appendix a agency correspondence
TRANSCRIPT
Appendix A
Agency Correspondence
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HOU 146-135 (PER-01) CENTERPOINT (12/11/2012) 128466 LD
509 N SAM HOUSTON PKWY EAST SUITE 200 HOUSTON, TX 77060 USA
PHONE FAX
281-765-5500 281-765-5599
December 11, 2012 Ms. Edith Erfling Field Supervisor U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 17629 El Camino Real, Suite 211 Houston, TX 77058 Subject: Proposed 138 kV Oyster Creek Project Brazoria County, TX
POWER Engineers, Inc. Project No. 128466 Dear Ms. Erfling: CenterPoint Energy is proposing to construct a new double-circuit 138 kilovolt (kV) transmission line located in Brazoria County, Texas. The new transmission line will connect the existing 138 kV transmission system to the proposed Oyster Creek Substation. The location of the proposed Oyster Creek Substation site is approximately one mile due north of the intersection of County Road 690 and Texas State Highway 332. Please refer to the enclosed map depicting the project study area. POWER Engineers, Inc. (POWER) has been contracted by CenterPoint Energy to prepare an Environmental Assessment and Alternative Route Analysis to support an application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). POWER is identifying environmental and land use constraints within the study area that will be incorporated into the creation of an environmental and land use constraints map. Based on this information, POWER will identify potential alternative routes for the proposed transmission line project. We are requesting that your agency/office provide information concerning environmental and land use constraints or other issues of interest to your agency/office within the study area. Your input will be an important consideration in the evaluation of alternative routes and in the assessment of potential impacts of those routes. In addition, we would appreciate receiving information about any permits, easements, or other approvals by your agency/office that you believe could affect this project, or if you are aware of any major proposed development or construction in the study area. Upon PUCT certification of a final route for the proposed project, CenterPoint Energy will identify and obtain necessary permits, if required, from your agency/office.
December 11, 2012 Page 2
HOU 146-135 (PER-01) CENTERPOINT (12/11/2012) 128466 LD
Thank you for your assistance with this proposed electric transmission line project. Please contact me at 281-765-5507 or by e-mail, [email protected], if you have any questions or require additional information. We would appreciate receiving your reply by December 28, 2012. Sincerely,
Lisa Barko Meaux Project Manager Enclosure(s): Sent Via Mail c: DMS 128466 PER-01
Revised December 11, 2012 / Printed December 11, 2012
TexasFORT BEND
COUNTY GALVESTONCOUNTY
BRAZORIACOUNTY
MATAGORDACOUNTY
StudyArea
Railroad
Study Area Boundary
Existing 345 kV Transmission Line
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"")"")
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BRAZORIACOUNTY
ProposedOyster CreekSubstation Site
BIPORTSUBSTATIONDOW345
SUBSTATION
SINTEKSUBSTATION
SURFSISUBSTATION
VELASCOSUBSTATION
Velas
co Blv
d
Jackso
n St
Brazos St
County Road 229
Broad St
Terry
Ln
Q Ave
Karan
kawa S
t
Elm St
N Ave
Hudg
ins St
P Ave
County Road 230
County Road 721G
Johnson
Coun
ty Ro
ad 28
7
Dow Chemical Plant Rd
Brit B
ailey B
lvd
Skinn
er St
7th
Dow Canal Rd
Marlin L
n
Cactus
Old Hwy 36
County Road 792
County Road
287A
M AveH Ave
Front StFront St
N Ave
K Ave
Tarpon Ln
Allen Rd
County Road 891
County Road 690County Road 690
Casco R
d
Oyste
r Cree
k Bn
d
YZ1495
YZ523
?@332
(Levee Road)
Intraco
astal
Ridge Slough
Oyster Creek
Flag Lake Drainage Canal
Dow Barge Canal
Oyster Creek
Waterwa
y
East UnionBayou
DutchLake
Brazos Harbor
ShankLake
ChubbLake
HorseshoeLake
²0 0.5 10.25
Miles
Waterbody
Creek
Existing Substation")
Existing 69 kV Transmission Line! !
138 kV Oyster CreekTransmission Line Project
STUDY AREA MAPPRELIMINARY
State Highway?@332
Other Road
Farm to Market RoadYZ523
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138 kV OYSTER CREEK TRANSMISSION LINE FEDERAL STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES
Ms. Teresa Bruner Southwest Regional Administrator Federal Aviation Administration 2601 Meacham Boulevard Fort Worth, TX 76137-4298 Mr. Kevin Jaynes Regional Environmental Officer Federal Emergency Management Agency FRC 800 N. Loop 288 Denton, TX 76209-3698 Mr. Salvador Salinas State Conservationist Natural Resources Conservation Service 101 South Main Street Temple, TX 76501 Colonel Christopher W. Sallese Distric Engineer USACE - Galveston District P.O. Box 1229 Galveston, TX 77553-1229 Commander James Robertson Commanding Officer U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit 3101 FM 2004 Texas City, TX 77591 Ms. Edith Erfling Field Supervisor U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 17629 El Camino Real, Suite 211 Houston, TX 77058 Mr. Michael Sims Program Manager, Environmental Permits Railroad Commission of Texas 1701 North Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78711-2967 Ms. Ashley Wadick Regional Director Texas Commission on Environmental Quality 5425 Polk Street, Suite H Houston, TX 77023
Mr. David Fulton Director, Division of Aviation Texas Department of Transportation 125 E. 11th Street Austin, TX 78701-2483 Mr. Carlos Swonke, P.E. Director, Environmental Affairs Division Texas Department of Transportation 125 E. 11th Street Austin, TX 78701-2483 Mr. Michael Alford, P.E. Houston District Engineer Texas Department of Transportation P.O. Box 1386 Houston, TX 77251 Mr. Marc Williams Director, Planning & Programming Texas Department of Transportation 125 E. 11th Street Austin, TX 78701-2483 Mr. Jerry Patterson Commissioner Texas General Land Office 1700 N. Congress Ave., Suite 935 Austin, TX 78701-1495 Mr. Mark Wolfe Executive Director Texas Historical Commission P.O. Box 12276 Austin, TX 78711 Ms. Kathy Boydston Wildlife Habitat Assessment Program Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 4200 Smith School Road Austin, TX 78744 Ms. Carolyn Brittin Deputy Executive Administrator Texas Water Development Board P.O. Box 13231 Austin, TX 78711-3231
138 kV OYSTER CREEK TRANSMISSION LINE FEDERAL STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES
P a g e | 2
BRAZORIA COUNTY The Honorable Joe King County Judge Brazoria County 111 E. Locust Street St., Suite 102 Angleton, TX 77515 The Honorable Donald Payne Brazoria County Commissioner Precinct 1 P.O. Box 998 Clute, TX 77531 The Honorable Matt Sebesta Brazoria County Commissioner Precinct 2 21017 CR 171 Angleton, TX 77515 The Honorable Stacy Adams Brazoria County Commissioner Precinct 3 P.O. Box 548 Alvin, TX 77512 The Honorable Larry Stanley Brazoria County Commissioner Precinct 4 P.O. Box 368 Brazoria, TX 77422 Dr. Karin Holacka Superintendent Brazosport ISD 301 W. Brazoswood Dr. Clute, TX 77531 Mr. Charles LeCompte President Brazoria-Galveston County Farm Bureau Office 2620 E. Mulberry St. Angleton, TX 77515 Ms. Sandra Pollan Chair Brazoria CHC 109 Lazy Lane Lake Jackson, TX 77566
Mr. Gerald Roberts, P.E. County Engineer Brazoria County Engineering Department 451 N. Velasco, Suite 230 Angleton, TX 77515 Ms. Kelly Hamby Floodplain Administrator Brazoria County Floodplain/Building Permits 111 E. Locust-Bldg. A-29, Suite 102 Angleton, TX 77515 The Honorable Norma Garcia Mayor City of Freeport 200 W. 2nd. Street Freeport, TX 77541 The Honorable Louis Guidry Mayor City of Oyster Creek 3210 FM 523 Oyster Creek, TX 77541 Mr. David Knuckey Director of Engineering and Construction Port of Freeport 201 W. 2nd Street Freeport, TX 77541 Mr. Phil Ford General Manager Brazos River Authority P.O. Box 7555 Waco, TX 76714 Ms. Delores Martin Chair Houston-Galveston Area Council P.O. Box 187 Manvel, TX 77578 Mr. Chris Gallion Superintendant Velasco Drainage District 915 Stratton Ridge Road Clute, TX 77531
138 kV OYSTER CREEK TRANSMISSION LINE FEDERAL STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES
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Mr. Jonathan Carroll President Blue Dolphin Pipe Line Co. 801 Travis Street, Suite 2100 Houston, TX 77002 Mr. John Ripple Dow Chemical Company Power and Utilities 2301 N. Brazosport Blvd., B-1217 Freeport, TX 77541 Mr. Stephen Seth Dow Chemical Company Production Leader Power Destribution 2301 N. Brazosport Blvd., OC-801 Freeport, TX 77541 Mr. Lisa LaBean Dow Chemical Company Production/ OC Site Leader 2301 N. Brazosport Blvd., OC-601 Freeport, TX 77541 Ms. Kari Duran Dow Chemical Company Property Contract Technician 2301 N. Brazosport Blvd., APB 2005 Freeport, TX 77541 Mr. Bob Pratt Dow Chemical Company Technologist Leader M&E 2301 N. Brazosport Blvd., Unit 6 Freeport, TX 77541 Mr.Vinay Singhania Sourcing Manager SI Group Inc. 702 FM 523 Freeport, TX 77541
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Lisa Barko Meaux 5507
From: Bader, Brian J SWG [[email protected]]Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2013 10:52 AMTo: Lisa Barko Meaux 5507Subject: Request from POWER Engineers dated December 11, 2013 (UNCLASSIFIED)Attachments: AI SWG-12-1016 Center Point.pdf
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: NONE Ms. Meaux, Our office received a letter requesting environmental and land use information within a portion of Brazoria County. We have prepared a letter in response to your request. This e‐mail is to provide you with an electronic copy of that letter. If you have additional questions please feel free to contact me. Thank You. Brian J. Bader Regulatory Project Manager USACE‐ SWG‐PE‐RE (409) 766‐3037 [email protected] www.swg.usace.army.mil/reg "To assist us in improving our service to you, please complete the survey found at http://per2.nwp.usace.army.mil/survey.html." Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: NONE
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Lisa Barko Meaux 5507
From: [email protected] on behalf of Miramontes, Hyun-Sook MST1 [[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, December 27, 2012 11:53 AMTo: Lisa Barko Meaux 5507; [email protected];
[email protected]: Merriman, Jamie MSTC; Gonzales, Daniel LTSubject: RE: Agency POCs
Good Morning Ms. Barko, As promised. Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 322.5 (h)(5)(i)(2) outlines the minimum clearances required for aerial electric power transmission lines crossing navigable waters of the United States. If your project includes installing power lines that would cross the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway (GICW), your company must contact the Army Corps of Engineers to receive clearance approval for your power line project. Please contact me if you have any questions. Thank you. Regards, MST1 Miramontes 409‐682‐1990 ‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐ From: Gonzales, Daniel LT Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2012 11:54 AM To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Cc: Merriman, Jamie MSTC; Miramontes, Hyun‐Sook MST1 Subject: Agency POCs All, Thank you for taking the time to meet at our office today. I look forward to working with you in the future. Please feel free to contact me if you need anything. Note: We still owe you a CFR cite for the power line height requirements, and also a reply letter. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Here is the waterway obstruction request link. NON‐VTSA / GIWW Channel Obstruction Requests Please complete this application for a channel obstruction in the Gulf IntraCoastal Waterway (from mm 442 at the Colorado River to mm 319 at the High Island Bridge. The COTP requires four days (five days if the period covers a weekend) advance notice for consideration of a category I obstruction & 24 hour notice for consideration of a Category II channel obstruction. Please print a copy of this page prior to submitting the form. This page will be sent to all industry members and the Operating Towing Companies who utilize the GIWW. http://www.uscg.mil/vtshouston/GICW_Channel_Obs_Req.asp
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‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ U.S. Coast Guard MSU Texas City POCs: LT Daniel A. Gonzales Chief, Waterways Management Division U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit 3101 FM 2004 Texas City, Texas 77591 409‐682‐1255 cell 409‐978‐2730 desk [email protected] MSTC Jamie Merriman Assistant Chief Division Waterways Management Division U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit 3101 FM 2004 Texas City, Texas 77591 409‐682‐1269 cell 409‐978‐2754 desk [email protected] MST1 Hyun‐Sook Miramontes Waterways Management Division U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit 3101 FM 2004 Texas City, Texas 77591 409‐682‐1990 cell 409‐978‐2653 desk Hyun‐[email protected] ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston‐Galveston POC LCDR Xochitl Castañeda Chief, Waterways Management Division United States Coast Guard Sector Houston‐Galveston 9640 Clinton Drive Houston, TX 77029 (713)671‐5164 office (713)671‐5185 fax ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ U.S. Coast Guard District Eight POCs David Frank Bridge Manager U.S. Coast Guard ‐ Eighth District 500 Poydras, St. New Orleans, LA 70130‐3310 (504) 671‐2128 [email protected] Rusty Wright Waterways Management U.S. Coast Guard ‐ Eighth District 500 Poydras, St.
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New Orleans, LA 70130‐3310 (504) 671‐2138 [email protected] ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE Senior Response Officer and Compliance Coordinator ‐ Craig Kartye Office (281) 470‐6597 Or Gray Powell ‐ Cell (281)960‐1715 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE ‐ (281) 534‐0138 Natural Resource Trustees ‐ Andy Tirpak Office ‐ (281) 534‐0137 Cell ‐ (281) 635‐2955 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Texas Department of Transportation Mr. Andy Brzozowski 500 Avenue F Bay City, TX 77414‐3187 (979) 245‐8338 [email protected] Main Office 403 Huck Street Yoakum, Texas 77995 (361) 293‐4300 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE) USACE Galveston District P.O. Box 1229 Galveston, TX 77553‐1229 Environmental Section (non‐permit inquiries) 409‐766‐3044 Regulatory Branch (PERMITS) 409‐766‐3982 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Brazosport Marine Action Team (BMAT) President of the Group Mike Quilty CSP HSSE Manager/ FSO Freeport LNG Development, L.P. Direct 979‐415‐8721 Cell 979‐324‐2658 Fax 979‐415‐8733 [email protected] Respectfully, LT Trey Gonzales
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Chief, Waterfront Facilities & Waterways Management Divisions U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit 3101 FM 2004 Texas City, Texas 77591 409‐682‐1255 cell 409‐978‐2730 desk [email protected]
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Lisa Barko Meaux 5507
From: Hill, Jeffrey [[email protected]]Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 10:26 AMTo: Lisa Barko Meaux 5507Subject: USFWS comments on Proposed 138 kV transmission line, Oyster Creek Project, Brazoria
County, TX
Ms. Barko Meaux, My apologies for not responding sooner. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) received your letter dated December 11, 2012, proposing to construct a new double-circuit 138 kilovolt (kV) transmission line in Brazoria County, Texas. The Service understands that you are in the planning and scoping stages of developing an environmental assessment for the subject project. As there are no alternatives currently proposed, our comments are necessarily general in nature. As you are aware, the Oyster Creek area has a wealth of natural resources, including wetlands and streams that provide food, shelter, and breeding sites for a host of species, including resident and migratory avian species. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) protects all native migratory birds and does not permit “take”, unless permitted by regulation. Under the MBTA, “take” is defined to mean “pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or attempt any of the above”. A list of birds protected under the MBTA can be found in 50 CFR 10 of the MBTA and at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/RegulationsPolicies/mbta/mbtandx.html. The construction of overhead power lines creates threats of avian collision and electrocution. The Service recommends the installation of underground rather than overhead power lines whenever possible. For new lines and/or the modification, maintenance, and update of old lines, we recommend that you implement the Avian Protection Plan guidelines for power lines found at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/BirdHazards.html. Lastly, given the distribution of wetlands and other waters in the area, it is possible that construction activities (fills for access, foundations, etc. or crossing of navigable waters) will require a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit. The Service recommends you coordinate your activity with the Galveston District Corps to determine any permit requirements. Sincerely, Jeff Hill Fish and Wildlife Biologist USFWS Ecological Services 17629 El Camino Real, Ste. 211 Houston, TX 77058-3051 281-286-8282 x 241 281-488-5882 fax http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/ClearLakeTexas/
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Lisa Barko Meaux 5507
From: Leonard Polk [[email protected]]Sent: Friday, December 28, 2012 7:54 AMTo: Lisa Barko Meaux 5507Cc: Eliza PaulSubject: Proposed 138 kV Line
Ms. Barko, The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is in receipt of your December 11, letter requesting information on any proposed construction in your study area. Our Brazoria Area Engineer, Ms. Eliza Paul, P.E., has compiled the following TxDOT projects that may influence potential routes for the subject electric transmission line:
1. Widening of FM 523 from a 3 to 5 lanes from SH 332 to FM 1495 2. Widening of FM 523 from 2 to 4 lanes from SH 332 to SH 288 3. SH 332 interchange at FM 523 and the widening of SH 332 to 4 lanes from FM 523 to the Intracoastal 4. Pine Street Bridge replacement is a short term project scheduled for letting in FY 2014
Should you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Paul or me. Leonard E. Polk, P.E. Transportation Engineering Supervisor Houston District (713) 802‐5554
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Lisa Barko Meaux 5507
From: Singhania, Vinay [[email protected]]Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 8:37 AMTo: Lisa Barko Meaux 5507Subject: Project No. 128466
Dear Ms. Meaux, We received your letter regarding this project, can you please provide me some more detail on this project and its potential effect on our site. We would like to understand that so we may identify environmental and land use constraints for our site. Please feel free to give me a call if you like. Thanks Vinay
Please consider the environment before printing this e‐mail. This message is the property of SI Group, Inc. and the information contained within is confidential and may be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure or redistribution of this message or its contents is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the original. Thank you.
Vinay K. Singhania Manager - Sourcing, Texas Operations
702 FM 523 Freeport, TX 77541 Tel: (979) 415-1023 Fax: (979) 415-1223 [email protected]