Notice of Availability of Record of Decision for the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Resource Management Plan (RMP), 51463-51464 [E7-17492]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 173 / Friday, September 7, 2007 / Notices distribution and are available upon request. For your convenience, however, the BIA recommends using the Internet or other publicly available copies for reviews where possible. You may obtain a CD or paper copy by contacting Harrilene Yazzie at the BIA mailing address provided in the ADDRESSES section, at her telephone number shown below, or by fax at (505) 863–8324. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Harrilene Yazzie, (505) 863–8286. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Reopening of the Comment Period On June 20 and 22, 2007, the BIA and the EPA, respectively, published notices in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the DEIS, a comment period closing on August 20, 2007, and the dates, times and locations of 10 public hearings on the DEIS. These public hearings were held between July 17 and July 25, 2007. Subsequent to the publishing of the notices, the BIA received requests to extend the comment period. We are reopening the comment period in consideration of these requests. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Background on the Desert Rock Energy Project EIS The DEIS analyzes and discloses probable environmental effects of the proposed Desert Rock Energy Project (or referred to herein as Desert Rock Energy Project or proposed project/action) and the Navajo Mine Extension Project (or referred to herein as the Navajo Mine Extension Project or Area IV North, Area IV South and Area V of the BHP Navajo Coal Company [BNCC] Lease Area). Together, Sithe Global Power, LLC, by and through the Desert Rock Energy Company, LLC, and Dino Power Authority (DPA), a Navajo Nation enterprise, are proposing to develop and construct the Desert Rock Energy Project. Desert Rock Energy Company, LLC, entered into a development agreement with DPA to develop and construct a coal-fired power plant on the Navajo Reservation. Desert Rock Energy Company, LLC, is a privately held, independent power company and a limited liability corporation formed under the laws of the State of Delaware. DPA was established by the Navajo Nation Council to develop utility-scale energy projects on behalf of the Navajo Nation for the economic benefit of the Navajo people. The proposed project involves the construction and operation of a coalfired electrical power plant that would generate up to 1,500 megawatts (MW) of power; the extension of existing surface coal mining operations at the Navajo VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:34 Sep 06, 2007 Jkt 211001 Mine to provide fuel for the power plant; disposal of coal combustion byproducts (CCBs); and mine reclamation operations along with associated mine support facilities and activities. The proposed project also includes a water well field and supply pipeline to the power plant, transmission lines, a receiving electrical station, other upgrades and ancillary facilities required in the production and transmission of electricity, and new access roads. The proposed project is located approximately 30 miles southwest of Farmington in San Juan County, New Mexico, and is entirely on trust lands within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation. The power plant would be constructed on a 592-acre parcel immediately adjacent to, and west of Area IV North of the BNCC Lease Area. The coal fuel supply would be produced from Areas IV South and V of the BNCC Lease Area and transported by conveyor to a proposed coal preparation facility located in Area IV North of the BNCC lease area, near the power plant. The proposed project requires a longterm business site lease between the Navajo Nation and DPA, and a sublease between DPA and Desert Rock Energy Company, LLC. Because the power plant and associated facilities would be located on land held in trust by the federal government for the Navajo Nation within the Navajo reservation, the lease must be approved by BIA, an agency of the United States Department of the Interior. The DEIS is intended to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act for each federal agency’s decision related to the siting, construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed facility; and to aid federal, Navajo Nation, state, and local permitting authorities with their permitting responsibilities, including surface coal mining, CCB disposal and reclamation activities on the BNCC Lease Area under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). Availability of Your Comments for Public Review Comments, including names and addresses of respondents, will be available for public review at the street address shown in the ADDRESSES section, during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 51463 personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Authority This notice is published in accordance with section 1503.1 of the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR, Parts 1500 through 1508) implementing the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et. Seq.), and the Department of the Interior Manual (516 DM 1–6), and is in the exercise of authority delegated to the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs by 209 DM 8. Willie R. Taylor, Director, Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance. [FR Doc. E7–17356 Filed 9–6–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–W7–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [NM–110–1610–DR] Notice of Availability of Record of Decision for the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Resource Management Plan (RMP) Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Availability. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) management policies and Presidential Proclamation 7394 signed on January 17, 2001, the BLM announces the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD)/Approved Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument located in Sandoval County, New Mexico. The New Mexico State Director will sign the ROD approving the RMP which becomes effective immediately. The RMP provides for recreational use and facility development. The public has been provided opportunities to observe, study and experience the geologic processes that shape natural landscapes, as well as other cultural and biological objects of interest. The BLM has considered American Indian Uses and Traditional Cultural Practices, siting access and transportation to minimize intrusion on American Indian Use. E:\FR\FM\07SEN1.SGM 07SEN1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES 51464 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 173 / Friday, September 7, 2007 / Notices Ecological and biological resource protection and enhancement have been provided. ADDRESSES: Copies of the ROD/ Approved RMP are available upon request from the Field Manager, Rio Puerco Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, 435 Montano NE., Albuquerque, NM 87107 or via the internet at (https://www.nm.blm.gov). Reference copies are available for review during regular business hours at BLM’s Rio Puerco Field Office at the address above or at BLM’s New Mexico State Office, 1474 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information visit the Web site at https://www.nm.blm.gov or contact: Danny Randall danny_randall@blm.gov or 505–761–8953), Manager, KashaKatuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, BLM Rio Puerco Field Office, 435 Montano NE., Albuquerque NM 87107. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The RMP ROD was developed with broad public and stakeholder participation through a 3-year collaborative planning process. The RMP ROD addresses management on approximately 15,635 acres. BLM currently manages 5,089 of these acres and has identified the other 10,546 acres as being desirable for acquisition, to be managed in conjunction with the Monument. The RMP ROD contains both land use planning decisions and implementation decisions to provide planning structure to facilitate the management of the Monument. Major resources and activities addressed in the RMP ROD include: American Indian Use and Traditional Cultural Practices; recreation; cultural resources; interpretation; facilities; lands and realty; access and transportation; vegetation management; and wildlife management. The ROD selected Alternative B as the approved RMP. Except for editorial clarification and format, Alternative B was approved as it appeared when published as Alternative B (The Preferred Alternative) in the Proposed RMP/Final EIS in October 2006, with the NOA published in the Federal Register on November 24, 2006. BLM received one letter during the protest period on the Proposed RMP/FEIS; however, after careful consideration of all points raised in this letter, it was concluded that the letter did not constitute a valid protest. The BLM Director concluded that the responsible planning team and decision-makers followed all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and pertinent resource considerations in developing VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:34 Sep 06, 2007 Jkt 211001 the proposed plan. No inconsistencies with State or local plans, policies or programs were identified during the Governor’s consistency review of the Proposed RMP/Final EIS. RMP implementation decisions are identified in Chapter 4 of the ROD RMP. As listed here: Access and Transportation pg. 2–5; American Indian Uses and Traditional Cultural Practices pg. 2–9; Cultural Resources pg. 2–11; Fire Management pg. 22–15; Lands and Realty pg. 2–18; Livestock Grazing pg. 2–21; Noxious Weed Management pg. 2–23; Public Land Health pg. 2–26; Recreational Use pg. 2– 30; Riparian Areas pg. 2–33; Social and Economic Conditions pg. 2–35; Soil and Water Resources pg. 2–37; Special Geologic Features pg. 2–38; Special Status Species pg. 2–39; Vegetation and Woodlands Management pg. 2–42; Visual Resources pg. 2–43. Pursuant to 43 CFR 4.400 et seq., any party adversely affected by these decisions may appeal within 30 days of publication of this notice of availability per 43 CFR Part 4, Subpart E. The appeal should state the specific decisions as identified by resource or activity under the subheading ‘Implementation Decisions’ in Chapter 4 of the approved RMP. The appeal must be filed with the Rio Puerco Field Manager at the above listed address. Linda S.C. Rundell, State Director, New Mexico. [FR Doc. E7–17492 Filed 9–6–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–22–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [ID 100 1220MA 241A: DBG071010] Notice of Public Meeting: Resource Advisory Council to the Boise District, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior. ACTION: Notice of Public Meeting. located at 3948 S. Development Avenue, Boise, Idaho. Public comment periods will be held at intervals throughout the meeting. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: MJ Byrne, Public Affairs Officer and RAC Coordinator, BLM Boise District, 3948 Development Ave., Boise, ID 83705, Telephone (208) 384–3393. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 15member Council advises the Secretary of the Interior, through the BLM, on a variety of planning and management issues associated with public land management in southwestern Idaho. The Board will receive a briefing on the wildland fires that have occurred within the District, and planned rehabilitation efforts. The RAC will be given a brief status report on the Bruneau Resource Management Plan (RMP). A presentation will be given about a wind energy project located in the Owyhee Field Office by Ridgeline Energy, Inc. Hot Topics will be discussed by the District Manager and Field Office managers will provide highlights on activities in their offices. Agenda items and location may change due to changing circumstances, including wildfire emergencies. All meetings are open to the public. The public may present written comments to the Council. Each formal Council meeting will also have time allocated for hearing public comments. Depending on the number of persons wishing to comment and time available, the time for individual oral comments may be limited. Individuals who plan to attend and need special assistance, such as sign language interpretation, or other reasonable accommodations, should contact the BLM Coordinator as provided above. Dated: August 31, 2007. David Wolf, Associate, District Manager. [FR Doc. E7–17684 Filed 9–6–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–GG–P AGENCY: In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (FACA), the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Boise District Resource Advisory Council (RAC), will hold a meeting as indicated below. DATES: The meeting will be held October 3, 2007, beginning at 9 a.m. and adjourning at 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Boise District Office SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [AK–050–1610–DR–085L] Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision for the East Alaska Resource Management Plan (RMP)/ Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Bureau of Land Management (BLM). ACTION: Notice of availability of Record of Decision (ROD). AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\07SEN1.SGM 07SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 173 (Friday, September 7, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51463-51464]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-17492]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[NM-110-1610-DR]


Notice of Availability of Record of Decision for the Kasha-Katuwe 
Tent Rocks National Monument Resource Management Plan (RMP)

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Availability.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the Bureau 
of Land Management (BLM) management policies and Presidential 
Proclamation 7394 signed on January 17, 2001, the BLM announces the 
availability of the Record of Decision (ROD)/Approved Resource 
Management Plan (RMP) for the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument 
located in Sandoval County, New Mexico. The New Mexico State Director 
will sign the ROD approving the RMP which becomes effective 
immediately. The RMP provides for recreational use and facility 
development. The public has been provided opportunities to observe, 
study and experience the geologic processes that shape natural 
landscapes, as well as other cultural and biological objects of 
interest. The BLM has considered American Indian Uses and Traditional 
Cultural Practices, siting access and transportation to minimize 
intrusion on American Indian Use.

[[Page 51464]]

Ecological and biological resource protection and enhancement have been 
provided.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the ROD/Approved RMP are available upon request 
from the Field Manager, Rio Puerco Field Office, Bureau of Land 
Management, 435 Montano NE., Albuquerque, NM 87107 or via the internet 
at (https://www.nm.blm.gov). Reference copies are available for review 
during regular business hours at BLM's Rio Puerco Field Office at the 
address above or at BLM's New Mexico State Office, 1474 Rodeo Road, 
Santa Fe, NM.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information visit the Web 
site at https://www.nm.blm.gov or contact: Danny Randall danny_
randall@blm.gov or 505-761-8953), Manager, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks 
National Monument, BLM Rio Puerco Field Office, 435 Montano NE., 
Albuquerque NM 87107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The RMP ROD was developed with broad public 
and stakeholder participation through a 3-year collaborative planning 
process. The RMP ROD addresses management on approximately 15,635 
acres. BLM currently manages 5,089 of these acres and has identified 
the other 10,546 acres as being desirable for acquisition, to be 
managed in conjunction with the Monument. The RMP ROD contains both 
land use planning decisions and implementation decisions to provide 
planning structure to facilitate the management of the Monument. Major 
resources and activities addressed in the RMP ROD include: American 
Indian Use and Traditional Cultural Practices; recreation; cultural 
resources; interpretation; facilities; lands and realty; access and 
transportation; vegetation management; and wildlife management.
    The ROD selected Alternative B as the approved RMP. Except for 
editorial clarification and format, Alternative B was approved as it 
appeared when published as Alternative B (The Preferred Alternative) in 
the Proposed RMP/Final EIS in October 2006, with the NOA published in 
the Federal Register on November 24, 2006. BLM received one letter 
during the protest period on the Proposed RMP/FEIS; however, after 
careful consideration of all points raised in this letter, it was 
concluded that the letter did not constitute a valid protest. The BLM 
Director concluded that the responsible planning team and decision-
makers followed all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and 
pertinent resource considerations in developing the proposed plan. No 
inconsistencies with State or local plans, policies or programs were 
identified during the Governor's consistency review of the Proposed 
RMP/Final EIS.
    RMP implementation decisions are identified in Chapter 4 of the ROD 
RMP. As listed here: Access and Transportation pg. 2-5; American Indian 
Uses and Traditional Cultural Practices pg. 2-9; Cultural Resources pg. 
2-11; Fire Management pg. 22-15; Lands and Realty pg. 2-18; Livestock 
Grazing pg. 2-21; Noxious Weed Management pg. 2-23; Public Land Health 
pg. 2-26; Recreational Use pg. 2-30; Riparian Areas pg. 2-33; Social 
and Economic Conditions pg. 2-35; Soil and Water Resources pg. 2-37; 
Special Geologic Features pg. 2-38; Special Status Species pg. 2-39; 
Vegetation and Woodlands Management pg. 2-42; Visual Resources pg. 2-
43. Pursuant to 43 CFR 4.400 et seq., any party adversely affected by 
these decisions may appeal within 30 days of publication of this notice 
of availability per 43 CFR Part 4, Subpart E. The appeal should state 
the specific decisions as identified by resource or activity under the 
subheading `Implementation Decisions' in Chapter 4 of the approved RMP.
    The appeal must be filed with the Rio Puerco Field Manager at the 
above listed address.

Linda S.C. Rundell,
State Director, New Mexico.
 [FR Doc. E7-17492 Filed 9-6-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-22-P
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