant is not a corporation.

(4) Exhibit D—Subsidiaries and affiliation. If applicant or any of its officers or directors, directly or indirectly, owns, controls, or holds with power to vote, 10 percent or more of the outstanding voting securities of any other person or organized group of persons engaged in production, transportation, distribution, or sale of natural gas, or of any person or organized group of persons engaged in the construction or financing of such enterprises or operations, a detailed explanation of each such relationship, including the percentage of voting strength represented by such ownership of securities. If any person or organized group of persons, directly or indirectly, owns, controls, or holds with power to vote, 10 percent or more of the outstanding voting securities of applicant—a detailed explanation of each such relationship.

(5) Exhibit E—Other pending applications and filings. A list of other applications and filings under sections 1, 3, 4 and 7 of the Natural Gas Act filed by the applicant which are pending before the Commission at the time of the filing of an application and which directly and significantly affect the application filed, including an explanation of any material effect the grant or denial of those other applications and filings will have on the application and of any material effect the grant or denial of the application will have on those other applications and filings.

(6) Exhibit F—Location of facilities. Unless shown on Exhibit G or elsewhere, a geographical map of suitable scale and detail showing, and appropriately differentiating between all of the facilities proposed to be constructed, acquired or abandoned and existing facilities of applicant, the operation or capacity of which will be directly affected by the proposed facilities or the facilities proposed to be abandoned. This map, or an additional map, shall clearly show the relationship of the new facilities to the applicant's overall system and shall include:

(i) Location, length, and size of pipelines.

(ii) Location and size (rated horsepower) of compressor stations.

(iii) Location and designation of each point of connection of existing and proposed facilities with:

(A) Main-line industrial customers, gas pipeline or distribution systems, showing towns and communities served and to be served at wholesale and retail, and

(B) Gas-producing and storage fields, or other sources of gas supply.

(7) Exhibit F-I—Environmental report. An environmental report as specified in §§ 380.3 and 380.12 of this chapter. Applicant must submit all appropriate revisions to Exhibit F-I whenever route or site changes are filed. These revisions should identify the locations by mile post and describe all other specific differences resulting from the route or site changes, and should not simply provide revised totals for the resources affected.

(8) Exhibit G—Flow diagrams showing daily design capacity and reflecting operation with and without proposed facilities added. A flow diagram showing daily design capacity and reflecting operating conditions with only existing facilities in operation. A second flow diagram showing daily design capacity and reflecting operating conditions with both proposed and existing facilities in operation. Both flow diagrams shall include the following for the portion of the system affected:

(i) Diameter, wall thickness, and length of pipe installed and proposed to be installed and the diameter and wall thickness of the installed pipe to which connection is proposed.

(ii) For each proposed new compressor station and existing station, the size, type and number of compressor units, horsepower required, horsepower installed and proposed to be installed, volume of gas to be used as fuel, suction and discharge pressures, and compression ratio.

(iii) Pressures and volumes of gas at the main line inlet and outlet connections at each compressor station.

(iv) Pressures and volumes of gas at each intake and take-off point and at the beginning and terminus of the existing and proposed facilities and at the intake or take-off point of the existing facilities to which the proposed facilities are to be connected.

(9) Exhibit G-I—Flow diagrams reflecting maximum capabilities. If Exhibit G does not reflect the maximum deliveries which applicant's existing and proposed facilities would be capable of achieving under most favorable operating conditions with utilization of all facilities, include an additional diagram or diagrams to depict such maximum capabilities. If the horsepower, pipelines, or other facilities on the segment of applicant's system under consideration are not being fully utilized due, e.g., to capacity limitation of connecting facilities or because of the need for standby or spare equipment, the reason for such nonutilization shall be stated.

(10) Exhibit G-II—Flow diagram data. Exhibits G and G-I shall be accompanied by a statement of engineering design data in explanation and support of the diagrams and the proposed project, setting forth:

(i) Assumptions, bases, formulae, and methods used in the development and preparation of such diagrams and accompanying data.

(ii) A description of the pipe and fittings to be installed, specifying the diameter, wall thickness, yield point, ultimate tensile strength, method of fabrication, and methods of testing proposed.

(iii) When lines are looped, the length and size of the pipe in each loop.

(iv) Type, capacity, and location of each natural gas storage field or facility, and of each dehydration, desulphurization, natural gas liquefaction, hydrocarbon extraction, or other similar plant or facility directly attached to the applicant's system, indicating which of such plants are owned or operated by applicant, and which by others, giving their names and addresses.

(v) If the daily design capacity shown in Exhibit G is predicated upon an ability to meet each customer's maximum contract quantity on the same day, explain the reason for such coincidental peak-day design. If the design day capacity shown in Exhibit G is predicated upon an assumed diversity factor, state that factor and explain its derivation.

(vi) The maximum allowable operating pressure of each proposed facility for which a certificate is requested, as permitted by the Department of Transportation's safety standards. The applicant shall certify that it will design, install, inspect, test, construct, operate, replace, and maintain the facilities for which a certificate is requested in accordance with Federal safety standards and plans for maintenance and inspection or shall certify that it has been granted a waiver of the requirements of the safety standards by the Department of Transportation in accordance with the provisions of section 3(e) of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968. Pertinent details concerning the waiver shall be set forth.

(11) Exhibit H—Total gas supply data. A statement by applicant describing:

(i) Those production areas accessible to the proposed construction that contain sufficient existing or potential gas supplies for the proposed project; and

(ii) How those production areas are connected to the proposed construction.

(12) Exhibit I—Market data. A system-wide estimate of the volumes of gas to be delivered during each of the first 3 full years of operation of the proposed service, sale, or facilities and during the years when the proposed facilities are under construction, and actual data of like import for each of the 3 years next preceding the filing of the application, together with:

(i) Names and locations of customer companies and municipalities, showing the number of residential, commercial, firm industrial, interruptible industrial, residential space-heating, commercial space-heating, and other types of customers for each distribution system to be served at retail or wholesale; and the names and locations of each firm and interruptible direct industrial customer whose estimated consumption totals 10,000 Mcf or more in any calendar month or 100,000 Mcf or more per year together with an explanation of the end use to which each of these industrial customers will put the gas.

(ii) Applicant's total annual and peak day gas requirements by classification of service in paragraph (a)(11)(i) of this section, divided as follows: Gas requirements for each distribution area where gas is sold by applicant at retail; for each wholesale customer; for all main line direct industrial customers; and company use and unaccounted-for gas, for both the applicant and each wholesale customer.

(iii) Total past and expected curtailments of service by the applicant and each wholesale customer proposing to receive new or additional supplies of gas from the project, all to be listed by the classifications of service in paragraph (a)(12)(i) of this section.

(iv) Explanation and derivation of basic factors used in estimating future requirements, including, for example: Peak-day and annual degree-day deficiencies, annual load factors of applicant's system and of its deliveries to its proposed customers; individual consumer peak-day and annual consumption factors for each class of consumers, with supporting historical data; forecasted saturation of space-heating as related to past experience; and full detail as to all other sources of gas supply available to applicant and to each of its customers, including manufacturing facilities and liquid petroleum gas.

(v) Conformed copy of each contract, letter of intent or other agreement for sale or transportation of natural gas proposed by the application. Indicate the rate to be charged. If no agreements have been made, indicate the basis for assuming that contracts will be consummated and that service will be rendered under the terms contemplated in the application.

(vi) A full description of all facilities, other than those covered by the application, necessary to provide service in the communities to be served, the estimated cost of such facilities, by whom they are to be constructed, and evidence of economic feasibility.

(vii) A copy of each market survey made within the past three years for such markets as are to receive new or increased service from the project applied for.

(viii) A statement showing the franchise rights of applicant or other person to distribute gas in each community in which service is proposed.

(ix) When an application requires a statement of total peak-day or annual market requirements of affiliates, whose operations are integrated with those of applicant, to demonstrate applicant's ability to provide the service proposed or to establish a gas supply, estimates and data required by this paragraph (a)(12)(ix) shall also be stated in like detail for such affiliates.

(x) When the proposed project is for service which would not decrease the life index of the total system gas supply by more than one year, the data required in paragraphs (a)(12)(i) to (ix), inclusive, of this section need be submitted only as to the particular market to receive new or additional service.

(13) Exhibit J—Federal authorizations. A statement identifying each Federal authorization that the proposal will require; the Federal agency or officer, or State agency or officer acting pursuant to delegated Federal authority, that will issue each required authorization; the date each request for authorization was submitted; why any request was not submitted and the date submission is expected; and the date by which final action on each Federal authorization has been requested or is expected.

(14) Exhibit K—Cost of facilities. A detailed estimate of total capital cost of the proposed facilities for which application is made, showing cost of construction by operating units such as compressor stations, main pipelines, laterals, measuring and regulating stations, and separately stating the cost of right-of-way, damages, surveys, materials, labor, engineering and inspection, administrative overhead, fees for legal and other services, allowance for funds used during construction, and contingencies. Include a brief statement indicating the source of information used as the basis for the above estimate. If not otherwise set forth, submit data on preliminary bids, if any, for the proposed facilities and recent experienced cost data for facilities of similar character.

(15) Exhibit L—Financing. Plans for financing the proposed facilities for which the application is filed, together with:

(i) A description of the class (e.g., commercial paper, long-term debt, preferred stock) and cost rates for securities expected to be issued with construction period and post- operational sources of financing separately identified.

(ii) Statement of anticipated cash flow, including provision during the period of construction and the first 3 full years of operation of proposed facilities for interest requirements, dividends, and capital requirements.

(iii) A balance sheet and income statement (12 months) of most recent data available.

(iv) Comparative pro forma balance sheets and income statements for the period of construction and each of the first 3 full years of operation, giving effect to the proposed construction and proposed financing of the project.

(v) Any additional data and information upon which applicant proposes to rely in showing the adequacy and availability of resources for financing its proposed project.

(vi) In instances for which principal operations of the company have not commenced or where proposed rates for services are developed on an incremental basis, a brief statement explaining how the applicant will determine the actual allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) rate, or if a rate is not to be used, how the applicant will determine the actual amount of AFUDC to be capitalized as a component of construction cost, and why the method is appropriate under the circumstances.

(16) Exhibit M—Construction, operation, and management. A concise statement setting forth arrangements for supervision, management, engineering, accounting, legal, or other similar service to be rendered in connection with the construction or operation of the project, if not to be performed by employees of applicant, including reference to any existing or contemplated agreements therefor, together with:

(i) A statement showing affiliation between applicant and any parties to such agreements or arrangements. See Exhibit D, paragraph (a)(4) of this section.

(ii) Conformed copies of all construction, engineering, management, and other similar service agreements or contracts in any way operative with respect to construction, operation, or financing of facilities which are the subject of the application or will be applicable under system operations.

(17) Exhibit N—Revenues—Expenses—Income. When the estimated revenues and expenses related to a proposed facility will significantly affect the operating revenues or operating expenses of an applicant, there shall be submitted a system-wide statement for the last year preceding the proposed construction or service and pro forma system-wide and incremental statements for each of the first three full years of operation of the proposed facilities, showing:

(i) Gas system annual revenues and volumes of natural gas related thereto, subdivided by classes of service, and further subdivided by sales to direct industrial customers, sales to other gas utilities, and other sales, indicating billing quantities used for computing charges, e.g., actual demands, billing demands, volumes, heat-content adjustment or other determinants. In addition, if enlargement or extension of facilities is involved, the revenues attributable solely to the proposed facilities shall be stated separately, and the basis and data used in such computation shall be clearly shown.

(ii) Gas system annual operating expenses classified in accordance with the Commission's Uniform System of Accounts for Natural Gas Companies; the annual depreciation, depletion, taxes, utility income, and resulting rate of return on net investment in gas plant including working capital. In addition if enlargement or extension of facilities is involved, the cost of service attributable solely to the proposed facilities shall be stated separately with supporting data.

(iii) When the data required in paragraphs (a)(17)(i) and (ii) of this section is not submitted, applicant shall provide in lieu thereof a statement in sufficient detail to show clearly the effect on the operating revenues and operating expenses of the estimated revenues and expenses related to the proposed facility.

(18) Exhibit O—Depreciation and depletion. Depreciation and depletion rates to be established, the method of determination and the justification therefor.

(19) Exhibit P—Tariff. (i) A statement of the rates to be charged for the proposed sales or service, including:

(A) Identification of the applicable presently effective rate schedules, when no additional tariff filings will be required, or

(B) When changes are required in applicant's presently effective tariff, or if applicant has no tariff, pro forma copies of appropriate changes in or additions to the effective tariff or a pro forma copy of the new gas tariff proposed, or

(C) When a new rate is proposed, a statement explaining the basis used in arriving at the proposed rate. Such statement shall clearly show whether such rate results from negotiation, cost-of-service determination, competitive factors or others, and shall give the nature of any studies which have been made in connection therewith.

(ii) When new rates or changes in present rates are proposed or when the proposed facilities will result in a material change in applicant's average cost of service, such statement shall be accompanied by supporting data showing:

(A) System cost of service for the first calendar year of operation after the proposed facilities are placed in service.

(B) An allocation of such costs to each particular service classification, with the basis for each allocation clearly stated.

(C) The proposed rate base and rate of return.

(D) Gas operating expenses, segregated functionally by accounts.

(E) Depletion and depreciation.

(F) Taxes with the basis upon which computed.

(b) Additional exhibits. Applicant shall submit additional exhibits necessary to support or clarify its application. Such exhibits shall be identified and designated as provided by § 157.6(b)(6).

(c) Additional information. Upon request by the Secretary, prior to or during hearing upon the application, applicant shall submit such additional data, information, exhibits, or other detail as may be specified. An original and 7 conformed copies of such additional information shall be furnished to the Commission. The Commission reserves the right to request additional copies.

(d) Availability of Commission staff for advice prior to formal filing. Prior to filing an application, any person may informally confer with the staff of the Commission to obtain advice on any problem of statement or presentation of an application or any part thereof.

(Secs. 3(e), 7, 8, 82 Stat. 721, 725 (49 U.S.C. 1672, 1676, 1677; Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717-717w); Natural Gas Policy Act (15 U.S.C. 3301-3432); Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101-7352); E.O. 12009, 3 CFR 142) [17 FR 7387, Aug. 14, 1952] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 157.14, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

An application for a certificate authorizing acquisition of facilities, in addition to complying with the applicable provisions of §§ 157.5 through 157.14, shall include a statement showing:

(a) The exact legal name of the vendor, lessor, or other party in interest (hereinafter referred to as “vendor”) the State or other laws under which vendor was organized, location of vendor's principal place of business, and a description of the business, operation or property of vendor covered by the application.

(b) Any certificate from the Commission, held by vendor, relating directly to the facilities which applicant seeks to acquire, citing the order, date thereof, docket designation, and title of the proceeding; reference to and designation of any companion applications by vendor for permission and approval pursuant to section 7(b) of the Natural Gas Act.

(c) The manner in which the facilities are to be acquired, the consideration to be paid, the method of arriving at the amount thereof, and anticipated expenses in addition to the consideration.

(d) The facilities to be acquired, their present use, their proposed use after acquisition, and whether they constitute all of vendor's facilities.

(e) Any franchise, license, or permit respecting the facilities involved, showing expiration date thereof, and the effect of the proposed acquisition thereon.

[17 FR 7389, Aug. 14, 1952]

In addition to the exhibits required by § 157.14, every application involving acquisition of facilities must be accompanied by the exhibits listed below. Together with each exhibit applicant must provide a full and complete explanation of the data submitted, the manner in which it was obtained, and the reasons for the conclusions derived from the exhibits, unless the applicant includes a statement identifying the schedule and rate containing the required information and data filed as prescribed in § 385.2011 of this chapter. If the Commission determines that a formal hearing upon the application is required or that testimony and hearing exhibits should be filed, the Secretary will promptly notify the applicant that submittal of all the exhibits and testimony of all witnesses to be sponsored by the applicant in support of his case-in-chief is required. Submittal of these exhibits and testimony must be within 20 days from the date of the Secretary's notice, or any other time specified by the Secretary in the notice. Sections 157.6(a) and 385.2011 of this chapter will govern the submissions required to be furnished to the Commission. Interveners and persons becoming interveners after the date of the Secretary's notice must be advised by the applicant of the afore-specified exhibits and testimony, and must be furnished with copies upon request. If this section requires an applicant to reveal Critical Energy Infrastructure Information (CEII), as defined by § 388.113(c) of this chapter, to any person, the applicant shall follow the procedures set out in § 157.10(d).

(a) Exhibit Q—Effect of acquisition on existing contracts and tariffs. A statement showing the effect of the proposed transaction upon any agreements for the purchase, sale, or interchange of natural gas, and upon any rate schedules or tariffs on file with this Commission, together with pro forma rate schedule sheets, notices of cancellation, or other tariff filings required to be made with this Commission.

(b) Exhibit R—Acquisition contracts. A summary statement of all contracts, agreements or undertakings relating to the proposed acquisition, including:

(1) A conformed copy of each contract or other agreement covering or relating to the acquisition of the facilities.

(2) The names and addresses of all persons employed or to be employed concerning the transaction, including engineering, financial accounting, legal, or other services, and the compensation, fees, or other payments, paid or payable, to such persons.

(3) A disclosure of affiliation between applicant and vendor or between either of them and any other party in interest in the proposed acquisition. See Exhibit D, § 157.14(a)(4).

(c) Exhibit S—Accounting. A statement showing:

(1) The amounts recorded upon the books of the vendor, as being applicable to the facilities to be acquired, and the related depreciation, depletion, and amortization reserves. Include a brief statement explaining the basis or methods used to derive the related depreciation, depletion and amortization reserves.

(2) The original cost of the facilities to be acquired, segregated by accounts prescribed in the Commission's Uniform System of Accounts for Natural Gas Companies; the method by which the original cost was determined; and whether such statement of original cost has been approved by any regulatory body.

(3) If the original cost has not been determined, an estimate thereof, based upon records or data of vendor or its predecessors, together with an explanation of the manner in which such estimate was made and the name and address of the present custodian of all existing pertinent records and data.

(4) The depreciation, depletion, and amortization reserve requirements applicable to the original cost of the facilities to be acquired, estimated service lives, the approximate average age of the facilities to which the depreciation reserve applies, the amortization period, and the depletion rates and estimated gas reserves upon which accruals to the depletion reserve are based.

(5) The amount at which applicant proposes to record the facilities upon its books; the amount of the original cost to be recorded, the depreciation, depletion, and amortization reserves; and the acquisition adjustments, if any, together with applicant's proposed disposition of all adjustments.

(6) Duplicate facilities to be acquired and retired, property which must be extensively rehabilitated, including a clear description of such property, the additional costs to be incurred, and the accounting therefor proposed.

(7) A balance sheet of the company to be acquired as of the most recent date available, if the acquisition involved is by purchase of capital stock and liquidation of the acquired company.

(8) A pro forma consolidating balance sheet, as of the date of the merger if the acquisition is by merger, showing the merging of the accounts and the adjustments relating thereto.

[17 FR 7389, Aug. 14, 1952, as amended by Order 493, 53 FR 15029, Apr. 27, 1988; Order 603, 64 FR 26605, May 14, 1999; Order 643, 68 FR 52096, Sept. 2, 2003]

In cases of emergency and pending the determination of any application on file with the Commission for a certificate of public convenience and necessity pursuant to section 7 of the Natural Gas Act, application may be made for a temporary certificate authorizing the construction and operation of extensions of existing facilities, interconnections of pipeline systems, or sales of natural gas that may be required to assure maintenance of adequate service, or to service particular customers. This application must be submitted in the manner prescribed in §§ 157.6(a) and 385.2011 of this chapter.

(a) Whenever the waiver provisions of § 385.2011 of this chapter apply, the application must be submitted in writing, must be subscribed and verified by a responsible officer of applicant having knowledge of the facts, and must state clearly and specifically the exact character of the emergency, the proposed method of meeting it, and the facts claimed to warrant issuance of a temporary certificate.

(b) The application must be submitted on electronic media as prescribed in § 385.2011 of this chapter, must be subscribed and verified by a responsible officer of applicant having knowledge of the facts, and must state clearly and specifically the exact character of the emergency, the proposed method of meeting it, and the facts claimed to warrant issuance of a temporary certificate.

[Order 493, 53 FR 15029, Apr. 27, 1988, as amended by Order 493-B, 53 FR 49653, Dec. 9, 1988; Order 603, 64 FR 26606, May 14, 1999]

Applications for an order authorizing abandonment of facilities or service pursuant to section 7(b) of the Natural Gas Act must contain a statement providing in detail the reasons for the abandonment and must contain the exhibits listed below, unless the applicant includes a statement identifying the schedule and rate containing the required information and data filed as prescribed in § 385.2011 of this chapter. Any application for an abandonment that is not excluded by § 380.4(a)(28) or (29), must include an environmental report as specified by § 380.3(c)(2). Sections 157.6(a) and 385.2011 of this chapter will govern the submission of applications and exhibits required to be furnished. Together with each exhibit, applicant must provide a full and complete explanation of the data submitted, the manner in which it was obtained, and the reasons for the conclusions derived from the data. The Secretary may, in addition, require that the testimony of all witnesses to be presented by the applicant be filed together with all exhibits upon which applicant will base its case-in-chief.

(a) Exhibit T—Related applications. A statement showing:

(1) The docket numbers of the prior proceedings in which the facilities or services sought to be abandoned were certificated.

(2) The docket numbers of related applications pending before or which have been authorized by the Commission with an explanation of the interrelationship of those applications with the instant application.

(b) Exhibit U—Contracts and other agreements. A conformed copy of each contract or other agreement pertaining directly or indirectly to the abandonment of facilities or service, including all agreements which influenced applicant to seek the abandonment and all agreements which are dependent upon the approval of the proposed abandonment.

(c) Exhibit V—Flow diagram showing daily design capacity and reflecting operation of applicant's system after abandonment. Receipt and delivery point information required in various exhibits must be labeled with a location point name and code in accordance with the location name and code the pipeline has adopted in conformance with § 284.13(f) of this chapter. A flow diagram showing daily design capacity and reflecting operating conditions of applicant's system after abandonment of facilities on that segment of the system affected by the abandonment, including the following:

(1) Diameter, wall thickness, and length of pipe remaining.

(2) For each remaining compressor station, the size, type and number of compressor units, horsepower required, horsepower installed, volume of gas to be used as fuel, suction and discharge pressures, and compression ratio.

(3) Pressures and volumes of gas at the main line inlet and outlet connections at each compressor station.

(4) Pressures and volumes of gas at each intake and takeoff point and at the beginning and terminus of all remaining facilities.

(d) Exhibit W—Impact on customers whose service will be terminated. A statement indicating the availability of natural gas from other sources to applicant's customers whose service will be terminated by the abandonment and a statement showing the economic effect of the abandonment on applicant's customers. If no other natural gas is available, indicate the availability of other fuels to those customers and explain why the abandonment of service to each customer is permitted by the public convenience and necessity.

(e) Exhibit X—Effect of the abandonment on existing tariffs. A statement showing the effect of the proposed abandonment upon any rate schedules or tariffs on file with this Commission, together with pro forma rate schedule sheets, notices of cancellation, or other tariff filings required to be made with this Commission.

(f) Exhibit Y—Accounting treatment of abandonment. Concisely describe the changes of property, indicating the cost of property to be abandoned in place, the cost of property to be removed and salvaged, the proposed disposition of salvaged material, and a description of equipment to be relocated setting forth its cost, its proposed new location, and the extent of rehabilitation required. Include the information required below.

(1) State the proposed accounting treatment for property changes, showing, for example, retirements by primary plant accounts, cost of removal, salvage realized for materials and equipment sold, original cost of reusable materials and equipment recovered (see Account 154 of the Uniform System of Accounts), and maintenance costs for reconditioning of reusable materials and equipment.

(2) If the abandonment will be by sale of property, describe the property to be sold, together with the proposed accounting treatment as required by paragraph F of Gas Plant Instruction 5 of the Uniform System of Accounts. Include a brief statement explaining the basis or methods used to derive the accumulated depreciation related to the property to be disposed of. Applicant may use pro forma accounting entries based on estimated amounts, provided that upon consummation of the sale he must file proposed accounting entries in conformity with the requirements of the Uniform System of Accounts. If the proposed sale will result in a taxable gain to the applicant, indicate the amount of federal and state income taxes to be allocated to the gain. If no allocation is to be made, explain the reasons.

(3) State the amount of accumulated deferred income taxes attributable to the property to be abandoned and the tax basis of the property. Indicate the proposed accounting treatment of those accumulated deferred taxes.

(g) Exhibit Z—Location of facilities. Unless shown on Exhibit V or elsewhere, a geographic map of suitable scale and detail showing, and appropriately differentiating between, all of the facilities proposed to be abandoned and the other existing facilities of applicant, the operation or capacity of which will be directly affected by the facilities to be abandoned. This map shall clearly show the relationship of the facilities to be abandoned to the applicant's overall system and shall include:

(1) Location, length and size of pipelines.

(2) Location and size (rated horsepower) of compressor stations.

(3) Location and designation of each point of connection of existing facilities with (i) main line industrial and other consumers, pipeline or distribution companies and municipalities, indicating towns and communities served at wholesale or retail and (ii) gas-producing and storage fields, or other sources of gas supply. Designate on the map those facilities and services proposed to be abandoned.

[Order 280, 29 FR 4879, Apr. 7, 1964, as amended by Order 295, 30 FR 4130, Mar. 30, 1965; Order 493, 53 FR 15029, Apr. 27, 1988; Order 603, 64 FR 26606, May 14, 1999; Order 587-W, 80 FR 67312, Nov. 2, 2015]

Such of the following terms and conditions, among others, as the Commission shall find is required by the public convenience and necessity, shall attach to the issuance of each certificate and to the exercise of the rights granted thereunder.

(a) The certificate shall be void and without force or effect unless accepted in writing by applicant within 30 days from the issue date of the order issuing such certificate: Provided, however, That when an application for rehearing of such order is filed in accordance with section 19 of the Natural Gas Act, such acceptance shall be filed within 30 days from the issue date of the order of the Commission upon the application for rehearing or within 30 days from the date on which such application may be deemed to have been denied when the Commission has not acted on such application within 30 days after it has been filed: Provided further, That when a petition for review is filed in accordance with the provisions of section 19 of the Natural Gas Act, such acceptance shall be filed within 30 days after final disposition of the judicial review proceedings thus initiated.

(b) Any authorized construction, extension, or acquisition shall be completed and made available for service by applicant and any authorized operation, service, or sale shall be available for regular performance by applicant within (period of time to be specified by the Commission in each order) from the issue date of the Commission's order issuing the certificate. Applicant shall notify the Commission in writing no later than 10 days after expiration of this time period that the end-user/shipper is unable to meet the imposed timetable to commence service.

(c) Applicant must file with the Commission, in writing and under oath, an original and four conformed copies, as prescribed in § 385.2011 of this chapter and, upon request must furnish an intervener with a single copy, of the following:

(1) Within ten days after the bona fide beginning of construction, notice of the date of such beginning;

(2) Within ten days after authorized facilities have been constructed and placed in service or any authorized operation, sale, or service has commenced, notice of the date of such placement and commencement and

(3) Within six months after authorized facilities have been constructed, a statement showing, on the basis of all costs incurred to that date and estimated to be incurred for final completion of the project, the cost of constructing authorized facilities, such total costs to be classified according to the estimates submitted in the certificate proceeding and compared therewith and any significant differences explained.

(d) With respect to an acquisition authorized by the certificate, applicant must file with the Commission, in writing and under oath, an original and four conformed copies as prescribed in § 385.2011 of this chapter the following:

(1) Within 10 days after acquisition and the beginning of authorized operations, notice of the dates of acquisition and the beginning of operations; and

(2) Within 10 days after authorized facilities have been constructed and within 10 days after such facilities have been placed in service or any authorized operation, sale, or service has commenced, notice of the date of such completion, placement, and commencement, and

(e) The certificate issued to applicant is not transferable in any manner and shall be effective only so long as applicant continues the operations authorized by the order issuing such certificate and in accordance with the provisions of the Natural Gas Act, as well as applicable rules, regulations, and orders of the Commission.

(f) In the interest of safety and reliability of service, facilities authorized by the certificate shall not be operated at pressures exceeding the maximum operating pressure set forth in Exhibit G-II to the application as it may be amended prior to issuance of the certificate. In the event the applicant thereafter wishes to change such maximum operating pressure it shall file an appropriate petition for amendment of the certificate. Such petition shall include the reasons for the proposed change. Nothing contained herein authorizes a natural gas company to operate any facility at a pressure above the maximum prescribed by state law, if such law requires a lower pressure than authorized hereby.

(Sec. 20, 52 Stat. 832; 15 U.S.C. 717s) [17 FR 7389, Aug. 14, 1952, as amended by Order 280, 29 FR 4879, Apr. 7, 1964; Order 317, 31 FR 432, Jan. 13, 1966; Order 324, 31 FR 9348, July 8, 1966; Order 493, 53 FR 15030, Apr. 27, 1988; Order 493-B, 53 FR 49653, Dec. 9, 1988; Order 603, 64 FR 26606, May 14, 1999]

(a) LNG terminal facilities and related jurisdictional natural gas facilities. A prospective applicant for authorization to site, construct and operate facilities included within the definition of “LNG terminal,” as defined in § 153.2(d), and any prospective applicant for related jurisdictional natural gas facilities must comply with this section's pre-filing procedures and review process. These mandatory pre-filing procedures also shall apply when the Director finds in accordance with paragraph (e)(2) of this section that prospective modifications to an existing LNG terminal are modifications that involve significant state and local safety considerations that have not been previously addressed. Examples of such modifications include, but are not limited to, the addition of LNG storage tanks; increasing throughput requiring additional tanker arrivals or the use of larger vessels; or changing the purpose of the facility from peaking to base load. When a prospective applicant is required by this paragraph to comply with this section's pre-filing procedures:

(1) The prospective applicant must make a filing containing the material identified in paragraph (d) of this section and concurrently file a Letter of Intent pursuant to 33 CFR 127.007, and a Preliminary Waterway Suitability Assessment (WSA) with the U.S. Coast Guard (Captain of the Port/Federal Maritime Security Coordinator). The latest information concerning the documents to be filed with the Coast Guard should be requested from the U.S. Coast Guard. For modifications to an existing or approved LNG terminal, this requirement can be satisfied by the prospective applicant's certifying that the U.S. Coast Guard did not require such information.

(2) An application:

(i) Shall not be filed until at least 180 days after the date that the Director issues notice pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section of the commencement of the prospective applicant's pre-filing process; and

(ii) Shall contain all the information specified by the Commission staff after reviewing the draft materials filed by the prospective applicant during the pre-filing process, including required environmental material in accordance with the provisions of part 380 of this chapter, “Regulations Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act.”

(3) The prospective applicant must provide sufficient information for the pre-filing review of any pipeline or other natural gas facilities, including facilities not subject to the Commission's Natural Gas Act jurisdiction, which are necessary to transport regassified LNG from the subject LNG terminal facilities to the existing natural gas pipeline infrastructure.

(b) Other natural gas facilities. When a prospective applicant for authorization for natural gas facilities is not required by paragraph (a) of this section to comply with this section's pre-filing procedures, the prospective applicant may file a request seeking approval to use the pre-filing procedures.

(1) A request to use the pre-filing procedures must contain the material identified in paragraph (d) of this section unless otherwise specified by the Director as a result of the Initial Consultation required pursuant to paragraph (c) of this subsection; and

(2) If a prospective applicant for non-LNG terminal facilities is approved to use this section's pre-filing procedures:

(i) The application will normally not be filed until at least 180 days after the date that the Director issues notice pursuant to paragraph (e)(3) of this section approving the prospective applicant's request to use the pre-filing procedures under this section and commencing the prospective applicant's pre-filing process. However, a prospective applicant approved by the Director pursuant to paragraph (e)(3) of this section to undertake the pre-filing process is not prohibited from filing an application at an earlier date, if necessary; and

(ii) The application shall contain all the information specified by the Commission staff after reviewing the draft materials filed by the prospective applicant during the pre-filing process, including required environmental material in accordance with the provisions of part 380 of this chapter, “Regulations Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act.”

(c) Initial consultation. A prospective applicant required or potentially required or requesting to use the pre-filing process must first consult with the Director on the nature of the project, the content of the pre-filing request, and the status of the prospective applicant's progress toward obtaining the information required for the pre-filing request described in paragraph (d) of this section. This consultation will also include discussion of the specifications for the applicant's solicitation for prospective third-party contractors to prepare the environmental documentation for the project, and whether a third-party contractor is likely to be needed for the project.

(d) Contents of the initial filing. A prospective applicant's initial filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of the section for LNG terminal facilities and related jurisdictional natural gas facilities or paragraph (b)(1) of this section for other natural gas facilities shall include the following information:

(1) A description of the schedule desired for the project including the expected application filing date and the desired date for Commission approval.

(2) For LNG terminal facilities, a description of the zoning and availability of the proposed site and marine facility location.

(3) For natural gas facilities other than LNG terminal facilities and related jurisdictional natural gas facilities, an explanation of why the prospective applicant is requesting to use the pre-filing process under this section.

(4) A detailed description of the project, including location maps and plot plans to scale showing all major plant components, that will serve as the initial discussion point for stakeholder review.

(5) A list of the relevant federal and state agencies in the project area with permitting requirements. For LNG terminal facilities, the list shall identify the agency designated by the governor of the state in which the project will be located to consult with the Commission regarding state and local safety considerations. The filing shall include a statement indicating:

(i) That those agencies are aware of the prospective applicant's intention to use the pre-filing process (including contact names and telephone numbers);

(ii) Whether the agencies have agreed to participate in the process;

(iii) How the applicant has accounted for agency schedules for issuance of federal authorizations; and

(iv) When the applicant proposes to file with these agencies for their respective permits or other authorizations.

(6) A list and description of the interest of other persons and organizations who have been contacted about the project (including contact names and telephone numbers).

(7) A description of what work has already been done, e.g., contacting stakeholders, agency consultations, project engineering, route planning, environmental and engineering contractor engagement, environmental surveys/studies, and open houses. This description shall also include the identification of the environmental and engineering firms and sub-contractors under contract to develop the project.

(8) For LNG terminal projects, proposals for at least three prospective third-party contractors from which Commission staff may make a selection to assist in the preparation of the requisite NEPA document.

(9) For natural gas facilities other than LNG terminal facilities and related jurisdictional natural gas facilities, proposals for at least three prospective third-party contractors from which Commission staff may make a selection to assist in the preparation of the requisite NEPA document, or a proposal for the submission of an applicant-prepared draft Environmental Assessment as determined during the initial consultation described in paragraph (c) of this section.

(10) Acknowledgement that a complete Environmental Report and complete application are required at the time of filing.

(11) A description of a Public Participation Plan which identifies specific tools and actions to facilitate stakeholder communications and public information, including a project website and a single point of contact. This plan shall also describe how the applicant intends to respond to requests for information from federal and state permitting agencies, including, if applicable, the governor's designated agency for consultation regarding state and local safety considerations with respect to LNG facilities.

(12) Certification that a Letter of Intent and a Preliminary WSA have been submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard or, for modifications to an existing or approved LNG terminal, that the U.S. Coast Guard did not require such information.

(e) Director's notices. (1) When the Director finds that a prospective applicant for authority to site and construct a new LNG terminal has adequately addressed the requirements of paragraphs (a), (c) and (d) of this section, the Director shall issue a notice of such finding. Such notice shall designate the third-party contractor. The pre-filing process shall be deemed to have commenced on the date of the Director's notice, and the date of such notice shall be used in determining whether the date an application is filed is at least 180 days after commencement of the pre-filing process.

(2) When the Director finds that a prospective applicant for authority to make modifications to an existing or approved LNG terminal has adequately addressed the requirements of paragraphs (a), (c) and (d) of this section, the Director shall issue a notice making a determination whether prospective modifications to an existing LNG terminal shall be subject to this section's pre-filing procedures and review process. Such notice shall designate the third-party contractor, if appropriate. If the Director determines that the prospective modifications are significant modifications that involve state and local safety considerations, the Director's notice will state that the pre-filing procedures shall apply, and the pre-filing process shall be deemed to have commenced on the date of the Director's notice in determining whether the date an application is filed is at least 180 days after commencement of the pre-filing process.

(3) When a prospective applicant requests to use this section's pre-filing procedures and review for facilities not potentially subject to this section's mandatory requirements, the Director shall issue a notice approving or disapproving use of the pre-filing procedures of this section and determining whether the prospective applicant has adequately addressed the requirements of paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this section. Such notice shall designate the third-party contractor, if appropriate. The pre-filing process shall be deemed to have commenced on the date of the Director's notice, and the date of such notice shall be used in determining whether the date an application is filed is at least 180 days after commencement of the pre-filing process.

(f) Upon the Director's issuance of a notice commencing a prospective applicant's pre-filing process, the prospective applicant must:

(1) Within seven days and after consultation with Commission staff, establish the dates and locations at which the prospective applicant will conduct open houses and meetings with stakeholders (including agencies) and Commission staff.

(2) Within 14 days, conclude the contract with the selected third-party contractor.

(3) Within 14 days, contact all stakeholders not already informed about the project, including all affected landowners as defined in paragraph § 157.6(d)(2) of this section.

(4) Within 30 days, submit a stakeholder mailing list to Commission staff.

(5) Within 30 days, file a draft of Resource Report 1, in accordance with § 380.12(c), and a summary of the alternatives considered or under consideration.

(6) On a monthly basis, file status reports detailing the applicant's project activities including surveys, stakeholder communications, and agency meetings.

(7) Be prepared to provide a description of the proposed project and to answer questions from the public at the scoping meetings held by OEP staff.

(8) Be prepared to attend site visits and other stakeholder and agency meetings arranged by the Commission staff, as required.

(9) Within 14 days of the end of the scoping comment period, respond to issues raised during scoping.

(10) Within 60 days of the end of the scoping comment period, file draft Resource Reports 1 through 12.

(11) At least 60 days prior to filing an application, file revised draft Resource Reports 1 through 12, if requested by Commission staff.

(12) At least 90 days prior to filing an application, file draft Resource Report 13 (for LNG terminal facilities).

(13) Certify that a Follow-on WSA will be submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard no later than the filing of an application with the Commission (for LNG terminal facilities and modifications thereto, if appropriate). The applicant shall certify that the U.S. Coast Guard has indicated that a Follow-On WSA is not required, if appropriate.

(g) Commission staff and third-party contractor involvement during the pre-filing process will be designed to fit each project and will include some or all of the following:

(1) Assisting the prospective applicant in developing initial information about the proposal and identifying affected parties (including landowners, agencies, and other interested parties).

(2) Issuing an environmental scoping notice and conducting such scoping for the proposal.

(3) Facilitating issue identification and resolution.

(4) Conducting site visits, examining alternatives, meeting with agencies and stakeholders, and participating in the prospective applicant's public information meetings.

(5) Reviewing draft Resource Reports.

(6) Initiating the preparation of a preliminary Environmental Assessment or Draft Environmental Impact Statement, the preparation of which may involve cooperating agency review.

(h) A prospective applicant using the pre-filing procedures of this section shall comply with the procedures in § 388.112 of this chapter for the submission of documents containing privileged materials or critical energy infrastructure information.

[Order 665, 70 FR 60440, Oct. 18, 2005, as amended by Order 756, 77 FR 4894, Feb. 1, 2012; Order 769, 77 FR 65475, Oct. 29, 2012]

(a) For an application under section 3 or 7 of the Natural Gas Act that requires a Federal authorization—i.e., a permit, special use authorization, certification, opinion, or other approval—from a Federal agency or officer, or State agency or officer acting pursuant to delegated Federal authority, a final decision on a request for a Federal authorization is due no later than 90 days after the Commission issues its final environmental document, unless a schedule is otherwise established by Federal law.

(b) For requests for a water quality certification submitted pursuant to section 401(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act) in connection with a project for which authorization is sought from the Commission under section 3 or 7 of the Natural Gas Act, the reasonable period of time during which the certifying agency may act on the water quality certification request is one year from the certifying agency's receipt of the request. A certifying agency is deemed to have waived the certification requirements of section 401(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act if the certifying agency has not denied or granted certification by one year after the date the certifying agency received a written request for certification.

[86 FR 16302, Mar. 29, 2021]

With respect to orders issued pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 717b or 15 U.S.C. 717f(c) authorizing the construction of new natural gas transportation, export, or import facilities, no authorization to proceed with construction activities will be issued:

(a) Until the time for the filing of a request for rehearing under 15 U.S.C. 717r(a) has expired with no such request being filed, or

(b) If a timely request for rehearing raising issues reflecting opposition to project construction, operation, or need is filed, until:

(1) The request is no longer pending before the Commission;

(2) The record of the proceeding is filed with the court of appeals; or

(3) 90 days has passed after the date that the request for rehearing may be deemed to have been denied under 15 U.S.C. 717r(a).

[Order 871, 85 FR 40115, July 6, 2020, as amended by Order 871-B, 86 FR 26160, May 13, 2021]