Outer Continental Shelf, Alaska OCS Region, Chukchi Sea Planning Area, Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193, 63504-63505 [2010-25938]

Download as PDF 63504 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 199 / Friday, October 15, 2010 / Notices mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES evaporating ponds. A single overhead 230 kilovolt transmission line will connect the plant to the nearby Valley Electric substation. Additional elements of the project include access roads, a water pipeline, and a bioremediation area. The Final EIS describes and analyzes the project’s site-specific impacts on air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, visual resources, water resources, geological resources, paleontological resources, land use, noise, soils, nuisance, public health, socioeconomics, traffic and transportation, waste management, hazardous materials handling, worker safety, fire protection, facility design engineering, transmission system engineering, and transmission line safety. Three alternatives were analyzed: (A) Wet-cooling technology; (B) Dry-cooling technology; and (C) No action alternative. Alternative A uses circulating water to condense lowpressure turbine generator exhaust steam in a shell and tube heat exchanger (condenser). Alternative B uses an aircooled condenser that cools and condenses the low-pressure turbine generator exhaust steam using a large array of fans that force air over finnedtube heat exchangers arranged in an Aframe bundle configuration. Alternative B is the BLM’s preferred alternative and Solar Millennium’s proposed action. Alternative C is the no action alternative. On March 19, 2010, the BLM published the Notice of Availability for the Draft EIS for this project in the Federal Register (75 FR 13301). The BLM held four public meetings and allowed the public to comment through email, mail, public meetings, and by phone. A total of 461 comments were received from individuals, organizations, and agencies. These comments addressed concerns with water use mitigation, visual resource management, noise levels, and social/economic issues, particularly job opportunities. Concerns raised during the review are addressed and specific responses provided in the Final EIS. Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6 and 1506.10. Gayle Marrs-Smith, Acting Manager Pahrump Field Office. [FR Doc. 2010–25859 Filed 10–14–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–HC–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:01 Oct 14, 2010 Jkt 223001 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement Outer Continental Shelf, Alaska OCS Region, Chukchi Sea Planning Area, Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE), Interior. ACTION: Notice of Availability of a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) and Notice of Public Hearings. AGENCY: The purpose of this SEIS (OCS EIS/EA BOEMRE 2010–034) is to provide new analysis in accordance with the United States (U.S.) District Court for the District of Alaska Order remanding the BOEMRE’s Chukchi Sea Lease Sale 193 Final EIS (FEIS) (OCS EIS/EA MMS 2007–0026). The District Court’s Order instructs the BOEMRE to address three concerns: (1) Analyze the environmental impact of natural gas development; (2) determine whether missing information identified by BOEMRE in the 193 FEIS was essential or relevant under 40 CFR 1502.22; and (3) ‘‘determine whether the cost of obtaining the missing information was exorbitant, or the means of doing so unknown.’’ SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FEIS for Chukchi Sea Lease Sale 193 (OCS EIS/EA MMS 2007–0026) evaluated the potential effects of the proposed sale and three alternatives: a no action alternative and two alternatives that incorporate deferral areas of varying size along the coastward edge of the proposed sale area. Sale 193 was held in February of 2008. The BOEMRE received high bids totaling approximately $2.7 billion and issued 487 leases. Although the leasesale decision was challenged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska, the litigants did not request a preliminary injunction to halt the sale. Accordingly, the sale was conducted and 487 leases were issued. In July 2010, the District Court remanded the matter for further National Environmental Policy Act analysis of certain concerns. The BOEMRE is to address three concerns: (1) Analyze the environmental impact of natural gas development; (2) determine whether missing information identified by BOEMRE in the FEIS for Chukchi Sea Lease Sale 193 was essential or relevant under 40 CFR 1502.22; and (3) determine whether the cost of obtaining the missing information was exorbitant, or the means of doing so unknown. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The SEIS will provide the Secretary with sufficient information and analysis to make an informed decision amongst the alternatives. In effect, the Secretary will decide whether to affirm, modify, or cancel Sale 193. This notice relates solely to the Supplemental Draft EIS for Chukchi Sale 193. It does not preclude possible additional environmental analysis with regard to future leasing or permitting actions. Draft Supplemental EIS Availability: To obtain a copy of the Draft SEIS, you may contact the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, Alaska OCS Region, 3801 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 500, Anchorage, Alaska 99503–5820, telephone 907–334–5200. You may also view the Draft SEIS at the above address, on the BOEMRE Web site at https://alaska.boemre.gov, or at the Alaska Resources Library and Information Service, 3211 Providence Drive, Suite 111, Anchorage. Written Comments: Interested parties may submit their written comments on the Draft SEIS until November 29, 2010 to the Regional Director, Alaska OCS Region, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, 3801 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 500, Anchorage, Alaska 99503– 5820. You may also hand deliver comments to this address. Comments should be labeled ‘‘Attn: Chukchi Sea Draft SEIS.’’ Comments may be submitted via e-mail at BOEMREAKPublicCommen@boemre.gov (Note: please use e-mail address exactly as it appears. Do not add the letter ‘‘t’’ or anything else to the address.). Please include ‘‘Attn: Chukchi Sea Draft SEIS’’ in the subject line, and your name and return address in the message. BOEMRE will not accept anonymous comments. Be advised that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may request us to withhold from public review your personal identifying information, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Public Hearings: Public hearings on the Draft SEIS will be held as follows: Monday, November 1, 2011, Kotzebue Middle/High School, Kotzebue, Alaska; Tuesday, November 2, 2010, Oalgi Community Center, Point Hope, Alaska; Wednesday, November 3, 2010, Point Lay Community Center, Point Lay, Alaska; Thursday, November 4, 2010, Robert James Community Center, Wainwright, Alaska; Friday, November 5, 2010, Inupiat Heritage Center, Barrow, Alaska; E:\FR\FM\15OCN1.SGM 15OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 199 / Friday, October 15, 2010 / Notices Tuesday, November 9, 2010, 3800 Centerpoint Drive, Anchorage, Alaska. All meetings will start at 7 p.m. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, Alaska OCS Region, 3801 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 500, Anchorage, Alaska 99503– 5820, 907–334–5200. Dated: October 8, 2010. Robert P. LaBelle, Acting Associate Director for Offshore Energy and Minerals Management. [FR Doc. 2010–25938 Filed 10–14–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R3–R–2010–N170; 30136–1265–0000– S3] Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Morrison County, MN U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability: Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) for Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Goals and objectives in the CCP describe how the agency intends to manage the refuge over the next 15 years. ADDRESSES: Copies of the Final CCP and FONSI/EA may be viewed at the Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Office or at public libraries near the refuge. You may also request a copy by any of the following methods. 1. Agency Web site: View or download a copy of the document at https://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/ CraneMeadows/. 2. E-mail: r3planning@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Crane Meadows Final CCP/EA’’ in the subject line of the message. 3. Mail: Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, 19502 Iris Road, Little Falls, Minnesota 56345. A limited number of hardcopies will be available for distribution at the Refuge Headquarters. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anne Sittauer (763–389–3323). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:01 Oct 14, 2010 Jkt 223001 Introduction With this notice, we complete the CCP process for Crane Meadows NWR, which we began by publishing a notice of intent on (73 FR 76677–76678, December 17, 2008). For more information about the initial process, see that notice. We released the draft CCP and EA to the public, announcing and requesting comments in a notice of availability on (75 FR 39037–39038, July 7, 2010). Crane Meadows NWR, located in central Minnesota, was established in 1992 to protect one of the largest, most intact wetland complexes remaining in the State. The Refuge owns approximately 1,800 acres of 13,540 acres identified for acquisition, and an additional 900 acres are owned and managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. In addition to hosting relatively rare habitat types including oak savanna, sand prairie, and sedge meadow, it also provides key habitat for local and migratory wildlife, maintains essential ecological services, provides an element of water control and flood relief, protects important archaeological resources, and offers unique recreation, education, and research opportunities. The Draft CCP and EA were officially released for public review on July 7, 2010; the 31-day comment period ended on August 6, 2010. Planning information was sent to approximately 265 individuals and organizations for review and announced through local media outlets, resulting in three comment submissions. During the comment period the Refuge also hosted an open house to receive public comments and feedback on the CCP and EA documents. Three individuals attended this event—all current or former state Department of Natural Resources employees. Because no changes to the preferred alternative were recommended by Refuge audiences during the public review period, only minor changes were made to the drafts in preparing the final CCP/ EA documents. Based on input and feedback during the planning process, alternative B was selected as the preferred alternative. This alternative portrays a long-term vision for habitat restoration to nearhistoric benchmark conditions and increases recreation opportunities for visitors over the 15-year planning horizon. A diversity of wetland and savanna habitats are favored reinforcing historic conditions, while prairie and woodland are reduced over the long- Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 term. This alternative includes active participation in monitoring and improving upstream water resources, calls for adherence to a well-developed prescribed fire plan, increases land acquisition and work on private lands in high priority areas, augments the existing biological inventory and monitoring program, and offers visitor services in a greater number of locations. Specific, managed hunts are offered, and opportunities for quality fishing experiences will be evaluated as new lands are acquired. Background The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee et seq.), requires the Service to develop a CCP for each National Wildlife Refuge. The purpose in developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction for conserving wildlife and their habitats, the CCP identifies wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321– 4370d). Dated: August 17, 2010. Charles M. Wooley, Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ft. Snelling, Minnesota. [FR Doc. 2010–25971 Filed 10–14–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P Selected Alternative PO 00000 63505 Sfmt 4703 JOINT BOARD FOR THE ENROLLMENT OF ACTUARIES Renewal of Advisory Committee on Actuarial Examinations Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries. ACTION: Renewal of Advisory Committee. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\15OCN1.SGM 15OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 199 (Friday, October 15, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63504-63505]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-25938]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement


Outer Continental Shelf, Alaska OCS Region, Chukchi Sea Planning 
Area, Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193

AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement 
(BOEMRE), Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Availability of a Draft Supplemental Environmental 
Impact Statement (SEIS) and Notice of Public Hearings.

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

SUMMARY: The purpose of this SEIS (OCS EIS/EA BOEMRE 2010-034) is to 
provide new analysis in accordance with the United States (U.S.) 
District Court for the District of Alaska Order remanding the BOEMRE's 
Chukchi Sea Lease Sale 193 Final EIS (FEIS) (OCS EIS/EA MMS 2007-0026). 
The District Court's Order instructs the BOEMRE to address three 
concerns: (1) Analyze the environmental impact of natural gas 
development; (2) determine whether missing information identified by 
BOEMRE in the 193 FEIS was essential or relevant under 40 CFR 1502.22; 
and (3) ``determine whether the cost of obtaining the missing 
information was exorbitant, or the means of doing so unknown.''

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FEIS for Chukchi Sea Lease Sale 193 (OCS 
EIS/EA MMS 2007-0026) evaluated the potential effects of the proposed 
sale and three alternatives: a no action alternative and two 
alternatives that incorporate deferral areas of varying size along the 
coastward edge of the proposed sale area.
    Sale 193 was held in February of 2008. The BOEMRE received high 
bids totaling approximately $2.7 billion and issued 487 leases. 
Although the lease-sale decision was challenged in the U.S. District 
Court for the District of Alaska, the litigants did not request a 
preliminary injunction to halt the sale. Accordingly, the sale was 
conducted and 487 leases were issued. In July 2010, the District Court 
remanded the matter for further National Environmental Policy Act 
analysis of certain concerns. The BOEMRE is to address three concerns: 
(1) Analyze the environmental impact of natural gas development; (2) 
determine whether missing information identified by BOEMRE in the FEIS 
for Chukchi Sea Lease Sale 193 was essential or relevant under 40 CFR 
1502.22; and (3) determine whether the cost of obtaining the missing 
information was exorbitant, or the means of doing so unknown.
    The SEIS will provide the Secretary with sufficient information and 
analysis to make an informed decision amongst the alternatives. In 
effect, the Secretary will decide whether to affirm, modify, or cancel 
Sale 193. This notice relates solely to the Supplemental Draft EIS for 
Chukchi Sale 193. It does not preclude possible additional 
environmental analysis with regard to future leasing or permitting 
actions.
    Draft Supplemental EIS Availability: To obtain a copy of the Draft 
SEIS, you may contact the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation 
and Enforcement, Alaska OCS Region, 3801 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 500, 
Anchorage, Alaska 99503-5820, telephone 907-334-5200. You may also view 
the Draft SEIS at the above address, on the BOEMRE Web site at https://alaska.boemre.gov, or at the Alaska Resources Library and Information 
Service, 3211 Providence Drive, Suite 111, Anchorage.
    Written Comments: Interested parties may submit their written 
comments on the Draft SEIS until November 29, 2010 to the Regional 
Director, Alaska OCS Region, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 
Regulation and Enforcement, 3801 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 500, 
Anchorage, Alaska 99503-5820. You may also hand deliver comments to 
this address. Comments should be labeled ``Attn: Chukchi Sea Draft 
SEIS.'' Comments may be submitted via e-mail at 
BOEMREAKPublicCommen@boemre.gov (Note: please use e-mail address 
exactly as it appears. Do not add the letter ``t'' or anything else to 
the address.). Please include ``Attn: Chukchi Sea Draft SEIS'' in the 
subject line, and your name and return address in the message. BOEMRE 
will not accept anonymous comments.
    Be advised that your entire comment--including your personal 
identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time. 
While you may request us to withhold from public review your personal 
identifying information, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do 
so.
    Public Hearings: Public hearings on the Draft SEIS will be held as 
follows:

Monday, November 1, 2011, Kotzebue Middle/High School, Kotzebue, 
Alaska;
    Tuesday, November 2, 2010, Oalgi Community Center, Point Hope, 
Alaska;
Wednesday, November 3, 2010, Point Lay Community Center, Point Lay, 
Alaska;
Thursday, November 4, 2010, Robert James Community Center, Wainwright, 
Alaska;
Friday, November 5, 2010, Inupiat Heritage Center, Barrow, Alaska;

[[Page 63505]]

Tuesday, November 9, 2010, 3800 Centerpoint Drive, Anchorage, Alaska.
    All meetings will start at 7 p.m.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 
Regulation and Enforcement, Alaska OCS Region, 3801 Centerpoint Drive, 
Suite 500, Anchorage, Alaska 99503-5820, 907-334-5200.

    Dated: October 8, 2010.
Robert P. LaBelle,
Acting Associate Director for Offshore Energy and Minerals Management.
[FR Doc. 2010-25938 Filed 10-14-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P
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