Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Availability of EPA Comments, 38202-38203 [E8-15159]

Download as PDF 38202 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 129 / Thursday, July 3, 2008 / Notices mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES and Southwestern agreed on that term. The non-Federal licensee used 4.8 percent for the discount rate in both its initial and follow-up analysis, but that number was based on the 30-year U.S. Treasury rate in effect at the time of their initial analysis. The use of the 30year Treasury rate in the analysis was first proposed by the non-Federal licensee. Southwestern will use the 30year Treasury rate in effect at the time of the final calculation as the discount rate. 2. Comment. ‘‘The selection of the current rate on 30-year U.S. Treasury notes to be used as the discount rate in the present value calculation is a reasonable rate to use for capital projects.’’ Response: Concur. See response to Comment 1. 3. Comment. The commenter ‘‘supports the use of the interest rate for 30-year U.S. Treasury notes in effect at the time minimum flow releases are implemented as the appropriate discount rate for determining net present value of hydropower impacts. This is the same interest rate charged on new capital investments in the federal power system, and this rate was reaffirmed by Congress in its Department of Energy appropriation for FY 2008.’’ Response: Concur. See response to Comment 1. H. Carbon Tax and Renewable Portfolio Standard 1. Comment. The non-Federal licensee included a $20/ton carbon tax and a 5% renewable risk premium in their calculation of the non-Federal impacts. Response: Since there is no way to reliably estimate if, when, or how a carbon dioxide tax would be implemented, Southwestern did not include losses based on a carbon dioxide tax. The impacts to both Federal and non-Federal hydropower should be quantified and included in the compensation calculation if any carbon dioxide tax legislation is implemented before the final payment or offset is completed. Also, since there is no way to reliably estimate if, when, or how a renewable portfolio standard would be implemented, the impacts would be difficult to quantify. The State of Missouri currently has voluntary goals for adopting renewable energy, but there are no mandatory targets. Southwestern’s position on a renewable risk premium is the same as on a possible carbon dioxide tax: If a state or Federal mandatory renewable portfolio standard that qualifies any of the three VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:46 Jul 02, 2008 Jkt 214001 projects studied is implemented before the final payment or offset is completed, the impacts to both Federal and nonFederal hydropower should be quantified and included in the compensation calculation. The authorizing legislation for the White River Minimum Flows project states that the non-Federal licensee will be compensated with a one-time payment ‘‘on the basis of the present value of the estimated future lifetime replacement costs of the electrical energy and capacity at the time of implementation of the White River Minimum Flows project.’’ If the compensation to the non-Federal licensee were changed from a one-time payment to payments over a number of years, compensation for the impacts of a carbon dioxide tax or a renewable portfolio standard for the remainder of the payments should be computed and applied if either were implemented during that series of payments. 2. Comment. ‘‘With a carbon tax of some type expected to be enacted in the near future, Staff believes that a factor must be added to account for it. While it is true, as the SWPA study pointed out, that the level of the tax is not now known, Staff does not consider ‘zero’ to be an acceptable estimate.’’ Response: See response to Comment 1. 3. Comment. ‘‘While there is not currently in place any statutory or regulatory scheme which places a price upon the emission of CO2, such potential costs exist during the lifetime of the study.’’ Response: See response to Comment 1. I. Other 1. Comment. ‘‘Please change the references in your report from ‘Powersite Dam’ to ‘Ozark Beach’ as that is the official name of the facility.’’ Response: Concur. All references to Powersite Dam in Southwestern’s report have been changed to Ozark Beach. [FR Doc. E8–15135 Filed 7–2–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [ER–FRL–8583–4] Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Availability of EPA Comments Availability of EPA comments prepared pursuant to the Environmental Review Process (ERP), under section 309 of the Clean Air Act and Section PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act as amended. Requests for copies of EPA comments can be directed to the Office of Federal Activities at 202–564–7167. An explanation of the ratings assigned to draft environmental impact statements (EISs) was published in FR dated April 11, 2008 (73 FR 19833). Draft EISs EIS No. 20070526, ERP No. D–AFS– J65503–WY, Thunder Basin National Grassland Prairie Dog Management Strategy, Land and Resource Management Plan Amendment #3, Proposes to Implement a Site-Specific Strategy to Manage Black Trailed Prairie Dog, Douglas Ranger District, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, Campbell, Converse, Niobrara and Weston Counties, WY. Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns about alternatives, impacts to the black-footed ferret and the use of lethal control of prairie dog colonies. EPA recommended development of a non-lethal management alternative. Rating EC2. EIS No. 20080032, ERP No. D–AFS– J65505–C0, Durango Mountain Resort Improvement Plan, Special-UsePermits, Implementation, San Juan National Forest, La Plata and San Juan Counties, CO. Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns about impacts to lynx habitat, wetlands and water quality. Rating EC2. EIS No. 20080060, ERP No. D–AFS– J65511–SD, Upper Spring Creek Project, Proposes to Implementation Multiple Resource Management Actions, Mystic Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest, Pennington County, SD. Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns about project impacts to water quality and a lack of specificity regarding impacts to wetlands, and requested additional information on restoring water quality in Spring Creek, from its headwaters to Sheridan Lake, which is water quality impaired. Rating EC2. EIS No. 20080106, ERP No. D–AFS– J39039–CO, Long Draw Reservoir Project, Re-Issue a Special-UseAuthorization to Water Supply and Storage to Allow the Continued Use of Long Draw Reservoir and Dam, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, Grand and Larimer Counties, CO. Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns about the E:\FR\FM\03JYN1.SGM 03JYN1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 129 / Thursday, July 3, 2008 / Notices availability of pure greenback cutthroat trout brood stock for restoration. Rating EC1. EIS No. 20080113, ERP No. D–FRC– E03018–FL, Floridian Natural Gas Storage Project, Construction and Operation, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Storage and Natural Gas Transmission Facilities, Martin County, FL. Summary: EPA expressed environmental concern about water quality and noise and environmental justice issues. Rating EC1. EIS No. 20080139, ERP No. D–FHW– F40443–MN, Trunk Highway 23 and U.S. Highway 71 Project, Construction of One or More Grade-Separated Bridge Crossings, Dovre Township, Northeast of Wilmar County, Kandiyohi, MN. Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns about wetland, noise, stormwater, and cumulative impacts. Rating EC2. EIS No. 20080150, ERP No. D–NOA– E91023–00, Amendment 16 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper Grouper Fishery, To End Overfishing of Gag and Vermillion Snapper, Implementation, South Atlantic Region. Summary: While EPA has no objection to the proposed action, we requested clarification about the use of an interim management approach. Rating LO. EIS No. 20070403, ERP No. DS–BLM– J65436–UT, Vernal Field Office Resource Management Plan, Updated Information, Managing NonWilderness Study Area (WSA) Lands with Wilderness Characteristics, Implementation, Vernal, UT. Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns about impacts to air quality and riparian areas, and recommended that the Final EIS include information assessing cumulative impacts. In addition, BLM should include information on the implementation of protective management prescriptions to mitigate for the above impacts. Rating EC2. EIS No. 20080190, ERP No. DS–USA– A15000–00, Programmatic—Army Growth and Force Structure Realignment, Evaluation of Alternatives for Supporting the Growth, Realignment, and Transformation of the Army to Support Operational in the Pacific Theater, Implementation, Nationwide. Summary: EPA does not object to the proposed action. Rating LO. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:46 Jul 02, 2008 Jkt 214001 Final EISs EIS No. 20070551, ERP No. F–BLM– J02051–UT, Greater Deadman Bench Oil and Gas Producing Region, Proposes to Develop Oil and Gas Resources, Right-of-Way Grants and Applications for Permit to Drill, Vernal, Uintah County, UT. Summary: EPA continues to have environmental concerns about impacts to the riparian corridor on the Green River. EPA identified the need to improve cumulative impact assessment of air quality in the Uinta Basin. EIS No. 20080146, ERP No. F–NOA– E91019–00, Amendment 2 to the Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan, To Implement Management Measures that Prevent Overfishing and Rebuild Overfished Stocks, Implementation, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Summary: EPA does not object to the proposed action. EIS No. 20080168, ERP No. F–AFS– L65500–AK, Iyouktug Timber Sales, Proposes Harvesting Timber, Implementation, Hoonah Ranger District, Tongass National Forest, Hoonah, AK. Summary: EPA continues to have environmental concerns about impacts to water quality and wetlands. EIS No. 20080176, ERP No. F–AFS– K65304–CA, North 49 Forest Health Recovery Project, Restore Fire Adapted Forest System, Located in the Red (MA–16) and Logan (MA–45) Management Areas, Hat Creek Ranger District, Lassen National Forest, Shasta County, CA. Summary: EPA continues to have environmental concerns about cumulative effects and the continued deferral of roads issues. EIS No. 20080188, ERP No. F–IBW– K36148–CA, Programmatic—Tijuana River Flood Control Project, Proposing a Range of Alternatives for Maintenance Activities and Future Improvements, San Diego County, CA. Summary: EPA does not object to the proposed action. EIS No. 20080189, ERP No. F–NSA– G06013–NM, Continued Operations of Los Alamos National Laboratory, Proposal to Expand Overall Operational Levels, (DOE/EIS–0380), Site Wide, Los Alamos County, NM. Summary: No formal comment letter was sent to the preparing agency. EIS No. 20080207, ERP No. F–USN– E11063–00, Shock Trail of the MESA PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 38203 VERDE (LPD 19), San Antonio (LPD 17) Class Ship designated as the Shock Ship for Proposed Shock Trail, Possible Offshore Locations are Naval Station Norfolk, VA; Naval Station Mayport, FL; and Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL. Summary: Based on the mitigation and monitoring programs described in the Final EIS, EPA does not object to the proposed action. EIS No. 20080233, ERP No. F–NOA– E86004–00, South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Fishery, Amendment 14 to Establish Eight Marine Protected Areas in Federal Waters, Implementation, South Atlantic Region. Summary: EPA does not object to the proposed action. EIS No. 20080107, ERP No. FS–NOA– A91061–00, Atlantic Mackerel, Squid and Butterfish, Fishery Management Plan, Amendment #9, Implementation, Essential Fish Habitat (EFH), Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Summary: No formal comment letter was sent to the preparing agency. EIS No. 20080199, ERP No. FS–BLM– L65462–AK, Northeast National Petroleum Reserve—Alaska Integrated Activity Plan, Updated Information, addressing the need for more Oil and Gas Production through Leasing Lands, Consideration of 4 Alternatives, North Slope Borough, AK. Summary: EPA’s previous concerns have been resolved; therefore, EPA does not object to the preferred alternative. EIS No. 20080235, ERP No. FS–NOA– L91011–AK, Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Subsistence Harvest Project, Proposes to Implement a Long-Term Harvest Plan and Fulfill the Federal Government’s Trust Responsibility, Cook Inlet, AK. Summary: No formal comment letter was sent to the preparing agency. Dated: June 30, 2008. Robert W. Hargrove, Director, NEPA Compliance Division, Environmental Protection Specialist, Office of Federal Activities. [FR Doc. E8–15159 Filed 7–2–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P E:\FR\FM\03JYN1.SGM 03JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 129 (Thursday, July 3, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38202-38203]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-15159]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[ER-FRL-8583-4]


Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Availability of 
EPA Comments

    Availability of EPA comments prepared pursuant to the Environmental 
Review Process (ERP), under section 309 of the Clean Air Act and 
Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act as amended. 
Requests for copies of EPA comments can be directed to the Office of 
Federal Activities at 202-564-7167. An explanation of the ratings 
assigned to draft environmental impact statements (EISs) was published 
in FR dated April 11, 2008 (73 FR 19833).

Draft EISs

EIS No. 20070526, ERP No. D-AFS-J65503-WY, Thunder Basin National 
Grassland Prairie Dog Management Strategy, Land and Resource Management 
Plan Amendment 3, Proposes to Implement a Site-Specific 
Strategy to Manage Black Trailed Prairie Dog, Douglas Ranger District, 
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National 
Grassland, Campbell, Converse, Niobrara and Weston Counties, WY.

    Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns about alternatives, 
impacts to the black-footed ferret and the use of lethal control of 
prairie dog colonies. EPA recommended development of a non-lethal 
management alternative. Rating EC2.

EIS No. 20080032, ERP No. D-AFS-J65505-C0, Durango Mountain Resort 
Improvement Plan, Special-Use-Permits, Implementation, San Juan 
National Forest, La Plata and San Juan Counties, CO.

    Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns about impacts to lynx 
habitat, wetlands and water quality. Rating EC2.

EIS No. 20080060, ERP No. D-AFS-J65511-SD, Upper Spring Creek Project, 
Proposes to Implementation Multiple Resource Management Actions, Mystic 
Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest, Pennington County, SD.

    Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns about project impacts 
to water quality and a lack of specificity regarding impacts to 
wetlands, and requested additional information on restoring water 
quality in Spring Creek, from its headwaters to Sheridan Lake, which is 
water quality impaired. Rating EC2.

EIS No. 20080106, ERP No. D-AFS-J39039-CO, Long Draw Reservoir Project, 
Re-Issue a Special-Use-Authorization to Water Supply and Storage to 
Allow the Continued Use of Long Draw Reservoir and Dam, Arapaho and 
Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, Grand and 
Larimer Counties, CO.

    Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns about the

[[Page 38203]]

availability of pure greenback cutthroat trout brood stock for 
restoration. Rating EC1.

EIS No. 20080113, ERP No. D-FRC-E03018-FL, Floridian Natural Gas 
Storage Project, Construction and Operation, Liquefied Natural Gas 
(LNG) Storage and Natural Gas Transmission Facilities, Martin County, 
FL.

    Summary: EPA expressed environmental concern about water quality 
and noise and environmental justice issues. Rating EC1.

EIS No. 20080139, ERP No. D-FHW-F40443-MN, Trunk Highway 23 and U.S. 
Highway 71 Project, Construction of One or More Grade-Separated Bridge 
Crossings, Dovre Township, Northeast of Wilmar County, Kandiyohi, MN.

    Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns about wetland, noise, 
stormwater, and cumulative impacts. Rating EC2.

EIS No. 20080150, ERP No. D-NOA-E91023-00, Amendment 16 to the Fishery 
Management Plan for the Snapper Grouper Fishery, To End Overfishing of 
Gag and Vermillion Snapper, Implementation, South Atlantic Region.

    Summary: While EPA has no objection to the proposed action, we 
requested clarification about the use of an interim management 
approach. Rating LO.

EIS No. 20070403, ERP No. DS-BLM-J65436-UT, Vernal Field Office 
Resource Management Plan, Updated Information, Managing Non-Wilderness 
Study Area (WSA) Lands with Wilderness Characteristics, Implementation, 
Vernal, UT.

    Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns about impacts to air 
quality and riparian areas, and recommended that the Final EIS include 
information assessing cumulative impacts. In addition, BLM should 
include information on the implementation of protective management 
prescriptions to mitigate for the above impacts. Rating EC2.

EIS No. 20080190, ERP No. DS-USA-A15000-00, Programmatic--Army Growth 
and Force Structure Realignment, Evaluation of Alternatives for 
Supporting the Growth, Realignment, and Transformation of the Army to 
Support Operational in the Pacific Theater, Implementation, Nationwide.

    Summary: EPA does not object to the proposed action. Rating LO.

Final EISs

EIS No. 20070551, ERP No. F-BLM-J02051-UT, Greater Deadman Bench Oil 
and Gas Producing Region, Proposes to Develop Oil and Gas Resources, 
Right-of-Way Grants and Applications for Permit to Drill, Vernal, 
Uintah County, UT.

    Summary: EPA continues to have environmental concerns about impacts 
to the riparian corridor on the Green River. EPA identified the need to 
improve cumulative impact assessment of air quality in the Uinta Basin.

EIS No. 20080146, ERP No. F-NOA-E91019-00, Amendment 2 to the 
Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan, 
To Implement Management Measures that Prevent Overfishing and Rebuild 
Overfished Stocks, Implementation, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the 
Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.

    Summary: EPA does not object to the proposed action.

EIS No. 20080168, ERP No. F-AFS-L65500-AK, Iyouktug Timber Sales, 
Proposes Harvesting Timber, Implementation, Hoonah Ranger District, 
Tongass National Forest, Hoonah, AK.

    Summary: EPA continues to have environmental concerns about impacts 
to water quality and wetlands.

EIS No. 20080176, ERP No. F-AFS-K65304-CA, North 49 Forest Health 
Recovery Project, Restore Fire Adapted Forest System, Located in the 
Red (MA-16) and Logan (MA-45) Management Areas, Hat Creek Ranger 
District, Lassen National Forest, Shasta County, CA.

    Summary: EPA continues to have environmental concerns about 
cumulative effects and the continued deferral of roads issues.

EIS No. 20080188, ERP No. F-IBW-K36148-CA, Programmatic--Tijuana River 
Flood Control Project, Proposing a Range of Alternatives for 
Maintenance Activities and Future Improvements, San Diego County, CA.

    Summary: EPA does not object to the proposed action.

EIS No. 20080189, ERP No. F-NSA-G06013-NM, Continued Operations of Los 
Alamos National Laboratory, Proposal to Expand Overall Operational 
Levels, (DOE/EIS-0380), Site Wide, Los Alamos County, NM.

    Summary: No formal comment letter was sent to the preparing agency.

EIS No. 20080207, ERP No. F-USN-E11063-00, Shock Trail of the MESA 
VERDE (LPD 19), San Antonio (LPD 17) Class Ship designated as the Shock 
Ship for Proposed Shock Trail, Possible Offshore Locations are Naval 
Station Norfolk, VA; Naval Station Mayport, FL; and Naval Air Station 
Pensacola, FL.

    Summary: Based on the mitigation and monitoring programs described 
in the Final EIS, EPA does not object to the proposed action.

EIS No. 20080233, ERP No. F-NOA-E86004-00, South Atlantic Snapper 
Grouper Fishery, Amendment 14 to Establish Eight Marine Protected Areas 
in Federal Waters, Implementation, South Atlantic Region.

    Summary: EPA does not object to the proposed action.

EIS No. 20080107, ERP No. FS-NOA-A91061-00, Atlantic Mackerel, Squid 
and Butterfish, Fishery Management Plan, Amendment 9, 
Implementation, Essential Fish Habitat (EFH), Exclusive Economic Zone 
(EEZ).

    Summary: No formal comment letter was sent to the preparing agency.

EIS No. 20080199, ERP No. FS-BLM-L65462-AK, Northeast National 
Petroleum Reserve--Alaska Integrated Activity Plan, Updated 
Information, addressing the need for more Oil and Gas Production 
through Leasing Lands, Consideration of 4 Alternatives, North Slope 
Borough, AK.

    Summary: EPA's previous concerns have been resolved; therefore, EPA 
does not object to the preferred alternative.

EIS No. 20080235, ERP No. FS-NOA-L91011-AK, Cook Inlet Beluga Whale 
Subsistence Harvest Project, Proposes to Implement a Long-Term Harvest 
Plan and Fulfill the Federal Government's Trust Responsibility, Cook 
Inlet, AK.

    Summary: No formal comment letter was sent to the preparing agency.

    Dated: June 30, 2008.
Robert W. Hargrove,
Director, NEPA Compliance Division, Environmental Protection 
Specialist, Office of Federal Activities.
[FR Doc. E8-15159 Filed 7-2-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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