Intent To Prepare an Integrated Feasibility Report and Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Southwest Florida Feasibility Study/Watershed Plan, Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, Glades, and Monroe Counties, FL, 8921-8922 [E9-4199]

Download as PDF rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES2 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 38 / Friday, February 27, 2009 / Notices area and request their input on alternatives and issues to be evaluated. Notices will also be mailed to local news media. All interested parties are invited to comment at this time, and anyone interested in this study should request inclusion in the study mailing list. A public scoping meeting will be held March 24, 2009 from 6–9 p.m. in Cameron, Louisiana, March 25, 2009 from 6–9 p.m. in Lake Charles, Louisiana and March 26, 2009 from 6– 9 p.m. in Abbeville, LA. The exact location and address for the meetings will be announced through local media channels. Additional meetings could be held, depending upon public interest and if it is determined that further public coordination is warranted. 5. Significant Issues. Tentatively, the important resources and issues that would be evaluated in the EIS include but are not limited to tidal wetlands (marshes and swamps), aquatic resources, commercial and recreational fisheries, wildlife resources, essential fish habitat, water quality, air quality, threatened and endangered species and critical habitat, recreation resources, and cultural resources. Socioeconomic items to be evaluated in the EIS include navigation; flood protection; business and industrial activity; oil and gas pipelines; employment; land use; property values; public/community facilities and services; tax revenues; population, community and regional growth; transportation; housing; community cohesion; environmental justice, aesthetics and noise. 6. Environmental Consultation and Review. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will assist in documenting existing conditions and assessing effects of project alternatives through the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act consultation procedures. The USFWS will provide a Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act report. Consultation will be accomplished with the USFWS and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) concerning threatened and endangered species and their critical habitat. The NMFS will be consulted regarding the effects of this proposed action on Essential Fish Habitat. The draft EIS or a notice of its availability will be distributed to all interested agencies, organizations, and individuals. 7. Estimated Date of Availability. The earliest that the DEIS is expected to be available is March of 2010. VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:39 Feb 26, 2009 Jkt 217001 Dated: February 18, 2009. Alvin B. Lee, Colonel, U.S. Army, District Engineer. [FR Doc. E9–4202 Filed 2–26–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3720–58–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers Intent To Prepare an Integrated Feasibility Report and Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Southwest Florida Feasibility Study/Watershed Plan, Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, Glades, and Monroe Counties, FL AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DOD. ACTION: Notice of intent. SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Jacksonville District, intends to prepare an integrated Feasibility Report/Draft Environmental Impact Statement (FR/DEIS) for the Southwest Florida Feasibility Study/ Watershed Plan. The study is a cooperative effort between the Corps and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), which is also a cooperating agency for this DEIS. The goal of the Southwest Florida Feasibility Study is to produce a regional restoration plan that addresses water resources issues within all watersheds in southwest Florida. It is intended that this plan will meet many of the ecological and hydrological restoration needs of southwest Florida. The problems which will be addressed in this study include loss of natural ecosystems and landscape connectivity/ degradation of wildlife habitat, altered, unnatural freshwater flows to wetlands and estuaries (altered surface water hydrology), and water quality degradation in surface waters. ADDRESSES: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Planning Division, Environmental Branch, P.O. Box 4970, Jacksonville, FL 32232–0019. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Angela Dunn, by telephone at 904–232– 2108, or e-mail at angela.e.dunn@usace.army.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: a. Authorization: The Southwest Florida Feasibility Study (SWFFS), along with the Central and South Florida Project Comprehensive Review study (Restudy), is authorized by Section 309(l) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 (Pub. L. 102– 580) and is also authorized by two resolutions of the Committee on PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 8921 Transportation and Infrastructure, United States House of Representatives, dated September 24, 1992. The Restudy proposed several new feasibility studies, which included the SWFFS, to allow a more thorough investigation into subjects that were considered related to but beyond the scope of the Restudy. b. Study Area: The study area covers approximately 4,300 square miles. It encompasses all of Lee County and portions of Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, Glades, and Monroe Counties. c. Project Scope: The scope includes conducting a watershed assessment of the study area and developing a watershed plan for stakeholder utilization, additional landscape connectivity for endangered species, and maintenance of natural hydrology. The assessment will investigate the southwest Florida region and its hydrology and natural landscape in greater detail than was developed in the Restudy. The evaluation of the alternatives and selection of a recommended plan will be documented in the FR/EIS. The alternative plans will be reviewed under provisions of appropriate laws and regulations, including the Endangered Species Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Clean Water Act, and Farmland Protection Policy Act. d. Preliminary Alternatives: The alternatives analyzed in this feasibility investigation are a combination of structural and non-structural measures addressing the following objectives: The health of aquatic and upland ecosystems; the quantity, quality, timing, and distribution of water flows; agricultural, environmental, and urban water supply; the sustainability of economic and natural resources; flood protection; fish and wildlife; biological diversity; and natural habitat in southwest Florida. Alternatives were developed to address these objectives. These alternatives include a plan of no action and various combinations of structural and non-structural measures within the watersheds of the study area. e. Issues: The EIS will analyze the following project objectives: Establish total freshwater inflows to coastal estuaries within project area to within 10% of the pre-development natural system flow quantity conditions; decrease loss of habitat connectivity for large mammals throughout the project area by 20%; reduce average annual total nitrogen loads to project area. In addition, the EIS will analyze: Impacts to aquatic and wetland habitats; water flows; hazardous and toxic waste; water quality; flood protection; the impacts of land acquisition on the tax base; aesthetics and recreation; fish and E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1 8922 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 38 / Friday, February 27, 2009 / Notices wildlife resources, including protected species; cultural resources; and other impacts identified through scoping, public involvement and interagency coordination. f. Scoping: An initial scoping letter was sent to stakeholders in the southwest Florida region in April, 2006, as notification of the initiation of a Feasibility Study to address the water resource problems in southwest Florida. An additional scoping letter will be used to invite comments on alternatives and issues from Federal, State, and local agencies, affected Indian tribes, and other interested private organizations and individuals. g. DEIS Preparation: The integrated Feasibility Report, including a DEIS, is currently estimated for publication in late 2009. Dated: February 18, 2009. Eric P. Summa, Chief, Environmental Branch. [FR Doc. E9–4199 Filed 2–26–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3720–58–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Proposed Agency Information Collection U.S. Department of Energy. Notice and Request for OMB Review and Comment. AGENCY: rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES2 ACTION: SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (DOE) has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance a proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed collection will enable DOE to have current knowledge of Federal employees and contractors conducting foreign travel to a non U.S. territory on the behalf of DOE. Information gathered will include dates of travel, destination, purpose, and after-hour contact information in case of emergency. DATES: Comments regarding this collection must be received on or before 30 days after date of publication in the Federal Register. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, please advise the DOE Desk Officer at OMB of your intention to make a submission as soon as possible. The Desk Officer may be telephoned at 202– 395–4650. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be sent to the DOE Desk Officer, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Room 10102, VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:39 Feb 26, 2009 Jkt 217001 735 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. And to Julie Squires by fax at (202) 586–0406 or by e-mail at julie.squires@hq.doe.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Julie Squires at julie.squires@hq.doe.gov. This information collection request contains: (1) OMB No. {‘‘New’’}; (2) Information Collection Request Title: Records, and secures approval of all foreign travel conducted by DOE federal employees and contractors. The system allows DOE to have full accountability of all travel and in cases of emergency DOE is able to quickly retrieve information as to who is traveling, where the individual is traveling, and the dates of travel. Information gathered is listed under three categories: (1) Traveler Information which requests traveler’s name, passport information, site, position, and contact information, (2) General Trip Information which consists of estimated travel costs, and (3) Trip Itinerary Information which consists of destination, dates of travel, and purpose, (5) Type of Respondents: DOE Federal employees and contractors traveling on behalf of DOE (6) Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 8,313; (7) Estimated Annual Number of Burden Hours: 4228; (8) Estimated Annual Cost Burden: None. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: DOE Order 551.1C (Jun. 24, 2008), regarding ‘‘Official Foreign Travel.’’ Issued in Washington, DC on February 20, 2009. Julie Squires, Acting Director, Office of Management, Office of International Travel and Exchange Visitor Programs. [FR Doc. E9–4217 Filed 2–26–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY [OE Docket No. EA–350] Application To Export Electric Energy; Saracen Power LLC AGENCY: Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, DOE. ACTION: Notice of Application. SUMMARY: Saracen Power LLC (Saracen Power) has applied for authority to transmit electric energy from the United States to Canada pursuant to section 202(e) of the Federal Power Act. PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DATES: Comments, protests, or requests to intervene must be submitted on or before March 30, 2009. ADDRESSES: Comments, protests, or requests to intervene should be addressed as follows: Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Mail Code: OE–20, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585–0350 (FAX 202– 586–5860). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Russell (Program Office) 202–586– 9624 or Michael Skinker (Program Attorney) 202–586–2793. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Exports of electricity from the United States to a foreign country are regulated by the Department of Energy (DOE) pursuant to sections 301(b) and 402(f) of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7151(b), 7172(f)) and require authorization under section 202(e) of the FPA (16 U.S.C. 824a(e)). On February 15, 2009, DOE received an application from Saracen Power for authority to transmit electric energy from the United States to Canada as a power marketer. Saracen Power is a Texas limited partnership with its principal place of business in Houston, TX. Saracen has requested an electricity export authorization with a 5-year term. Saracen Power does not own any electric transmission facilities nor does it hold a franchised service area. The electric energy which Saracen Power proposes to export to Canada would be surplus energy purchased from electric utilities, Federal power marketing agencies, and other entities within the United States. Saracen Power proposes to export electric energy to Canada and to arrange for the delivery of those exports over the international transmission facilities presently owned by Bangor HydroElectric Company, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bonneville Power Administration, Eastern Maine Electric Cooperative, International Transmission Co., Joint Owners of the Highgate Project, Long Sault, Inc., Maine Electric Power Company, Maine Public Service Company, Minnesota Power, Inc., Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc., New York Power Authority, Niagara Mohawk Power Corp., Northern States Power Company, Sea Breeze Olympic Converter, Vermont Electric Power Company, and Vermont Electric Transmission Company. The construction, operation, maintenance, and connection of each of the international transmission facilities to be utilized by Saracen Power was previously authorized by a Presidential E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1

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[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 38 (Friday, February 27, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8921-8922]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-4199]


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

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers


Intent To Prepare an Integrated Feasibility Report and Draft 
Environmental Impact Statement for the Southwest Florida Feasibility 
Study/Watershed Plan, Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, Glades, and 
Monroe Counties, FL

AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DOD.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Jacksonville 
District, intends to prepare an integrated Feasibility Report/Draft 
Environmental Impact Statement (FR/DEIS) for the Southwest Florida 
Feasibility Study/Watershed Plan. The study is a cooperative effort 
between the Corps and the South Florida Water Management District 
(SFWMD), which is also a cooperating agency for this DEIS. The goal of 
the Southwest Florida Feasibility Study is to produce a regional 
restoration plan that addresses water resources issues within all 
watersheds in southwest Florida. It is intended that this plan will 
meet many of the ecological and hydrological restoration needs of 
southwest Florida. The problems which will be addressed in this study 
include loss of natural ecosystems and landscape connectivity/
degradation of wildlife habitat, altered, unnatural freshwater flows to 
wetlands and estuaries (altered surface water hydrology), and water 
quality degradation in surface waters.

ADDRESSES: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Planning Division, 
Environmental Branch, P.O. Box 4970, Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Angela Dunn, by telephone at 904-
232-2108, or e-mail at angela.e.dunn@usace.army.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    a. Authorization: The Southwest Florida Feasibility Study (SWFFS), 
along with the Central and South Florida Project Comprehensive Review 
study (Restudy), is authorized by Section 309(l) of the Water Resources 
Development Act of 1992 (Pub. L. 102-580) and is also authorized by two 
resolutions of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 
United States House of Representatives, dated September 24, 1992. The 
Restudy proposed several new feasibility studies, which included the 
SWFFS, to allow a more thorough investigation into subjects that were 
considered related to but beyond the scope of the Restudy.
    b. Study Area: The study area covers approximately 4,300 square 
miles. It encompasses all of Lee County and portions of Collier, 
Charlotte, Hendry, Glades, and Monroe Counties.
    c. Project Scope: The scope includes conducting a watershed 
assessment of the study area and developing a watershed plan for 
stakeholder utilization, additional landscape connectivity for 
endangered species, and maintenance of natural hydrology. The 
assessment will investigate the southwest Florida region and its 
hydrology and natural landscape in greater detail than was developed in 
the Restudy. The evaluation of the alternatives and selection of a 
recommended plan will be documented in the FR/EIS. The alternative 
plans will be reviewed under provisions of appropriate laws and 
regulations, including the Endangered Species Act, Fish and Wildlife 
Coordination Act, Clean Water Act, and Farmland Protection Policy Act.
    d. Preliminary Alternatives: The alternatives analyzed in this 
feasibility investigation are a combination of structural and non-
structural measures addressing the following objectives: The health of 
aquatic and upland ecosystems; the quantity, quality, timing, and 
distribution of water flows; agricultural, environmental, and urban 
water supply; the sustainability of economic and natural resources; 
flood protection; fish and wildlife; biological diversity; and natural 
habitat in southwest Florida. Alternatives were developed to address 
these objectives. These alternatives include a plan of no action and 
various combinations of structural and non-structural measures within 
the watersheds of the study area.
    e. Issues: The EIS will analyze the following project objectives: 
Establish total freshwater inflows to coastal estuaries within project 
area to within 10% of the pre-development natural system flow quantity 
conditions; decrease loss of habitat connectivity for large mammals 
throughout the project area by 20%; reduce average annual total 
nitrogen loads to project area. In addition, the EIS will analyze: 
Impacts to aquatic and wetland habitats; water flows; hazardous and 
toxic waste; water quality; flood protection; the impacts of land 
acquisition on the tax base; aesthetics and recreation; fish and

[[Page 8922]]

wildlife resources, including protected species; cultural resources; 
and other impacts identified through scoping, public involvement and 
interagency coordination.
    f. Scoping: An initial scoping letter was sent to stakeholders in 
the southwest Florida region in April, 2006, as notification of the 
initiation of a Feasibility Study to address the water resource 
problems in southwest Florida. An additional scoping letter will be 
used to invite comments on alternatives and issues from Federal, State, 
and local agencies, affected Indian tribes, and other interested 
private organizations and individuals.
    g. DEIS Preparation: The integrated Feasibility Report, including a 
DEIS, is currently estimated for publication in late 2009.

    Dated: February 18, 2009.
Eric P. Summa,
Chief, Environmental Branch.
 [FR Doc. E9-4199 Filed 2-26-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3720-58-P
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