# Florida Gas Transmission — Pipeline Special Permit - **operation:** document - **citation:** PHMSA-2021-0118 - **title:** Florida Gas Transmission — Pipeline Special Permit - **source type:** permit - **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration - **status:** current - **official:** true - **published on:** 2022-04-04 - **effective on:** 2022-04-04 - **summary:** PHMSA-2021-0118, issued 2022-04-04 for Florida Gas Transmission's gas transmission system. - **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-special-permit-phmsa-2021-0118.json - **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-special-permit-phmsa-2021-0118.md - **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-special-permit-phmsa-2021-0118 - **source url:** https://www.regulations.gov/docket/PHMSA-2021-0118 **body:** PHMSA pipeline special permit PHMSA-2021-0118. Operator: Florida Gas Transmission. System: Gas Transmission. Issue date: 2022-04-04. <<>> U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT and FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Special Permit Information: Docket Number: PHMSA-2021-0118 Requested By: Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Operator ID#: 5304 Original Date Requested: November 17, 2021 Issuance Date: April 4, 2022 Code Section(s): 49 CFR 192.611(a) and (d) and 192.619(a) I. Background: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 – 4375 et seq., Council on Environmental Quality Regulations, 40 CFR 1500-1508, and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Order No. 5610.1C, requires the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS)1 to analyze a proposed action to determine whether the action will have a significant impact on the human environment. PHMSA analyzes special permit requests for potential risks to public safety and the environment that could result from our decision to grant, grant with additional conditions, or deny the request. As part of this analysis, PHMSA evaluates whether a special permit will impact the likelihood or consequence of a pipeline failure as compared to the operation of the pipeline in 1 Throughout this special permit the usage of “PHMSA” or “PHMSA OPS” means the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Office of Pipeline Safety. PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 1 of 79 <<>> full compliance with the Federal pipeline safety regulations. PHMSA’s environmental review associated with the special permit application is limited to impacts that would result from granting or denying the special permit. PHMSA developed this assessment to determine what effects, if any, our decision would have on the environment. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 60118(c) and 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 190.341, PHMSA may only grant special permit requests that are not inconsistent with pipeline safety. PHMSA will impose conditions in the special permit if we conclude they are necessary for safety, environmental protection, or are otherwise in the public interest. If PHMSA determines that a special permit would be inconsistent with pipeline safety or is not justified, the application will be denied. The purpose of this Final Environmental Assessment (FEA) is to comply with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC (FGT)2 special permit to waive compliance from 49 CFR 192.611(a) and (d) and 192.619(a) for one (1) special permit segment and one (1) special permit inspection area along the FGT natural gas transmission pipeline system in Florida. This FEA assesses the pipeline special permit request, in accordance with 49 CFR 190.341, and is intended to specifically analyze any environmental impact associated with the waiver of certain federal pipeline safety regulations found in 49 CFR 192.611(a) and (d) and 192.619(a). This permit requires FGT to implement additional conditions on the operations, maintenance, and integrity management (IM) of the approximately 0.978 miles (special permit segment) on the 26-inch Mainline Loop CMPR STA 18-19 (Pipeline) and approximately 73.7 miles (special permit inspection area) of the FGT natural gas transmission pipeline system located in Brevard County, Florida. II. Introduction: Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 60118(b) and 49 CFR 190.341, FGT submitted a special permit application to PHMSA on November 17, 2021, requesting that PHMSA waive the requirements of 49 CFR 192.611(a) and (d) and 192.619(a) to permit FGT to maintain the maximum 2 Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC is owned by Energy Transfer and Kinder Morgan, Inc. PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 2 of 79 <<>> allowable operating pressure (MAOP) for one (1) special permit segment where the class location has changed from Class 1 to Class 3 located in in Brevard County, Florida. PHMSA is granting a special permit to waive certain regulatory requirements where it is not inconsistent with pipeline safety. A special permit is typically conditioned on the performance of additional measures beyond minimum Federal pipeline safety regulations, in accordance with 49 CFR 190.341. III. Regulatory Background: PHMSA regulations at 49 CFR 192.611(a) require that an operator confirm or revise the MAOP of a pipe segment that is in satisfactory condition when the hoop stress of the segment is no longer commensurate with class location. Under 49 CFR 192.611(a), an operator may be required to reduce the operating pressure of a pipe segment, or alternatively, may have to replace the pipe in order to maintain the MAOP. Below is the relevant text of 49 CFR 192.611(a): 49 CFR 192.611 Change in class location: Confirmation or revision of maximum allowable operating pressure (a) If the hoop stress corresponding to the established maximum allowable operating pressure of a segment of pipeline is not commensurate with the present class location, and the segment is in satisfactory physical condition, the maximum allowable operating pressure of that segment of pipeline must be confirmed or revised according to one of the following requirements: (1) If the segment involved has been previously tested in place for a period of not less than 8 hours: (i) The maximum allowable operating pressure is 0.8 times the test pressure in Class 2 locations, 0.667 times the test pressure in Class 3 locations, or 0.555 times the test pressure in Class 4 locations. The corresponding hoop stress may not exceed 72 percent of the SMYS of the pipe in Class 2 locations, 60 percent of SMYS in Class 3 locations, or 50 percent of SMYS in Class 4 locations. PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 3 of 79 <<>> (ii) The alternative maximum allowable operating pressure is 0.8 times the test pressure in Class 2 locations and 0.667 times the test pressure in Class 3 locations. For pipelines operating at alternative maximum allowable pressure per §192.620, the corresponding hoop stress may not exceed 80 percent of the SMYS of the pipe in Class 2 locations and 67 percent of SMYS in Class 3 locations. (2) The maximum allowable operating pressure of the segment involved must be reduced so that the corresponding hoop stress is not more than that allowed by this part for new segments of pipelines in the existing class location. 3) The segment involved must be tested in accordance with the applicable requirements of subpart J of this part, and its maximum allowable operating pressure must then be established according to the following criteria: (i) The maximum allowable operating pressure after the requalification test is 0.8 times the test pressure for Class 2 locations, 0.667 times the test pressure for Class 3 locations, and 0.555 times the test pressure for Class 4 locations. (ii) The corresponding hoop stress may not exceed 72 percent of the SMYS of the pipe in Class 2 locations, 60 percent of SMYS in Class 3 locations, or 50 percent of SMYS in Class 4 locations. (iii) For pipeline operating at an alternative maximum allowable operating pressure per §192.620, the alternative maximum allowable operating pressure after the requalification test is 0.8 times the test pressure for Class 2 locations and 0.667 times the test pressure for Class 3 locations. The corresponding hoop stress may not exceed 80 percent of the SMYS of the pipe in Class 2 locations and 67 percent of SMYS in Class 3 locations. 49 CFR 192.619 What is the maximum allowable operating pressure for steel or plastic pipelines? (a)(2)(ii) For steel pipe operated at 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa) gage or more, the test pressure is divided by a factor determined in accordance with the following table: PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 4 of 79 <<>> Section 192.619(a) requires Class 3 location pipe to be pressure tested to 1.5 times MAOP. IV. Purpose and Need FGT requested a waiver from the requirements of 49 CFR 192.611(a) and (d) and 192.619(a) for the special permit segment consisting of approximately 0.978 miles of natural gas transmission pipeline listed below in Table 1 – Special Permit Segment. Without a special permit, the cited regulations require that FGT complete pipe replacement, hydrotest, and pressure reduction, based on population changes in the vicinity of the special permit segment. FGT must apply the special permit conditions to one (1) special permit segment to provide an equivalent margin of safety and environmental protection to meet the requirements of 49 CFR 192.611, as outlined in the special permit conditions. The special permit establishes enhanced IM procedures to maintain pipe integrity and protect both the public and the environment for the class location units in which the special permit segment is located for the length of pipeline covered by the special permit. In addition, FGT must comply with conditions as provided in the terms of the special permit for all the impacted special permit segments and the special permit inspection area in the special permit. The special permit authorizes future class changes within the special permit inspection area (special permit segment extensions) under the special permit, providing the special permit segment extensions meet the special permit conditions applicable to the special permit segment. In that case, FGT must also notify PHMSA and update this FEA/FONSI. PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 5 of 79 <<>> V. Site Description The special permit segment consists of 5,162 feet (approximately 0.978) of the 26-inch diameter Mainline Loop CMPR STA 18-19 Pipeline located in Brevard County, Florida. The special permit inspection area extends approximately 73.7 miles of the pipeline. VI. Special Permit Segments and Special Permit Inspection Areas Special Permit Segment: This special permit applies to the special permit segment identified in Table 1 – Special Permit Segment and are identified using the FGT survey station (SS) references. Table 1 – Special Permit Segment Special Start End Outside Permit Diameter Line Name Length (feet) Survey Station Survey Station County, State Year Seam MAOP Segment Number Installed Type (psig) (inches) (SS) (SS) 182069 26 26-inch Mainline Loop STA 18 - STA 19 5,162 3241+20 3292+82 Brevard, FL 1968 DSAW 977 Special Permit Inspection Area: The special permit inspection area is defined as the area that extends 220 yards on each side of the centerline along approximately 79.7 miles of 26-inch diameter Mainline Loop pipeline. A summary of special permit inspection area is included in Table 2 – Special Permit Inspection Area. Table 2 – Special Permit Inspection Area Special Special Permit Outside Permit Inspection Segment Number(s) Diameter Line Name County, State Start Survey Station (MP) End Survey Station (MP) Length (miles) (inches) Area Name FLMEB-18 182069 26 Mainline Loop STA18-STA19 Brevard, FL 668.8 742.5 73.7 Attachment B1 is a general map that includes the pipeline route map showing the special permit segment and special permit inspection area. PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 6 of 79 <<>> PHMSA is granting this special permit request based on this document and the "Special Permit Analysis and Findings" document, which is incorporated by reference into this document and can be read in its entirety in Docket No. PHMSA-2021-0118 in the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) located on the internet at www.regulations.gov. VII. Alternatives Alternative 1: “No Action” Alternative If PHMSA were to select the “no action” alternative, PHMSA would deny FGT’s special permit request, FGT would be required to fully comply with 49 CFR 192.611(a) and (d) and 192.619(a). In order to maintain the existing MAOP, FGT would be required to replace the 0.978 miles (5,162 feet) of pipe in the special permit segment or FGT would be required to reduce pressure on the segment. FGT stated that it would choose to replace the special permit segment to maintain the MAOP because a pressure reduction would prevent it from meeting its contractual obligations to deliver natural gas to its customers. Alternative 2: “Selected” Alternative – Issuance of the special permit PHMSA is granting the special permit with the below conditions, and FGT is allowed to continue to operate at the current maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) of 977 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) in the Class 3 location without replacing pipe while complying with the special permit conditions, as described below. VIII. Overview of Special Permit Conditions The special permit conditions are designed to prevent leaks and ruptures such that the Special Permit is not inconsistent with pipeline safety. This section provides an overview of the special permit conditions. For FGT specific technical requirements, see Attachment C - Special Permit Conditions. 1) Current Status of Pipe in the Ground To ensure that key characteristics of the pipe currently installed in each special permit segment is known, FGT must provide records that confirm pipe specifications, successful pressure tests, and girth weld non-destructive tests are required. Should records be unavailable or unacceptable, additional activities as detailed in the special permit must be PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 7 of 79 <<>> completed. If FGT does not complete these additional activities are not completed or should pipe be discovered that does not meet specific requirements of eligibility, the special permit segment must be replaced. 2) Operating Conditions The special permit inspection area must continue to be operated at or below the existing MAOP until a restoration or uprating plan has been approved, if allowed by the special permit. To ensure compliance with special permit conditions, the operator’s Operations and Maintenance Manual (O&M), IMP, and Damage Prevention (DP) program must be modified to implement the special permit conditions. In addition, PHMSA must approve any long- term flow reversals that would impact the special permit segment. 3) Threat Management Threats are factors that can lead to the failure of a pipeline. Activities are required to identify, assess, remediate, and monitor threats to the pipeline. a) General activities. The permit holder must perform annual data integration and identification of threats to which the special permit inspection area is susceptible. These activities must include integrity assessments with specific inline inspection tools, strict anomaly repair criteria, and appropriate environmental assessment and permitting. Additional integrity assessment methodologies may be used if allowed by the special permit. Integrity assessments must then be conducted periodically at an interval determined in the special permit for each threat identified. b) External corrosion control requirements. The special permit requires additional activities to monitor and mitigate external corrosion. These activities include installation and annual monitoring of cathodic protection (CP) test stations, periodic close interval surveys (CIS), and clearing or remediating shorted casings that may impede CP effectiveness. These activities ensure the appropriate level of CP is reaching the pipeline in areas where coating loss or damage has occurred in order to prevent or mitigate external corrosion. In addition, FGT will be required to develop and implement a plan that identifies and remediates interference from alternating or direct current (AC/DC) sources (such as high-voltage powerlines) that could adversely impact the effectiveness of CP. PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 8 of 79 <<>> c) Internal corrosion control requirements. The special permit includes gas quality specifications to mitigate internal corrosion because internal corrosion is highly dependent on the quality of the gas transported within the pipeline and. d) Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) requirements. To ensure that SCC is discovered and remediated, any time a pipe segment is exposed during an excavation the permit holder must examine coating to determine type and condition. If the coating is in poor condition, FGT must conduct additional SCC analysis. If SCC is confirmed, FGT must implement additional special permit defined remediation and mitigation. e) Pipe seam requirements. FGT must perform an engineering integrity analysis to determine susceptibility to seam threats. The permit holder must re-pressure test any special permit segments with an identified seam to ensure the issue is not systemic in nature. f) External pipe stress requirements. Upon identification of any source of external stress on the pipeline (such as soil movement), FGT must develop procedures to evaluate and periodically monitor these stresses. g) Third-party specific requirements. To assist in identifying the pipeline location and minimizing the chance of accidental pipeline strikes, FGT must install and maintain line- of-site markers for the pipeline. FGT must perform mitigation activities for any location where a depth-of-cover survey shows insufficient soil cover. 4) Consequence Mitigation To ensure quick response and decreased adverse outcome in the event of a failure, each side (upstream and downstream) of the special permit segment must have and maintain operable automatic shutdown valves (ASV) or remote-controlled valves (RCV). FGT must monitor valves through a control room with a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. In addition to the mainline valves, should a crossover or lateral connect between the valve locations, additional isolation valves may be required. 5) Post Leak or Failure If the special permit inspection area experiences an in-service or pressure test leak/failure, FGT must conduct a root cause analysis to determine the cause. If the cause is determined PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 9 of 79 <<>> to be systemic in nature, the permit holder must implement a remediation plan or the special permit segment must be replaced, as determined by the special permit specific conditions. 6) Class Location Study and Potential Extension of Special permit segment FGT must conduct a class location study at an interval specified in the special permit. This allows the permit holder to quickly identify extended locations that must comply with the special permit segment requirements. FGT may extend the special permit segment with proper notification, update of the Final Environmental Assessment, and implementation of all requirements in the special permit. 7) PHMSA Oversite and Management PHMSA maintains oversight and management of each special permit. This includes annual meetings with executive level officers on special permit implementation status, written certification of the special permit, special permit required notification of planned activities, notification of root cause analysis results, and notification prior to certain excavation activities so that PHMSA may observe. 8) Gas Leakage Surveys and Remediation The special permit segment and special permit inspection area have requirements in the special permit to conduct leakage surveys more frequently than is presently required in 49 CFR 192.706. Gas leakage surveys using instrumented gas leakage detection equipment must be conducted along each special permit segment and at all valves, flanges, pipeline tie- ins with valves and flanges, ILI launcher, and ILI receiver facilities in each special permit inspection area at least twice each calendar year, not to exceed 7½ months. The type of leak detection equipment used, survey findings, and remediation of all instrumented gas leakage surveys must be documented by operator. The special permit will require a three- step grading process with a time interval for remediation based upon the type of leak. 9) Documentation FGT must maintain documentation that supports compliance with special permit conditions for the life of the pipeline. PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 10 of 79 <<>> IX. Affected Resources and Environmental Consequences A. Affected Resources and Environmental Consequences of the Granted Action and the No Action Alternatives FGT is granted a special permit that waives compliance with 49 CFR 192.611(a) and (d) and 192.619(a) for a special permit segment totaling 5,162 feet (approximately 0.978 miles) located within the special permit inspection area totaling approximately 73.7 miles. FGT must comply with the special permit conditions within the special permit segment. Potential risks from the regulatory waiver to pipeline integrity will be analyzed for each special permit segment to evaluate the potential for impacts or increased risk to safety or environmental resources. Aesthetics: The visual character of the special permit segment and the special permit inspection area will not be changed by the approval of this special permit request. The objective of the special permit is to avoid construction or ground disturbances in the pipeline ROW that would be necessitated if the special permit was not granted. Therefore, the issuance of the requested special permit will result sporadic and temporary aesthetic impacts due to increased monitoring, maintenance, and repair activities along the affected special permit segment or special permit inspection area. Denial of the special permit request would require the replacement or pressure testing of all the pipeline segments associated with this special permit request. Pipe replacement would require removal of the existing pipe and installation of a new pipe. This would result in the use of heavy equipment and ground disturbance. Furthermore, pressure testing would also require disturbances along the pipeline ROW. Agricultural Resources: This special permit request will not impact agricultural resources in the pipeline ROW where the special permit segment or the special permit inspection area are located, as there are none in adjacent areas. Air Quality: Air Quality Control Regions (AQCRs) are areas for which implementation plans describe how ambient air quality standards would be achieved and maintained. AQCRs are defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Area (EPA) and state agencies in accordance with the Clean Air Act of 1970 (CAA). The 1977 CAA Amendments in Section 107 require EPA and PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 11 of 79 <<>> states to identify by category those AQCRs meeting and not meeting the U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) which are standards for harmful pollutants. Areas meeting the NAAQS are designated “attainment areas,” and areas not meeting the NAAQS are designated “nonattainment areas”. The designation of an area is made on a pollutant-by-pollutant basis. The special permit segment occurs in areas that are designated attainment areas for all pollutants. This special permit will not significantly affect the air quality of the special permit segment or the special permit inspection area, as increased monitoring, maintenance, and repair activities and associated vehicles and equipment will only have sporadic and temporary air impacts caused by fuel combustion. The objective of the special permit is to avoid construction or ground disturbances in the pipeline ROW that would be necessitated if the special permit was not granted. If the special permit request is not granted, pipe replacement and hydrotesting would be required. This would necessitate blowing down the pipeline which releases unburned natural gas into the atmosphere, which is an aggressive greenhouse gas. Furthermore, pipe replacement and/or pressure testing would be required which would require the temporary use of heavy equipment, which result in release of air pollutants. Biological Resources: The “Selected” Alternative will not impact vegetation (including wetlands), wildlife (including threatened and endangered species), or fishery resources in the pipeline ROW where the special permit segment or the special permit inspection area are located. The low-growing herbaceous cover within the pipeline ROW may provide sources of food and nesting sites for various birds, as well as cover for mammals, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians. The area has been disturbed previously and is located between Interstate 95 (I-95) and a man-made drainage canal. Furthermore, the pipeline ROW is maintained in an herbaceous state by routine mowing and clearing activities using mechanical equipment. Therefore, the wildlife found in the vicinity of the special permit segment will most likely be tolerant of human disturbance. A discussion of water resources (wetlands and waterbodies) crossed by the special permit segments is provided in this document. A discussion of listed species and sensitive areas (i.e., conservation land) is provided below. Listed Species The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC) was utilized to identify the federally and state listed threatened and endangered species PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 12 of 79 <<>> that could potentially inhabit or traverse the special permit segment (USFWS, 2021). Table 3 provides a list of the federally and state listed threatened and endangered species potentially occurring in the special permit segment. A total of 13 listed species (5 birds, 6 reptiles, and 2 plants) were identified as potentially occurring in the special permit segment. The objective of the special permit is to avoid construction or ground disturbance in the pipeline ROW. Therefore, the “Selected” Alternative will not disturb wildlife habitat resulting in “No effect” to listed species. However, if the special permit request is not granted by selection of the “No Action” Alternative, then pipe replacement and/or pressure testing would be required, which would disturb vegetation and wildlife habitat in the vicinity of the existing pipeline ROW, which could potentially disturb listed species such as gopher tortoises and gopher tortoise commensal species (i.e., Eastern indigo snake) in the special permit segment. Any inspection activities related to the special permit segment will be conducted within the boundaries of the previously disturbed pipeline ROW. FGT has received a categorical exclusion blanket clearance from the USFWS for minor pipeline construction and maintenance projects within FGT’s existing ROW. The Florida USFWS Ecological Services Field Office has determined in its categorical exclusion blanket clearances that work within FGT’s existing ROW is unlikely to adversely impact federally listed species and their habitats. TABLE 3 Federally and State Listed Threatened and Endangered Species Potentially Species Occurring within the Special Permit Segment Areas in Brevard County, Florida Habitat Description Federal Status State Status Determination of Effect / Rationale Birds Audubon's Crested Caracara (Polyborus plancus audubonii) T T Eastern Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis ssp. Jamaicensis) T T Occurs in dry or wet prairie areas with scattered cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto). It may also be found in lightly wooded areas. Typically found in salt and brackish marshes with dense cover. No effect / No suitable habitat is present in the special permit project areas (maintained pipeline ROW). No effect / No suitable habitat is present in the special permit project areas (maintained pipeline ROW). Everglade Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus) E E Habitat includes salt and brackish marshes with dense cover. No effect / No suitable habitat is present in the special permit project areas (maintained pipeline ROW). Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) E E Mature 80-120-year-old longleaf or loblolly pine forest. No effect / No mature 80 to120- year-old longleaf or loblolly pine PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 13 of 79 <<>> TABLE 3 Federally and State Listed Threatened and Endangered Species Potentially Species Occurring within the Special Permit Segment Areas in Brevard County, Florida Habitat Description Federal Status State Status Determination of Effect / Rationale forest present in the special permit project areas (maintained pipeline ROW). Wood Stork (Mycteria Americana) T T Inhabits emergent wetland, mixed hardwood swamps, sloughs, mangroves, and cypress domes. Nesting trees range from low shrubs to cypress. No effect / No preferred suitable nesting habitat present in the special permit project areas (maintained pipeline ROW). Reptiles Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi) T T Gopher tortoise (Gopherus Polyphemus) C T Species prefers xeric longleaf pine sandhills with gopher tortoise burrows and requires very large tracts of land. Commensal species with gopher tortoise burrows. FGT will adhere to USFWS Standard Protection Measures for the Eastern Indigo Snake if excavations are required in an area containing burrows. Inhabits well-drained soils types with sparse tree canopy such as pine flatwoods, longleaf pine /xeric oak, and xeric oak scrub. Habitat includes disturbed soils within utility and road ROWs. No effect / Although suitable habitat is present within the pipeline ROW (i.e., gopher tortoise burrows), the special permit will allow FGT to avoid construction in the pipeline ROW avoiding impacts to this species. Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) T T Found in shallow waters (except when No effect / Although suitable habitat is present within the pipeline ROW, the special permit will allow FGT to avoid construction in the pipeline ROW avoiding impacts to this species. No effect / No coastal habitat is present in the special permit project areas Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate) E E migrating) inside reefs, bays, and inlets with an abundance of seagrass. Beaches are required for nesting. Primarily found in tropical coral reefs. Nesting occurs on undisturbed deep- sand beaches in the tropics. No effect / No coastal habitat is present in the special permit project areas Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) E E Found primarily in the ocean. Requires sandy nesting beaches backed with vegetation for nesting. No effect / No coastal habitat is present in the special permit project areas. Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) T T Florida’s sandy Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico beaches are preferred habitat for nesting. No effect / No coastal habitat is present in the special permit project areas (maintained pipeline ROW). Flowering Plants Carter's Mustard (Warea carteri) E E Sandhill, scrubby flatwoods, inland and coastal scrub. No effect / Preferred suitable habitat not present in special permit project areas (maintained pipeline ROW). PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 14 of 79 <<>> TABLE 3 Federally and State Listed Threatened and Endangered Species Potentially Species Occurring within the Special Permit Segment Areas in Brevard County, Florida Habitat Description Federal Status State Status Determination of Effect / Rationale Lewton's Polygala (Polygala lewtonii) E E Oak scrub, sandhill, and transition zones between high pine and turkey oak barrens. No effect / Preferred suitable habitat not present in special permit project areas (maintained pipeline ROW). Source: USFWS, 2021a. Notes: E - Endangered T - Threatened C - Candidate Species Conservative Land: The Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) maintains an inventory of the state's conservation land holdings (FNAI, 2021). The special permit segment does not cross conservation land holdings. Climate Change: The scope and duration of any activities associated with the special permit segment, including maintenance and repair activities will have minimal impact on climate change. A benefit of the “Selected” Alternative is that it will avoid methane venting, construction, or ground disturbances in the pipeline ROW. The “No Action” Alternative would not grant a special permit, requiring the pipe replacement and/or hydrotesting would be required, which would necessitate the use of heavy equipment during construction and blowing down the pipeline releasing natural gas, a known greenhouse gas. Pipeline operators can and should mitigate blowdowns through pressure reductions and capture and storage of natural gas during pipeline work. However, PHMSA does not currently have authority to mandate these mitigation measures. The “Selected” alternative will result in emissions that result from increased maintenance, monitoring, and repair requirements for the duration of the special permit. These emissions would be expected to be significantly less than the replacement associated with the “No Action” alternative. Cultural Resources: Neither the “No Action” nor the “Selected” alternative will have an effect on cultural resources. Any inspection activities associated with the special permit segment and special permit inspection area will be conducted within the boundaries of FGT’s existing aboveground facilities (i.e., compressor stations) and maintained pipeline ROW. FGT was granted a categorical exclusion blanket clearance certificate from the Florida Division of PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 15 of 79 <<>> Historical Resources for activities to be undertaken within its existing, previously disturbed ROW to ensure compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (NHPA). The Florida State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) concurred with its categorical exclusion for work within existing ROW and stated that “no known historic properties will be affected by this undertaking.” Environmental Justice: The special permit alternative associated with this special permit will not have an adverse impact on the population along the pipeline including local, minority, low income, or limited English proficiency populations as shown below in Table 4 - Demographic Information for Special Permit Segment – Using EPA EJScreen. The special permit is intended to maintain or increase safety with the implementation of safety conditions in the special permit segment. Many special permit conditions also apply to the special permit inspection area and will not have a disparate impact on any minority, low income, or limited English proficiency populations. This special permit will also reduce climate change impacts, which are understood to disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities. Therefore, consistent with DOT Order 5610.2C (“Department of Transportation Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations”) and Executive Orders 12898 (“Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations”), 13985 (“Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government”), 13990 (“Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis”), 14008 (“Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad”), 12898 and DOT Order 5610.2(a), and Department of Transportation Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, PHMSA does not anticipate that the special permit will result in disproportionately high and adverse effects on minority or low-income populations. PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 16 of 79 <<>> Table 4 - Demographic Information for Special Permit Segments – Using EPA EJScreen Special Total Population Permit Low Income State County Segment No. (Along Special Permit Segment) Minority*/ People of Color** Population Population Linguistically Isolated 182069 FL Brevard 2,313 21% 13% 0% Minority*: The term minority is used in the currently active DOT Environmental Justice Order 5610.2(a), available at: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/environmental_justice/ej_at_dot/orders/order_56102a/index.cfm People of Color**: The term people of color is used in the EPA’s Environmental Justice Screening and mapping tool (EJSCREEN). An overview of demographic indicators through EJSCREEN is available at: https://www.epa.gov/ejscreen/overview-demographic-indicators-ejscreen Geology and Soils: The general characteristics of the special permit segment consists of relatively flat terrain. The project area is located in the Atlantic Plain physiographic region of the U.S. Major Land Resource Areas (MLRAs) are geographically associated land resource units, usually encompassing several thousand acres, characterized by a particular pattern of soils, geology, climate, water resources, and land uses. The special permit segment crosses the Southern Florida Flatwoods MLRA and the special permit inspection area crosses the Southern Florida Flatwoods and Southern Florida Lowlands MLRAs (USDA NRCS, 2021a). The soils within the Southern Florida Flatwoods and Southern Florida Lowlands MLRAs are deep or very deep, poorly drained or very poorly drained, and loamy or sandy (USDA NRCS, 2021b). The objective of the special permit is to avoid construction or ground disturbances in the pipeline ROW that will be necessitated if the special permit was not granted. Therefore, the “Selected” Alternative will not result in soils impacts to the affected special permit segment or special permit inspection area. Furthermore, no changes to geologic conditions would occur. Denial of the special permit request will require the replacement and/or pressure testing of the pipeline segments associated with this special permit request. Pipe replacement would require vegetation clearing, removal of the existing pipe, and installation of a new pipe. The removal of the vegetative cover and ground disturbance exposes soils to the effects of wind and water which increases the potential for soil erosion and the transport of sediment to sensitive resource areas. Furthermore, pressure testing would also expose the soil to water which increases the potential for soil erosion and transport of sediment to sensitive areas along the pipeline ROW. PHMSA-2021-0118 – Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - Florida Page 17 of 79 <<>> Mineral Resources: Florida’s mineral commodities include limestone, sand, gravel, clay, heavy minerals, phosphate, and peat. The special permit segment is located along FGT’s e - **truncated:** true - **body characters:** 177123