Permitting an LNG Import and Storage Terminal: A Case Study

Southern LNG, Inc. (SLNG) is one of only four liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals currently operating in the continental United States. Because LNG import and storage terminals are a critical component of the country's diversification of natural gas reserves, infrastructure, and reliable energy services, as many as 40 LNG terminals are either before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) or are being discussed by the LNG industry in the United States. In 2005, SLNG initiated the Elba III Terminal Project, a major federal project requiring an extensive environmental review process pursuant the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). FERC was the lead federal agency responsible for coordinating the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), with the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Coast Guard, and the National Marine Fisheries Service acting as cooperating agencies. This paper provides an overview of SLNG's experience with FERC and the cooperating federal agencies during preparation of the EIS required for authorizing the Elba III Terminal Project.