EA has provided permitting, licensing support, regulatory coordination, and NEPA compliance for the Cove liquefaction projects since 2009. EA prepared 13 environmental resource reports—existing conditions and environmental effects—as Exhibit F for the client’s application to FERC; an Environmental Assessment for FERC in compliance with NEPA; a draft Federal/State Joint Permit Application for the Section 10/404 permit, the Maryland wetlands license, the Maryland water quality certification, and the Maryland coastal zone consistency determination; and a Habitat Management Plan and Buffer Management Plan for compliance with Maryland critical area requirements.
EA also prepared the necessary agency consultations to request concurrence with the findings of the impact assessment documented in the resource reports. The agency consultations included:
- Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act consultation to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services;
- Maryland Natural Heritage Program Consultation to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources; and
- Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act Consultation to the Maryland Historical Trust and Virginia Department of Historic Resources.
EA also prepared the necessary NPDES General Permits for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activities for construction at the liquefied natural gas terminal and offsite areas in Maryland, and the compressor stations in Virginia.
