Notice of Proposed Changes to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, 46903-46904 [2010-19133]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 149 / Wednesday, August 4, 2010 / Notices comments should be sent to Kate Goodrich-Arling at the same address. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to kgoodricharling@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to 304–637–0582. All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect comments received at Monongahela National Forest, 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, WV 26241. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kate Goodrich-Arling, RAC coordinator, USDA, Monongahela National Forest, 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, WV 26241; (304) 636–1800; E-mail kgoodricharling@fs.fed.us. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting is open to the public. The following business will be conducted: (1) Introductions of all committee members, replacement members and Forest Service personnel. (2) Selection of a chairperson by the committee members. (3) Receive materials explaining the process for considering and recommending Title II projects; and (4) Public Comment. Persons who wish to bring related matters to the attention of the Committee may file written statements with the Committee staff before or after the meeting. DC. Individuals who wish to speak at the meeting or to propose agenda items must send their names and proposals by August 31, 2010 to Daina Apple, Designated Federal Officer, Forestry Research Advisory Council, USDA Forest Service Research and Development, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250–1120, or fax their names and proposed agenda items to (202) 205–1530. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daina Apple, Forest Service Office of the Deputy Chief for Research and Development, (202) 205–1665. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting is open to the public. Council discussion is limited to Forest Service, National Institute for Food and Agriculture staff and Council members. However, persons who wish to bring forestry research matters to the attention of the Council may file written statements with the Council staff before or after the meeting. Dated: July 29, 2010. Clyde N. Thompson, Designated Federal Officer. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Dated: July 26, 2010. Carlos Rodriguez-Franco, Acting Deputy Chief for Research and Development. [FR Doc. 2010–19142 Filed 8–3–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P Natural Resources Conservation Service [FR Doc. 2010–19115 Filed 8–3–10; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Notice of Proposed Changes to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service Forest Service AGENCY: BILLING CODE 3410–11–P Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA. ACTION: Notice of availability of proposed changes in the NRCS National Handbook of Conservation Practices for public review and comment. Forestry Research Advisory Council Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: The Forestry Research Advisory Council will meet in Washington, DC September 8–9, 2010. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss emerging issues in forestry research. DATES: The meeting will be held September 8–9, 2010. On September 8 the meeting will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on September 9 from 8:30– noon. mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: The meeting will be held in Room 104–A Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, ADDRESSES: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:26 Aug 03, 2010 Jkt 220001 Notice is hereby given of the intention of NRCS to issue a series of revised conservation practice standards in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices. These standards include: Channel Bed Stabilization (Code 584), Dust Control From Animal Activity on Open Lot Surfaces (Code 375), Karst Sinkhole Treatment (Code 527), Lined Waterway or Outlet (Code 468), Monitoring Well (Code 353), OnFarm Equipment Efficiency Improvement (Code 374), Pond Sealing SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 46903 or Lining—Bentonite Treatment (Code 521C), Pond Sealing or Lining— Compacted Clay Treatment (Code 521D), Pond Sealing or Lining—Soil Dispersant Treatment (Code 521B), Salinity and Sodic Soil Management (Code 610), Stream Habitat Improvement and Management (Code 395), Vertical Drain (Code 630), Water Well (Code 642), Water Well Decommissioning (Code 351), and Well Water Testing (Code 355). NRCS State Conservationists who choose to adopt these practices for use within their States will incorporate them into Section IV of their respective electronic Field Office Technical Guides. These practices may be used in conservation systems that treat highly erodible land (HEL) or on land determined to be a wetland. Section 343 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 requires NRCS to make available for public review and comment all proposed revisions to conservation practice standards used to carry out HEL and wetland provisions of the law. DATES: Effective Date: This is effective August 4, 2010. Comment Date: Submit comments on or before September 3, 2010. Final versions of these new or revised conservation practice standards will be adopted after the close of the 30-day comment period, and after consideration of all comments. ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted using any of the following methods: • Mail: Wayne Bogovich, National Agricultural Engineer, Conservation Engineering Division, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 6136 South Building, Washington, DC 20250. • E-mail: wayne.bogovich@wdc.usda.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne Bogovich, National Agricultural Engineer, Conservation Engineering Division, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 6136 South Building, Washington, DC 20250. Electronic copies of these standards can be downloaded or printed from the following Web site: ftp://ftpfc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NHQ/practicestandards/federal-register/. Requests for paper versions or inquiries may be directed to Wayne Bogovich, National Agricultural Engineer, Conservation Engineering Division, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1400 E:\FR\FM\04AUN1.SGM 04AUN1 mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES 46904 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 149 / Wednesday, August 4, 2010 / Notices Independence Avenue SW., Room 6136 South Building, Washington, DC 20250. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The amount of the proposed changes varies considerably for each of the Conservation Practice Standards addressed in this notice. To fully understand the proposed changes, individuals are encouraged to compare these changes with each standard’s current version as shown at https:// www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/ Standards/nhcp.html. To aid in this comparison, following are highlights of the proposed revisions to each standard: Channel Bed Stabilization (Code 584)—Name changed for better description, plus minor edits. Dust Control From Animal Activity on Open Lot Surfaces (Code 375)—This is a new Conservation Practice Standard. Karst Sinkhole Treatment (Code 527)—Practice name changed from ‘‘Sinkhole and Sinkhole Area Treatment’’ to ‘‘Karst Sinkhole Treatment.’’ Practice specially does not apply to sinkholes with non-karst origins (structural failures due to piping, etc.), plus minor edits. Lined Waterway or Outlet (Code 468)—Changes to the standard include: A revision in the range in Manning’s roughness and references cited in the criteria section; an expansion of the considerations section to include fish and wildlife and soil bioengineering, etc.; and more comprehensive guidance on what should be included in the plans and specifications section. Monitoring Well (Code 353)—Updated references to ASTM standards and minor edits. On-Farm Equipment Efficiency Improvement (Code 374)—This is a new Conservation Practice Standard. Pond Sealing or Lining—Bentonite Treatment (Code 521C)—The standard was revised to better match the changes to our technical guidance document National Engineering Handbook Series, Part 651, Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook (AWMFH), Chapter 10, Appendix 10D. Pond Sealing or Lining—Compacted Clay Treatment (Code 521D)—The standard was revised to better match the changes to our technical guidance document National Engineering Handbook Series, Part 651, AWMFH, Chapter 10, Appendix 10D. Pond Sealing or Lining—Soil Dispersant Treatment (Code 521B)—The standard was revised to better match the changes to our technical guidance document National Engineering Handbook Series, Part 651, AWMFH, Chapter 10, Appendix 10D. Salinity and Sodic Soil Management (Code 610)—Clarified the Conditions VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:26 Aug 03, 2010 Jkt 220001 Where Practice Applies and General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes sections. Added separate sections for Criteria Applicable to Irrigated Lands and to Non-Irrigated Lands. Expanded the sections for Criteria To Reduce Problems of Crusting, Permeability or Soil Structure on Sodium-Affected Soils, and to Saline Seeps and Their Recharge Areas. Expanded the Considerations section. Added detailed requirements for Plans and Specifications. Deleted the Operation and Maintenance section. Reduced the References section. Stream Habitat Improvement and Management (Code 395)—Changed ‘‘Stream Visual Assessment Protocol’’ to ‘‘Stream Visual Assessment Protocol, Version 2,’’ changed considerations, added monitoring guidelines for evaluating the effectiveness of the conservation actions, and added postproject monitoring to Operation and Maintenance. Vertical Drain (Code 630)— Additional emphasis on water quality protection if practice is used. Water Well (Code 642)—Purpose clarified to exclude human consumption. Screen entrance velocity criteria changed in accordance with AWWA standard. Water Well Decommissioning (Code 351)—Name was changed to Water Well Decommissioning, distinguishing this practice from industry practices for closure of other purposed wells (oil, injection, etc.). Purpose was clarified. Additional clarification on plugging materials was added. Well Water Testing (Code 355)— Conditions Where Practice Applies has been updated to exclude water wells not for agricultural use, plus minor edits. Signed July 29, 2010, in Washington, DC. Dave White, Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service. [FR Doc. 2010–19133 Filed 8–3–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–16–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Business-Cooperative Service Request for Proposals: Fiscal Year 2010 Funding Opportunity for Research on the Economic Impact of Cooperatives (REIC) Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA. ACTION: Initial notice of request for proposals. AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs are administered SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 through USDA Rural Development. USDA Rural Development announces the availability of $300,000 in competitive cooperative agreement funds for fiscal year (FY) 2010 to conduct research on the national economic impact of all types of cooperatives. USDA Rural Development hereby requests proposals from institutions of higher education interested in applying for a competitively awarded cooperative research agreement. This funding follows previous funding awarded in FY 2006, FY 2007, FY 2008, and FY 2009, the intent of which was to encourage research on the critical issue of the economic value of cooperatives. Funding for FY 2010 is expected to expand upon research undertaken with FY 2006, FY 2007, FY 2008 and FY 2009 funds. Interested parties may submit completed applications for the cooperative agreement on paper or electronically according to the following deadlines: Paper copies must be received by September 1, 2010, to be eligible for FY 2010 funding. Electronic copies must be received by September 1, 2010, to be eligible for FY 2010 funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2010 funding. DATES: Applicants may obtain application forms, guides, and materials for the cooperative agreement at https:// www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/ reic.htm or by contacting USDA Rural Development at (202) 720–8460, (TDD: (800) 877–8339, Federal Information Relay Service) and ask for the cooperative research agreement application package. Submit completed paper applications for a cooperative agreement to USDA Rural Development’s Cooperative Programs, Attn: Cooperative Research, Mail STOP 3250, Room 4016–South, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–3250. The phone number that should be used for FedEx packages is (202) 720–7558. Submit electronic applications at https://www.grants.gov, following the instructions found on this Web site. ADDRESSES: Visit the program Web site at https:// www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/ reic.htm, which contains application guidance, including an Application Guide and application forms. Or you may contact USDA Rural Development at (202) 720–8460 (TDD: (800) 877–8339 Federal Information Relay Service). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\04AUN1.SGM 04AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 149 (Wednesday, August 4, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46903-46904]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-19133]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Natural Resources Conservation Service


Notice of Proposed Changes to the National Handbook of 
Conservation Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA.

ACTION: Notice of availability of proposed changes in the NRCS National 
Handbook of Conservation Practices for public review and comment.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the intention of NRCS to issue a 
series of revised conservation practice standards in the National 
Handbook of Conservation Practices. These standards include: Channel 
Bed Stabilization (Code 584), Dust Control From Animal Activity on Open 
Lot Surfaces (Code 375), Karst Sinkhole Treatment (Code 527), Lined 
Waterway or Outlet (Code 468), Monitoring Well (Code 353), On-Farm 
Equipment Efficiency Improvement (Code 374), Pond Sealing or Lining--
Bentonite Treatment (Code 521C), Pond Sealing or Lining--Compacted Clay 
Treatment (Code 521D), Pond Sealing or Lining--Soil Dispersant 
Treatment (Code 521B), Salinity and Sodic Soil Management (Code 610), 
Stream Habitat Improvement and Management (Code 395), Vertical Drain 
(Code 630), Water Well (Code 642), Water Well Decommissioning (Code 
351), and Well Water Testing (Code 355).
    NRCS State Conservationists who choose to adopt these practices for 
use within their States will incorporate them into Section IV of their 
respective electronic Field Office Technical Guides. These practices 
may be used in conservation systems that treat highly erodible land 
(HEL) or on land determined to be a wetland. Section 343 of the Federal 
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 requires NRCS to make 
available for public review and comment all proposed revisions to 
conservation practice standards used to carry out HEL and wetland 
provisions of the law.

DATES: Effective Date: This is effective August 4, 2010.
    Comment Date: Submit comments on or before September 3, 2010. Final 
versions of these new or revised conservation practice standards will 
be adopted after the close of the 30-day comment period, and after 
consideration of all comments.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted using any of the following 
methods:
     Mail: Wayne Bogovich, National Agricultural Engineer, 
Conservation Engineering Division, Department of Agriculture, Natural 
Resources Conservation Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 6136 
South Building, Washington, DC 20250.
     E-mail: wayne.bogovich@wdc.usda.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne Bogovich, National Agricultural 
Engineer, Conservation Engineering Division, Department of Agriculture, 
Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Room 6136 South Building, Washington, DC 20250.
    Electronic copies of these standards can be downloaded or printed 
from the following Web site: ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NHQ/practice-standards/federal-register/. Requests for paper versions or 
inquiries may be directed to Wayne Bogovich, National Agricultural 
Engineer, Conservation Engineering Division, Department of Agriculture, 
Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1400

[[Page 46904]]

Independence Avenue SW., Room 6136 South Building, Washington, DC 
20250.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The amount of the proposed changes varies 
considerably for each of the Conservation Practice Standards addressed 
in this notice. To fully understand the proposed changes, individuals 
are encouraged to compare these changes with each standard's current 
version as shown at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/Standards/nhcp.html. To aid in this comparison, following are highlights of the 
proposed revisions to each standard:
    Channel Bed Stabilization (Code 584)--Name changed for better 
description, plus minor edits.
    Dust Control From Animal Activity on Open Lot Surfaces (Code 375)--
This is a new Conservation Practice Standard.
    Karst Sinkhole Treatment (Code 527)--Practice name changed from 
``Sinkhole and Sinkhole Area Treatment'' to ``Karst Sinkhole 
Treatment.'' Practice specially does not apply to sinkholes with non-
karst origins (structural failures due to piping, etc.), plus minor 
edits.
    Lined Waterway or Outlet (Code 468)--Changes to the standard 
include: A revision in the range in Manning's roughness and references 
cited in the criteria section; an expansion of the considerations 
section to include fish and wildlife and soil bioengineering, etc.; and 
more comprehensive guidance on what should be included in the plans and 
specifications section.
    Monitoring Well (Code 353)--Updated references to ASTM standards 
and minor edits.
    On-Farm Equipment Efficiency Improvement (Code 374)--This is a new 
Conservation Practice Standard.
    Pond Sealing or Lining--Bentonite Treatment (Code 521C)--The 
standard was revised to better match the changes to our technical 
guidance document National Engineering Handbook Series, Part 651, 
Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook (AWMFH), Chapter 10, 
Appendix 10D.
    Pond Sealing or Lining--Compacted Clay Treatment (Code 521D)--The 
standard was revised to better match the changes to our technical 
guidance document National Engineering Handbook Series, Part 651, 
AWMFH, Chapter 10, Appendix 10D.
    Pond Sealing or Lining--Soil Dispersant Treatment (Code 521B)--The 
standard was revised to better match the changes to our technical 
guidance document National Engineering Handbook Series, Part 651, 
AWMFH, Chapter 10, Appendix 10D.
    Salinity and Sodic Soil Management (Code 610)--Clarified the 
Conditions Where Practice Applies and General Criteria Applicable to 
All Purposes sections. Added separate sections for Criteria Applicable 
to Irrigated Lands and to Non-Irrigated Lands. Expanded the sections 
for Criteria To Reduce Problems of Crusting, Permeability or Soil 
Structure on Sodium-Affected Soils, and to Saline Seeps and Their 
Recharge Areas. Expanded the Considerations section. Added detailed 
requirements for Plans and Specifications. Deleted the Operation and 
Maintenance section. Reduced the References section.
    Stream Habitat Improvement and Management (Code 395)--Changed 
``Stream Visual Assessment Protocol'' to ``Stream Visual Assessment 
Protocol, Version 2,'' changed considerations, added monitoring 
guidelines for evaluating the effectiveness of the conservation 
actions, and added post-project monitoring to Operation and 
Maintenance.
    Vertical Drain (Code 630)--Additional emphasis on water quality 
protection if practice is used.
    Water Well (Code 642)--Purpose clarified to exclude human 
consumption. Screen entrance velocity criteria changed in accordance 
with AWWA standard.
    Water Well Decommissioning (Code 351)--Name was changed to Water 
Well Decommissioning, distinguishing this practice from industry 
practices for closure of other purposed wells (oil, injection, etc.). 
Purpose was clarified. Additional clarification on plugging materials 
was added.
    Well Water Testing (Code 355)--Conditions Where Practice Applies 
has been updated to exclude water wells not for agricultural use, plus 
minor edits.

    Signed July 29, 2010, in Washington, DC.
Dave White,
Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-19133 Filed 8-3-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P
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