Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for a Proposed Coal-Fired Electric Power Generating Plant in Southeastern Lincoln County and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings; Nevada, 8869-8870 [E6-2384]

Download as PDF rmajette on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 34 / Tuesday, February 21, 2006 / Notices identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be available for public inspection in their entirety. Preliminary issues and management concerns have been identified by BLM personnel, other agencies, and various individuals and user groups. The major preliminary issues to be addressed in this planning effort include: vegetation management (including upland and watershed management, riparian areas and wetlands, forests and woodlands, fire and fuels management, wildlife habitat management, special status species, and noxious weeds), water quality/aquatic resources/fisheries, special management areas (including Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, significant caves, wild and scenic rivers, and wilderness study areas); recreation management; cultural and paleontological resources; socioeconomics and environmental justice; energy and minerals; lands and realty; and transportation (including off highway vehicle management and public access). After public comments are gathered on these and other issues that the plan should address, they will be placed in one of three categories: 1. Issues to be resolved in the plan; 2. Issues to be resolved through policy or administrative action; or 3. Issues beyond the scope of this plan. The BLM will provide an explanation in the plan as to why we placed an issue in category two or three. In addition to these major issues, a number of management questions and concerns will be addressed in the plan. The public is encouraged to help identify these questions and concerns during the scoping phase. The BLM will use an interdisciplinary approach to develop the plan in order to consider the variety of resource issues and concerns identified. Specialists with expertise in the following disciplines will be involved in the planning process: Rangeland management, minerals and geology, forestry, fire and fuels, botany, outdoor recreation, archaeology, paleontology, wildlife and fisheries, lands and realty, hydrology, soils, civil engineering, sociology, and economics. Dated: December 19, 2005. Elaine M. Brong, State Director, Oregon/Washington BLM. [FR Doc. E6–2388 Filed 2–17–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–33–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:48 Feb 17, 2006 Jkt 208001 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [NV–040–5101–ER–F336; 6–08807] Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for a Proposed Coal-Fired Electric Power Generating Plant in Southeastern Lincoln County and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings; Nevada Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and Initiate Scoping. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102 (2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Ely Field Office, will be directing the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) and conducting public scoping meetings for the proposed Toquop Energy Power Project, which is a coal-fired electric power generating plant and associated ancillary facilities. BLM has received right-of-way applicants for this project from Toquop Energy Inc. The EIS will assess the potential impacts of a rightof-way for a proposed coal-fired facility and a new railroad line to transport coal to the facility. The Toquop Energy Power Project was previously analyzed in a March 2003 EIS as an 1100 MW gasfired electric generating facility. Use of an alternative fuel such as coal was eliminated from the 2003 EIS and never analyzed due to economics and other factors at the time. DATES: The publication of this notice initiates the public scoping comment period. Comments on the scope of the EIS, including concerns, issues, or proposed alternatives that should be considered in the EIS must be submitted in writing to the address below. Comments will be accepted until March 23, 2006. Four public scoping meetings are planned during the 30-day scoping period. The meetings will provide the public an opportunity to present comments concerning the Proposed Action that will be addressed in the EIS. The meetings will be held in Reno, Caliente, Mesquite, and Las Vegas, Nevada. The dates, locations, and times of the meetings will be distributed by mail and announced in the local news media on or about the date of this notice. All comments received at the public scoping meetings or through submitted written comments will aid the BLM in identifying alternatives and mitigating measures to assure all issues are analyzed in the EIS. PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 8869 Please mail written comments to the BLM, Ely Field Office, HC 33 Box 33500, Ely, NV 89301, or by visiting the Ely Field Office at 702 North Industrial Way. Comments submitted during this EIS process, including names and street addresses of respondents, will be available for public review at the Ely Field Office during regular business hours 7:30 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 business, will be made available for public inspection in their entirety. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doris Metcalf at (775) 289–1852, or email Doris_Metcalf@nv.blm.gov. You may also contact Ms. Metcalf at the address above. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 15 and June 28, 2001, Toquop Energy Inc. filed applications for Federal Land Policy and Management Act rights-ofway and a temporary use permit to construct and operate an 1100 MW gasfired power plant to be located in southeast Lincoln County. The applications sought rights-of-way for: (1) An access road from Interstate 15 to the planned project site; (2) a water pipeline, electrical line and well field access road easement running from the proposed power plant site to a terminus point in a proposed well field site in the Tule Desert Area; and (3) a well field in the Tule Desert area and an associated water pump station and equalizer tank. In March 2003, the BLM completed a Final EIS in support of this request. The EIS evaluated the proposed rights-ofway and a No Action alternative. The BLM granted Toquop Energy Inc. the rights-of-way in 2003. The March 2003 EIS considered evaluating several project and right-ofway alternatives, among which was the use of an alternative fuel such as coal. This alternative was eliminated from the 2003 EIS because project economics did not support such an alternative at the time. Therefore, a coal-fired plant was never analyzed. However, a recent change in market conditions, driven by the ever higher and volatile prices of natural gas, is making this alternative more desirable and economically viable. ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\21FEN1.SGM 21FEN1 8870 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 34 / Tuesday, February 21, 2006 / Notices The BLM intends to prepare an EIS to re-evaluate the alternative of constructing a 750 MW coal-fired power plant in lieu of an 1100 MW gas-fired power plant and complete studies necessary for a new 36-mile long railroad right-of-way connecting the project site to the existing Union Pacific Railway siding near Leith, NV. The EIS will evaluate, among other things, the alternative of constructing a 750 MW coal-fired power plant, a new railroad access line, coal unloading/handling/ storage facilities, a solid waste disposal facility, water storage and treatment facilities, evaporation pond, cooling towers, and electric switchyard and support buildings. The facilities would be generally located within and/or across the following sections of public land: Mount Diablo Meridian Power Plant T. 11 S., R 69 E., Section 36. Railroad T. 8 S., R. 67 E., Sections 14, 15, 23, 26, and 35; T. 9 S., R. 67 E., Sections 1, 2, 12, and 13; T. 9 S., R. 68 E., Sections 7, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 36; T. 9 S., R. 69 E., Section 31; T. 10 S., R. 69 E., Sections 6, 7, 8, 17, 20, 29, 32, and 33; T. 11 S., R. 69 E., Sections 3, 4, 9, 10, 14, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 34, 35, and 36. A map of the proposed project is available for viewing at the Bureau of Land Management, Ely Field Office, 702 North Industrial Way, Ely, NV 89301. Dated: December 15, 2005. Gene A. Kolkman, Field Manager. [FR Doc. E6–2384 Filed 2–17–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–HC–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [OR–936–06–1430–FM; GP6–0023] Termination of Classification and Order Providing for Opening of Land, OR 02752 Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Interior. ACTION: Notice. rmajette on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES1 AGENCY: SUMMARY: This notice terminates the existing classification for 80.00 acres of public land that was classified as suitable for disposal through exchange under section 8 of the Taylor Grazing Act (43 U.S.C. 315g) and opens the land to operation of the public land laws and location and entry under the mining laws, subject to the existing laws, rules, and regulations applicable to public VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:48 Feb 17, 2006 Jkt 208001 lands administered by the BLM. The land has been and will remain open to mineral leasing. EFFECTIVE DATE: February 21, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Phyllis Gregory, BLM, Oregon/ Washington State Office, P.O. Box 2965, Portland, OR 97208, 503–808–6188. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: By notice published in the Federal Register (34 FR 1194) on January 24, 1969, 2,632.83 acres of public land under the jurisdiction of the BLM were classified as suitable for exchange under section 8 of the Taylor Grazing Act (43 U.S.C. 315g). On September 19, 1977, an Order Providing for Opening of Public Lands was published in the Federal Register (42 FR 46958) opening 2,360 acres of reconveyed land to entry. However, 80 acres listed in the original Notice of Classification were not included in the exchange and were omitted in the opening order of September 19, 1977. Consequently, these 80 acres are still classified for disposal. Notice: Pursuant to 43 CFR 2091.7–1 (b) (3), the classification is terminated upon publication of this notice in the Federal Register for the subject land and is described as follows: Willamette Meridian, Oregon T. 20 S., R. 44 E., Sec. 2, SW1⁄4NE1⁄4, NW1⁄4SE1⁄4. The area described contains 80.00 acres in Malheur County, Oregon. Order: At 8:30 a.m. on February 21, 2006 the land will be opened to operation of the public land laws generally, subject to valid existing rights, the provisions of existing withdrawals, and the requirements of applicable law. All valid existing applications received at or prior to 8:30 a.m., on March 23, 2006 will be considered as simultaneously filed at that time. Those received thereafter will be considered in the order of filing. At 8:30 a.m. on February 21, 2006 the land will be opened to location and entry under the United States mining laws. Appropriation under the mining laws prior to the date and time of restoration and opening is unauthorized. Any such attempted appropriation, including attempted adverse possession under 30 U.S.C. 38, shall vest no rights against the United States. Acts required to establish a location and to initiate a right of possession are governed by State law where not in conflict with Federal law. The BLM will not intervene in disputes between rival locators over possessory rights since Congress has provided for such determination in local courts. Authority: 43 CFR 2091.1(b). PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: February 1, 2006. Robert D. DeViney, Jr., Chief, Branch of Realty and Records Services. [FR Doc. E6–2374 Filed 2–17–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–33–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [CO–500–1430–EU] Notice of Realty Action: Proposed Modified Competitive Sale and Competitive Sale of Public Lands, Rio Grande and Conejos Counties, CO Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of realty action. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides notice that it will offer two parcels of public lands located in Rio Grande and Conejos Counties, Colorado, for sale at not less than their respective appraised fair market values. The Del Norte Field Manager has determined that because Parcel 1 has no legal access via any public road and is surrounded by private lands, it will be offered for sale only to the current adjoining landowners under modified competitive sale procedures. The La Jara Field Manager has determined that Parcel 2 has legal access via a public road and will be sold individually under competitive sale procedures open to any person or entity qualified to bid. Sales of both parcels will be by sealed bid only. DATES: Comments regarding the proposed sales must be in writing and received by BLM not later than April 7, 2006. Sealed bids must be received by BLM not later than 4:30 p.m. MDT, April 24, 2006. ADDRESSES: Address all written comments regarding the proposed sales to BLM San Luis Valley Public Lands Center Manager, Attn: Bill Miller, 1803 West Highway 160, Monte Vista, Colorado 81144. Comments received in electronic form such as email or facsimile will not be considered. Address all sealed bids, marked as specified below, to the SLV PLC at the address above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Bill Miller, Realty Specialist, at (719) 852– 6219. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the provisions of 43 CFR parts 2710 and 2720, the following described lands in Rio Grande and Conejos Counties, Colorado, are E:\FR\FM\21FEN1.SGM 21FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 21, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8869-8870]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-2384]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[NV-040-5101-ER-F336; 6-08807]


Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for 
a Proposed Coal-Fired Electric Power Generating Plant in Southeastern 
Lincoln County and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings; Nevada

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement 
and Initiate Scoping.

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

SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102 (2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Ely Field 
Office, will be directing the preparation of an environmental impact 
statement (EIS) and conducting public scoping meetings for the proposed 
Toquop Energy Power Project, which is a coal-fired electric power 
generating plant and associated ancillary facilities. BLM has received 
right-of-way applicants for this project from Toquop Energy Inc. The 
EIS will assess the potential impacts of a right-of-way for a proposed 
coal-fired facility and a new railroad line to transport coal to the 
facility. The Toquop Energy Power Project was previously analyzed in a 
March 2003 EIS as an 1100 MW gas-fired electric generating facility. 
Use of an alternative fuel such as coal was eliminated from the 2003 
EIS and never analyzed due to economics and other factors at the time.

DATES: The publication of this notice initiates the public scoping 
comment period. Comments on the scope of the EIS, including concerns, 
issues, or proposed alternatives that should be considered in the EIS 
must be submitted in writing to the address below. Comments will be 
accepted until March 23, 2006. Four public scoping meetings are planned 
during the 30-day scoping period. The meetings will provide the public 
an opportunity to present comments concerning the Proposed Action that 
will be addressed in the EIS. The meetings will be held in Reno, 
Caliente, Mesquite, and Las Vegas, Nevada. The dates, locations, and 
times of the meetings will be distributed by mail and announced in the 
local news media on or about the date of this notice.
    All comments received at the public scoping meetings or through 
submitted written comments will aid the BLM in identifying alternatives 
and mitigating measures to assure all issues are analyzed in the EIS.

ADDRESSES: Please mail written comments to the BLM, Ely Field Office, 
HC 33 Box 33500, Ely, NV 89301, or by visiting the Ely Field Office at 
702 North Industrial Way. Comments submitted during this EIS process, 
including names and street addresses of respondents, will be available 
for public review at the Ely Field Office during regular business hours 
7:30 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 business, will be made available for public 
inspection in their entirety.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doris Metcalf at (775) 289-1852, or e-
mail Doris--Metcalf@nv.blm.gov. You may also contact Ms. Metcalf at the 
address above.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 15 and June 28, 2001, Toquop Energy 
Inc. filed applications for Federal Land Policy and Management Act 
rights-of-way and a temporary use permit to construct and operate an 
1100 MW gas-fired power plant to be located in southeast Lincoln 
County. The applications sought rights-of-way for: (1) An access road 
from Interstate 15 to the planned project site; (2) a water pipeline, 
electrical line and well field access road easement running from the 
proposed power plant site to a terminus point in a proposed well field 
site in the Tule Desert Area; and (3) a well field in the Tule Desert 
area and an associated water pump station and equalizer tank. In March 
2003, the BLM completed a Final EIS in support of this request. The EIS 
evaluated the proposed rights-of-way and a No Action alternative. The 
BLM granted Toquop Energy Inc. the rights-of-way in 2003.
    The March 2003 EIS considered evaluating several project and right-
of-way alternatives, among which was the use of an alternative fuel 
such as coal. This alternative was eliminated from the 2003 EIS because 
project economics did not support such an alternative at the time. 
Therefore, a coal-fired plant was never analyzed. However, a recent 
change in market conditions, driven by the ever higher and volatile 
prices of natural gas, is making this alternative more desirable and 
economically viable.

[[Page 8870]]

The BLM intends to prepare an EIS to re-evaluate the alternative of 
constructing a 750 MW coal-fired power plant in lieu of an 1100 MW gas-
fired power plant and complete studies necessary for a new 36-mile long 
railroad right-of-way connecting the project site to the existing Union 
Pacific Railway siding near Leith, NV. The EIS will evaluate, among 
other things, the alternative of constructing a 750 MW coal-fired power 
plant, a new railroad access line, coal unloading/handling/storage 
facilities, a solid waste disposal facility, water storage and 
treatment facilities, evaporation pond, cooling towers, and electric 
switchyard and support buildings. The facilities would be generally 
located within and/or across the following sections of public land:

Mount Diablo Meridian

Power Plant
    T. 11 S., R 69 E., Section 36.
Railroad
    T. 8 S., R. 67 E., Sections 14, 15, 23, 26, and 35;
    T. 9 S., R. 67 E., Sections 1, 2, 12, and 13;
    T. 9 S., R. 68 E., Sections 7, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 
26, and 36;
    T. 9 S., R. 69 E., Section 31;
    T. 10 S., R. 69 E., Sections 6, 7, 8, 17, 20, 29, 32, and 33;
    T. 11 S., R. 69 E., Sections 3, 4, 9, 10, 14, 16, 21, 22, 23, 
24, 25, 34, 35, and 36.

    A map of the proposed project is available for viewing at the 
Bureau of Land Management, Ely Field Office, 702 North Industrial 
Way, Ely, NV 89301.

    Dated: December 15, 2005.
Gene A. Kolkman,
Field Manager.
[FR Doc. E6-2384 Filed 2-17-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-HC-P
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