Notice of Intent To Prepare an Amendment to the Caliente Resource Management Plan Regarding Bureau of Land Management Administration of Newly Transferred Lands at Naval Petroleum Reserve #2 (NPR-2) in Kern County, CA, 56185-56186 [05-19131]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 185 / Monday, September 26, 2005 / Notices
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Geological Survey
Request for Public Comments on
Information Collection Submitted to
the Office of Management and Budget
for Review Under the Paperwork
Reduction Act
A request extending the collection of
information listed below has been
submitted to the Office of Management
and Budget for approval under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction
Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). Copies of the
proposed collection of information and
related forms may be obtained by
contacting the USGS Clearance Officer
at the phone number listed below. OMB
has up to 60 days to approve or
disapprove the information collection
but may respond after 30 days;
therefore, public comments should be
submitted to OMB within 30 days in
order to assure their maximum
consideration. Address your comments
and suggestions on the information
collection requirement by either fax
(202) 395–6566 or e-mail
(oira_docket@omb. eop. gov) to the
Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs, Office of Management and
Budget, Attention: Desk Officer for the
Department of the Interior (OMB
Control Number 1028–0053). Send
copies of your comments and
suggestions to the USGS Clearance
Officer, U.S. Geological Survey, 807
National Center, Reston, VA 20192, or email (jcordyac@usgs.gov). As required
by OMB regulations at CFR 1320.8(d)(1),
the U.S. Geological Survey solicits
specific public comments regarding the
proposed information collection as to:
1. Whether the collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
USGS, including whether the
information will have practical utility;
2. The accuracy of the USGS estimate
of the burden of the collection of
information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
3. The utility, quality, and clarity of
the information to be collected; and,
4. How to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are to respond, including the use of
appropriate automated electronic,
mechanical, or other forms of
information technology.
Title: Nonferrous Metals Surveys.
Current OMB Approval Number:
1028–0053.
Abstract: Respondents supply the
U.S. Geological Survey with domestic
production and consumption data on
nonferrous and related metals, some of
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14:49 Sep 23, 2005
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which are considered strategic and
critical. This information will be
published as chapters in Minerals
Yearbooks, monthly/quarterly Mineral
Industry Surveys, annual Mineral
Commodity Summaries, and special
publications, for use by Government
agencies, industry, education programs,
and the general public.
Bureau Form Number: Various (32
forms).
Frequency: Monthly, Quarterly, and
Annually.
Description of Respondents:
Producers and Consumers of nonferrous
and related metals.
Annual Responses: 5,466.
Annual Burden Hours: 3,968.
Bureau Clearance Officer: John E.
Cordyack, Jr., 703–648–7313.
John H. DeYoung, Jr.,
Chief Scientist, Minerals Information Team.
[FR Doc. 05–19074 Filed 9–23–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–Y7–M
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[CA–310–0777–XG]
Notice of Public Meeting: Northwest
California Resource Advisory Council
Bureau of Land Management,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of public meeting.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
Federal Land Policy and Management
Act of 1976 (FLPMA), and the Federal
Advisory Committee Act of 1972
(FACA), the U. S. Department of the
Interior, Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) Northwest California Resource
Advisory Council will meet as indicated
below.
DATES: The meeting will be held
Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 19 and
20, 2005, in Arcata, California. On Oct.
19, the council members convene at 10
a.m. at the BLM Arcata Field Office,
1695 Heindon Rd., and depart
immediately for a field tour of public
lands managed by the Arcata Field
Office. Members of the public are
welcome on the tour, but they must
provide their own transportation and
lunch. On Oct. 20, the council convenes
at 8 a.m. in the Conference Center of the
Hotel Arcata, 708 Ninth St., Arcata.
Time for public comment has been set
aside for 1 p.m, Thursday, Oct. 20.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rich
Burns, BLM Ukiah Field Office
manager, (707) 468–4000; or BLM
Public Affairs Officer Joseph J. Fontana,
(530) 252–5332.
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56185
The 12member council advises the Secretary of
the Interior, through the BLM, on a
variety of planning and management
issues associated with public land
management in Northwest California. At
this meeting, agenda topics will include
the Ukiah Resource Management Plan,
an update on the California Coastal
National Monument Resource
Management Plan, a status report on the
proposed Sacramento River Bend
National Recreation Area and a report
on special recreation use permits. All
meetings are open to the public.
Members of the public may present
written comments to the council. Each
formal council meeting will have time
allocated for public comments.
Depending on the number of persons
wishing to speak, and the time
available, the time for individual
comments may be limited. Members of
the public are welcome on field tours,
but they must provide their own
transportation and lunch. Individuals
who plan to attend and need special
assistance, such as sign language
interpretation and other reasonable
accommodations, should contact the
BLM as provided above.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Dated: Sept. 19, 2005.
Joseph J. Fontana,
Public Affairs Officer.
[FR Doc. 05–19099 Filed 9–23–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–40–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[CA–160.95–1310–DU]
Notice of Intent To Prepare an
Amendment to the Caliente Resource
Management Plan Regarding Bureau of
Land Management Administration of
Newly Transferred Lands at Naval
Petroleum Reserve #2 (NPR–2) in Kern
County, CA
Bureau of Land Management,
Department of the Interior.
ACTION: Notice of Intent to Amend the
Caliente Resource Management Plan to
provide for management of lands by
BLM on newly transferred lands at the
Naval Petroleum Reserve #2 (NPR–2) in
Kern County, California.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) proposes to amend
the Caliente Resource Management Plan
(RMP) to cover newly transferred lands
at NPR–2 and prepare an environmental
assessment to analyze the effects of that
action. The lands addressed by this
amendment were formerly under the
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26SEN1
56186
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 185 / Monday, September 26, 2005 / Notices
jurisdiction of the Department of
Energy. However, the Energy Policy Act
of 2005 (hereinafter referred to as the
Act) transferred management
responsibility from the DOE to the BLM
effective August 8, 2005. As directed in
the Act, ‘‘the principal purpose of the
lands subject to transfer * * * is the
production of hydrocarbon resources,
and the Secretary of the Interior shall
manage the lands in a fashion consistent
with this purpose.’’ Accordingly, this
plan amendment will specify
management prescriptions at NPR–2 for
oil and gas related operations and
specific realty actions covered under 43
CFR part 2000 by extending existing
management prescriptions from the
current Caliente RMP.
The proposed action identifies the
suitability of the newly transferred
lands for leasing for oil and gas
exploration and development and any
constraints thereon, in addition to
addressing both ongoing and new oil
and gas related activities on lands that
are already leased. The amendment will
also identify guidance for specific realty
program actions, including any
constraints on repositioning land
through exchange, sale or acquisition.
The land affected comprises only the
federal portion of NPR–2. Total acreage
is approximately 10,451 acres, located
in Townships 31 South, Ranges 23–24
East; and 32 South, Ranges 23–25 East,
MDBM. Approximately 7,919 acres,
76% of the transferred land, already
contain ongoing oil and gas operations
and little change is expected in those
areas. Approximately 2,532 acres, or
24% of the transferred land, is unleased.
The publication of this notice
initiates the public scoping process.
Public comments concerning the scope
of the draft RMP amendment for NPR–
2 should be submitted within 30 days of
the date of publication of this notice in
the Federal Register. Comments are
requested on potential issues,
alternatives, as well as any suggested
planning criteria that BLM should use to
guide the plan amendment process.
Public Participation: Public input will
be accepted throughout the preparation
period. If sufficient interest exists, an
open house will be held at the BLM
field office in Bakersfield, CA.
Information concerning the planning
process, including any public
participation opportunities, will be
announced by BLM through news
releases, direct mailings or other
applicable means of public notification.
Current information about the NPR–2
planning process is also maintained at
the Bakersfield Field Office, 3801
DATES:
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14:49 Sep 23, 2005
Jkt 205001
Pegasus Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93308,
telephone (661) 391–6000.
ADDRESSES: Scoping comments should
be sent to Jeff Prude, NPR–2
Amendment Project Manager, Bureau of
Land Management, Bakersfield Field
Office, 3801 Pegasus Dr., Bakersfield,
California, 93308; Fax (661) 391–6156,
or e-mail at jprude@ca.blm.gov. BLM
will maintain a record of public
documents related to the development
of the RMP amendment at the
Bakersfield Field Office at the address
listed above. Comments, including
names and street addresses of
respondents, will be available for public
review at the Bakersfield Field Office
during regular business hours, 7:30 a.m.
to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday,
excluding federal holidays, and may be
published as part of the environmental
assessment. Individual respondents may
request confidentiality. Individuals who
wish to withhold their name or street
address from public review or from
disclosure under the Freedom of
Information Act must state this
prominently at the beginning of their
written comment. Such requests will be
honored to the extent allowed by law.
All submissions from organizations and
businesses, and from individuals
identifying themselves as
representatives or officials of
organizations or businesses, will be
available for public inspection in their
entirety.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
further information or to have your
name added to our mailing list, contact
Jeff Prude, telephone (661) 391–6140 or
e-mail to jprude@ca.blm.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
subject federal lands at NPR–2 were
transferred from jurisdiction of the
Department of Energy to the Bureau of
Land Management as a result of the
Energy Policy Act of 2005, effective
August 8, 2005. A plan amendment is
needed because the existing 1997
Caliente RMP does not specifically
address management of NPR–2 (since it
was not managed by the BLM at the
time of the RMP approval). The lands
have all been explored or developed for
oil and gas operations. All management
prescriptions, including oilfield and
realty related actions covered in the
amendment, will remain consistent with
the law, best environmental practice,
and balanced use of resources.
The land that was transferred to the
BLM contains habitat suitable for
several rare plants and animals. The
amendment will fulfill the needs and
obligations set forth in Section 102(2)(C)
of the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA), Section 202 of the Federal
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Land Policy and Management Act
(FLPMA), and BLM planning
regulations contained in 43 CFR part
1600. The BLM will work
collaboratively with interested parties to
identify the management decisions that
are best suited to local, regional, and
national needs and concerns.
Preliminary issues and management
concerns have been identified by BLM
personnel, other agencies, and in
meetings with individuals and user
groups, including: Making the unleased
lands available for competitive oil and
gas leasing; providing consistent
management for ongoing oil and gas
operations on existing leases; land
tenure adjustments; management and
protection of sensitive, rare, threatened
or endangered species; fire management;
management integration with other
agencies; management consistent with
community needs; and access and
transportation on the public lands.
Disciplines involved in the planning
process will include specialists with
expertise in wildlife management,
minerals and geology, water resources,
archaeology, lands and realty,
recreation, rangeland management,
botany, soils, information technology,
sociology, and economics. Likely
alternatives to be evaluated may
include: (1) ‘‘No Action’’ Alternative—
no new land use plan allocations related
to oil and gas or realty actions; (2)
‘‘Lease with Special Stipulations
Consistent with existing Caliente RMP’’
Alternative, which will ‘‘prevent
unnecessary degradation and * * *
provide for ultimate economic recovery
of the (hydrocarbon) resources,’’ ensure
consistency with similar adjacent
parcels, and maximize the enhancement
and protection of the Area’s biological,
natural, cultural, and scenic values; and
(3) ‘‘Resource Use’’ Alternative—
Emphasize oil and gas production
through use of Standard Lease Terms
and Conditions.
Dated: August 17, 2005.
Ron Huntsinger,
Bakersfield BLM Field Manager.
[FR Doc. 05–19131 Filed 9–23–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–40–P
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 185 (Monday, September 26, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56185-56186]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-19131]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[CA-160.95-1310-DU]
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Amendment to the Caliente Resource
Management Plan Regarding Bureau of Land Management Administration of
Newly Transferred Lands at Naval Petroleum Reserve 2 (NPR-2)
in Kern County, CA
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior.
ACTION: Notice of Intent to Amend the Caliente Resource Management Plan
to provide for management of lands by BLM on newly transferred lands at
the Naval Petroleum Reserve 2 (NPR-2) in Kern County,
California.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to amend the
Caliente Resource Management Plan (RMP) to cover newly transferred
lands at NPR-2 and prepare an environmental assessment to analyze the
effects of that action. The lands addressed by this amendment were
formerly under the
[[Page 56186]]
jurisdiction of the Department of Energy. However, the Energy Policy
Act of 2005 (hereinafter referred to as the Act) transferred management
responsibility from the DOE to the BLM effective August 8, 2005. As
directed in the Act, ``the principal purpose of the lands subject to
transfer * * * is the production of hydrocarbon resources, and the
Secretary of the Interior shall manage the lands in a fashion
consistent with this purpose.'' Accordingly, this plan amendment will
specify management prescriptions at NPR-2 for oil and gas related
operations and specific realty actions covered under 43 CFR part 2000
by extending existing management prescriptions from the current
Caliente RMP.
The proposed action identifies the suitability of the newly
transferred lands for leasing for oil and gas exploration and
development and any constraints thereon, in addition to addressing both
ongoing and new oil and gas related activities on lands that are
already leased. The amendment will also identify guidance for specific
realty program actions, including any constraints on repositioning land
through exchange, sale or acquisition. The land affected comprises only
the federal portion of NPR-2. Total acreage is approximately 10,451
acres, located in Townships 31 South, Ranges 23-24 East; and 32 South,
Ranges 23-25 East, MDBM. Approximately 7,919 acres, 76% of the
transferred land, already contain ongoing oil and gas operations and
little change is expected in those areas. Approximately 2,532 acres, or
24% of the transferred land, is unleased.
DATES: The publication of this notice initiates the public scoping
process. Public comments concerning the scope of the draft RMP
amendment for NPR-2 should be submitted within 30 days of the date of
publication of this notice in the Federal Register. Comments are
requested on potential issues, alternatives, as well as any suggested
planning criteria that BLM should use to guide the plan amendment
process.
Public Participation: Public input will be accepted throughout the
preparation period. If sufficient interest exists, an open house will
be held at the BLM field office in Bakersfield, CA. Information
concerning the planning process, including any public participation
opportunities, will be announced by BLM through news releases, direct
mailings or other applicable means of public notification. Current
information about the NPR-2 planning process is also maintained at the
Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93308,
telephone (661) 391-6000.
ADDRESSES: Scoping comments should be sent to Jeff Prude, NPR-2
Amendment Project Manager, Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield Field
Office, 3801 Pegasus Dr., Bakersfield, California, 93308; Fax (661)
391-6156, or e-mail at jprude@ca.blm.gov. BLM will maintain a record of
public documents related to the development of the RMP amendment at the
Bakersfield Field Office at the address listed above. Comments,
including names and street addresses of respondents, will be available
for public review at the Bakersfield Field Office during regular
business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday,
excluding federal holidays, and may be published as part of the
environmental assessment. Individual respondents may request
confidentiality. Individuals who wish to withhold their name or street
address from public review or from disclosure under the Freedom of
Information Act must state this prominently at the beginning of their
written comment. Such requests will be honored to the extent allowed by
law. All submissions from organizations and businesses, and from
individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of
organizations or businesses, will be available for public inspection in
their entirety.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information or to have
your name added to our mailing list, contact Jeff Prude, telephone
(661) 391-6140 or e-mail to jprude@ca.blm.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject federal lands at NPR-2 were
transferred from jurisdiction of the Department of Energy to the Bureau
of Land Management as a result of the Energy Policy Act of 2005,
effective August 8, 2005. A plan amendment is needed because the
existing 1997 Caliente RMP does not specifically address management of
NPR-2 (since it was not managed by the BLM at the time of the RMP
approval). The lands have all been explored or developed for oil and
gas operations. All management prescriptions, including oilfield and
realty related actions covered in the amendment, will remain consistent
with the law, best environmental practice, and balanced use of
resources.
The land that was transferred to the BLM contains habitat suitable
for several rare plants and animals. The amendment will fulfill the
needs and obligations set forth in Section 102(2)(C) of the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 202 of the Federal Land Policy
and Management Act (FLPMA), and BLM planning regulations contained in
43 CFR part 1600. The BLM will work collaboratively with interested
parties to identify the management decisions that are best suited to
local, regional, and national needs and concerns. Preliminary issues
and management concerns have been identified by BLM personnel, other
agencies, and in meetings with individuals and user groups, including:
Making the unleased lands available for competitive oil and gas
leasing; providing consistent management for ongoing oil and gas
operations on existing leases; land tenure adjustments; management and
protection of sensitive, rare, threatened or endangered species; fire
management; management integration with other agencies; management
consistent with community needs; and access and transportation on the
public lands. Disciplines involved in the planning process will include
specialists with expertise in wildlife management, minerals and
geology, water resources, archaeology, lands and realty, recreation,
rangeland management, botany, soils, information technology, sociology,
and economics. Likely alternatives to be evaluated may include: (1)
``No Action'' Alternative--no new land use plan allocations related to
oil and gas or realty actions; (2) ``Lease with Special Stipulations
Consistent with existing Caliente RMP'' Alternative, which will
``prevent unnecessary degradation and * * * provide for ultimate
economic recovery of the (hydrocarbon) resources,'' ensure consistency
with similar adjacent parcels, and maximize the enhancement and
protection of the Area's biological, natural, cultural, and scenic
values; and (3) ``Resource Use'' Alternative--Emphasize oil and gas
production through use of Standard Lease Terms and Conditions.
Dated: August 17, 2005.
Ron Huntsinger,
Bakersfield BLM Field Manager.
[FR Doc. 05-19131 Filed 9-23-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-40-P
