FERC Issues Formal Notice for Environmental Assessment of the BOG Compressor Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a formal notice for the preparation of an environmental assessment (EA) for the BOG Compressor Project, a proposed natural gas facility located in Massachusetts. On April 14, 2025, Distrigas of Massachusetts LLC filed an application with FERC to construct and operate the BOG Compressor Project, which would involve installing a redundant boil-off gas (BOG) compressor to capture BOG emissions from the existing liquefied natural gas storage system. The proposed project has sparked interest among federal and state agencies, which must complete reviews and reach a final decision on the federal authorization request within 90 days of the EA's issuance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BOG Compressor Project involves the installation of a 500-horsepower electric driven BOG compressor unit, modifications to the Water/Glycol Heating and Cooling System, and new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system on the existing BOG compressor building.
  • The project requires FERC authorization pursuant to Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act and must comply with federal and state regulations, including those related to environmental protection and public participation.
  • FERC has established a 90-day deadline for federal agencies and state agencies acting under federally delegated authority to complete reviews and make decisions on the federal authorization request.
  • The Commission will issue an environmental assessment (EA) on June 27, 2025, and the final decision deadline is September 25, 2025.
  • Interested parties can register for eSubscription, a free service that provides automatic notification of filings made to subscribed dockets, document summaries, and direct links to the documents.
  • The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission proceedings and can be contacted for assistance with making filings.

Statistics:

  • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) unique identification number for documents relating to this environmental review: EAXX-019-20-000-1747049057.
  • Deadline for federal agencies and state agencies to complete reviews and make decisions on the federal authorization request: September 25, 2025.
  • Date by which FERC will issue the environmental assessment (EA): June 27, 2025.
  • Number of facilities proposed for construction and operation: 1 BOG compressor unit, modifications to 2 systems, and new 1 HVAC system.
  • Length of new piping: 400 feet.
  • Diameter of new piping: 12 inches.

Sources:

  • FERC. (2025, May 19). UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Distrigas of Massachusetts LLC Docket No. CP25-207-000 NOTICE OF SCHEDULE FOR THE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE BOG COMPRESSOR PROJECT.
  • FERC. (n.d.). eSubscription. Retrieved from
  • FERC. (n.d.). Office of Public Participation. Retrieved from
  • FERC. (n.d.). eLibrary. Retrieved from