PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Incorporated: Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment, 17448-17449 [E9-8546]

Download as PDF 17448 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 71 / Wednesday, April 15, 2009 / Notices 1976 National Forest Management Act (NFMA) (16 U.S.C., Sec. 1600–1614), the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and the proposed 2008 NFMA Planning Rule (36 CFR, part 219) to collect information pertaining to national forest values for use in the preparation of land management plans. The purpose of landscape value and special-place mapping as a part of the public participation process is to provide national forest land managers and planners with scientifically credible information about forest values from a broad representation of the public and from citizens who express interest in a national forest’s planning process. Need and Use of the Information: The national forests will invite the public to share values regarding specific forest landscapes and special places. Forest planners and managers will use the information in the revision of specific national forest plans and to develop land management plans that are consistent with public values, while working within the regulatory framework. This information will be collected using an Internet-based geographic information system (GIS) and a comparable paper-based system provided to individuals without access to the Internet. Description of Respondents: Individuals or households. Number of Respondents: 5,500. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: One time. Total Burden Hours: 2,685. Charlene Parker, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E9–8648 Filed 4–14–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Incorporated: Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment for Public Review. AGENCY: rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSALS ACTION: SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Agency’s environmental policies and procedures (7 CFR 1794) related to possible financial assistance to PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Incorporated (PowerSouth). PowerSouth VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:44 Apr 14, 2009 Jkt 217001 is requesting financial assistance for the construction of a new 360-megawatt (MW) peaking-load gas-fired generation facility at the existing McIntosh Power Plant in Washington County, Alabama. The proposed new unit is needed to provide additional electric generating capacity that would allow PowerSouth to meet its projected electrical peaking demand in 2010. DATES: Written comments on this Notice must be received on or before May 15, 2009. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Stephanie Strength, Environmental Protection Specialist, USDA, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 2244, Stop 1571, Washington, DC 20250–1571, or e-mail stephanie.strength@wdc.usda.gov. Comments may be submitted to Stephanie Strength, Environmental Protection Specialist, USDA, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 2244, Stop 1571, Washington, DC 20250–1571, or e-mail stephanie.strength@wdc.usda.gov. A copy of the EA may be viewed online at the Agency’s Web site: https://www.usda.gov/rus/water/ees/ ea.htm or at PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, Inc., 2027 East Three Notch Street, Andalusia, Alabama 36420 and at the following libraries: McIntosh Branch Library, 83 Olin Road, McIntosh, AL 36553, (251) 944–2047. Washington Public Library, 14102 St. Stephens Avenue, Chatom, AL 36515, (251) 847–2097. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, Inc. proposes to construct a new 360megawatt peaking-load gas-fired generation facility at the existing McIntosh Power Plant in Washington County, Alabama with an in-service date of late 2010. The existing plant includes a compressed air energy storage (CAES) unit and two gas-fired combustion turbines (CTs) with a combined total capacity of 348 MW. The proposed 360 MW generating facility will consist of two simple-cycle combustion turbines, Siemens SCT6– 5000F units, and generators plus associated support facilities. The site will be connected to the existing on-site transmission system. The existing substation will be rebuilt on the existing plant site to handle the three existing units and the two new units. The existing plant plus the new equipment, structures and other facilities will occupy the majority of the existing 42acre power plant site. The CTs would ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 operate on natural gas as a fuel source. The construction of the proposal is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2009 with an estimated duration of two years. A Notice of Intent to Prepare an EA and Hold a Scoping Meeting was published in the Federal Register at 73 FR 65830, on November 5, 2008, Mobile Press Register on November 6, 2008, The Washington County News on November 6, 2008, The South Alabamian on November 6, 2008, and The Clarke County Democrat on November 6, 2008. A public meeting was held on November 20, 2008, at the McIntosh Elementary School, 8945 Highway 43 North, McIntosh, Alabama. A summary of public comments can be found at the Web site listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. As part of its broad environmental review process, RUS must take into account the effect of the proposal on historic properties in accordance with section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing regulation, ‘‘Protection of Historic Properties’’ (36 CFR part 800). Pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(d)(3), RUS is using its procedures for public involvement under NEPA to meet its responsibilities to solicit and consider the views of the public during section 106 review. Accordingly, comments submitted in response to this notice will assist RUS in meeting its section 106 review obligations. Any party wishing to participate more directly with RUS as a ‘‘consulting party’’ in the section 106 review process may submit a written request to the contact provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. Alternatives considered by RUS and PowerSouth included for the CTs were: (a) No action, (b) alternate sources of power, (c) load management, (d) renewable energy sources, (e) nonrenewable energy sources, and (f) alternate sites. An Environmental Report that describes the proposal in detail and discusses its anticipated environmental impacts has been prepared by PowerSouth. The Rural Utilities Service has independently reviewed and accepted the document as its EA of the proposal. The EA is available for public review at the addresses provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. Questions and comments should be sent to RUS at the mailing or e-mail addresses provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. RUS should receive comments on the EA in writing by May 15, 2009 to ensure that they are considered in its environmental impact determination. Should RUS determine, based on the EA, that the impacts of the construction E:\FR\FM\15APN1.SGM 15APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 71 / Wednesday, April 15, 2009 / Notices and operation of the proposal would not have a significant environmental impact, it will prepare a Finding of No Significant Impact. Public notification of a Finding of No Significant Impact will be published in the Federal Register and in newspapers with circulation in the proposal area. Any final action by RUS related to the proposal will be subject to, and contingent upon, compliance with all relevant Federal, State and local environmental laws and regulations, and completion of the environmental review requirements as prescribed in the RUS Environmental Policies and Procedures (7 CFR part 1794). Dated: March 30, 2009. Mark S. Plank, Director, Engineering and Environmental Staff, USDA/Rural Development/Utilities Programs. [FR Doc. E9–8546 Filed 4–14–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Natural Resources Conservation Service Raccoon Island Shore Protection/ Marsh Creation Project—Phase B (TE– 48–B) Terrebonne Parish, LA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of finding of no significant impact. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: 16:44 Apr 14, 2009 Jkt 217001 Kevin D. Norton, State Conservationist. [FR Doc. E9–8534 Filed 4–14–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–16–P SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102 (2) (C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines (40 CFR Part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Guidelines (7 CFR Part 650); the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, gives notice that an environmental impact statement is not being prepared for the Phase B portion of the Raccoon Island Shore Protection/Marsh Creation Project (TE– 48–B), Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin D. Norton, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 3737 Government Street, Alexandria, Louisiana 71302; telephone (318) 473– 7751. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A supplemental environmental assessment of the Federally assisted action indicates that the project will not cause significant local, regional, or national impacts on the environment. As a result of these findings, Kevin D. Norton, State Conservationist, has determined that preparation and review of an VerDate Nov<24>2008 environmental impact statement is not needed for this project. The project will protect the Raccoon Island rookery and seabird colonies threatened by a retreating shoreline by reducing the rate of erosion along the northern end of the island by creating additional wetlands and avian habitat within the back bay area. The proposed project consists of creating approximately 68 acres of new habitat for bird species on the northeast portion of the island by backfilling open water areas with suitable dredged material and planting appropriate woody and herbaceous species. The Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been forwarded to the Environmental Protection Agency and to various Federal, State, and local agencies and interested parties. A limited number of copies of the FONSI are available to fill single copy requests at the above address. Basic data collected during the environmental assessment are on file and may be reviewed by contacting Kevin D. Norton. No administrative action on implementation of the proposal will be taken until 30 days after the date of this publication in the Federal Register. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee will be conducting two monthly meetings for project presentations and will hold a short public forum (question and answer session). The meetings are being held pursuant to the authorities in the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 106–939) and under the Secure Rural Schools and Community SelfDetermination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106– 393). The meetings are open to the public. DATES: The meetings will be held on April 27–28, 2009, 6:30 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meetings will be held at the Bitterroot National Forest, Supervisor Office, Conference Room, 1801 North First Street, Hamilton, Montana. Send written comments to PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 17449 Daniel Ritter, District Ranger, Stevensville Ranger District, 88 Main Street, Stevensville, MT 59870, by facsimile (406) 777–7423, or electronically to dritter@fs.fed.us. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel Ritter, Stevensville District Ranger and Designated Federal Officer, Phone: (406) 777–5461. Dated: April 8, 2009. Julie K. King, Deputy Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. E9–8469 Filed 4–14–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–16–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Natural Resources Conservation Service Notice of Meeting of the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: The Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF) will meet to continue discussions on air quality issues relating to agriculture. DATES: The meeting will convene at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, May 6–7, 2009, and conclude at 5:15 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively. A public comment period will be held on May 6, 2009. Individuals making oral presentations should register in person at the meeting site and must bring 50 copies of any material they would like distributed. Written materials for AAQTF’s consideration prior to the meeting must be received by Michele Laur (address given below) no later than April 20, 2009. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Radisson Hotel located at 2233 Ventura Street, Fresno, California 93721; telephone: (800) 617–1335 or (559) 268–1000. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions and comments should be directed to Michele Laur, Designated Federal Official. Ms. Laur may be contacted at NRCS, Post Office Box 2890, Room 6165–S, Washington, DC 20013; telephone: (202) 720–1858; email: michele.laur@wdc.usda.gov. Notice of this meeting is given under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2. Additional information concerning AAQTF, may be located on the Web site at https://www.airquality.nrcs.usda.gov/ AAQTF/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\15APN1.SGM 15APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 15, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17448-17449]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-8546]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service


PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Incorporated: Notice of 
Availability of an Environmental Assessment

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment for 
Public Review.

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

SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has prepared an 
Environmental Assessment (EA) to meet its responsibilities under the 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Agency's environmental 
policies and procedures (7 CFR 1794) related to possible financial 
assistance to PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Incorporated (PowerSouth). 
PowerSouth is requesting financial assistance for the construction of a 
new 360-megawatt (MW) peaking-load gas-fired generation facility at the 
existing McIntosh Power Plant in Washington County, Alabama. The 
proposed new unit is needed to provide additional electric generating 
capacity that would allow PowerSouth to meet its projected electrical 
peaking demand in 2010.

DATES: Written comments on this Notice must be received on or before 
May 15, 2009.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Stephanie Strength, 
Environmental Protection Specialist, USDA, Rural Utilities Service, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 2244, Stop 1571, Washington, DC 
20250-1571, or e-mail stephanie.strength@wdc.usda.gov.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted to Stephanie Strength, 
Environmental Protection Specialist, USDA, Rural Utilities Service, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 2244, Stop 1571, Washington, DC 
20250-1571, or e-mail stephanie.strength@wdc.usda.gov.
    A copy of the EA may be viewed online at the Agency's Web site: 
https://www.usda.gov/rus/water/ees/ea.htm or at PowerSouth Energy 
Cooperative, Inc., 2027 East Three Notch Street, Andalusia, Alabama 
36420 and at the following libraries:

McIntosh Branch Library, 83 Olin Road, McIntosh, AL 36553, (251) 944-
2047.
Washington Public Library, 14102 St. Stephens Avenue, Chatom, AL 36515, 
(251) 847-2097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, Inc. proposes 
to construct a new 360-megawatt peaking-load gas-fired generation 
facility at the existing McIntosh Power Plant in Washington County, 
Alabama with an in-service date of late 2010. The existing plant 
includes a compressed air energy storage (CAES) unit and two gas-fired 
combustion turbines (CTs) with a combined total capacity of 348 MW. The 
proposed 360 MW generating facility will consist of two simple-cycle 
combustion turbines, Siemens SCT6-5000F units, and generators plus 
associated support facilities. The site will be connected to the 
existing on-site transmission system. The existing substation will be 
rebuilt on the existing plant site to handle the three existing units 
and the two new units. The existing plant plus the new equipment, 
structures and other facilities will occupy the majority of the 
existing 42-acre power plant site. The CTs would operate on natural gas 
as a fuel source. The construction of the proposal is tentatively 
scheduled to begin in 2009 with an estimated duration of two years.
    A Notice of Intent to Prepare an EA and Hold a Scoping Meeting was 
published in the Federal Register at 73 FR 65830, on November 5, 2008, 
Mobile Press Register on November 6, 2008, The Washington County News 
on November 6, 2008, The South Alabamian on November 6, 2008, and The 
Clarke County Democrat on November 6, 2008. A public meeting was held 
on November 20, 2008, at the McIntosh Elementary School, 8945 Highway 
43 North, McIntosh, Alabama. A summary of public comments can be found 
at the Web site listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
    As part of its broad environmental review process, RUS must take 
into account the effect of the proposal on historic properties in 
accordance with section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act 
and its implementing regulation, ``Protection of Historic Properties'' 
(36 CFR part 800). Pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(d)(3), RUS is using its 
procedures for public involvement under NEPA to meet its 
responsibilities to solicit and consider the views of the public during 
section 106 review. Accordingly, comments submitted in response to this 
notice will assist RUS in meeting its section 106 review obligations. 
Any party wishing to participate more directly with RUS as a 
``consulting party'' in the section 106 review process may submit a 
written request to the contact provided in the ADDRESSES section of 
this notice.
    Alternatives considered by RUS and PowerSouth included for the CTs 
were: (a) No action, (b) alternate sources of power, (c) load 
management, (d) renewable energy sources, (e) non-renewable energy 
sources, and (f) alternate sites. An Environmental Report that 
describes the proposal in detail and discusses its anticipated 
environmental impacts has been prepared by PowerSouth. The Rural 
Utilities Service has independently reviewed and accepted the document 
as its EA of the proposal. The EA is available for public review at the 
addresses provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
    Questions and comments should be sent to RUS at the mailing or e-
mail addresses provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. RUS 
should receive comments on the EA in writing by May 15, 2009 to ensure 
that they are considered in its environmental impact determination.
    Should RUS determine, based on the EA, that the impacts of the 
construction

[[Page 17449]]

and operation of the proposal would not have a significant 
environmental impact, it will prepare a Finding of No Significant 
Impact. Public notification of a Finding of No Significant Impact will 
be published in the Federal Register and in newspapers with circulation 
in the proposal area.
    Any final action by RUS related to the proposal will be subject to, 
and contingent upon, compliance with all relevant Federal, State and 
local environmental laws and regulations, and completion of the 
environmental review requirements as prescribed in the RUS 
Environmental Policies and Procedures (7 CFR part 1794).

    Dated: March 30, 2009.
Mark S. Plank,
Director, Engineering and Environmental Staff, USDA/Rural Development/
Utilities Programs.
 [FR Doc. E9-8546 Filed 4-14-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
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