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]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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