East Kentucky Power Cooperative; Notice of Intent To Hold Public Scoping Meetings and Prepare an Environmental Assessment, 37038-37039 [06-5803]

Download as PDF jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES 37038 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 125 / Thursday, June 29, 2006 / Notices by its members. As such, it provides wholesale electricity and related services to five electric distribution cooperatives and one municipal utility. SME’s 58,000-square mile (150,220square kilometer) service area encompasses 22 counties in two states— Montana and a very small area of Wyoming. Under its charter, SME is required to meet the electric power needs of the cooperative member systems it serves. Presently, SME meets all of its power requirements for its member systems by purchasing power from two Federal power suppliers—the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the Western Area Power Administration. However, its major supplier (BPA) will begin to phase out its sales of power to SME in 2008, and terminate them entirely by 2011. Thus, SME does not have the capacity to meet all of its members’ power needs beyond roughly 2010. After considering various ways to meet those future needs, SME identified the construction of a new coal-fired power plant near Great Falls—the proposed HGS—supplemented with four wind turbines on the same site, as its best course of action to meet its electric energy and related service needs. An Alternative Evaluation Study and the DEIS examined a total of 26 alternative means of responding to the identified purpose and need for the project. These alternatives were evaluated in terms of cost-effectiveness, technical feasibility, and environmental soundness. Twenty-three alternatives were considered but dismissed from more detailed analysis on one or more of these grounds. The three alternatives analyzed fully in the Draft EIS are the No Action Alternative, Proposed Action (HGS at the Salem Site eight miles east of Great Falls), and Alternative Site (building the power plant at a designated industrial park closer to Great Falls). Under the No Action Alternative, the HGS would not be constructed or operated to meet the projected 250–MW base load needs of SME. There would be no facilities constructed at either the Salem or Industrial Park sites to meet the purpose and need. Under the Proposed Action, a 250– MW (net) generating station utilizing CFB technology to burn coal—the HGS—would be built and operated approximately eight miles east of Great Falls. In addition, four 1.5–MW wind turbines would be constructed and operated on the same site. Ash from coal combustion would be disposed of using approved means on-site. The Proposed Action would entail potentially significant adverse impacts on cultural VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:03 Jun 28, 2006 Jkt 208001 and visual resources, because it is located on and adjacent to the Great Falls Portage National Historic Landmark. Other adverse but nonsignificant impacts of the Proposed Action include those on soils, water, air, biological resources, noise, transportation, farmland and land use, human health and safety, and environmental justice. The Proposed Action would result in moderately beneficial socioeconomic impacts, including increased employment opportunities, total purchases of goods and services, and an increase in the tax base. Utilizing the alternative Industrial Park Site would result in broadly similar impacts to those of the Proposed Action, but with some important distinctions. No wind turbines are proposed for the Industrial Park site. Due to space limitations at the Industrial Park site, ash from coal combustion would be hauled off-site to a licensed landfill for disposal. Adverse but non-significant impacts of the Alternative Site include those on soils, water, air, biological resources, noise, cultural resources, visual resources, transportation, farmland and land use, human health and safety, and environmental justice. Building and operating the proposed SME power plant at the Alternative Site would produce moderately beneficial socioeconomic impacts, including increased employment opportunities, total purchases of goods and services, and an increase in the tax base. Dated: June 22, 2006. James R. Newby, Assistant Administrator, Electric Program, Rural Development. [FR Doc. 06–5801 Filed 6–28–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service East Kentucky Power Cooperative; Notice of Intent To Hold Public Scoping Meetings and Prepare an Environmental Assessment Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Notice of intent to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an environmental assessment (EA). AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service, an agency which administers the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Programs (USDA Rural Development) intends to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an environmental assessment (EA) related PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 to possible financial assistance to East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Inc. (EKPC) of Kentucky for the proposed construction of approximately 35 miles of 345 kilovolt (kV) transmission line in Clark, Madison, and Garrard counties, KY. The proposed 345 kV transmission line project would be constructed within one of several corridors under consideration. The transmission line corridors originate at the J.K. Smith Power Station near the community of Trapp in Clark County, KY and terminate at the proposed location of a new 345 kV switching station. EKPC is requesting USDA Rural Development to provide financial assistance for the proposed project. DATES: USDA Rural Development will conduct a scoping meeting in an open house format from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, 2006. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information and solicit comments for the preparation of an EA. ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the Best Western-Holiday Plaza located at 100 Eastern Bypass, Richmond, KY 40475; Phone: 859–623– 9220. A Macro Corridor Study will be available for public review at USDA Rural Development, Utilities Programs, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–1571; at the USDA Rural Development’s Web site https://www.usda.gov/rus/water/ees/ ea.htm; at EKPC’s headquarters office 4775 Lexington Road, Winchester, Kentucky 40391; and at the following Public Library locations: Clark County Library, 370 South Burns Avenue, Winchester, KY 40391. (859) 744–5661. Julie Maruskin, Director. Madison County Public Library, 507 West Main St., Richmond, KY 40475. (859) 623–6704. Sue Hays, Director. Garrard County Public Library, 101 Lexington St, Lancaster, KY 40444. (859) 792–3424. Joan Tussey. Written comments should be sent to: Stephanie Strength, Environmental Protection Specialist, USDA, Rural Development, Utilities Programs, Engineering and Environmental Staff, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 1571, Washington, DC 20250–1571, or email: stephanie.strength@wdc.usda.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie Strength, Environmental Protection Specialist, USDA, Rural Development, Utilities Programs, Engineering and Environmental Staff, Stop 1571, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–1571, telephone (202) 720–0468. Mrs. Strength’s e-mail address is stephanie.strength@wdc.usda.gov. E:\FR\FM\29JNN1.SGM 29JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 125 / Thursday, June 29, 2006 / Notices EKPC proposes to construct a 345 kV transmission line between a source substation at the J.K. Smith Power Station in Clark County and a proposed switching station located near Lancaster, Kentucky. The proposed line would be constructed within one of several corridors under consideration. The proposed corridors are located in Clark, Madison, and Garrard counties. The proposed corridors extend southwesterly from the J.K. Smith Power Station near Trapp, KY. From Trapp, the corridors will extend towards the communities of Union City, Redhouse, and White Hall to the north side of Richmond. From Richmond the corridors head in the southwesterly direction near communities such as Roundhill, Kirksville, Ruthton, Teatersville, Mcreary, Nina, and Three Forks towards the proposed location of a 345kV switching station. The proposed switching station would be located west of the community of Lancaster. The transmission line would require a right-of-way of 150 feet. Depending on which route is chosen the approximate length of the transmission line would be from 35–37 miles. It is anticipated that this transmission line would be in service in late spring to early summer of 2009. Alternatives considered by USDA Rural Development and EKPC include: (a) No action, (b) alternative transmission improvements, and (c) alternative transmission line corridors. An Electric Alternative Evaluation and Macro Corridor Study Report, prepared by EKPC will be presented at the public scoping meeting. The Report is available for public review at the addresses provided in this notice. Government agencies, private organizations, and the public are invited to participate in the planning and analysis of the proposed project. Representatives from USDA Rural Development and EKPC will be available at the scoping meeting to discuss USDA Rural Development’s environmental review process, describe the project, the need for the project, the macro corridors under consideration, and discuss the scope of environmental issues to be considered, answer questions, and accept oral and written comments. Questions and comments should be received by USDA Rural Development in writing by August 10, 2006 to ensure that they are considered in this environmental impact determination. The comments received will be incorporated into the environmental analysis EKPC will submit to USDA Rural Development for review. USDA jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:03 Jun 28, 2006 Jkt 208001 Rural Development will use the environmental analysis to determine the significance of the impacts of the project and may adopt it as its environmental assessment of the project. USDA Rural Development’s environmental assessment of the project would be available for review and comment for 30 days. Should USDA Rural Development determine, based on the EA of the project, that the project would not have a significant environmental impact, it will prepare a finding of no significant impact. Public notification of a finding of no significant impact would be published in the Federal Register and in newspapers with a circulation in the project area. Any final action by USDA Rural Development related to the proposed project will be subject to, and contingent upon, compliance with environmental review requirements as prescribed by the Council on Environmental Quality and USDA Rural Development environmental policies and procedures. Dated: June 22, 2006. Mark S. Plank, Director, Engineering and Environmental Staff, USDA/Rural Development/Utilities Programs. [FR Doc. 06–5803 Filed 6–28–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–15–P COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Agenda and Notice of Public Meeting of the Rhode Island State Advisory Committee Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, that a planning meeting of the Rhode Island State Advisory Committee will convene at 12:30 p.m. and adjourn at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2006 at the law offices of Tillinghast Licht at 10 Weybosset Street in Providence, Rhode Island. The purpose of the meeting is for the committee to review the transcript and summaries of its May briefing on the disparate treatment of minority youth in the education and justice systems in Rhode Island and to plan future work products and potential briefings. Persons desiring additional information should contact Barbara de La Viez of the Eastern Regional Office, 202–376–7533 (TTY 202–376–8116). Hearing impaired persons who will attend the meeting and require the services of a sign language interpreter should contact the Eastern Regional Office at least 5 (five) working days before the scheduled date of the planning meeting. It was not possible to PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 37039 publish this notice 15 days in advance of the meeting date because of internal processing delays. The meeting will be conducted pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the Commission. Dated at Washington, DC, June 23, 2006. Ivy L. Davis, Acting Chief, Regional Programs Coordination Unit. [FR Doc. E6–10240 Filed 6–28–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6335–01–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Census Bureau [Docket No. 060606154–6154–01] Privacy Act of 1974: System of Records U.S. Census Bureau, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of New Privacy System of Records: COMMERCE/CENSUS–10, American Community Survey. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4) and (11), the Department of Commerce is issuing notice of intent to establish a new system of records under COMMERCE/ CENSUS–10, American Community Survey. DATES: To be considered, written comments must be submitted on or before July 31, 2006. Unless comments are received, the amendments to the system of records will become effective as proposed on the date of publication of a subsequent notice in the Federal Register. ADDRESSES: Written comments may be sent to Gerald W. Gates, Chief Privacy Officer, U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC 20233. Comments may be submitted electronically to the following electronic mail address: Dir.Privacy.Office@Census.Gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gerald W. Gates, Chief Privacy Officer, U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC 20233, 301–763–2515. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice announces the Department’s proposal for a new system of records under the Privacy Act. The system is entitled ‘‘American Community Survey.’’ The American Community Survey (ACS) testing (demonstration period) occurred between 1996–2004. During that time period, the survey was conducted under the authority of Title 13, Section 182 (Periodic Censuses and Surveys), and therefore is considered to E:\FR\FM\29JNN1.SGM 29JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 125 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37038-37039]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-5803]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service


East Kentucky Power Cooperative; Notice of Intent To Hold Public 
Scoping Meetings and Prepare an Environmental Assessment

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an 
environmental assessment (EA).

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

SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service, an agency which administers the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Programs (USDA Rural 
Development) intends to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an 
environmental assessment (EA) related to possible financial assistance 
to East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Inc. (EKPC) of Kentucky for the 
proposed construction of approximately 35 miles of 345 kilovolt (kV) 
transmission line in Clark, Madison, and Garrard counties, KY. The 
proposed 345 kV transmission line project would be constructed within 
one of several corridors under consideration. The transmission line 
corridors originate at the J.K. Smith Power Station near the community 
of Trapp in Clark County, KY and terminate at the proposed location of 
a new 345 kV switching station. EKPC is requesting USDA Rural 
Development to provide financial assistance for the proposed project.

DATES: USDA Rural Development will conduct a scoping meeting in an open 
house format from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, 2006. The 
purpose of the meeting is to provide information and solicit comments 
for the preparation of an EA.

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the Best Western-Holiday 
Plaza located at 100 Eastern Bypass, Richmond, KY 40475; Phone: 859-
623-9220.
    A Macro Corridor Study will be available for public review at USDA 
Rural Development, Utilities Programs, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-1571; at the USDA Rural Development's Web site 
https://www.usda.gov/rus/water/ees/ea.htm; at EKPC's headquarters office 
4775 Lexington Road, Winchester, Kentucky 40391; and at the following 
Public Library locations:

Clark County Library, 370 South Burns Avenue, Winchester, KY 40391. 
(859) 744-5661. Julie Maruskin, Director.

Madison County Public Library, 507 West Main St., Richmond, KY 40475. 
(859) 623-6704. Sue Hays, Director.

Garrard County Public Library, 101 Lexington St, Lancaster, KY 40444. 
(859) 792-3424. Joan Tussey.

    Written comments should be sent to: Stephanie Strength, 
Environmental Protection Specialist, USDA, Rural Development, Utilities 
Programs, Engineering and Environmental Staff, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Stop 1571, Washington, DC 20250-1571, or e-mail: 
stephanie.strength@wdc.usda.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie Strength, Environmental 
Protection Specialist, USDA, Rural Development, Utilities Programs, 
Engineering and Environmental Staff, Stop 1571, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1571, telephone (202) 720-0468. Mrs. 
Strength's e-mail address is stephanie.strength@wdc.usda.gov.

[[Page 37039]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EKPC proposes to construct a 345 kV 
transmission line between a source substation at the J.K. Smith Power 
Station in Clark County and a proposed switching station located near 
Lancaster, Kentucky. The proposed line would be constructed within one 
of several corridors under consideration. The proposed corridors are 
located in Clark, Madison, and Garrard counties. The proposed corridors 
extend southwesterly from the J.K. Smith Power Station near Trapp, KY. 
From Trapp, the corridors will extend towards the communities of Union 
City, Redhouse, and White Hall to the north side of Richmond. From 
Richmond the corridors head in the southwesterly direction near 
communities such as Roundhill, Kirksville, Ruthton, Teatersville, 
Mcreary, Nina, and Three Forks towards the proposed location of a 345kV 
switching station. The proposed switching station would be located west 
of the community of Lancaster. The transmission line would require a 
right-of-way of 150 feet. Depending on which route is chosen the 
approximate length of the transmission line would be from 35-37 miles. 
It is anticipated that this transmission line would be in service in 
late spring to early summer of 2009.
    Alternatives considered by USDA Rural Development and EKPC include: 
(a) No action, (b) alternative transmission improvements, and (c) 
alternative transmission line corridors.
    An Electric Alternative Evaluation and Macro Corridor Study Report, 
prepared by EKPC will be presented at the public scoping meeting. The 
Report is available for public review at the addresses provided in this 
notice.
    Government agencies, private organizations, and the public are 
invited to participate in the planning and analysis of the proposed 
project. Representatives from USDA Rural Development and EKPC will be 
available at the scoping meeting to discuss USDA Rural Development's 
environmental review process, describe the project, the need for the 
project, the macro corridors under consideration, and discuss the scope 
of environmental issues to be considered, answer questions, and accept 
oral and written comments.
    Questions and comments should be received by USDA Rural Development 
in writing by August 10, 2006 to ensure that they are considered in 
this environmental impact determination.
    The comments received will be incorporated into the environmental 
analysis EKPC will submit to USDA Rural Development for review. USDA 
Rural Development will use the environmental analysis to determine the 
significance of the impacts of the project and may adopt it as its 
environmental assessment of the project. USDA Rural Development's 
environmental assessment of the project would be available for review 
and comment for 30 days. Should USDA Rural Development determine, based 
on the EA of the project, that the project would not have a significant 
environmental impact, it will prepare a finding of no significant 
impact. Public notification of a finding of no significant impact would 
be published in the Federal Register and in newspapers with a 
circulation in the project area. Any final action by USDA Rural 
Development related to the proposed project will be subject to, and 
contingent upon, compliance with environmental review requirements as 
prescribed by the Council on Environmental Quality and USDA Rural 
Development environmental policies and procedures.

    Dated: June 22, 2006.
Mark S. Plank,
Director, Engineering and Environmental Staff, USDA/Rural Development/
Utilities Programs.
[FR Doc. 06-5803 Filed 6-28-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
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