October 12, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Western Area Power Administration (Western) is proposing revised rate methodologies for network integration transmission service (network service) for the Parker-Davis Project (PDP), and the Pacific Northwest-Pacific Southwest Intertie Project (Intertie) and for ancillary services from the PDP, Boulder Canyon Project (BCP), and part of the Colorado River Storage Project (CRSP) located in the Desert Southwest Customer Service Region's (DSWR) Balancing Authority and Transmission Operations Area (BATO). Current rates, under Rate Schedules DSW-SD1, DSW-RS1, DSW-FR1, DSW-EI1, DSW-SPR1, DSW-SUR1, PD- NTS1, and INT-NTS1, extend through March 31, 2006. The proposed rates will provide sufficient revenue to pay all annual costs, including interest expense and repayment of required investment within the allowable period. Western will prepare a brochure that provides detailed information on the rates. The proposed rates, under Rate Schedules DSW-SD2, DSW-RS2, DSW-FR2, DSW-EI2, DSW-SPR2, DSW-SUR2, PD- NTS2, INT-NTS2, WS-NTS1, are scheduled to go into effect on April 1, 2006, and will remain in effect through March 31, 2011. Publication of this Federal Register notice begins the formal process for the proposed rates.

This is a notice of the Presidential declaration of an emergency for the State of Delaware (FEMA-3263-EM), dated September 30, 2005, and related determinations.

This is a notice of the Presidential declaration of an emergency for the State of Florida (FEMA-3259-EM), dated September 20, 2005, and related determinations.

This notice amends the notice of a major disaster declaration for the State of Texas (FEMA-1606-DR), dated September 24, 2005, and related determinations.

Pursuant to Sec. 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (Pub. L. 91-190, 42U.S.C. 4321-4347, January 1, 1970, as amended), and the Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40CFR Part 1500-1508), the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service and its cooperating agency have completed a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed reconstruction of the Furnace Creek water collection system at Death Valley National Park in Inyo County, California. The proposed project would rebuild the outdated water collection system in the Furnace Creek area to deliver a safe and reliable potable and nonpotable water supply to the park's main visitor use area. The draft EIS also describes and analyzes three alternatives and appropriate mitigation measures, and identifies an ``environmentally preferred'' alternative. Background: The National Park Service (NPS), Xanterra Parks and Resorts (Xanterra), and the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe (cooperating agency) are the primary water user groups in the Furnace Creek area. The Texas-Travertine Springs complex in the Furnace Creek area may be the most critical water resource in Death Valley National Park. This series of springs provides water for all of the human use needs in the park headquarters area; infrastructure in this area includes the primary NPS administrative offices and three campgrounds, two private resort/visitor services facilities owned and operated by Xanterra, and the offices and residences for the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe. The Texas- Travertine Springs complex also provides water that supports a riparian area, a biological community that includes habitat for a minimum of eight endemic special-status species, and a biologically and culturally-important mesquite bosque. The current water collection system consists of four water collection boxes at Travertine Springs, a collection gallery in Furnace Creek Wash, a tunnel for water collection constructed similar to a mine adit at Texas Springs, and a tunnel for water collection constructed similar to a mine adit at the Furnace Creek Inn. All water distributed by the existing collection system is potable, although much of the water is used for irrigation and other nonpotable purposes. The existing water collection system installed in the 1970's has become unreliable, subject to failure, and is nearing the end of its useful life-span. Many of the existing collection galleries have intermittently tested positive for coliform or E. coli bacteria, experienced unpredictable inputs of soil or organic matter, intermittently and unpredictably produced reduced volumes of water, and collected groundwater that does not meet state drinking water standards. When the system was installed approximately 30 years ago, there was an incomplete understanding of the Furnace Creek area's unique biological resource values and water conservation strategies were not a priority. Proposal and Alternatives: The NPS proposes to rebuild the antiquated water collection system in the Furnace Creek area to deliver safe and reliable drinking water to the park's main visitor use area, and provide separate delivery systems for potable and nonpotable water. Desired redevelopment of the Furnace Creek water collection system includes efforts to restore historic wetland and riparian habitat, and ensure the long-term conservation of species endemic to the Furnace Creek area. The draft EIS identifies and analyzes four alternatives for reconstructing the Furnace Creek water collection system. Alternative 1 (``no action'') would result in continued operation and maintenance of the existing water collection system. Under this alternative, the Furnace Creek water collection system would remain in its existing condition. Necessary maintenance and repairs would continue, but no major undertakings (e.g., maintenance activities) would occur. Alternative 1 would provide potable water from collection galleries at Travertine Springs Lines 2, 3, and 4, and Furnace Creek Wash. Nonpotable water would be provided from the Inn Tunnel. Riparian water would be released from Travertine Springs Line 1, Texas Springs, and the Inn Tunnel. Alternative 1 would continue to store water in the existing 2-million gallon and 500,000 gallon storage tanks. Potable water would continue to be disinfected at the 2-million gallon tank with chlorine. All three ``action'' alternatives would separate the potable and nonpotable water system in the project area, and provide nonpotable water from the Inn Tunnel and a Furnace Creek Wash collection gallery. These alternatives primarily differ in terms of how each would provide potable water to the Furnace Creek area. Alternative 2 would provide potable water from rebuilt collection galleries at Travertine Springs Line 3 and Line 4, and two to three new groundwater wells in the Texas Springs Syncline. Alternative 2 would treat potable water using a reverse osmosis water treatment plant. Riparian water would be released from Travertine Springs Line 1 and Line 2 and Texas Springs to restore historic wetland and riparian habitat. The restoration effort would include the incorporation of riparian water release measures that would reduce erosion and promote groundwater infiltration. Alternative 3 (agency preferred) would provide potable water from 4 to 6 new groundwater wells in the Texas Springs Syncline, and would treat potable water using a reverse osmosis water treatment plant. Riparian water would be released from all of Travertine Springs and Texas Springs to restore historic wetland and riparian habitat. The restoration effort would include the incorporation of riparian water release measures that would reduce erosion and promote groundwater infiltration. Alternative 4 would provide potable water from Travertine Springs Lines 2, 3, and 4 and Texas Springs, and would treat water using a reverse osmosis water treatment plant with supplemental water disinfection. Since the NPS would treat all potable water under this alternative (including bypass water), Travertine Springs would not require reconstruction of spring collection boxes or clearing and grubbing of vegetation from the spring area. Riparian water would be released from Travertine Springs Line 1 and Texas Springs to restore historic wetland and riparian habitat. The restoration effort would include the incorporation of riparian water release measures that would reduce erosion and promote groundwater infiltration. The draft EIS identifies and evaluates a full range of mitigation strategies, project design elements, and other measures to minimize environmental harm. In addition to identifying the agency-preferred alternative, based on the environmental impact analysis detailed in the draft EIS an ``environmentally preferred'' alternative is also evaluated. Scoping: Early public and agency participation has been incorporated in this conservation planning process. Death Valley National Park held public scoping and informal meetings in 2001 through 2004 to solicit ideas and concerns from park visitors, park staff, Native American groups, scientists, and government agencies. A notice of intent to prepare the Reconstruction of the Furnace Creek Water Collection System Draft Environmental Impact Statement was published in the Federal Register on November 20, 2000; the formal public scoping phase concluded on March 14, 2001. The public was notified about the public scoping process through the Federal Register announcement, local press releases, website postings, mailings, and the Furnace Creek Visitor Center newsletter. During 2001 the NPS held three public scoping meetings on January 30 (in Pahrump, Nevada), January 31 (in Death Valley National Park), and February 1 (in Independence, California). The purpose of these meetings was to: (1) Provide participants with an overview of existing conditions and the proposed action; (2) ask participants to identify key issues that should be analyzed during the environmental review and compliance process; and (3) provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions regarding project alternatives and the overall environmental review and compliance process. As a result of the public scoping process, two letters were received via U.S. mail. Issues identified during the public scoping process are summarized in the EIS under the Planning Issues section, in Chapter I, Purpose and Need. All comments received during the public scoping process have been duly considered in this EIS. In addition to public scoping, the park and its cooperating agency have also consulted with the Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers, California State Historic Preservation Office, and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. Comments: The draft EIS is now available for public review during a 60-day comment period. Persons wishing to express any new concerns about water management, facilities development, resource protection, or other pertinent aspects of the proposal are encouraged to do so; all responses should be sent to James T. Reynolds, Superintendent, Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, California 92328. Faxed or electronic comments are also acceptable (such transmittals may be sent to the park superintendent's attention at DevaSuperintendent@nps.gov or FAX (760) 786-3283). Written comments will also be accepted at NPS public meetings which are to be held November 15 and 16, 2005 at Pahrump, Nevada, and Death Valley, California. As soon as meeting venues are confirmed, details will be posted on the park's Web site and publicized via local and regional press (and may be obtained by contacting the park at (769) 786-3243). All written comments must be postmarked (or transmitted) no later than 60 days from the date that the Environmental Protection Agency posts its notice of filing in the Federal Register (immediately upon confirmation, this date will be announced on the park's Web site and via local and regional press media; this information will also be available at the park's telephone contact at (760) 786-3243). Please note that names and addresses of people who comment become part of the public record. If individuals commenting request that their name or[bs]and address be withheld from public disclosure, it will be honored to the extent allowable by law. Such requests must be stated prominently in the beginning of the comments. There also may be circumstances wherein the NPS will withhold from the record a respondent's identity, as allowable by law. As always: The NPS will make available to public inspection all submissions from organizations or businesses and from persons identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations and businesses; and, anonymous comments may not be considered. Printed or compact disk copies of the draft EIS will both be available. Please specify which document format you would like to receive when calling, e-mailing, or faxing Death Valley National Park. The draft EIS also can be viewed on the internet at www.nps.gov/deva/ pphtml/documents.html or reviewed at several public libraries. Decision Process: Following careful consideration of all comments as may be received, a final EIS will be prepared. Not sooner than 30 days following release of the final EIS a Record of Decision would be prepared. At this time its anticipated that project construction may begin during winter, 2007. As a delegated EIS the approving official is the Regional Director, Pacific West Region of the National Park Service; subsequently the official responsible for project implementation would be the Superintendent, Death Valley National Park.

This notice reschedules an informal hearing on the proposed standards on electric power generation, transmission, and distribution and on electrical protective equipment, which were published on June 15, 2005. It also reopens the period to file notices of intention to appear at the informal public hearing, extends the period for written comments on the proposal, extends the period to provide the complete text of testimony and documentary evidence, and identifies additional issues on which OSHA is seeking comment. These periods are extended 90 days with this notice.

This notice announces the availability of EPA's Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide pyrazon, and opens a public comment period on this document. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents also are available in the pyrazon Docket. Pyrazon [5- amino-4-chloro-2-phenyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone], also known as chloridazon, is an herbicide belonging to the pyridazinone class of pesticides, and is used for weed control on sugar beets, red table beets, and ornamentals. EPA has reviewed pyrazon through the public participation process that the Agency uses to involve the public in developing pesticide reregistration and tolerance reassessment decisions. Through these programs, EPA is ensuring that all pesticides meet current health and safety standards.

DOT proposes to modify an existing system of records under the Privacy Act of 1974. Proposed modifications include changing the name from DOT/SLS 152 Data Automation Program Records to DOT/SLS 152 Travel Voucher Records; deleting some records now covered under Department of the Interior System of Records DOI-85; and updating administrative information.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to reinstate and revise a previously approved information collection. The collected information will help NRCS to match the skills of individuals who are applying for volunteer work that will further the Agency's mission. Information will be collected from potential volunteers who are 14 years of age or older.

On November 5, 2001, the Department of Defense (DoD) published a notice of a Nationwide TRICARE Demonstration Project (66 FR 55928- 55930). On October 1, 2004, the Department of Defense (DoD) published a notice (69 FR 58895) to extend the Demonstration through October 31, 2005. The Demonstration is also referred to as the Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom Reservist and National Guard Benefits Demonstration. This notice is to advise interested parties of the continuation of the Demonstration in which the DoD Military Health System addresses unreasonable impediments to the continuity of healthcare encountered by certain family members of Reservists and National Guardsmen called to active duty in support of a Federal/ contingency operation. The Demonstration scheduled to end on October 31, 2005, is now extended through October 31, 2007.

We are proposing to amend the black stem rust quarantine and regulations by changing the movement restrictions in order to allow clonally propagated offspring of rust-resistant Berberis cultivars to move into or through a protected area without completing the currently required 2-year growth period. This change would lessen an unnecessarily strict movement requirement. We also propose to add 13 varieties to the list of rust-resistant Berberis species. This change would allow for the interstate movement of these newly developed varieties without unnecessary restrictions.

In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the FHWA, in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), have jointly prepared a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) for proposed transportation improvements in the US 411 Corridor. The project is within Bartow County. The DSEIS identifies various alternatives and the associated environmental impacts of the proposed alternatives. Interested citizens are invited to review the DSEIS and submit comments. Copies of the DSEIS may be obtained by telephoning or writing the contact person listed below under ADDRESSES. Public reading copies of the DSEIS are available at the locations listed under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is scheduled to the plats of surveys of the lands described below thirty (30) calendar days from the date of this publication in the BLM Wyoming State Office, Cheyenne, Wyoming.

The following applicants have applied for a survival enhancement permit to conduct certain activities with endangered species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (``we'') solicits review and comment from the public, and from local, State, and Federal agencies on the following permit requests.

This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the State of Louisiana (FEMA-1607-DR), dated 09/24/ 2005. Incident: Hurricane Rita. Incident Period: 09/23/2005 and continuing. Effective Date: 09/27/2005. Physical Loan Application Deadline Date: 11/23/2005. EIDL Loan Application Deadline Date: 06/26/2006.

This notice announces that the General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Governmentwide Policy (M), is granting a deviation from the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) to all agencies whose purchase of gasoline for motor vehicles has been impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This deviation will allow Federal agencies to purchase premium gasoline for government owned and leased vehicles when lower grade gasoline is not available. This deviation can be found at www.gsa.gov/ vehiclepolicy and clicking on ``Deviation from 41 CFR 102-34.335''.

The following permits were issued.

As required by the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988, RRB is issuing public notice of its use and intent to use, in ongoing computer matching programs, information obtained from the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the amount of wages reported to SSA and the amount of benefits paid by that agency. The RRB is also issuing public notice, on behalf of the Social Security Administration, of SSA's use and intent to use, in ongoing computer matching programs, information obtained from the RRB of the amount of railroad earnings reported to the RRB. The purposes of this notice are (1) to advise individuals applying for or receiving benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act of the use made by RRB of this information obtained from SSA by means of a computer match and (2) to advise individuals applying for or receiving benefits under the Social Security Act of the use made by SSA of this information obtained from RRB by means of a computer match.

The Antitrust Modernization Commission will hold public hearings on October 26 and November 3, 2005. The topics of the hearings are State Antitrust Enforcement, Criminal Remedies, and Dual Federal Antitrust Enforcement.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on requirements under which the clinical investigation of the safety and effectiveness of unapproved new drugs and biological products can be conducted.