Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Requests Additional Environmental Information for Holtman M-4 Site

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a request for additional environmental information related to the Holtman M-4 site, operated by Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC. The request, dated July 21, 2025, seeks specific information on various aspects of the project, including excavation depth, water resources, cultural resources, and soils.

Key Takeaways:

  • FERC requires Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC to provide complete responses within 10 days of the date of the letter, including information on controlled unclassified information (CUI) and critical energy infrastructure information (CEII).
  • The company must file their response in accordance with the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, utilizing the eFiling system and labeling CUI and CEII as described.
  • The requested information includes:

+ Excavation depth for the installation of a new eight-inch ball launcher at the Holtman M-4 site and removal of auxiliary equipment (Resource Report 1).

+ Cross-section diagrams of each well depicting before and after closure (Resource Report 1).

+ Estimated total volume of water to be used for the Project, including groundwater and municipal sources (Resource Report 2).

+ Revised Unanticipated Discovery Plan for Archaeological Resources and Human Remains, revising item II.4 to notify FERC, SHPO, Indian tribes, and other interested parties within 24 hours of discovery (Resource Report 4).

+ Quantification of acreage of soils with high potential for rutting in Project workspaces (Resource Report 7).

Statistics:

  • 10-day deadline for Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC to provide complete responses to FERC's request.
  • 18 CFR 385.2005 requires responses to be filed under oath by an authorized representative of the company.
  • 18 CFR 385.2010 requires service to each person on the official service list for this proceeding.
  • The Commission's eFiling system (https://ferconline.ferc.gov/eFiling.aspx) allows for electronic filing, with separate volumes and labeling of CUI and CEII as described.

Sources:

  • FERC Service Francisco Tarin Director, Regulatory Kinder Morgan, Inc., as Operator of Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC (July 21, 2025).
  • Eric Gamble, Environmental Project Manager, Office of Energy Projects, FERC (July 21, 2025).
  • FERC, Office of Energy Projects, Environmental Information Request for Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC (July 21, 2025).