Long-Term Experimental Plan for the Operation of Glen Canyon Dam and Other Associated Management Activities, 8062-8063 [E8-2534]

Download as PDF 8062 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 29 / Tuesday, February 12, 2008 / Notices do so. All submissions from organizations and businesses, or from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be available for public inspection in their entirety. A draft EIS will be prepared for public review and comment. The comment period on the draft EIS will be 45 days from the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes the notice of availability in the Federal Register. 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 Bureau of Land Management at a time when it can meaningfully consider them and respond to them in the final EIS. To assist the agencies in identifying and considering issues and concerns on the proposed action, comments on the draft EIS 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 EIS 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. The lead agencies believe, 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 EISs 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 EIS stage but that are not raised until after completion of the final EIS may be waived or disregarded 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). mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES (Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Section 21; BLM/DOI NEPA Handbook 516 DM). Preliminary Issues Issues and alternatives to be evaluated in the analysis for the Greens Hollow coal lease tract will be determined through public scoping. The major issues are expected to include water resources, wildlife and wildlife habitat, vegetation, cultural/paleontological VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:46 Feb 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 resources, employment in the local area, and economic viability of the local and regional areas. Permits or Licenses Required The operator must obtain a permit from the Secretary of the Interior prior to commencing mining, contingent upon review and acceptance of the mining and reclamation plan in accordance with Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) and the requirements of 30 CFR 700 to end. Dated: January 29, 2008. Selma Sierra, Utah State Director, BLM. Dated: January 29, 2008. Howard Sargent, Forest Supervisor, Manti-La Sal National Forest. [FR Doc. E8–2557 Filed 2–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Superintendent Bruce Jacobson, (617) 223–8667. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Advisory Council was appointed by the Director of National Park Service pursuant to Public Law 104–333. The 28 members represent business, educational/cultural, community and environmental entities; municipalities surrounding Boston Harbor; Boston Harbor advocates; and Native American interests. The purpose of the Council is to advise and make recommendations to the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership with respect to the development and implementation of a management plan and the operation of the Boston Harbor Islands NRA. Dated: January 14, 2008. Bruce Jacobson, Superintendent, Boston Harbor Islands NRA. [FR Doc. E8–2561 Filed 2–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–86–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area Advisory Council; Notice of Public Meeting Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area Advisory Council will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2008, at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at University of Massachusetts—Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Campus Center, 3rd floor Bayview Room, Boston, MA. This will be the annual meeting of the Council. The agenda will include a presentation on the development of a new guide book: Discovering the Boston Harbor Islands, membership review and election of officers, ‘‘park report card’’ update and public comment. The meeting will be open to the public. Any person may file with the Superintendent a written statement concerning the matters to be discussed. Persons who wish to file a written statement at the meeting or who want further information concerning the meeting may contact Superintendent Bruce Jacobson at (617) 223–8667. DATE: March 5, 2007 at 6 p.m. ADDRESSES: University of Massachusetts—Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Campus Center, 3rd floor Bayview Room, Boston, MA. PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Bureau of Reclamation Long-Term Experimental Plan for the Operation of Glen Canyon Dam and Other Associated Management Activities Office of the Secretary, Interior. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: In a Federal Register notice published on November 6, 2006 (71 FR 64982–64983), and pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and 40 CFR 1508.22, the Department of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), provided notice of its intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) and conduct public scoping meetings for the adoption of a Long-Term Experimental Plan for the operation of Glen Canyon Dam and other associated management activities. This Federal Register notice provides updated information and additional background on the status and development of the Long-Term Experimental Plan, as well as information regarding shorter term proposed flow experiments related to the operation of Glen Canyon Dam. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Dennis Kubly, Bureau of Reclamation, telephone (801) 524–3715; faxogram (801) 524–3858; e-mail at GCDExpPlan@uc.usbr.gov. In a Federal Register notice published on November 6, 2006 (71 FR 64982–64983), SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\12FEN1.SGM 12FEN1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 29 / Tuesday, February 12, 2008 / Notices and pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and 40 CFR 1508.22, the Department of the Interior, acting through Reclamation, provided notice of its intent to prepare an EIS and conduct public scoping meetings for the adoption of a Long-Term Experimental Plan for the operation of Glen Canyon Dam and other associated management activities. In a Federal Register notice published on December 12, 2006, (71 FR 74556– 74558), Reclamation provided notice of public scoping meetings on the adoption of a Long-Term Experimental Plan for the operation of Glen Canyon Dam and other associated management activities. Accordingly, public scoping meetings were held in December 2006 and January 2007. Reclamation published a March 2007 scoping report following the conclusion of the scoping process. This report is available on Reclamation’s internet site at: https:// www.usbr.gov/uc/rm/gcdltep/scoping/ FinalScopingReport.pdf. During 2006 and 2007, a significant volume of sediment has been carried by storms into the mainstem of the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam and sediment retention in the Grand Canyon below Glen Canyon Dam was higher than anticipated, leading to the largest accumulation of sediment in this reach of the Colorado River since 1998. During this period, important new information has become available regarding the stabilizing and improving status of the endangered humpback chub. As a result, in December 2007, Reclamation re-initiated Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the operation of Glen Canyon Dam. Reclamation’s December 2007 Biological Assessment filed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is available on Reclamation’s Internet site at: https:// www.usbr.gov/uc/envdocs/ba/gcExpFlow/2007BA.pdf. The Section 7 consultation is based on a proposed short-term set of experimental flow actions to be initiated beginning in March 2008 to, in part, capitalize on a unique experimental opportunity that will utilize the recent high sediment input to the Grand Canyon. A proposed March 2008 highflow release would build on knowledge gained through previous high flow experiments in 1996 and 2004. Beginning in September 2008, Reclamation proposes to initiate steady flow operations for a period of two months (September–October) during each of the next five years (2008 through 2012). These proposed steady flow releases would build on knowledge VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:46 Feb 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 gained through previous steady flow experiments in 2000. These experimental high and steady flows have been designed and proposed to assist in—and assess the long term benefits of—the conservation of endangered humpback chub and fine sediment along the Colorado River downstream of Glen Canyon Dam. As of the date of this Federal Register notice, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is preparing a Biological Opinion on the proposed short-term experimental flow actions, and Reclamation is preparing an Environmental Assessment on the proposed action. A final decision on whether to conduct the proposed experimental flow actions is expected to be made in February 2008, after appropriate environmental compliance activities are complete. After completion of these ongoing environmental compliance activities, Reclamation will reassess the proposed Long-Term Experimental Plan and any other associated environmental compliance activities. The Long-Term Experimental Plan approach will then be updated to integrate any decisions that are reached regarding Reclamation’s proposed short-term experimental flow actions. Dated: February 4, 2008. Larry Walkoviak, Regional Director, UC Region, Bureau of Reclamation. [FR Doc. E8–2534 Filed 2–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–MN–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Notice of Proposed Information Collection for 1029–0067 Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Department of the Interior. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is announcing its intention to request renewed authority for the collection of information for 30 CFR part 705 and the Form OSM–23, Restriction on financial interests of State employees. DATES: Comments on the proposed information collection must be received by April 14, 2008, to be assured of consideration. PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 8063 Comments may be mailed to John A. Trelease, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 1951 Constitution Ave., NW., Room 202—SIB, Washington, DC 20240. Comments may also be submitted electronically to jtrelease@osmre.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request a copy of the information collection requests, explanatory information and related forms, contact John A. Trelease, at (202) 208–2783. You may also review the collection request at https://www.reginfo.gov/ public/do/PRAMain. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 5 CFR 1320, which implement provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13), require that interested members of the public and affected agencies have an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping activities [see 5 CFR 1320.8 (d)]. This notice identifies an information collection that OSM will be submitting to OMB for approval. This collection is contained in 30 CFR part 705 and the Form OSM–23, Restriction on financial interests of State employees. OSM will request a 3-year term of approval for this information collection activity. Comments are invited on: (1) The need for the collection of information for the performance of the functions of the agency; (2) the accuracy of the agency’s burden estimates; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and (4) ways to minimize the information collection burden on respondents, such as use of automated means of collection of the information. A summary of the public comments will accompany OSM’s submission of the information collection request to OMB. The following information is provided for the information collection: (1) Title of the information collection; (2) OMB control number; (3) summary of the information collection activity; and (4) frequency of collection, description of the respondents, estimated total annual responses, and the total annual reporting and recordkeeping burden for the collection of information. Title: Restrictions on financial interests of State employees, 30 CFR 705. OMB Control Number: 1029–0067. Summary: Respondents supply information on employment and financial interests. The purpose of the collection is to ensure compliance with section 517(g) of the Surface Mining control and Reclamation Act of 1977, which placed an absolute prohibition on ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\12FEN1.SGM 12FEN1

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[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 29 (Tuesday, February 12, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8062-8063]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-2534]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Reclamation


Long-Term Experimental Plan for the Operation of Glen Canyon Dam 
and Other Associated Management Activities

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: In a Federal Register notice published on November 6, 2006 (71 
FR 64982-64983), and pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and 40 CFR 1508.22, the 
Department of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation 
(Reclamation), provided notice of its intent to prepare an 
environmental impact statement (EIS) and conduct public scoping 
meetings for the adoption of a Long-Term Experimental Plan for the 
operation of Glen Canyon Dam and other associated management 
activities. This Federal Register notice provides updated information 
and additional background on the status and development of the Long-
Term Experimental Plan, as well as information regarding shorter term 
proposed flow experiments related to the operation of Glen Canyon Dam.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Dennis Kubly, Bureau of Reclamation, telephone 
(801) 524-3715; faxogram (801) 524-3858; e-mail at 
GCDExpPlan@uc.usbr.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a Federal Register notice published on 
November 6, 2006 (71 FR 64982-64983),

[[Page 8063]]

and pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969, as amended, and 40 CFR 1508.22, the Department of the 
Interior, acting through Reclamation, provided notice of its intent to 
prepare an EIS and conduct public scoping meetings for the adoption of 
a Long-Term Experimental Plan for the operation of Glen Canyon Dam and 
other associated management activities.
    In a Federal Register notice published on December 12, 2006, (71 FR 
74556-74558), Reclamation provided notice of public scoping meetings on 
the adoption of a Long-Term Experimental Plan for the operation of Glen 
Canyon Dam and other associated management activities. Accordingly, 
public scoping meetings were held in December 2006 and January 2007. 
Reclamation published a March 2007 scoping report following the 
conclusion of the scoping process. This report is available on 
Reclamation's internet site at: https://www.usbr.gov/uc/rm/gcdltep/
scoping/FinalScopingReport.pdf.
    During 2006 and 2007, a significant volume of sediment has been 
carried by storms into the mainstem of the Colorado River below Glen 
Canyon Dam and sediment retention in the Grand Canyon below Glen Canyon 
Dam was higher than anticipated, leading to the largest accumulation of 
sediment in this reach of the Colorado River since 1998.
    During this period, important new information has become available 
regarding the stabilizing and improving status of the endangered 
humpback chub. As a result, in December 2007, Reclamation re-initiated 
Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service on the operation of Glen Canyon Dam. Reclamation's 
December 2007 Biological Assessment filed with the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service is available on Reclamation's Internet site at: http:/
/www.usbr.gov/uc/envdocs/ba/gc-ExpFlow/2007BA.pdf.
    The Section 7 consultation is based on a proposed short-term set of 
experimental flow actions to be initiated beginning in March 2008 to, 
in part, capitalize on a unique experimental opportunity that will 
utilize the recent high sediment input to the Grand Canyon. A proposed 
March 2008 high-flow release would build on knowledge gained through 
previous high flow experiments in 1996 and 2004. Beginning in September 
2008, Reclamation proposes to initiate steady flow operations for a 
period of two months (September-October) during each of the next five 
years (2008 through 2012). These proposed steady flow releases would 
build on knowledge gained through previous steady flow experiments in 
2000. These experimental high and steady flows have been designed and 
proposed to assist in--and assess the long term benefits of--the 
conservation of endangered humpback chub and fine sediment along the 
Colorado River downstream of Glen Canyon Dam.
    As of the date of this Federal Register notice, the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service is preparing a Biological Opinion on the proposed 
short-term experimental flow actions, and Reclamation is preparing an 
Environmental Assessment on the proposed action. A final decision on 
whether to conduct the proposed experimental flow actions is expected 
to be made in February 2008, after appropriate environmental compliance 
activities are complete. After completion of these ongoing 
environmental compliance activities, Reclamation will reassess the 
proposed Long-Term Experimental Plan and any other associated 
environmental compliance activities. The Long-Term Experimental Plan 
approach will then be updated to integrate any decisions that are 
reached regarding Reclamation's proposed short-term experimental flow 
actions.

    Dated: February 4, 2008.
Larry Walkoviak,
Regional Director, UC Region, Bureau of Reclamation.
 [FR Doc. E8-2534 Filed 2-11-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MN-P
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