Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for a Proposed Coal-Fired Electric Power Generating Plant in Eastern White Pine County, NV, 61164-61165 [E8-24508]

Download as PDF jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES 61164 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 200 / Wednesday, October 15, 2008 / Notices private lands, state lands, tribal trust lands, federal lands not administered by the BLM, lands located within the planning area of the RMP for the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and associated Wilderness Area. The plan will fulfill the needs and obligations set forth by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and associated Council of Environmental Quality Regulations 40 CFR part 1500. The plan also fulfills requirements of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA: 43 U.S.C. 1711), applicable planning regulations at 43 CFR part 1600, and BLM management policies. Parties interested in leasing and development of Federal coal in the planning area should provide coal resource data for their area(s) of interest. Specifically, information is requested on the location, quality, and quantity of Federal coal with development potential, and on surface resource values related to the 20 coal unsuitability criteria described in 43 CFR part 3461. This information will be used for any necessary updating of coal screening determination (43 CFR 3420.1–4) in the area and in the environmental analysis. In addition to coal resource data, the BLM seeks resource information and data for other public land values (e.g., air quality, cultural and historic resources, fire/ fuels, fisheries, forestry, lands and realty, non-energy minerals and geology, oil and gas (including coalbed methane), paleontology, rangeland management, recreation, soil, water, and wildlife) in the planning area. The purpose of this request is to assure that the planning effort has sufficient information and data to consider a reasonable range of resource uses, management options, and alternatives for the public lands. Proprietary data marked as confidential may be submitted in response to this call for coal and other resource information. Please submit all proprietary information submissions to the address listed above. The BLM will treat submissions marked as ‘‘Confidential’’ in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the confidentiality of such information. The BLM GJFO will work collaboratively with interested parties to identify the management actions and decisions that are best suited to local, regional, and national needs and concerns of the public, subject to planning criteria to be developed to guide the plan. Preliminary issues and management concerns have been identified by the BLM, other agencies, and meetings with individuals and user VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:32 Oct 14, 2008 Jkt 217001 groups. The major issue themes to be addressed in the RMP effort include: • Management and protection of public land resources while allowing for multiple uses. • Management of riparian areas and water quality concerns. • Recreation/visitor use and safety management. • Travel management, including Off Highway Vehicle. • Management of areas with special values. • Energy and minerals management. • Management of wildlife habitat including protection of sensitive species habitat. • Community expansion and urban interface. • Land Tenure Adjustments. After gathering public comments, issues will be placed in one of three categories. 1. Issues to be resolved by the plan; 2. Issues resolved through policy or administrative action; or 3. Issues beyond the scope of this plan. Rationale will be provided in the plan for each issue placed in category two or three. In addition to these major issues, a number of management questions and concerns will be addressed in the plan. The public is encouraged to help identify these questions and concerns during the scoping phase. An interdisciplinary approach will be used to develop the plan in order to consider the variety of issues and concerns identified. Disciplines involved in the planning process will include specialists with expertise in rangeland management, minerals and geology, outdoor recreation, archaeology, paleontology, wildlife, fisheries, wild horse, weeds, lands and realty, hydrology, soils, engineering, fire, wilderness, hazardous materials, and social and economic. The BLM has identified some preliminary planning criteria to guide the development of the plan. The following planning criteria have been proposed to guide the development of the plan, to avoid unnecessary data collection and analyses, and to ensure the plan is tailored to issues. Other criteria may be identified during the public scoping process. Proposed planning criteria include the following: • The plan will comply with all applicable laws, regulations and current policies. • Broad-based public participation will be an integral part of the planning and EIS process. • The plan will recognize valid existing rights. • Areas with special designations as appropriate. PO 00000 Frm 00148 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: October, 2008. Raul Morales, Associate Field Manager, Grand Junction Field Office. [FR Doc. E8–24374 Filed 10–14–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–22–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [NV–040–07–5101–ER–F344; N–78091] Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for a Proposed Coal-Fired Electric Power Generating Plant in Eastern White Pine County, NV Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, a Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS) has been prepared by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Ely Field Office for the White Pine Energy Station (WPES) and is now available. This document evaluates the environmental effects of constructing a coal-fired electric power generating plant (up to 1,600-megawatts) and associated features on public lands in White Pine County, Nevada. DATES: The Final EIS will be available for review until November 3, 2008, which is 30 days following the date the EPA published their notice in the Federal Register, [73 FR 57620]. ADDRESSES: The Final EIS and associated documents will be available for review in hard copy and on compact disk at the following locations: —University of Nevada-Reno, Getchell Library, Government Publication Dept., Reno, NV 89507 —Washoe County Library, 301 South Center Street, Reno, NV 89501 —White Pine County Library, 950 Campton Street, Ely, NV 89301 —Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89119 A limited number of copies of the document will be available at the following BLM offices: —Elko Field Office, 3900 Idaho Street, Elko, NV 89801 —Carson City Field Office, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, NV 89701 —Ely Field Office, 702 North Industrial Way, Ely, NV 89301–9408 —Nevada State Office, 1340 Financial Boulevard, Reno, NV 89502–7147 —Washington Office of Public Affairs, 18th and C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240 E:\FR\FM\15OCN1.SGM 15OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 200 / Wednesday, October 15, 2008 / Notices The entire document can also be reviewed or downloaded at the Ely BLM Field Office Web site https:// www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/ ely_field_office. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: publication of this notice in the Federal Register. John F. Ruhs, Field Manager. [FR Doc. E8–24508 Filed 10–14–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–HC–P Doris Metcalf, 775–289–1852. The Final EIS addresses alternatives to resolve the following major issues: ground water, air quality, visual resources, biological resources, and socioeconomic effects. The Proposed Action includes the following actions: coal-fired power plant site right-of-way (ROW), transmission line alignment and substations ROW, well field and water line ROW, railroad spur ROW, and access roads ROW. The Proposed Action includes the following project actions and features: issue ROWs for White Pine Energy Station construction and operation and subsequently arrange for the sale of the power plant site to White Pine Energy Associates; construct, operate, and maintain an up to 1,600megawatt (maximum) coal-fired electric power generating plant using hybrid cooling systems with an expected commercial life of 50 years or longer; develop a well field in the Steptoe Valley Hydrographic Basin to meet the water needs of the power plant; construct a new rail spur from the Nevada Northern Railway to the power plant site to supply coal; develop the linear infrastructure necessary to connect the power plant to the new water source, to existing electric transmission lines serving the region, and to provide site access; and implement a seeding project to enhance the grazing and wildlife value of 700 to 900 acres. The BLM issued the Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for a Proposed CoalFired Electric Power Generating Plant in Eastern White Pine County and Notice of Public Meetings; Nevada, in the Federal Register on April 20, 2007, with a 60-day public comment period. The BLM held two public meetings, one in Ely, Nevada and one in Reno, Nevada. At the request of environmental group representatives, BLM held an informational meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada. In preparing the Final EIS BLM responded to more than 514 comments received during the Draft EIS public review period. Comment responses and resultant changes in the impact analysis are documented in the Final EIS. The BLM will prepare a Record of Decision for the EIS 30 days following EPA’s jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:32 Oct 14, 2008 Jkt 217001 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [CA–660–1430–ET; CACA 49558] Notice of Proposed Withdrawal and Opportunity for Public Meeting; California Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Interior proposes to withdraw 550 acres of public land from surface entry and mining for reclamation purposes on behalf of the Bureau of Reclamation. This notice segregates the lands for up to 2 years from surface entry and mining while various studies and analyses are made to support a final decision on the withdrawal application. The lands will remain open to mineral and geothermal leasing and mineral material sales. DATES: Comments should be received on or before January 13, 2009. ADDRESSES: Comments and requests for a public meeting should be sent to Joe Liebhauser, Director, Resources Management Office, Lower Colorado Regional Office, Bureau of Reclamation, P.O. Box 61470, Boulder City, Nevada 89006–1470. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Kay Sundberg, Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Region, P.O. Box 61470, Boulder City, NV 89006–1470, 702– 293–8176. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The applicant is the Bureau of Reclamation at the address stated above and its petition/application requests the Secretary of the Interior to withdraw, subject to valid existing rights, the following described public land from settlement, sale, location or entry under the general land laws, including the United States mining laws, but not the mineral leasing laws: San Bernardino Meridian T. 7 S., R. 8 E., Sec. 32, W1⁄2NW1⁄4NE1⁄4, SW1⁄4NE1⁄4, SW1⁄4SE1⁄4NE1⁄4, W1⁄2, and SE1⁄4. The area described contains 550 acres in Riverside County. The Bureau of Reclamation’s petition/ application has been approved by the PO 00000 Frm 00149 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 61165 Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management, therefore, it constitutes a withdrawal proposal of the Secretary of the Interior (43 CFR 2310.1–3(e)). The land would be withdrawn to protect both existing and planned Federal facilities, structures, and improvements that were or will be constructed and utilized on behalf of the All-American Canal Project, pursuant to the Boulder Canyon Project Act of December 21, 1928, as amended (43 U.S.C. 617). The use of a right-of-way, interagency agreement, cooperative agreement, or surface management under 43 CFR Part 3809 regulations would not adequately constrain non-discretionary uses that could irrevocably affect the use of the land for reclamation purposes. There are no suitable alternative sites since the land described herein contains the existing and planned facilities, structures, and improvements. Until January 13, 2009, all persons who wish to submit comments, suggestions, or objections in connection with the proposed withdrawal may present their views in writing to Joe Liebhauser, at the Bureau of Reclamation address above. Comments, including names and street addresses for respondents, will be available for public review at Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) California State Office, 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W–1834, Sacramento, California 95825– 1886, 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 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. Notice is hereby given that an opportunity for a public meeting is afforded in connection with the proposed withdrawal. All interested persons who desire a public meeting for the purpose of being heard on the proposed withdrawal must submit a written request no later than January 13, 2009. Upon determination by the authorized officer that a public meeting will be held, a notice of time and place will be published in the Federal Register and a local newspaper at least 30 days before the scheduled date of the meeting. E:\FR\FM\15OCN1.SGM 15OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 200 (Wednesday, October 15, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61164-61165]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-24508]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[NV-040-07-5101-ER-F344; N-78091]


Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact 
Statement for a Proposed Coal-Fired Electric Power Generating Plant in 
Eastern White Pine County, NV

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, a Final Environmental Impact Statement 
(Final EIS) has been prepared by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), 
Ely Field Office for the White Pine Energy Station (WPES) and is now 
available. This document evaluates the environmental effects of 
constructing a coal-fired electric power generating plant (up to 1,600-
megawatts) and associated features on public lands in White Pine 
County, Nevada.

DATES: The Final EIS will be available for review until November 3, 
2008, which is 30 days following the date the EPA published their 
notice in the Federal Register, [73 FR 57620].

ADDRESSES: The Final EIS and associated documents will be available for 
review in hard copy and on compact disk at the following locations:
--University of Nevada-Reno, Getchell Library, Government Publication 
Dept., Reno, NV 89507
--Washoe County Library, 301 South Center Street, Reno, NV 89501
--White Pine County Library, 950 Campton Street, Ely, NV 89301
--Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89119

    A limited number of copies of the document will be available at the 
following BLM offices:

--Elko Field Office, 3900 Idaho Street, Elko, NV 89801
--Carson City Field Office, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, NV 
89701
--Ely Field Office, 702 North Industrial Way, Ely, NV 89301-9408
--Nevada State Office, 1340 Financial Boulevard, Reno, NV 89502-7147
--Washington Office of Public Affairs, 18th and C Street, NW., 
Washington, DC 20240

[[Page 61165]]

    The entire document can also be reviewed or downloaded at the Ely 
BLM Field Office Web site https://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/ely_field_
office.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doris Metcalf, 775-289-1852.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Final EIS addresses alternatives to 
resolve the following major issues: ground water, air quality, visual 
resources, biological resources, and socioeconomic effects.
    The Proposed Action includes the following actions: coal-fired 
power plant site right-of-way (ROW), transmission line alignment and 
substations ROW, well field and water line ROW, railroad spur ROW, and 
access roads ROW. The Proposed Action includes the following project 
actions and features: issue ROWs for White Pine Energy Station 
construction and operation and subsequently arrange for the sale of the 
power plant site to White Pine Energy Associates; construct, operate, 
and maintain an up to 1,600-megawatt (maximum) coal-fired electric 
power generating plant using hybrid cooling systems with an expected 
commercial life of 50 years or longer; develop a well field in the 
Steptoe Valley Hydrographic Basin to meet the water needs of the power 
plant; construct a new rail spur from the Nevada Northern Railway to 
the power plant site to supply coal; develop the linear infrastructure 
necessary to connect the power plant to the new water source, to 
existing electric transmission lines serving the region, and to provide 
site access; and implement a seeding project to enhance the grazing and 
wildlife value of 700 to 900 acres.
    The BLM issued the Notice of Availability of the Draft 
Environmental Impact Statement for a Proposed Coal-Fired Electric Power 
Generating Plant in Eastern White Pine County and Notice of Public 
Meetings; Nevada, in the Federal Register on April 20, 2007, with a 60-
day public comment period. The BLM held two public meetings, one in 
Ely, Nevada and one in Reno, Nevada. At the request of environmental 
group representatives, BLM held an informational meeting in Las Vegas, 
Nevada. In preparing the Final EIS BLM responded to more than 514 
comments received during the Draft EIS public review period. Comment 
responses and resultant changes in the impact analysis are documented 
in the Final EIS. The BLM will prepare a Record of Decision for the EIS 
30 days following EPA's publication of this notice in the Federal 
Register.

John F. Ruhs,
Field Manager.
[FR Doc. E8-24508 Filed 10-14-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-HC-P
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