Notice of Intent To Prepare a Land Use Analysis/Environmental Impact Statement; Coal Lease Applications WVES-50556 and WVES-50560, Wayne County, WV, 40723-40725 [05-13767]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 134 / Thursday, July 14, 2005 / Notices the EIS, including concerns, issues, or proposed alternatives that should be considered should be submitted in writing to the address below, and will be accepted throughout the scoping period. All scoping meetings will be announced 15 days in advance through the local news media, and newsletters. DATES: The Draft EIS is expected to be distributed for public review and comment in the summer of 2005, and it’s anticipated that the Final EIS should be completed four to six months later. Written comments should be sent to the BLM, Cottonwood Field Office, Route 3, Box 181, Cottonwood, Idaho 83522, (fax (208) 962–3275), or email robbin_boyce@blm.gov. Comments submitted, including names and street addresses of respondents, will be available for public review at the Cottonwood Field Office during regular business hours from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Individual respondents may request confidentiality. If you wish to withhold your name and address from public review or disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comments. Such requests will be honored to the extent allowed by law. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be made available for public inspection in their entirety. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information or to have your name added to the mailing list, contact Robbin Boyce at the Cottonwood Field Office (see address above), telephone (208) 962–3594 or e-mail: robbin_boyce@blm.gov. ADDRESSES: Initial scoping for this project began February 6, 2004, when a scoping letter that included a description of the proposed action and purpose and need for the project, was mailed to interested parties. Based upon the comments from the public, agencies, coalitions and Native Americans, and further field review, it was determined that further analysis and an EIS was warranted. The proposed action implements key components of the National Fire Plan as addressed in the 10-year Comprehensive Strategy by reducing hazardous fuels conditions, reducing the risk of high intensity wildland fire to life, property and natural resources in the Elk City wildland—urban interface, and maintaining low intensity fire conditions where they exist. The SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate jul<14>2003 18:32 Jul 13, 2005 Jkt 205001 proposed project implements recommendations from the Idaho County Wildland Fire and Mitigation Plan (2003) prepared by the Clearwater Resource Conservation and Development Council. The proposed action would support an upward trend in watershed/aquatic conditions as required by the Chief Joseph Management Framework Plan, and would entail changing the forest density and species composition to maintain and increase forest stand resilience to high intensity fire, insects, and disease. This would be achieved by applying various silvicultural prescriptions including salvage, patch clearcutting, seedtree/shelterwood, pre-commercial and commercial thinning, biomass utilization, grapple piling of slash, and prescribed burns. Timber harvest and prescribed burning prescriptions would be conducted on an estimated 1,300 acres. Road closure, decommissioning, and conversion of roads to trails, riparian treatments (plantings and stabilization), and in-stream habitat modification would be used to improve fish habitat and aquatic conditions. Issues previously identified during public scoping for this project as well as comments received as a result of this Notice, will be used to prepare the EIS. Issues previously identified during public scoping for this project include the following: • Declining forest health due to mortality from insects and disease; • High potential for stand replacing fire; including the risk to public safety and potential property loss due to the location of residences within the forested areas; • Desired future conditions for the seral stages of forest stands and the need and ability to control weeds; • Access issues including the need to cross Forest Service and private lands; • Road construction, erosion, and water quality; • Fisheries (resident, anadromous, and listed species) habitat; • Wildlife habitat; including big game hiding, security, thermal cover and travel corridors/connectivity; • Cultural, heritage and visual resources; and • Impacts of past and likely future activities in the Elk City area. More detailed information about this project, including maps, is available at the Cottonwood Field Office, Route 3, Box 181, Cottonwood, Idaho 83522. If you previously submitted comments, they will be considered and you will be retained on the mailing list. PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 40723 Dated: May 26, 2005. K. Lynn Bennett, State Director, Idaho. [FR Doc. 05–13880 Filed 7–13–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–66–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [ES–030–05–1320–EL, WVES–50556, WVES–50560] Notice of Intent To Prepare a Land Use Analysis/Environmental Impact Statement; Coal Lease Applications WVES–50556 and WVES–50560, Wayne County, WV Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has received two applications to lease a total of 13,089.55 acres of Federal coal at the East Lynn Lake project in Wayne County, West Virginia. The lease applications for mining the federal coal on these were applied under the provisions of 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 3425.1. The BLM will prepare a LUA/EIS prior to holding a competitive Federal coal lease sale. Both applicants are proposing to mine the coal by underground mining methods from existing mines they operate on adjacent private land. The lands being considered for lease border East Lynn Lake on portions of both its north and south shores, but no mining would occur directly beneath the lake itself. This notice, in accordance with Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), announces the beginning of the review process and invites the public, other Federal Agencies, State and local governments to submit information on coal resource development potential and on resources which may be affected by coal development for lands within the analysis area. The BLM also asks that you suggest issues that should be considered in developing the LUA and include statements explaining why the land should or should not be considered for leasing. DATES: The BLM will accept comments on or before August 15, 2005. ADDRESSES: You may send written comments to Bureau of Land Management, Attn: John Romito, 901 Pine Street, Suite 201, Rolla, MO 65401. You may also submit electronic comments and other data to EastLynnLakeComments@blm.gov. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for information regarding a public meeting E:\FR\FM\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1 40724 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 134 / Thursday, July 14, 2005 / Notices during the comment period and a public hearing after the draft LUA/EIS is prepared. Members of the public may examine documents pertinent to this proposal by visiting the Rolla Office during its business hours (7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), Monday through Friday except holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Romito, Bureau of Land Management, 573–364–0204. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Argus Energy LLC (Argus) has submitted a coal LBA (WVES50556) to BLM for 7,624.60 acres bordering a portion of the southern shore of the East Lynn Lake Project in Wayne County, West Virginia. Rockspring Development (Rockspring) also submitted a coal LBA for 5,449.92 acres (WVES50560) that borders a portion of the north shore of the lake. East Lynn Lake is located approximately 25 miles south of Huntington, West Virginia and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for flood control, recreation and wildlife. The State of West Virginia does not use the Public Land Rectangular Survey system to legally describe land tracts within the state, but instead utilizes Metes and Bounds property description. Consequently, to avoid numerous pages of lengthy legal descriptions, the federal coal reserves encompassed by the LBAs are described below by referencing the USACE mineral-tract number the reserves fall within. It should be pointed out that referencing a mineral-tract number in the listing below, does not necessarily mean the entire mineral tract is under application. More detailed property descriptions are available in the case files located in the BLM office in Rolla, Mo. Argus Energy, LBA WVES–50556 Mineral Tract Numbers—Tract Nos: 77M–14; 177M–12; 177M–11; 177M–1; 745M; 746M; 808; 840M; 843M; 846M; 1140M; 1140; 1301; 1313M; 1717M; 1718M; 1810M; 1811M; 1813M; 1813M; 2020M; 2321M; 2430M; 2431M; 2737 and 2737. Approximately 7,639.63 in Wayne County, West Virginia Rockspring Development, LBA WVES– 50560 Mineral Tract Numbers—Tract Nos. 174M; 177M–2p; 177M–1; 184M; 376ME–2; 375M; 376ME–1; 377M; 378M; 380M; 381M; 382M; 384M; 386M; 390ME–1; 395M; 427M; 430M; 517A; 517B; 545M; 547M; 548M; 550M; 553M; 554M; 556M; 745M; 847M; 1450M; 1451M; 1452M; 1453M; 1717M and 1718M. VerDate jul<14>2003 18:32 Jul 13, 2005 Jkt 205001 Approximately 5,449.92 in Wayne County, West Virginia Argus proposes to mine the Federal coal in the lease application area by underground methods extending from two of their existing underground mines located on private land to the south of the application area. Rockspring would similarly access their application area from their existing underground mine located on private lands north of their application area. Argus is currently conducting exploratory drilling on their application area under exploration license WVES 50816. It is reasonable to expect that Rockspring may also wish to conduct exploratory drilling on their area of interest. It is also reasonable to expect that both companies may need to drill additional holes for mine planning purposes if leases were to be issued and mine plans approved. BLM is provided the authority to lease Federal coal under the Mineral Leasing Act as defined under 43 CFR 3480.0– 5(a)(25) and the 1999 Water Resource and Development Act for Federally owned coal at East Lynn Lake. The Office of Surface Mining (OSM) in cooperation with the State of West Virginia, issues Mine Permits under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA). Additionally, as provided by 40 CFR 1501.6, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Office of Surface Mining have been invited to participate as Cooperating Agencies in the proposed coal-leasing action. This notice is issued pursuant to 40 CFR 1501.7, 43 CFR 1610.2(c) and 43 CFR 3420. BLM’s planning effort will follow the procedures set forth in 43 CFR 1610. As provided by 43 CFR 3420.1–2, industry, State and local governments and the general public are requested to submit information regarding coal and other resources which may be affected by coal development within the leasing area. Preliminary issues, subject to change as a result of public input, are (1) potential impacts of coal mining and development drilling on the surface and subsurface resources; and (2) consideration of restrictions on lease rights to protect surface resources. Preliminary planning criteria developed to guide the preparation of the LUA/EIS include: 1. Land use planning and environmental analysis will be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, executive orders and manuals. 2. Planning will be conducted for the Federal coal mineral estate only. 3. A mine plan scenario will be prepared for the Federal resources. PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4. Resource data needed to assess the effects of coal mining and coal development drilling will be collected. 5. The planning team will work cooperatively with Federal, State and local governments and agencies, as well as groups, organizations and individuals. 6. In accordance with the Water Resource and Development Act of 1999, consent will not be required from the surface management agency should coal leasing be approved. 7. The LUA/EIS will identify mitigation measures designed to reduce or avoid potential impacts of coal leasing. 8. Other criteria as identified through the planning process. The interdisciplinary team will consider the specific resources and uses identified in the 20 Unsuitability Criteria listed at 43 CFR part 3461 to the extent that they apply to underground mining. Screening of the Federal coal lands in the application areas through the Unsuitability Criteria will result in a determination as to which lands are (1) acceptable for further leasing consideration with standard stipulations or (2) acceptable for further leasing consideration with special stipulations or (3) are unacceptable for further consideration for leasing. Lands acceptable for further leasing consideration after screening through the Unsuitability Criteria will be further screened for other resource values and uses that could be affected by lease issuance. Public Participation: This notice initiates the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) public scoping process. The BLM will work collaboratively with interested parties to identify management decisions that are best to address national, regional and local needs and concerns. The public, businesses, and public entities are invited to participate in this LUA process by: (1) Commenting on the preliminary issues and planning criteria; (2) identifying other issues and planning criteria; and/or (3) submitting coal, other resource or land use information. For other resource information, participants are asked to identify the particular resource value, to provide the reason that the resource would conflict with coal development and provide a map (minimal scale 1:24,000) showing the location of the resource. Comments or information may be submitted by mail or electronically to the addresses provided above. Confidentiality: Individual respondents may request confidentiality. If you wish to withhold E:\FR\FM\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 134 / Thursday, July 14, 2005 / Notices your name or street address from public review or disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your written comments. Such requests will be honored to the extent allowed by the law. All submissions from businesses, organizations and individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses will be available for public inspection in their entirety. In addition to accepting written comments, BLM will also schedule a public meeting in Wayne, West Virginia before the end of the comment period. This meeting will provide another opportunity for you to identify issues or concerns about the proposal. The BLM will publish advance notice of the exact time and place of this meeting in local newspapers at least 15 days prior to the meeting. The BLM will also conduct a public hearing in accordance with 43 CFR 3420 and 3422.1 when the draft LUA/EIS is completed. This hearing will be announced through the Federal Register and a local newspaper at least 15 days prior to the hearing. 738, Pinedale, WY, 82941; 307–367– 5352. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Pinedale Anticline Working Group (PAWG) was authorized and established with release of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Pinedale Anticline Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Project on July 27, 2000. The PAWG advises the BLM on the development and implementation of monitoring plans and adaptive management decisions as development of the Pinedale Anticline Natural Gas Field proceeds for the life of the field. The agenda for this meeting is to review any Task Group monitoring recommendations and the monitoring funding matrix. At a minimum, public comments will be heard prior to lunch and adjournment of the meeting. Michael D. Nedd, State Director, Eastern States. [FR Doc. 05–13767 Filed 7–13–05; 8:45 am] Bureau of Land Management BILLING CODE 4310–PN–P Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease TXNM 107338 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management ACTION: Notice of Meeting of the Pinedale Anticline Working Group Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (1976) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (1972), the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Pinedale Anticline Working Group (PAWG) will meet in Pinedale, Wyoming, for a business meeting. Group meetings are open to the public. DATES: The PAWG will meet August 9, 2005, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting of the PAWG will be held in the Lovatt room of the Pinedale Library, 155 S. Tyler Ave., Pinedale, WY. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Kruse, BLM/PAWG Liaison, Bureau of Land Management, Pinedale Field Office, 432 E. Mills St., P.O. Box 18:32 Jul 13, 2005 Jkt 205001 December 1, 2004, subject to the original terms and conditions of the lease and the increased rental and royalty rates cited above. Dated: June 9, 2005. Lourdes B. Ortiz, Land Law Examiner. [FR Doc. 05–13875 Filed 7–13–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–FB–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [NM–920–1310–05; TXNM 107329] Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease TXNM 107329 AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. Notice of reinstatement of terminated oil and gas lease. ACTION: BILLING CODE 4310–22–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR [NM–920–1310–05; TXNM 107338] Bureau of Land Management, Interior. Notice of reinstatement of terminated oil and gas lease. [WY–100–05–1310–DB] VerDate jul<14>2003 Dated: July 5, 2005. Priscilla E. Mecham, Field Manager. [FR Doc. 05–13852 Filed 7–13–05; 8:45 am] 40725 SUMMARY: Under the provisions of Public Law 97–451, Philip Rice timely filed a petition for reinstatement of oil and gas lease TXNM 107338 for lands in Wise County, Texas, and it was accompanied by all required rentals and royalties accruing from December 1, 2004, the date of termination. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lourdes B. Ortiz, BLM, New Mexico State Office, (505) 438–7586. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: No valid lease has been issued affecting the lands. The lessee has agreed to new lease terms for rentals and royalties at rates of $10.00 per acre or fraction thereof and 162⁄3 percent, respectively. The lessee has paid the required $500 administrative fee and has reimbursed the Bureau of Land Management for the cost of this Federal Register notice. The Lessee has met all the requirements for reinstatement of the lease as set out in Sections 31(d) and (e) of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 (30 U.S.C. 188), and the Bureau of Land Management is proposing to reinstate the lease effective PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 SUMMARY: Under the provisions of Public Law 97–451, Philip Rice timely filed a petition for reinstatement of oil and gas lease TXNM 107329 for lands in Wise County, Texas, and it was accompanied by all required rentals and royalties accruing from December 1, 2004, the date of termination. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lourdes B. Ortiz, BLM, New Mexico State Office, (505) 438–7586. No valid lease has been issued affecting the lands. The lessee has agreed to new lease terms for rentals and royalties at rates of $10.00 per acre or fraction thereof and 162⁄3 percent, respectively. The lessee has paid the required $500 administrative fee and has reimbursed the Bureau of Land Management for the cost of this Federal Register notice. The Lessee has met all the requirements for reinstatement of the lease as set out in Sections 31(d) and (e) of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 (30 U.S.C. 188), and the Bureau of Land Management is proposing to reinstate the lease effective December 1, 2004, subject to the original terms and conditions of the lease and the increased rental and royalty rates cited above. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: June 9, 2005. Lourdes B. Ortiz, Land Law Examiner. [FR Doc. 05–13876 Filed 7–13–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–FB–P E:\FR\FM\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 134 (Thursday, July 14, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40723-40725]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-13767]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[ES-030-05-1320-EL, WVES-50556, WVES-50560]


Notice of Intent To Prepare a Land Use Analysis/Environmental 
Impact Statement; Coal Lease Applications WVES-50556 and WVES-50560, 
Wayne County, WV

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has received two 
applications to lease a total of 13,089.55 acres of Federal coal at the 
East Lynn Lake project in Wayne County, West Virginia. The lease 
applications for mining the federal coal on these were applied under 
the provisions of 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 3425.1. The BLM 
will prepare a LUA/EIS prior to holding a competitive Federal coal 
lease sale. Both applicants are proposing to mine the coal by 
underground mining methods from existing mines they operate on adjacent 
private land. The lands being considered for lease border East Lynn 
Lake on portions of both its north and south shores, but no mining 
would occur directly beneath the lake itself. This notice, in 
accordance with Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy 
Act (NEPA), announces the beginning of the review process and invites 
the public, other Federal Agencies, State and local governments to 
submit information on coal resource development potential and on 
resources which may be affected by coal development for lands within 
the analysis area. The BLM also asks that you suggest issues that 
should be considered in developing the LUA and include statements 
explaining why the land should or should not be considered for leasing.

DATES: The BLM will accept comments on or before August 15, 2005.

ADDRESSES: You may send written comments to Bureau of Land Management, 
Attn: John Romito, 901 Pine Street, Suite 201, Rolla, MO 65401. You may 
also submit electronic comments and other data to 
EastLynnLakeComments@blm.gov. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for 
information regarding a public meeting

[[Page 40724]]

during the comment period and a public hearing after the draft LUA/EIS 
is prepared. Members of the public may examine documents pertinent to 
this proposal by visiting the Rolla Office during its business hours 
(7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), Monday through Friday except holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Romito, Bureau of Land 
Management, 573-364-0204.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Argus Energy LLC (Argus) has submitted a 
coal LBA (WVES50556) to BLM for 7,624.60 acres bordering a portion of 
the southern shore of the East Lynn Lake Project in Wayne County, West 
Virginia. Rockspring Development (Rockspring) also submitted a coal LBA 
for 5,449.92 acres (WVES50560) that borders a portion of the north 
shore of the lake. East Lynn Lake is located approximately 25 miles 
south of Huntington, West Virginia and is managed by the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers (USACE) for flood control, recreation and wildlife.
    The State of West Virginia does not use the Public Land Rectangular 
Survey system to legally describe land tracts within the state, but 
instead utilizes Metes and Bounds property description. Consequently, 
to avoid numerous pages of lengthy legal descriptions, the federal coal 
reserves encompassed by the LBAs are described below by referencing the 
USACE mineral-tract number the reserves fall within. It should be 
pointed out that referencing a mineral-tract number in the listing 
below, does not necessarily mean the entire mineral tract is under 
application. More detailed property descriptions are available in the 
case files located in the BLM office in Rolla, Mo.

Argus Energy, LBA WVES-50556

    Mineral Tract Numbers--Tract Nos: 77M-14; 177M-12; 177M-11; 177M-1; 
745M; 746M; 808; 840M; 843M; 846M; 1140M; 1140; 1301; 1313M; 1717M; 
1718M; 1810M; 1811M; 1813M; 1813M; 2020M; 2321M; 2430M; 2431M; 2737 and 
2737.

Approximately 7,639.63 in Wayne County, West Virginia

Rockspring Development, LBA WVES-50560

    Mineral Tract Numbers--Tract Nos. 174M; 177M-2p; 177M-1; 184M; 
376ME-2; 375M; 376ME-1; 377M; 378M; 380M; 381M; 382M; 384M; 386M; 
390ME-1; 395M; 427M; 430M; 517A; 517B; 545M; 547M; 548M; 550M; 553M; 
554M; 556M; 745M; 847M; 1450M; 1451M; 1452M; 1453M; 1717M and 1718M.

Approximately 5,449.92 in Wayne County, West Virginia

    Argus proposes to mine the Federal coal in the lease application 
area by underground methods extending from two of their existing 
underground mines located on private land to the south of the 
application area. Rockspring would similarly access their application 
area from their existing underground mine located on private lands 
north of their application area. Argus is currently conducting 
exploratory drilling on their application area under exploration 
license WVES 50816. It is reasonable to expect that Rockspring may also 
wish to conduct exploratory drilling on their area of interest. It is 
also reasonable to expect that both companies may need to drill 
additional holes for mine planning purposes if leases were to be issued 
and mine plans approved.
    BLM is provided the authority to lease Federal coal under the 
Mineral Leasing Act as defined under 43 CFR 3480.0-5(a)(25) and the 
1999 Water Resource and Development Act for Federally owned coal at 
East Lynn Lake. The Office of Surface Mining (OSM) in cooperation with 
the State of West Virginia, issues Mine Permits under the Surface 
Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA). Additionally, as provided 
by 40 CFR 1501.6, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the 
Office of Surface Mining have been invited to participate as 
Cooperating Agencies in the proposed coal-leasing action.
    This notice is issued pursuant to 40 CFR 1501.7, 43 CFR 1610.2(c) 
and 43 CFR 3420. BLM's planning effort will follow the procedures set 
forth in 43 CFR 1610. As provided by 43 CFR 3420.1-2, industry, State 
and local governments and the general public are requested to submit 
information regarding coal and other resources which may be affected by 
coal development within the leasing area.
    Preliminary issues, subject to change as a result of public input, 
are (1) potential impacts of coal mining and development drilling on 
the surface and subsurface resources; and (2) consideration of 
restrictions on lease rights to protect surface resources.
    Preliminary planning criteria developed to guide the preparation of 
the LUA/EIS include:
    1. Land use planning and environmental analysis will be conducted 
in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, executive orders 
and manuals.
    2. Planning will be conducted for the Federal coal mineral estate 
only.
    3. A mine plan scenario will be prepared for the Federal resources.
    4. Resource data needed to assess the effects of coal mining and 
coal development drilling will be collected.
    5. The planning team will work cooperatively with Federal, State 
and local governments and agencies, as well as groups, organizations 
and individuals.
    6. In accordance with the Water Resource and Development Act of 
1999, consent will not be required from the surface management agency 
should coal leasing be approved.
    7. The LUA/EIS will identify mitigation measures designed to reduce 
or avoid potential impacts of coal leasing.
    8. Other criteria as identified through the planning process.
    The interdisciplinary team will consider the specific resources and 
uses identified in the 20 Unsuitability Criteria listed at 43 CFR part 
3461 to the extent that they apply to underground mining. Screening of 
the Federal coal lands in the application areas through the 
Unsuitability Criteria will result in a determination as to which lands 
are (1) acceptable for further leasing consideration with standard 
stipulations or (2) acceptable for further leasing consideration with 
special stipulations or (3) are unacceptable for further consideration 
for leasing.
    Lands acceptable for further leasing consideration after screening 
through the Unsuitability Criteria will be further screened for other 
resource values and uses that could be affected by lease issuance.
    Public Participation: This notice initiates the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) public scoping process. The BLM will 
work collaboratively with interested parties to identify management 
decisions that are best to address national, regional and local needs 
and concerns. The public, businesses, and public entities are invited 
to participate in this LUA process by: (1) Commenting on the 
preliminary issues and planning criteria; (2) identifying other issues 
and planning criteria; and/or (3) submitting coal, other resource or 
land use information. For other resource information, participants are 
asked to identify the particular resource value, to provide the reason 
that the resource would conflict with coal development and provide a 
map (minimal scale 1:24,000) showing the location of the resource.
    Comments or information may be submitted by mail or electronically 
to the addresses provided above.
    Confidentiality: Individual respondents may request 
confidentiality. If you wish to withhold

[[Page 40725]]

your name or street address from public review or disclosure under the 
Freedom of Information Act, you must state this prominently at the 
beginning of your written comments. Such requests will be honored to 
the extent allowed by the law. All submissions from businesses, 
organizations and individuals identifying themselves as representatives 
or officials of organizations or businesses will be available for 
public inspection in their entirety.
    In addition to accepting written comments, BLM will also schedule a 
public meeting in Wayne, West Virginia before the end of the comment 
period. This meeting will provide another opportunity for you to 
identify issues or concerns about the proposal. The BLM will publish 
advance notice of the exact time and place of this meeting in local 
newspapers at least 15 days prior to the meeting. The BLM will also 
conduct a public hearing in accordance with 43 CFR 3420 and 3422.1 when 
the draft LUA/EIS is completed. This hearing will be announced through 
the Federal Register and a local newspaper at least 15 days prior to 
the hearing.

Michael D. Nedd,
State Director, Eastern States.
[FR Doc. 05-13767 Filed 7-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-PN-P
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