Chugach National Forest, Glacier Ranger District, Alaska-Spencer Mineral Materials Project, 9501-9502 [07-944]

Download as PDF 9501 Notices Federal Register Vol. 72, No. 41 Friday, March 2, 2007 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Chugach National Forest, Glacier Ranger District, Alaska—Spencer Mineral Materials Project Forest Service, USDA. Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES ACTION: SUMMARY: This project proposes the sale of mineral materials in the form of gravel aggregate and quarry rock from up to 570 acres at Spencer on the Glacier Ranger District of the Chugach National Forest, and will analyze removal of these materials within the constraints of the Chugach National Forest Revised Land and Resource Management Plan. DATES: Comments and input regarding the proposal were requested from the public, other groups and agencies via direct mailing on November 16, 2006. Based on the comments received, the Responsible Official has determined that an environmental impact statement will be prepared for this project. The draft environmental impact statement is expected in May, 2007 and the final environmental impact statement is expected August, 2007. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Alice Allen, Hell Canyon Ranger District, 330 Mt. Rushmore Rd., Custer, South Dakota 57730. Comment may also be submitted by e-mail to: commentsalaska-chugach-glacier@fs.fed.us with ‘‘Spencer Minerals’’ as subject. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alice Allen, Project Coordinator, Black Hills National Forest, Hell Canyon Ranger District, at 330 Mt. Rushmore Rd., phone (605) 673–4853. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose and Need for Action: The purpose of the project is to authorize the sale of mineral materials (gravel aggregate and quarry rock). The EIS will determine current conditions, analyze VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:44 Mar 01, 2007 Jkt 211001 environmental consequences of mineral extraction on those conditions, and assist the decisionmaker in selecting management/monitoring strategies consistent with meeting desired conditions in the CRLRMP, including one of the goals for ‘‘Minerals’’. The Forest Service seeks to continue to provide high quality mineral materials for the State of Alaska from the Spencer site as a valid multiple use while maintaining the integrity of the recreational experience at Spencer and restoring a more natural landscape. Proposed Action: The Forest Service will evaluate, analyze and determine the ability to develop and extract quarry rock and gravel aggregate from a mineral materials site at Spencer. Production of these materials will be permitted on all or a portion of the approximately 570acre site for up to 15 years. The site(s) chosen for mineral material extraction will be situated and operated so as not to conflict with a high quality recreation experience at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. Issues: Key issues identified during scoping include impacts of the proposal to recreationists at Spencer; conflicts with valid existing placer claims; impacts on water quality; impacts on wildlife and wildlife habitat; economic feasibility of the proposal; and public safety. Possible Alternatives: The No Action alternative would not allow extraction of mineral materials from the Spencer site at this time. Alternative B would minimize impacts to recreationists. Alternative C would minimize visual impacts. Alternative D would allow gravel extraction from a larger area than Alternative B or C but less than Alternative A. Responsible Official: The Responsible Official for this project on the Glacier Ranger District is Joe Meade, Forest Supervisor, Chugach National Forest, 3301 ‘‘C’’ Street, Suite 300, Anchorage, Alaska. Nature of Decision To Be Made: The Forest Service will evaluate the proposed action and alternatives. After reviewing the proposed action, the alternatives, the environmental analysis, and considering public comment, the Forest Supervisor will reach a decision that is in accordance with the purpose and need for this project. The decision will include, but not be limited to: PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 (1) Whether or not to permit production of mineral materials from the Spencer site. (2) What will be the size and location of the area(s) permitted for mineral materials production. (3) What types of equipment and facilities will be allowed in the permitted area to support minerals materials operations. (4) What methods of extraction will be allowed and/or prohibited. (5) What constraints will apply to mineral materials operations to provide a high quality recreational experience at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. Public Comment: Comments and input regarding the proposal were requested from the public, other groups and agencies via direct mailing on November 16, 2006. Based on the comments received, the Responsible Official has determined that an environmental impact statement will be prepared for this project. Additional comments will be accepted during a 45day public comment following publication of the draft environmental impact statement in May, 2007. Early Notice of Importance of Public Participation in Subsequent Environmental Review: A draft environmental impact statement will be prepared for comment. The comment period on the draft environmental impact statement will be 45 days from the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes the notice of availability in the Federal Register. The Forest Service believes, at this early stage, it is important to give reviewers notice of several court rulings related to public participation in the environmental review process. First, reviewers of draft environmental impact statements must structure their participation in the environmental review of the proposal so that it is meaningful and alerts an agency to the reviewer’s position and contentions. Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). Also, environmental objections that could be raised at the draft environmental impact statement stage but that are not raised until after completion of the final environmental impact statement may be waived or dismissed by the courts. City of Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F.2d 1016, 1022 (9th Cir. 1986) and Wisconsin Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490 F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). Because of E:\FR\FM\02MRN1.SGM 02MRN1 9502 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 41 / Friday, March 2, 2007 / Notices these courts rulings, it is very important that those interested in this proposed action participate by the close of the 45day comment period so that substantive comments and objections are made available to the Forest Service at a time when it can meaningfully consider them and respond to them in the final environmental impact statement. To assist the Forest Service in identifying and considering issues and concerns on the proposed action, comments on the draft environmental impact statement should be as specific as possible. It is also helpful if comments refer to specific pages or chapters of the draft statement. Comments may also address the adequacy of the draft environmental impact statement or the merits of the alternatives formulated and discussed in the statement. Reviewers may wish to refer to the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act at 40 CFR 1503.3 in addressing these points. Comments received, including the names and addresses of those who comment, will be considered part of the public record on this proposal and will be available for public inspection. (Authority, 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Section 21) Dated: February 15, 2007. Joe L. Meade, Forest Supervisor, Chugach National Forest. [FR Doc. 07–944 Filed 3–1–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Eastern Washington Cascades Provincial Advisory Committee and the Yakima Provincial Advisory Committee Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES ACTION: SUMMARY: The Eastern Washington Cascades Provincial Advisory Committee and the Yakima Provincial Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 21, Monday, April 23, and Friday, May 18, 2007 at the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests Headquarters office, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, WA. These meetings will begin 9 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. During these meetings Provincial Advisory Committee members will continue discussion on Roadless Area considerations and potential Wilderness recommendations in conjunction with Forest Plan Revision for the Okanogan VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:44 Mar 01, 2007 Jkt 211001 and Wenatchee National Forests. All Eastern Washington Cascades and Yakima Province Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct questions regarding this meeting to Paul Hart, Designated Federal Official, USDA, Wenatchee National Forest, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, Washington 98801, 509–664–9200. services since April 7, 1978. On January 2, 2007, Minnesota requested that they cease providing official services on April 2, 2007. Accordingly, Minnesota’s delegation will be cancelled. For export services in Minnesota after April 2, 2007, contact David Mundwiler, Field Office Manager, Toledo, Ohio, telephone number 419–259–6276. Dated: February 26, 2007. Paul Hart, Designated Federal Official, Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests. [FR Doc. 07–943 Filed 3–1–07; 8:45 am] Pat Donohue-Galvin, Acting Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. [FR Doc. E7–3646 Filed 3–1–07; 8:45 am] Authority: 7 U.S.C. 71 et seq. BILLING CODE 3410–KD–P BILLING CODE 3410–11–M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration Cancellation of Minnesota’s Delegation DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration Opportunity To Comment on the Applicants for the Savage (MN) Area AGENCY: Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The United States Grain Standards Act, as amended (Act), provides for state agency delegations at export port locations within a state. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (Minnesota) is delegated to provide official export inspection and weighing services. Minnesota requested that they cease providing official services on April 2, 2007. Accordingly, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA (GIPSA) is announcing that Minnesota’s delegation will be cancelled effective April 2, 2007. DATES: Effective April 2, 2007. ADDRESSES: USDA, GIPSA, Karen Guagliardo, Chief, Review Branch, Compliance Division, STOP 3604, room 1647–S, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250–3604. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Guagliardo at 202–720–8262, email Karen.W.Guagliardo@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This action has been reviewed and determined not to be a rule or regulation as defined in Executive Order 12866 and Departmental Regulation 1512–1; therefore, the Executive Order and Departmental Regulation do not apply to this action. Section 7(e)(2) of the Act authorizes GIPSA’ Administrator to delegate authority to a qualified State agency to perform all or specified functions involved in official inspection at export port locations within the state. Minnesota has been delegated authority to provide official export and weighing SUMMARY: GIPSA requests comments on the applicants for designation to provide official services in Minnesota. DATES: Comments must be postmarked or electronically dated on or before April 2, 2007. ADDRESSES: Comments must be submitted in writing to USDA, GIPSA, Karen Guagliardo, Review Branch Chief, Compliance Division, STOP 3604, Room 1647–S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–3604. FAX 202–690–2755; e-mail Karen.W.Guagliardo@usda.gov. All comments received will be made available for public inspection at the above address located at 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., during regular business hours. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Guagliardo at 202–720–7312, email Karen.W.Guagliardo@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This action has been reviewed and determined not to be a rule or regulation as defined in Executive Order 12866 and Departmental Regulation 1512–1; therefore, the Executive Order and Departmental Regulation do not apply to this action. In the December 8, 2006, Federal Register (71 FR 71122), GIPSA asked persons interested in providing official services in the Savage, Minnesota, area to submit an application for designation. There were three applicants for the Savage area: Mid-Iowa Grain Inspection, Inc. (Mid-Iowa) and State Grain Inspection, Inc. (State Grain) both PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA. ACTION: Notice. E:\FR\FM\02MRN1.SGM 02MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 41 (Friday, March 2, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9501-9502]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-944]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 41 / Friday, March 2, 2007 / 
Notices

[[Page 9501]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Chugach National Forest, Glacier Ranger District, Alaska--Spencer 
Mineral Materials Project

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

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

SUMMARY: This project proposes the sale of mineral materials in the 
form of gravel aggregate and quarry rock from up to 570 acres at 
Spencer on the Glacier Ranger District of the Chugach National Forest, 
and will analyze removal of these materials within the constraints of 
the Chugach National Forest Revised Land and Resource Management Plan.

DATES: Comments and input regarding the proposal were requested from 
the public, other groups and agencies via direct mailing on November 
16, 2006. Based on the comments received, the Responsible Official has 
determined that an environmental impact statement will be prepared for 
this project. The draft environmental impact statement is expected in 
May, 2007 and the final environmental impact statement is expected 
August, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Alice Allen, Hell Canyon Ranger 
District, 330 Mt. Rushmore Rd., Custer, South Dakota 57730. Comment may 
also be submitted by e-mail to: comments-alaska-chugach-
glacier@fs.fed.us with ``Spencer Minerals'' as subject.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alice Allen, Project Coordinator, 
Black Hills National Forest, Hell Canyon Ranger District, at 330 Mt. 
Rushmore Rd., phone (605) 673-4853.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Purpose and Need for Action: The purpose of the project is to 
authorize the sale of mineral materials (gravel aggregate and quarry 
rock). The EIS will determine current conditions, analyze environmental 
consequences of mineral extraction on those conditions, and assist the 
decisionmaker in selecting management/monitoring strategies consistent 
with meeting desired conditions in the CRLRMP, including one of the 
goals for ``Minerals''. The Forest Service seeks to continue to provide 
high quality mineral materials for the State of Alaska from the Spencer 
site as a valid multiple use while maintaining the integrity of the 
recreational experience at Spencer and restoring a more natural 
landscape.
    Proposed Action: The Forest Service will evaluate, analyze and 
determine the ability to develop and extract quarry rock and gravel 
aggregate from a mineral materials site at Spencer. Production of these 
materials will be permitted on all or a portion of the approximately 
570-acre site for up to 15 years. The site(s) chosen for mineral 
material extraction will be situated and operated so as not to conflict 
with a high quality recreation experience at the Spencer Glacier 
Whistle Stop.
    Issues: Key issues identified during scoping include impacts of the 
proposal to recreationists at Spencer; conflicts with valid existing 
placer claims; impacts on water quality; impacts on wildlife and 
wildlife habitat; economic feasibility of the proposal; and public 
safety.
    Possible Alternatives: The No Action alternative would not allow 
extraction of mineral materials from the Spencer site at this time. 
Alternative B would minimize impacts to recreationists. Alternative C 
would minimize visual impacts. Alternative D would allow gravel 
extraction from a larger area than Alternative B or C but less than 
Alternative A.
    Responsible Official: The Responsible Official for this project on 
the Glacier Ranger District is Joe Meade, Forest Supervisor, Chugach 
National Forest, 3301 ``C'' Street, Suite 300, Anchorage, Alaska.
    Nature of Decision To Be Made: The Forest Service will evaluate the 
proposed action and alternatives. After reviewing the proposed action, 
the alternatives, the environmental analysis, and considering public 
comment, the Forest Supervisor will reach a decision that is in 
accordance with the purpose and need for this project. The decision 
will include, but not be limited to:
    (1) Whether or not to permit production of mineral materials from 
the Spencer site.
    (2) What will be the size and location of the area(s) permitted for 
mineral materials production.
    (3) What types of equipment and facilities will be allowed in the 
permitted area to support minerals materials operations.
    (4) What methods of extraction will be allowed and/or prohibited.
    (5) What constraints will apply to mineral materials operations to 
provide a high quality recreational experience at the Spencer Glacier 
Whistle Stop.
    Public Comment: Comments and input regarding the proposal were 
requested from the public, other groups and agencies via direct mailing 
on November 16, 2006. Based on the comments received, the Responsible 
Official has determined that an environmental impact statement will be 
prepared for this project. Additional comments will be accepted during 
a 45-day public comment following publication of the draft 
environmental impact statement in May, 2007.
    Early Notice of Importance of Public Participation in Subsequent 
Environmental Review: A draft environmental impact statement will be 
prepared for comment. The comment period on the draft environmental 
impact statement will be 45 days from the date the Environmental 
Protection Agency publishes the notice of availability in the Federal 
Register. The Forest Service believes, at this early stage, it is 
important to give reviewers notice of several court rulings related to 
public participation in the environmental review process. First, 
reviewers of draft environmental impact statements must structure their 
participation in the environmental review of the proposal so that it is 
meaningful and alerts an agency to the reviewer's position and 
contentions. Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 
553 (1978). Also, environmental objections that could be raised at the 
draft environmental impact statement stage but that are not raised 
until after completion of the final environmental impact statement may 
be waived or dismissed by the courts. City of Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F.2d 
1016, 1022 (9th Cir. 1986) and Wisconsin Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490 
F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). Because of

[[Page 9502]]

these courts rulings, it is very important that those interested in 
this proposed action participate by the close of the 45-day comment 
period so that substantive comments and objections are made available 
to the Forest Service at a time when it can meaningfully consider them 
and respond to them in the final environmental impact statement.
    To assist the Forest Service in identifying and considering issues 
and concerns on the proposed action, comments on the draft 
environmental impact statement should be as specific as possible. It is 
also helpful if comments refer to specific pages or chapters of the 
draft statement. Comments may also address the adequacy of the draft 
environmental impact statement or the merits of the alternatives 
formulated and discussed in the statement. Reviewers may wish to refer 
to the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for implementing 
the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act at 
40 CFR 1503.3 in addressing these points.
    Comments received, including the names and addresses of those who 
comment, will be considered part of the public record on this proposal 
and will be available for public inspection.

(Authority, 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; Forest Service Handbook 
1909.15, Section 21)

    Dated: February 15, 2007.
Joe L. Meade,
Forest Supervisor, Chugach National Forest.
[FR Doc. 07-944 Filed 3-1-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M

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