Habitat Conservation Plan for Pacific Gas & Electric Company's Operation, Maintenance, and Minor New Construction Activities in the North Coast, Central Coast, Sacramento Valley, and Sierra Regions, California, 71668-71672 [E8-27925]

Download as PDF jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES 71668 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 25, 2008 / Notices article, and the overall employment generated by the manufacturing process. The courts and CBP have also considered the essential character of the imported article in making these determinations. See Uniroyal, Inc. v. United States, 542 F. Supp. 1026, 3 CIT 220, 224–225 (1982) (where it was determined that imported uppers were the essence of a completed shoe) and National Juice Products Association, et al v. United States, 628 F. Supp. 978, 10 CIT 48, 61 (1986) (where the court addressed each of the factors (name, character, and use) in finding that no substantial transformation occurred in the production of retail juice products from manufacturing concentrate). In order to determine whether a substantial transformation occurs when components of various origins are assembled into completed products, CBP considers the totality of the circumstances and makes such determinations on a case-by-case basis. The country of origin of the item’s components, extent of the processing that occurs within a country, and whether such processing renders a product with a new name, character, and use are primary considerations in such cases. Additionally, factors such as the resources expended on product design and development, extent and nature of post-assembly inspection and testing procedures, and worker skill required during the actual manufacturing process will be considered when determining whether a substantial transformation has occurred. No one factor is determinative. CBP has held in a number of cases involving similar merchandise that complex and meaningful assembly operations involving a large number of components result in a substantial transformation. In Headquarters Ruling Letter (‘‘HRL’’) 563491 (February 8, 2007), CBP addressed the country of origin of certain digital color multifunctional systems manufactured by Sharp and assembled in Japan of various Japanese—and Chinese—origin parts. In that ruling, CBP determined that color multifunctional systems were a product of Japan based on the fact that ‘‘although several subassemblies are assembled in China, enough of the Japanese subassemblies and individual components serve major functions and are high in value, in particular, the transfer belt, control box unit, application-specific integrated circuits, charged couple device, and laser diodes.’’ Further CBP found that the testing and adjustments performed in Japan were technical and complex and the assembly operations that occurred in Japan were sufficiently complex and VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:01 Nov 24, 2008 Jkt 217001 meaningful. Thus, through the product assembly and testing and adjustment operations, the individual components and subassemblies of Japanese and foreign-origin were subsumed into a new and distinct article of commerce that had a new name, character, and use. See also HRL 562936, dated March 17, 2004. In HRL 561734, dated March 22, 2001, CBP held that certain multifunctional machines (consisting of printer, copier, and fax machines) assembled in Japan were a product of that country for the purposes of U.S. government procurement. The multifunctional machines were assembled from 227 parts (108 parts obtained from Japan, 92 from Thailand, 3 from China, and 24 from other countries) and eight subassemblies, each of which was assembled in Japan. See also HRL 561568, dated March 22, 2001. Counsel states that the engineering, design and development of these machines takes place entirely in Japan. A number of components that are claimed to be critical such as the flash ROM, CPU, ASIC’s, transfer roller, a charge-coupled device (‘‘CCD’’), synchronous lenses, laser diodes, drums, developer and toner are made in Japan. The final assembly and adjustment/alignment/testing procedures required for these J-model are also performed in Japan and claimed to be extremely sophisticated. Counsel states that unless the J-models are properly adjusted and aligned, they do not become marketable products and this adjustment process requires a high level of technical skills. We agree that the J-models discussed in this ruling are considered a product of Japan. As noted above, the engineering, design and development of the multifunctional machines occurs in Japan. Moreover, a substantial portion of the components and assemblies are of Japanese origin. Sharp describes many of these components as critical. We note that several of the components used in the Chinese-origin subassemblies are of Japanese origin. Further, the processing that occurs in Japan is complex and meaningful, requiring the assembly of a large number of components, that results in a new and distinct article of commerce with a new name, character and use. As Japan is the final country of production and a substantial amount of work is performed there, we find that the Andromeda II-J multifunctional machines are products of Japan for the purposes of U.S. Government procurement. PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Holding Based on the facts of this case, we find that the processing in Japan substantially transforms the nonJapanese components. Therefore, the country of origin of the Sharp Andromeda II J-model multifunctional machines is Japan for purposes of U.S. Government procurement. Notice of this final determination will be given in the Federal Register, as required by 19 CFR 177.29. Any partyat-interest other than the party which requested this final determination may request, pursuant to 19 CFR 177.31 that CBP reexamine the matter anew and issue a new final determination. Pursuant to 19 CFR 177.30, any partyat-interest may, within 30 days after publication of the Federal Register Notice referenced above, seek judicial review of this final determination before the Court of International Trade. Sincerely, Sandra L. Bell Executive Director, Office of Regulations and Rulings, Office of International Trade [FR Doc. E8–28014 Filed 11–24–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–14–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R8–ES–2008–N0296; 1112–000– 81420–F2] Habitat Conservation Plan for Pacific Gas & Electric Company’s Operation, Maintenance, and Minor New Construction Activities in the North Coast, Central Coast, Sacramento Valley, and Sierra Regions, California Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement and notice of public scoping meetings. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are issuing this notice to advise the public that we intend to gather information necessary to prepare, in coordination with the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E), a joint Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) on the PG&E Multiple-Region (North Coast, Central Coast, Sacramento Valley, Sierra) Operations, Maintenance, and Minor New Construction Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The HCP is being prepared under Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Endangered E:\FR\FM\25NON1.SGM 25NON1 71669 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 25, 2008 / Notices Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). PG&E intends to request a permit to cover 75 species federally listed as threatened or endangered and 34 unlisted species that may become listed during the term of the permit. The permit is needed to authorize incidental take of listed species that could occur as a result of implementing activities covered under the HCP. The Service provides this notice to: (1) Describe the proposed action and possible alternatives; (2) advise other Federal and State agencies, affected Tribes, and the public of our intent to prepare an EIS/EIR; (3) announce the initiation of a public scoping period; and (4) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues and alternatives to be included in the EIS/ EIR. DATES: We must receive your written comments on or before December 26, 2008. We will hold a public meeting on Thursday, December 4, 2008, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sacramento CA. A Web conference is scheduled for the same date as the public meeting, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Conference Title: PG&E Multiple Region HCP EIS/EIR Scoping. In order to hear the audio for the conference, you must dial: 877–741– 4242, and enter passcode: 1495039, for the operator or automated response system. If needed, dial 0 for technical assistance. First you must test your browser for compatibility at the following URL prior to the web event date: https://www112.livemeeting.com/ cc/test2007/join?id=Live Meeting2007Test&role= attend&cn=user&pw=&recording&_ agreement=accepted&place wareLicenseCookie=true Please note that this is only the browser check link and not the link to the actual event. Once you have successfully joined the test meeting, you may exit. Second, join conference 10 minutes prior to event start: https:// www.livemeeting.com/cc/vcc/join?id= w1495039&role=attend&pw=A149503. If you have problems entering the conference using the above link, please type in the meeting URL: https:// www119.livemeeting.com/cc/vcc/join and enter the Meeting ID: w1495039, and Entry Code: A149503, when prompted. The public meeting will be held at the following location: Thursday, December 4, 2008, at the Evelyn Moore Community Center, 1402 Dickson Street, Sacramento, CA. Information, written comments, or questions related to the preparation of the EIS/EIR and NEPA process should be submitted to Eric Tattersall, Chief, Conservation Planning and Recovery Division, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, 2800 Cottage Way, W–2605, Sacramento, California 95825; Fax 916– 414–6713. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Tattersall, Chief, Conservation Planning and Recovery Division, at the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office at 916–414–6600. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: Reasonable Accommodation Persons needing reasonable accommodations in order to attend and participate in the public meeting should contact Eric Tattersall at 916–414–6600 as soon as possible. In order to allow sufficient time to process requests, please submit them at least 1 week before the public meeting. Information regarding this proposed action is available in alternative formats upon request. Background Section 9 of the Act and Federal regulations prohibit the ‘‘take’’ of fish and wildlife species listed as endangered or threatened. Under the Act, the following activities are defined as take: To harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture or collect listed animal species, or attempt to engage in such conduct [16 U.S.C. 1532(19)]. However, under Section 10(a) of the Act, we may issue permits to authorize ‘‘incidental take’’ of listed species. ‘‘Incidental take’’ is defined by the Act as take that is incidental to, and not the purpose of, carrying out an otherwise lawful activity. Regulations governing permits for threatened species and endangered species, respectively, are at 50 CFR 17.32 and 50 CFR 17.22. Take of listed plant species is not prohibited under the Act and cannot be authorized under a Section 10(a)(1)(B) permit. However, plant species may be included on a permit in recognition of conservation benefits provided for them under the HCP. All species included on the permit would receive assurances under the Service’s ‘‘No Surprises’’ regulation 50 CFR 17.22(b)(5) and 17.32(b)(5). Currently, PG&E intends to request a permit for 109 species under the HCP: 75 listed and 34 unlisted species (covered species) (Table 1). This proposed species list may change during the development of the HCP. Specific PG&E regions in the Plan Area are abbreviated as follows: CC = Central Coast, NC = North Coast, S = Sierra, and SV = Sacramento Valley. Categories of listing status (Federal, under the Act) are abbreviated as follows: N = not listed, D = de-listed, C = candidate, T = threatened, and E = endangered. TABLE 1—PROPOSED COVERED SPECIES PG&E regions CC NC S SV Listing status * .......... X X .......... X X X X .......... .......... X .......... X .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... X X .......... X .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... X X .......... X .......... .......... .......... X .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... E T E T E T E E E E E E E .......... .......... X X T jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Species Invertebrates Conservancy fairy shrimp (Branchinecta conservatio) ................................................................... Vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi) ............................................................................... Ohlone tiger beetle (Cicindela ohlone) ........................................................................................... Valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus) ...................................... Smith’s blue butterfly (Euphilotes enoptes smithi) ......................................................................... Kern primrose sphinx moth (Euproserpinus euterpe) .................................................................... Morro shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta walkeriana) ............................................................... Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi) .......................................................................... Lotis blue butterfly (Lycaeides argyrognomon lotis) ....................................................................... Shasta crayfish (Pacifastacus fortis) .............................................................................................. Mount Hermon June beetle (Polyphylla barbata) ........................................................................... Behren’s silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene behrensii) .............................................................. Zayante band-winged grasshopper (Trimerotropis infantilis) ......................................................... Amphibians: California tiger salamander—Central California Distinct Population Segment (Ambystoma californiense) ............................................................................................................................... VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:54 Nov 24, 2008 Jkt 217001 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25NON1.SGM 25NON1 71670 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 25, 2008 / Notices TABLE 1—PROPOSED COVERED SPECIES—Continued PG&E regions CC NC S SV Listing status * X X X X .......... X .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... X X X .......... X .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... X .......... X .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... X X X .......... .......... E E N E N T N C N X X .......... X .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... X .......... X N E T X X X X .......... X X X X X X X X .......... X .......... .......... X X X .......... X .......... X .......... .......... .......... X X X .......... .......... X X X .......... X X .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... X X .......... .......... .......... .......... X .......... .......... X X X .......... X .......... X X .......... X X X .......... X X X X .......... N N N T N T C N E D D N E** N E N T E X .......... X .......... X .......... X .......... X .......... .......... .......... .......... X .......... .......... .......... .......... X X N E E C E .......... X X X X X X X X X .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... E N T E E T E N N X .......... X X X X X X X X .......... X X X X X X X .......... .......... .......... X .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... X X .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... X .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... T E E T E E E E E E E N E T E E E N C E jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Species California tiger salamander—Santa Barbara County Distinct Population Segment (Ambystoma californiense) ............................................................................................................................... Santa Cruz long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum) .................................. Tehachapi slender salamander (Batrachoseps stebbinsi) ............................................................. Arroyo toad (Bufo californicus) ....................................................................................................... Shasta salamander (Hydromantes shastae) .................................................................................. California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii) ........................................................................ Foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii) ........................................................................................ Mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa) ............................................................................... Southern torrent salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus) ................................................................ Reptiles: Western pond turtle (Clemmys<Actinemys> marmorata) .............................................................. Blunt-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia silus) .................................................................................. Giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas) ......................................................................................... Birds: Tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) ........................................................................................... Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) .................................................................................................. Western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) .................................................................................. Marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) ........................................................................... Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni) .............................................................................................. Western snowy plover—Pacific Coast Population (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) ................. Western yellow-bill cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) .................................................. Willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) .............................................................................................. Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) .......................................................... American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) .................................................................. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) .......................................................................................... California black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus) .............................................................. California brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus) ...................................................... Purple martin (Progne subis) .......................................................................................................... California clapper rail (Rallus longirostris obsoletus) ..................................................................... Great gray owl (Strix nebulosa) ...................................................................................................... Northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) ........................................................................... Least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) ........................................................................................... Mammals: San Joaquin antelope ground squirrel (Ammospermophilus nelsoni) ........................................... Point Arena mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa nigra) .................................................................... Giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens) ........................................................................................ Fisher—West Coast Distinct Population Segment (Martes pennanti) ........................................... San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) ................................................................................ Plants: McDonald’s rock-cress (Arabis mcdonaldiana) .............................................................................. Hearst’s Manzanita (Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp. hearstiorum) ..................................................... Morro Manzanita (Arctostaphylos morroensis) ............................................................................... Marsh sandwort (Arenaria paludicola) ............................................................................................ Coastal dunes milk-vetch (Astragalus tener var. titi) ..................................................................... San Benito evening-primrose (Camissonia benitensis) ................................................................. California jewel-flower (Caulanthus californicus) ............................................................................ Hearst’s ceanothus (Ceanothus hearstiorum) ................................................................................ Maritime ceanothus (Ceanothus maritimus) ................................................................................... Purple amole (Chlorogalum purpureum)—includes both Chlorogalum purpureum var. purpureum and Chlorogalum purpureum var. reductum ............................................................ Howell’s spineflower (Chorizanthe howellii) ................................................................................... Ben Lomond spineflower (Chorizanthe pungens var. hartwegiana) .............................................. Monterey spineflower (Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens) ......................................................... Scott’s Valley spineflower (Chorizanthe robusta var. hartwegii) .................................................... Robust spineflower (Chorizanthe robusta var. robusta) ................................................................. Chorro Creek bog thistle (Cirsium fontinale var. obispoense) ....................................................... La Graciosa thistle (Cirsium loncholepis) ....................................................................................... Pismo clarkia (Clarkia speciosa ssp. immaculata) ......................................................................... Salt marsh bird’s-beak (Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimus) .................................................. Palmate-bracted bird’s beak (Cordylanthus palmatus) .................................................................. Seaside bird’s-beak (Cordylanthus rigidus ssp. littoralis) .............................................................. Santa Cruz cypress (Cupressus abramsiana) ............................................................................... Gowen cypress (Cupressus goveniana ssp. goveniana) ............................................................... Gaviota tarplant (Deinandra increscens ssp. villosa) ..................................................................... Indian Knob mountain balm (Eriodictyon altissimum) .................................................................... Lompoc yerba santa (Eriodictyon capitatum) ................................................................................. Butterworth’s buckwheat (Eriogonum butterworthianum) ............................................................... Red Mountain (Kelloggs’) buckwheat (Eriogonum kelloggii) .......................................................... Loch Lomond button-celery (Eryngium constancei) ....................................................................... VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:01 Nov 24, 2008 Jkt 217001 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25NON1.SGM 25NON1 71671 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 25, 2008 / Notices TABLE 1—PROPOSED COVERED SPECIES—Continued PG&E regions CC NC S SV Listing status * .......... X X X .......... .......... .......... .......... X X X .......... .......... .......... X X X X X X X X X .......... X X X X .......... X X X .......... .......... .......... X X X X .......... .......... .......... X X X .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... X .......... .......... .......... .......... X .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... X X .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... E E E T E E E E E E E E E E N E E N N E E E N C N C E N E N E Species Menzies’ wallflower (Erysimum menziesii)—includes both. Erysimum menziesii ssp. eurekense and Erysimum menziesii ssp. yadonii ................................. Santa Cruz wallflower (Erysimum teretifolium) .............................................................................. Monterey gilia (Gilia tenuiflora ssp. arenaria) ................................................................................ Santa Cruz tarplant (Holocarpha macradenia) ............................................................................... Burke’s goldfields (Lasthenia burkei) ............................................................................................. Contra Costa goldfields (Lasthenia conjugens) ............................................................................. Beach layia (Layia carnosa) ........................................................................................................... Western lily (Lilium occidentale) ..................................................................................................... Nipomo Mesa lupine (Lupinus nipomensis) ................................................................................... Tidestrom’s (clover) lupine (Lupinus tidestromii) ............................................................................ San Joaquin woolly-threads (Monolopia congdonii) ....................................................................... Few-flowered navarretia (Navarretia leucocephala ssp. pauciflora) .............................................. Many-flowered navarretia (Navarretia leucocephala ssp. plieantha) ............................................. Lake County stonecrop (Parvisedum leiocarpum) ......................................................................... Dudley’s lousewort (Pedicularis dudleyi) ........................................................................................ White-rayed pentachaeta (Pentachaeta bellidiflora) ...................................................................... Yadon’s piperia (Piperia yadonii) .................................................................................................... San Francisco popcorn-flower (Plagiobothrys diffusus) ................................................................. Santa Lucia mint (Pogogyne clareana) .......................................................................................... Scott’s Valley polygonum (Polygonum hickmanii) .......................................................................... Hickman’s cinquefoil (Potentilla hickmanii) .................................................................................... Gambel’s watercress (Rorippa gambellii) ....................................................................................... Adobe sanicle (Sanicula maritime) ................................................................................................. Red Mountain stonecrop (Sedum eastwoodiae) ............................................................................ Cuesta Pass checkerbloom (Sidalcea hickmanii ssp. anomala) ................................................... Parish’s checkerbloom (Sidalcea hickmanii ssp. parishii) .............................................................. California seablite (Suaeda californica) .......................................................................................... Santa Ynez false lupine (Thermopsis macrophylla) ....................................................................... Kneeland Prairie penny-cress (Thlaspi californicum) ..................................................................... Pacific Grove clover (Trifolium polyodon) ...................................................................................... Monterey clover (Trifolium trichocalyx) ........................................................................................... jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES NOTES: * Species with listing status of D or N are included in the Plan as covered species, in case they become listed during the course of the HCP. ** The California brown pelican was proposed for delisting by the Service on February 20, 2008 (73 FR 9408). The Plan Area includes approximately 550,000 acres and includes the right-of-way surrounding gas and electric transmission and distribution facilities, the lands owned by PG&E and/or subject to PG&E easements for these facilities, private access routes associated with PG&E’s activities, future minor new construction areas, and mitigation areas for impacts resulting from PG&E’s activities. The Plan Area includes the network of PG&E facilities in 36 counties, including 18 counties within the Sacramento Valley region, 20 counties within the Sierra region (of which 12 overlap with Sacramento Valley), 6 counties within the Central Coast region, and 4 counties within the North Coast region. The Sacramento Valley region includes the following counties: Tuolumne, Calaveras, Amador, Sacramento, Yolo, Sutter, Butte, Glenn, Yuba, El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, Sierra, Plumas, Colusa, Tehama, Trinity, and Shasta. The counties within the Sierra region include: Modoc, Siskiyou, Lassen, Shasta, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Sierra, VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:01 Nov 24, 2008 Jkt 217001 Nevada, Placer, Yuba, El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras, Alpine, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, and Tulare. The Central Coast region consists of the following counties: Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Kern. The North Coast region consists of the following counties: Humboldt, Trinity, Mendocino, and Lake. Activities that may be covered under the HCP include a variety of tasks associated with the operation, maintenance, and minor new construction of PG&E’s gas and electric transmission and distribution system, as mandated for public safety by the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Energy Commission, and the California Department of Transportation. More specifically, these activities may include: gas pipeline protection, recoating, repair, and replacement; electric line protection, repair, reconductoring, and replacement; electric pole repair/ replacement; vegetation management to maintain clearances around facilities; and minor construction for new gas and PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 electric extensions. The HCP would not cover operation, maintenance, or construction of power generation facilities. The Service, DFG, and PG&E are now considering components of a conservation program in the HCP. These components would include measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate take, such as preservation, restoration, and enhancement of habitat. The HCP will also include measures for monitoring and adaptive management. This conservation program would focus on providing long-term protection of covered species by protecting biological communities in the Plan Area. The Service anticipates that PG&E will request a permit duration of 50 years. Environmental Impact Statement/ Report The joint document will be prepared in compliance with NEPA and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Service and DFG will prepare the EIS/EIR, the Service will be responsible for the scope and content of the document for NEPA purposes, and DFG will be responsible for the scope E:\FR\FM\25NON1.SGM 25NON1 jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES 71672 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 25, 2008 / Notices and content of the CEQA document, as the State lead agency pursuant to CEQA and the permitting entity pursuant to the California Endangered Species Act and Fish and Game Code 2081. The EIS/EIR will consider the proposed action (i.e., the issuance of a Section 10(a)(1)(B) permit under the Act based on the proposed HCP) and a reasonable range of alternatives. A detailed description of the proposed action and alternatives will be included in the EIS/EIR. It is anticipated that several alternatives will be developed, which may vary by the level of conservation, impacts caused by the proposed activities, permit area, covered species, or a combination of these factors. Additionally, a No Action alternative will be considered. Under the No Action alternative, the Service would not issue a Section 10(a)(1)(B) permit. The EIS/EIR will also identify potentially significant impacts on land use and planning, agricultural resources, biological resources, aesthetics, geology and soils, water resources, cultural resources, transportation and circulation, noise and vibration, air quality, public health/ environmental hazards, recreation, environmental justice, socioeconomics, and other environmental issues that could occur directly or indirectly with implementation of the proposed action and alternatives. For all potentially significant impacts, the EIS/EIR will identify mitigation measures, where feasible, to reduce these impacts to a level below significance. This notice of intent is being furnished in accordance with 40 CFR Sections 1501.2, 1501.7, 1506.6, and 1508.22 to obtain suggestions, comments, and useful information from other agencies and the public on the scope of the proposed EIS/EIR, including the significant environmental issues deserving of study, the range of actions, the range of alternatives, and the range of impacts to be considered. Written comments from interested parties are invited to ensure that all issues related to the proposed Section 10(a)(1)(B) incidental take permit application are identified. Comments will only be accepted in written form. You may submit written comments by mail, facsimile transmission, or in person (see ADDRESSES). 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:01 Nov 24, 2008 Jkt 217001 to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Dated: November 18, 2008. Milada Krasilinec, Land Law Examiner. [FR Doc. E8–27898 Filed 11–24–08; 8:45 am] Dated: November 18, 2008. Richard E. Sayers, Acting Deputy Regional Director, California and Nevada Region, Sacramento, California. [FR Doc. E8–27925 Filed 11–24–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–JB–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management BILLING CODE 4310–55–P [CO–922–09–1310–FI; COC68150] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [CO–922–09–1310–FI; COC68089] Notice of Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease AGENCY: Notice of Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. Notice of Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease. ACTION: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. Notice of Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease. ACTION: SUMMARY: Under the provisions of 30 U.S.C. 188(d) and (e), and 43 CFR 3108.2–3(a) and (b)(1), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received a petition for reinstatement of oil and gas lease COC68150 from the following companies: (1) Delta Petroleum Corp., (2) Gasconade Oil Co., (3) Helm Energy, LLC, and (4) Riggs Oil and Gas Corp., for lands in San Miguel County, Colorado. The petition was filed on time and was accompanied by all the rentals due since the date the lease terminated under the law. SUMMARY: Under the provisions of 30 U.S.C. 188(d) and (e), and 43 CFR 3108.2–3(a) and (b)(1), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received a petition for reinstatement of oil and gas lease COC68089 from the following companies: (1) Delta Petroleum Corp., (2) Gasconade Oil Co., (3) Helm Energy LLC, and (4) Riggs Oil and Gas Corp., for lands in San Miguel County, Colorado. The petition was filed on time and was accompanied by all the rentals due since the date the lease terminated under the law. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bureau of Land Management, Milada Krasilinec, Land Law Examiner, Branch of Fluid Minerals Adjudication, at 303.239.3767. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Bureau of Land Management, Milada Krasilinec, Land Law Examiner, Branch of Fluid Minerals Adjudication, at 303.239.3767. The lessee has agreed to the amended lease terms for rentals and royalties at rates of $10.00 per acre or fraction thereof, per year and 162⁄3 percent, respectively. The lessee has paid the required $500 administrative fee and $163 to reimburse the Department for the cost of this Federal Register notice. The lessees have met all the requirements for reinstatement of the lease as set out in Section 31(d) and (e) of the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 (30 U.S.C. 188), and the Bureau of Land Management is proposing to reinstate lease COC68089 effective April 1, 2008, under the original terms and conditions of the lease and the increased rental and royalty rates cited above. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The lessee has agreed to the amended lease terms for rentals and royalties at rates of $10.00 per acre or fraction thereof, per year and 162⁄3 percent, respectively. The lessee has paid the required $500 administrative fee and $163 to reimburse the Department for the cost of this Federal Register notice. The lessees have met all the requirements for reinstatement of the lease as set out in section 31(d) and (e) of the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 (30 U.S.C. 188), and the Bureau of Land Management is proposing to reinstate lease COC68150 effective April 1, 2008, under the original terms and conditions of the lease and the increased rental and royalty rates cited above. Dated: November 18, 2008. Milada Krasilinec, Land Law Examiner. [FR Doc. E8–27899 Filed 11–24–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–JB–P E:\FR\FM\25NON1.SGM 25NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 228 (Tuesday, November 25, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71668-71672]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-27925]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R8-ES-2008-N0296; 1112-000-81420-F2]


Habitat Conservation Plan for Pacific Gas & Electric Company's 
Operation, Maintenance, and Minor New Construction Activities in the 
North Coast, Central Coast, Sacramento Valley, and Sierra Regions, 
California

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement 
and notice of public scoping meetings.

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

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we, 
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are issuing this notice 
to advise the public that we intend to gather information necessary to 
prepare, in coordination with the California Department of Fish and 
Game (DFG) and Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E), a joint 
Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) on 
the PG&E Multiple-Region (North Coast, Central Coast, Sacramento 
Valley, Sierra) Operations, Maintenance, and Minor New Construction 
Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The HCP is being prepared under 
Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Endangered

[[Page 71669]]

Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). PG&E intends to request a permit 
to cover 75 species federally listed as threatened or endangered and 34 
unlisted species that may become listed during the term of the permit. 
The permit is needed to authorize incidental take of listed species 
that could occur as a result of implementing activities covered under 
the HCP.
    The Service provides this notice to: (1) Describe the proposed 
action and possible alternatives; (2) advise other Federal and State 
agencies, affected Tribes, and the public of our intent to prepare an 
EIS/EIR; (3) announce the initiation of a public scoping period; and 
(4) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues and 
alternatives to be included in the EIS/EIR.

DATES: We must receive your written comments on or before December 26, 
2008. We will hold a public meeting on Thursday, December 4, 2008, 2 
p.m. to 4 p.m., Sacramento CA.
    A Web conference is scheduled for the same date as the public 
meeting, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Conference Title: PG&E Multiple Region 
HCP EIS/EIR Scoping. In order to hear the audio for the conference, you 
must dial: 877-741-4242, and enter passcode: 1495039, for the operator 
or automated response system. If needed, dial 0 for technical 
assistance. First you must test your browser for compatibility at the 
following URL prior to the web event date: https://
www112.livemeeting.com/cc/test2007/
join?id=LiveMeeting2007Test&role=attend&cn=user&pw=&recording&--
agreement=accepted&placewareLicenseCookie=true
    Please note that this is only the browser check link and not the 
link to the actual event. Once you have successfully joined the test 
meeting, you may exit. Second, join conference 10 minutes prior to 
event start: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/vcc/
join?id=w1495039&role=attend&pw=A149503. If you have problems entering 
the conference using the above link, please type in the meeting URL: 
https://www119.livemeeting.com/cc/vcc/join and enter the Meeting ID: 
w1495039, and Entry Code: A149503, when prompted.

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the following location: 
Thursday, December 4, 2008, at the Evelyn Moore Community Center, 1402 
Dickson Street, Sacramento, CA.
    Information, written comments, or questions related to the 
preparation of the EIS/EIR and NEPA process should be submitted to Eric 
Tattersall, Chief, Conservation Planning and Recovery Division, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, 2800 
Cottage Way, W-2605, Sacramento, California 95825; Fax 916-414-6713.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Tattersall, Chief, Conservation 
Planning and Recovery Division, at the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife 
Office at 916-414-6600.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Reasonable Accommodation

    Persons needing reasonable accommodations in order to attend and 
participate in the public meeting should contact Eric Tattersall at 
916-414-6600 as soon as possible. In order to allow sufficient time to 
process requests, please submit them at least 1 week before the public 
meeting. Information regarding this proposed action is available in 
alternative formats upon request.

Background

    Section 9 of the Act and Federal regulations prohibit the ``take'' 
of fish and wildlife species listed as endangered or threatened. Under 
the Act, the following activities are defined as take: To harass, harm, 
pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture or collect listed 
animal species, or attempt to engage in such conduct [16 U.S.C. 
1532(19)]. However, under Section 10(a) of the Act, we may issue 
permits to authorize ``incidental take'' of listed species. 
``Incidental take'' is defined by the Act as take that is incidental 
to, and not the purpose of, carrying out an otherwise lawful activity. 
Regulations governing permits for threatened species and endangered 
species, respectively, are at 50 CFR 17.32 and 50 CFR 17.22.
    Take of listed plant species is not prohibited under the Act and 
cannot be authorized under a Section 10(a)(1)(B) permit. However, plant 
species may be included on a permit in recognition of conservation 
benefits provided for them under the HCP. All species included on the 
permit would receive assurances under the Service's ``No Surprises'' 
regulation 50 CFR 17.22(b)(5) and 17.32(b)(5).
    Currently, PG&E intends to request a permit for 109 species under 
the HCP: 75 listed and 34 unlisted species (covered species) (Table 1). 
This proposed species list may change during the development of the 
HCP. Specific PG&E regions in the Plan Area are abbreviated as follows: 
CC = Central Coast, NC = North Coast, S = Sierra, and SV = Sacramento 
Valley. Categories of listing status (Federal, under the Act) are 
abbreviated as follows: N = not listed, D = de-listed, C = candidate, T 
= threatened, and E = endangered.

                                        Table 1--Proposed Covered Species
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              PG&E regions
                             Species                              ------------------------------------  Listing
                                                                      CC       NC       S        SV     status *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invertebrates
    Conservancy fairy shrimp (Branchinecta conservatio)..........  .......  .......  .......       X          E
    Vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi)...............       X   .......  .......       X          T
    Ohlone tiger beetle (Cicindela ohlone).......................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus     .......  .......  .......       X          T
     dimorphus)..................................................
    Smith's blue butterfly (Euphilotes enoptes smithi)...........       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Kern primrose sphinx moth (Euproserpinus euterpe)............       X   .......  .......  .......         T
    Morro shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta walkeriana)........       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi)..............       X   .......  .......       X          E
    Lotis blue butterfly (Lycaeides argyrognomon lotis)..........  .......       X   .......  .......         E
    Shasta crayfish (Pacifastacus fortis)........................  .......       X   .......  .......         E
    Mount Hermon June beetle (Polyphylla barbata)................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Behren's silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene behrensii)....  .......       X   .......  .......         E
    Zayante band-winged grasshopper (Trimerotropis infantilis)...       X   .......  .......  .......         E
Amphibians:
    California tiger salamander--Central California Distinct       .......  .......       X        X          T
     Population Segment (Ambystoma californiense)................

[[Page 71670]]

 
    California tiger salamander--Santa Barbara County Distinct          X   .......  .......  .......         E
     Population Segment (Ambystoma californiense)................
    Santa Cruz long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum            X   .......  .......  .......         E
     croceum)....................................................
    Tehachapi slender salamander (Batrachoseps stebbinsi)........       X   .......  .......  .......         N
    Arroyo toad (Bufo californicus)..............................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Shasta salamander (Hydromantes shastae)......................  .......       X   .......       X          N
    California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii)...........       X        X        X        X          T
    Foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii)....................  .......       X   .......       X          N
    Mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa)...................  .......  .......       X   .......          C
    Southern torrent salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus)........  .......       X   .......  .......         N
Reptiles:
    Western pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata).       X        X   .......       X          N
    Blunt-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia silus)..................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas)........................  .......  .......  .......       X          T
Birds:
    Tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor).....................       X        X        X        X          N
    Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).............................       X        X        X        X          N
    Western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia)...................       X   .......  .......       X          N
    Marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus)..................       X        X   .......  .......         T
    Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni)............................  .......  .......  .......       X          N
    Western snowy plover--Pacific Coast Population (Charadrius          X        X   .......  .......         T
     alexandrinus nivosus).......................................
    Western yellow-bill cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis)       X   .......  .......       X           C
    Willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii).......................       X   .......  .......       X          N
    Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus)..       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)..........       X        X        X        X          D
    Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)........................       X        X        X        X          D
    California black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus)..       X        X   .......       X          N
    California brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis                    X   .......  .......  .......       E**
     californicus)...............................................
    Purple martin (Progne subis).................................  .......  .......  .......       X          N
    California clapper rail (Rallus longirostris obsoletus)......       X        X   .......       X          E
    Great gray owl (Strix nebulosa)..............................  .......       X        X        X          N
    Northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina)............  .......       X   .......       X          T
    Least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus)...................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
Mammals:
    San Joaquin antelope ground squirrel (Ammospermophilus              X   .......  .......  .......         N
     nelsoni)....................................................
    Point Arena mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa nigra)..........  .......       X   .......  .......         E
    Giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens)........................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Fisher--West Coast Distinct Population Segment (Martes         .......       X        X        X           C
     pennanti)...................................................
    San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica).................       X   .......  .......       X          E
Plants:
    McDonald's rock-cress (Arabis mcdonaldiana)..................  .......       X   .......  .......         E
    Hearst's Manzanita (Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp. hearstiorum).       X   .......  .......  .......         N
    Morro Manzanita (Arctostaphylos morroensis)..................       X   .......  .......  .......         T
    Marsh sandwort (Arenaria paludicola).........................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Coastal dunes milk-vetch (Astragalus tener var. titi)........       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    San Benito evening-primrose (Camissonia benitensis)..........       X   .......  .......  .......         T
    California jewel-flower (Caulanthus californicus)............       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Hearst's ceanothus (Ceanothus hearstiorum)...................       X   .......  .......  .......         N
    Maritime ceanothus (Ceanothus maritimus).....................       X   .......  .......  .......         N
    Purple amole (Chlorogalum purpureum)--includes both                 X   .......  .......  .......         T
     Chlorogalum purpureum var. purpureum and Chlorogalum
     purpureum var. reductum.....................................
    Howell's spineflower (Chorizanthe howellii)..................  .......       X   .......  .......         E
    Ben Lomond spineflower (Chorizanthe pungens var. hartwegiana)       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Monterey spineflower (Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens)......       X   .......  .......  .......         T
    Scott's Valley spineflower (Chorizanthe robusta var.                X   .......  .......  .......         E
     hartwegii)..................................................
    Robust spineflower (Chorizanthe robusta var. robusta)........       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Chorro Creek bog thistle (Cirsium fontinale var. obispoense).       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    La Graciosa thistle (Cirsium loncholepis)....................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Pismo clarkia (Clarkia speciosa ssp. immaculata).............       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Salt marsh bird's-beak (Cordylanthus maritimus ssp.                 X   .......  .......  .......         E
     maritimus)..................................................
    Palmate-bracted bird's beak (Cordylanthus palmatus)..........  .......  .......  .......       X          E
    Seaside bird's-beak (Cordylanthus rigidus ssp. littoralis)...       X   .......  .......  .......         N
    Santa Cruz cypress (Cupressus abramsiana)....................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Gowen cypress (Cupressus goveniana ssp. goveniana)...........       X   .......  .......  .......         T
    Gaviota tarplant (Deinandra increscens ssp. villosa).........       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Indian Knob mountain balm (Eriodictyon altissimum)...........       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Lompoc yerba santa (Eriodictyon capitatum)...................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Butterworth's buckwheat (Eriogonum butterworthianum).........       X   .......  .......  .......         N
    Red Mountain (Kelloggs') buckwheat (Eriogonum kelloggii).....  .......       X   .......  .......          C
    Loch Lomond button-celery (Eryngium constancei)..............  .......       X   .......  .......         E

[[Page 71671]]

 
    Menzies' wallflower (Erysimum menziesii)--includes both......
    Erysimum menziesii ssp. eurekense and Erysimum menziesii ssp.  .......       X   .......  .......         E
     yadonii.....................................................
    Santa Cruz wallflower (Erysimum teretifolium)................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Monterey gilia (Gilia tenuiflora ssp. arenaria)..............       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Santa Cruz tarplant (Holocarpha macradenia)..................       X   .......  .......  .......         T
    Burke's goldfields (Lasthenia burkei)........................  .......       X   .......  .......         E
    Contra Costa goldfields (Lasthenia conjugens)................  .......       X   .......       X          E
    Beach layia (Layia carnosa)..................................  .......       X   .......       X          E
    Western lily (Lilium occidentale)............................  .......       X   .......  .......         E
    Nipomo Mesa lupine (Lupinus nipomensis)......................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Tidestrom's (clover) lupine (Lupinus tidestromii)............       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    San Joaquin woolly-threads (Monolopia congdonii).............       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Few-flowered navarretia (Navarretia leucocephala ssp.          .......       X   .......  .......         E
     pauciflora).................................................
    Many-flowered navarretia (Navarretia leucocephala ssp.         .......       X   .......  .......         E
     plieantha)..................................................
    Lake County stonecrop (Parvisedum leiocarpum)................  .......       X   .......  .......         E
    Dudley's lousewort (Pedicularis dudleyi).....................       X   .......  .......  .......         N
    White-rayed pentachaeta (Pentachaeta bellidiflora)...........       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Yadon's piperia (Piperia yadonii)............................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    San Francisco popcorn-flower (Plagiobothrys diffusus)........       X   .......  .......  .......         N
    Santa Lucia mint (Pogogyne clareana).........................       X   .......  .......  .......         N
    Scott's Valley polygonum (Polygonum hickmanii)...............       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Hickman's cinquefoil (Potentilla hickmanii)..................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Gambel's watercress (Rorippa gambellii)......................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Adobe sanicle (Sanicula maritime)............................       X   .......  .......  .......         N
    Red Mountain stonecrop (Sedum eastwoodiae)...................  .......       X   .......  .......          C
    Cuesta Pass checkerbloom (Sidalcea hickmanii ssp. anomala)...       X   .......  .......  .......         N
    Parish's checkerbloom (Sidalcea hickmanii ssp. parishii).....       X   .......  .......  .......          C
    California seablite (Suaeda californica).....................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
    Santa Ynez false lupine (Thermopsis macrophylla).............       X   .......  .......  .......         N
    Kneeland Prairie penny-cress (Thlaspi californicum)..........  .......       X   .......  .......         E
    Pacific Grove clover (Trifolium polyodon)....................       X   .......  .......  .......         N
    Monterey clover (Trifolium trichocalyx)......................       X   .......  .......  .......         E
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
* Species with listing status of D or N are included in the Plan as covered species, in case they become listed
  during the course of the HCP.
** The California brown pelican was proposed for delisting by the Service on February 20, 2008 (73 FR 9408).

    The Plan Area includes approximately 550,000 acres and includes the 
right-of-way surrounding gas and electric transmission and distribution 
facilities, the lands owned by PG&E and/or subject to PG&E easements 
for these facilities, private access routes associated with PG&E's 
activities, future minor new construction areas, and mitigation areas 
for impacts resulting from PG&E's activities. The Plan Area includes 
the network of PG&E facilities in 36 counties, including 18 counties 
within the Sacramento Valley region, 20 counties within the Sierra 
region (of which 12 overlap with Sacramento Valley), 6 counties within 
the Central Coast region, and 4 counties within the North Coast region. 
The Sacramento Valley region includes the following counties: Tuolumne, 
Calaveras, Amador, Sacramento, Yolo, Sutter, Butte, Glenn, Yuba, El 
Dorado, Placer, Nevada, Sierra, Plumas, Colusa, Tehama, Trinity, and 
Shasta. The counties within the Sierra region include: Modoc, Siskiyou, 
Lassen, Shasta, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Sierra, Nevada, Placer, Yuba, El 
Dorado, Amador, Calaveras, Alpine, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, 
and Tulare. The Central Coast region consists of the following 
counties: Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa 
Barbara, and Kern. The North Coast region consists of the following 
counties: Humboldt, Trinity, Mendocino, and Lake.
    Activities that may be covered under the HCP include a variety of 
tasks associated with the operation, maintenance, and minor new 
construction of PG&E's gas and electric transmission and distribution 
system, as mandated for public safety by the California Public 
Utilities Commission, the California Energy Commission, and the 
California Department of Transportation. More specifically, these 
activities may include: gas pipeline protection, recoating, repair, and 
replacement; electric line protection, repair, reconductoring, and 
replacement; electric pole repair/replacement; vegetation management to 
maintain clearances around facilities; and minor construction for new 
gas and electric extensions. The HCP would not cover operation, 
maintenance, or construction of power generation facilities. The 
Service, DFG, and PG&E are now considering components of a conservation 
program in the HCP. These components would include measures to avoid, 
minimize, and mitigate take, such as preservation, restoration, and 
enhancement of habitat. The HCP will also include measures for 
monitoring and adaptive management. This conservation program would 
focus on providing long-term protection of covered species by 
protecting biological communities in the Plan Area. The Service 
anticipates that PG&E will request a permit duration of 50 years.

Environmental Impact Statement/Report

    The joint document will be prepared in compliance with NEPA and the 
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Service and DFG will 
prepare the EIS/EIR, the Service will be responsible for the scope and 
content of the document for NEPA purposes, and DFG will be responsible 
for the scope

[[Page 71672]]

and content of the CEQA document, as the State lead agency pursuant to 
CEQA and the permitting entity pursuant to the California Endangered 
Species Act and Fish and Game Code 2081.
    The EIS/EIR will consider the proposed action (i.e., the issuance 
of a Section 10(a)(1)(B) permit under the Act based on the proposed 
HCP) and a reasonable range of alternatives. A detailed description of 
the proposed action and alternatives will be included in the EIS/EIR. 
It is anticipated that several alternatives will be developed, which 
may vary by the level of conservation, impacts caused by the proposed 
activities, permit area, covered species, or a combination of these 
factors. Additionally, a No Action alternative will be considered. 
Under the No Action alternative, the Service would not issue a Section 
10(a)(1)(B) permit.
    The EIS/EIR will also identify potentially significant impacts on 
land use and planning, agricultural resources, biological resources, 
aesthetics, geology and soils, water resources, cultural resources, 
transportation and circulation, noise and vibration, air quality, 
public health/environmental hazards, recreation, environmental justice, 
socioeconomics, and other environmental issues that could occur 
directly or indirectly with implementation of the proposed action and 
alternatives. For all potentially significant impacts, the EIS/EIR will 
identify mitigation measures, where feasible, to reduce these impacts 
to a level below significance.
    This notice of intent is being furnished in accordance with 40 CFR 
Sections 1501.2, 1501.7, 1506.6, and 1508.22 to obtain suggestions, 
comments, and useful information from other agencies and the public on 
the scope of the proposed EIS/EIR, including the significant 
environmental issues deserving of study, the range of actions, the 
range of alternatives, and the range of impacts to be considered. 
Written comments from interested parties are invited to ensure that all 
issues related to the proposed Section 10(a)(1)(B) incidental take 
permit application are identified. Comments will only be accepted in 
written form. You may submit written comments by mail, facsimile 
transmission, or in person (see ADDRESSES). 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.

    Dated: November 18, 2008.
Richard E. Sayers,
Acting Deputy Regional Director, California and Nevada Region, 
Sacramento, California.
[FR Doc. E8-27925 Filed 11-24-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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