Excelerate receives EIS for Aguirre Offshore GasPort

Excelerate Energy, in cooperation with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, has received the final environmental impact statement from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for its Aguirre Offshore GasPort, located offshore Puerto Rico.

The EIS assesses the environmental impacts of the liquefied natural gas terminal proposed by Excelerate and determines if the project is suitable for construction and operation. The FERC staff concludes in its statement that the construction and operation of the project would result in limited adverse environmental impacts that would mostly occur during construction. Moreover, the statement confirms the inherent benefits of the project of improving air quality in the region and reducing barge traffic in Jobos Bay, the company informed in a statement.

The release of the EIS comes after three years of extensive analysis through the environmental review process. Within this timeframe, Excelerate has responded to data requests from FERC, cooperating agencies, and the general public. In addition, both Excelerate and PREPA have held numerous meetings with both the private and public sectors to ensure complete transparency throughout the entire permitting process, the company said.

The FERC issued the draft EIS on August 7, 2014, which opened the public comment period until September 29, 2014. Modifications to the original subsea pipeline laying method were made based on comments received on the draft EIS.

The facility is expected to be in service in 2016.

Image: Excelerate Energy