FERC delivers environmental impact review of Driftwood Pipeline project in Louisiana

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) determined that the Driftwood LNG Pipeline project in Louisiana would have adverse environmental impacts but added that certain recommended mitigation measures would reduce the negative impacts.

The Driftwood Pipeline project consists of the construction and operation of the LNG (liquified natural gas) facility, which includes five plants to liquefy natural gas and three tanks to store the LNG. It also includes an LNG marine carrier loading facilities.

The other part of the project is the construction and operation of about 96 miles of pipeline through Evangeline, Acadia, Jefferson Davis, and Calcasieu parishes in Louisiana. Further, it includes three new compressor stations and 15 new meter stations to deliver natural gas to the LNG Facility. Overall, it produces up to 27.6 million tons of LNG for export per year.

In its draft environmental impact statement (EIS), FERC determined that construction and operation of the Driftwood LNG Project would have adverse environmental impacts. However, the impacts could be reduced to less than significant levels with Driftwood’s proposed impact mitigation measures along with staff recommendations. The recommended mitigation measures were related to the design and engineering of the LNG facility. They also made recommendations related to inspections, reporting, notification, and non-scheduled events.

FERC is accepting comments on their review and recommendations by Nov. 5.