Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline Right-of-Way Grant in Oregon and Possible Land Use Plan Amendments, 58570-58575 [2012-23206]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
58570
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2012 / Notices
Notice of availability; request
for comment/information.
ACTION:
We, the Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service), have received an
application from Michael Richardson
(applicant), for renewal of an incidental
take permit (ITP; #TE151087–0) under
the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (Act). We request public
comment on the permit application and
accompanying proposed habitat
conservation plan (HCP), as well as on
our preliminary determination that the
plan qualifies as low-effect under the
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA). To make this determination, we
used our environmental action
statement and low-effect screening form,
which are also available for review.
DATES: To ensure consideration, please
send your written comments by October
22, 2012.
ADDRESSES: If you wish to review the
application and HCP, you may request
documents by email, U.S. mail, or
phone (see below). These documents are
also available for public inspection by
appointment during normal business
hours at the office below. Send your
comments or requests by any one of the
following methods.
Email: northflorida@fws.gov. Use
‘‘Attn: Permit number TE151087–1’’ as
your message subject line.
Fax: David L. Hankla, Field
Supervisor, (904) 731–3045, Attn.:
Permit number TE151087–1.
U.S. mail: David L. Hankla, Field
Supervisor, Jacksonville Ecological
Services Field Office, Attn: Permit
number TE151087–1, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, 7915 Baymeadows
Way, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
In-person drop-off: You may drop off
information during regular business
hours at the above office address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin
M. Gawera, telephone: 904–731–3121;
email: erin_gawera@fws.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
Background
Section 9 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531
et seq.) and our implementing Federal
regulations in the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR 17 prohibit
the ‘‘take’’ of fish or wildlife species
listed as endangered or threatened. Take
of listed fish or wildlife is defined under
the Act as ‘‘to harass, harm, pursue,
hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture,
or collect, or to attempt to engage in any
such conduct’’ (16 U.S.C. 1532).
However, under limited circumstances,
we issue permits to authorize incidental
take—i.e., take that is incidental to, and
not the purpose of, the carrying out of
an otherwise lawful activity.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:05 Sep 20, 2012
Jkt 226001
Regulations governing incidental take
permits for threatened and endangered
species are at 50 CFR 17.32 and 17.22,
respectively. The Act’s take prohibitions
do not apply to federally listed plants
on private lands unless such take would
violate State law. In addition to meeting
other criteria, an incidental take
permit’s proposed actions must not
jeopardize the existence of federally
listed fish, wildlife, or plants.
Applicant’s Proposal
The applicant has been approved for
take of approximately 2.2 acres (ac) of
Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma
coerulescens)—occupied habitat
incidental to construction of an
industrial facility, and seeks a 10-year
extension on an existing permit. The
3.21-ac project is located on a 3.21-ac
property (parcel numbers 25–36–23–50–
00000.0–0004.00 and 25–36–23–50–
00000.0–0005.00), within Section 23,
Township 25 South, Range 36 East,
Rockledge, Brevard County, Florida.
The applicant’s HCP describes the
mitigation and minimization measures
the applicant proposes to address the
effects of the project to the Florida
scrub-jay.
Our Preliminary Determination
We have determined that the
applicant’s proposal, including the
proposed mitigation and minimization
measures, would have minor or
negligible effects on the species covered
in the HCP. Therefore, we determined
that the ITP is a low-effect project and
qualifies for categorical exclusion under
the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), as provided by the Department
of the Interior Manual (516 DM 2
Appendix 1 and 516 DM 6 Appendix 1).
The notice for this permit was
published in the Federal Register on
May 9, 2007 (72 FR 26407), and the ITP
was issued on June 25, 2007. A loweffect HCP is one involving (1) minor or
negligible effects on federally listed or
candidate species and their habitats,
and (2) minor or negligible effects on
other environmental values or
resources.
Next Steps
We will evaluate the HCP and
comments we receive to determine
whether the ITP extension application
meets the requirements of section 10(a)
of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). If we
determine that the application meets
these requirements, we will issue the
extension of the ITP. In June 2007 we
determined issuance of the section
10(a)(1)(B) ITP complies with section 7
of the Act by conducting an intraService section 7 consultation. We will
PO 00000
Frm 00061
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
use the results of this consultation, in
combination with the above findings, in
our final analysis to determine whether
or not to issue the ITP extension. If the
requirements are met, we will issue the
permit extension to the applicant.
Public Comments
If you wish to comment on the permit
application, HCP, and associated
documents, you may submit comments
by any one of the methods in
ADDRESSES.
Public Availability of Comments
Before including your address, phone
number, email address, or other
personal identifying information in your
comments, you should be aware that
your entire comment—including your
personal identifying information—may
be made publicly available at any time.
While you can ask us in your comment
to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we
cannot guarantee that we will be able to
do so.
Authority
We provide this notice under Section
10 of the Act and NEPA regulations (40
CFR 1506.6).
Dated: September 14, 2012.
David L. Hankla,
Field Supervisor, Jacksonville Field Office,
Southeast Region.
[FR Doc. 2012–23296 Filed 9–20–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
[LLOR9300000.5100000.ER0000.LVRWH09
H03200.HAG12–0267]
Notice of Intent To Prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement for
the Proposed Pacific Connector Gas
Pipeline Right-of-Way Grant in Oregon
and Possible Land Use Plan
Amendments
Bureau of Land Management,
Interior; Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
In compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (NEPA), as amended; the Federal
Land Policy and Management Act of
1976 (FLPMA), as amended; and the
National Forest Management Act of
1976 (NFMA), as amended, the Bureau
of Land Management (BLM) Coos Bay,
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\21SEN1.SGM
21SEN1
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2012 / Notices
Roseburg, and Medford Districts and the
Klamath Falls Resource Area of the
Lakeview District in Oregon and the
Forest Service Umpqua, Rogue River,
and Winema National Forests, Oregon,
propose to amend their land
management plans to make provision
for the proposed Pacific Connector Gas
Pipeline (Project) if the Project is
authorized by the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC or the
Commission). The BLM also proposes to
respond to Pacific Connector LP’s
application for a right-of-way grant for
the Project to occupy Federal lands. The
FERC is the lead agency for preparation
of an Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) for the proposed Pacific Connector
Gas Pipeline (FERC Docket PF12–17),
which includes the analysis for possible
land use plan amendments.
DATES: This notice announces the
opening of the scoping process the BLM
and the Forest Service will use to gather
input from the public and interested
agencies concerning amendment of BLM
and Forest Service land management
plans and possible issuance of the rightof-way grant by the BLM. Your input
will help the BLM, the Forest Service,
and Commission staffs determine what
issues to evaluate in the EIS that FERC
is preparing for the Pacific Connector
Gas Pipeline. Please note that your
comments must be received by October
29, 2012, to receive full consideration in
the preparation of the EIS.
You may submit comments either in
written form or orally or both. You may
submit your comments orally or in
writing at public scoping meetings
announced in the FERC’s Notice of
Intent published on August 13, 2012 (77
FR 48138), or at three additional public
scoping meetings scheduled by the
FERC as lead agency, in cooperation
with the BLM and the Forest Service at
the following times and locations:
October 9, 2012, 6:30 p.m., Mill CasinoHotel, 3201 Tremont Ave., North
Bend, OR 97459.
October 10, 2012, 6:30 p.m., Seven
Feathers Casino Resort, 146 Chief
Miwaleta Lane, Canyonville, OR
97417.
October 11, 2012, 6:30 p.m., Malin
Community Park Hall, 2307 Front St.,
Malin, OR 97632.
ADDRESSES: The FERC is the lead agency
for preparation of the EIS for the Pacific
Connector Gas Pipeline so written
comments on actions by the BLM or the
Forest Service must be submitted
through the FERC’s comment process
and within the timelines described in
this notice so that they may be
considered in preparation of the EIS.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:05 Sep 20, 2012
Jkt 226001
There are three methods you can use
to submit your comments to the FERC.
In all instances, please reference the
docket number for the Pacific Connector
Gas Pipeline (PF12–17–000) with your
submission. The Commission
encourages electronic filing of
comments and has expert staff available
to assist you at (202) 502–8258 or
efiling@ferc.gov.
• Web site: www.ferc.gov. Use the
eComment feature under the Documents
& Filings link for brief, text-only
comments on actions proposed by the
BLM and the Forest Service. Use the
eFiling feature under the Documents
and Filings link for providing comments
in a variety of formats by attaching them
as a file with your submission. New
eFiling users must create an account by
clicking on ‘‘eRegister.’’ You must select
the type of filing you are making. If you
are filing a comment on a particular
project, please select, ‘‘Comment on a
Filing.’’
• Mail: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary,
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,
888 First Street NE., Room 1A,
Washington DC 20426.
Any comments submitted directly to
the BLM and the Forest Service will be
forwarded to the FERC for inclusion in
the public record. Before including your
address, phone number, email address,
or other personal identifying
information in your comments, you
should be aware that the entire text of
your comments—including your
personal identifying information—
would be publicly available through the
FERC elibrary system.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Holly Orr, BLM National Project
Manager, 28910 Hwy 20 West, Hines,
OR 97738; telephone: 541–573–4501;
fax: 541–573–4411; email:
horr@blm.gov. Wes Yamamoto, Forest
Service Project Manager, Umpqua
National Forest, Tiller Ranger Station,
27812 Tiller Trail Highway, Tiller, OR
97484; telephone: 541–825–3100; fax:
541–825–3110; email:
wyamamoto@fs.fed.us. Persons who use
a telecommunications device for the
deaf (TDD) may call the Federal
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–
800–877–8339 to contact the above
individual during normal business
hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, to leave a message
or question with the above individual.
You will receive a reply during normal
business hours.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section
313 of the 2005 Energy Policy Act
requires the Forest Service and the BLM
to cooperate with the Commission when
considering aspects of an application for
PO 00000
Frm 00062
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
58571
Federal authorization of natural gas
pipelines. Section 372 of the 2005
Energy Policy Act directed the Secretary
of Energy in consultation with the
Secretaries of Agriculture, Interior, and
Defense to coordinate all applicable
Federal authorizations and
environmental reviews relating to a
proposed or existing utility facility,
including an agreement to prepare a
single environmental review document
to be used as the basis for all Federal
authorization decisions.
On Monday, August 13, 2012, the
FERC published a Notice of Intent to
prepare an EIS for the planned Jordan
Cove Liquefaction and Pacific
Connector Gas Pipeline projects in the
Federal Register (77 FR 48138). The
BLM and the Forest Service are
cooperating agencies for preparation of
this EIS. The EIS prepared by the FERC
will address impacts of the Pacific
Connector Gas Pipeline that occur on
lands administered by the BLM and the
Forest Service, including those
associated with proposed land
management plan amendments and
possible issuance of the right-of-way
grant.
The BLM and the Forest Service will
consider the FERC EIS in their
evaluation of proposed land
management plan amendments. The
BLM will also consider adoption of the
FERC EIS in its evaluation of, and
response to, the application for a rightof-way grant by Pacific Connector Gas
Pipeline LP.
The BLM and the Forest Service have
identified possible land management
plan amendments that may be necessary
to make provision for the Pacific
Connector Gas Pipeline. The BLM and
the Forest Service have jurisdiction by
law for amendment of their land
management plans. Unless otherwise
noted in the description of the Proposed
Action, these amendments would only
apply to the Pacific Connector Gas
Pipeline, and they would be
implemented only if FERC authorizes
the construction of the Project. The BLM
has jurisdiction by law for response to
the application by the proponents of the
proposed Pacific Connector Gas
Pipeline for a right-of-way grant to
occupy Federal lands if the Commission
authorizes the Project.
The Federal Land Policy and
Management Act and National Forest
Management Act require that actions on
these Federal lands be consistent with
the land management plans for the
administrative units where the action
would occur. In order for the Pacific
Connector Gas Pipeline to proceed, the
BLM must issue a right-of-way grant for
occupancy of Federal lands by the
E:\FR\FM\21SEN1.SGM
21SEN1
58572
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2012 / Notices
Project. The Forest Service must concur
with issuance of the right-of-way grant
for areas where the Pacific Connector
Gas Pipeline crosses National Forest
System lands. Proposed amendments of
BLM and Forest Service land
management plans would be
implemented only if the Commission
authorizes the Pacific Connector Gas
Pipeline.
Additional information about the
Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline is
available from the Commission’s Office
of External Affairs, at 866–208–FERC, or
on the FERC Web site (www.ferc.gov).
On the FERC Web page, go to
Documents & Filings and click on the
eLibrary link. Then click on General
Search, and enter the docket number,
excluding the last three digits in the
Docket Number field (i.e., PF12–17). Be
sure you have selected an appropriate
date range. For assistance, please
contact FERC Online Support at
FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free
at 866–208–3676, or for TTY, contact
202–502–8659. The eLibrary link also
provides access to the texts of formal
documents issued by the Commission,
such as orders, notices, and
rulemakings.
In addition, the Commission offers a
free service called eSubscription which
allows you to keep track of all formal
issuances and submittals in specific
dockets. This can reduce the amount of
time you spend researching proceedings
by automatically providing you with
notification of these filings, document
summaries, and direct links to the
documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/
esubscribenow.htm.
Finally, public meetings or site visits
hosted by the Commission will be
posted on the Commission’s calendar
located at www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/
EventsList.aspx along with other related
information.
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Purpose and Need for Action by the
BLM and the Forest Service
The purpose of and need for the
proposed action by the BLM is to
respond to a right-of way grant
application originally submitted by
Pacific Connector on April 17, 2006, to
construct, operate, maintain, and
eventually decommission a natural gas
pipeline that crosses lands and facilities
administered by the BLM, the Bureau of
Reclamation, and the Forest Service. In
addition, there is a need for the BLM
and the Forest Service to consider
amending affected district and forest
land management plans to make
provision for the Pacific Connector
right-of-way.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:05 Sep 20, 2012
Jkt 226001
Proposed Actions of the BLM and the
Forest Service
The proposed action of the BLM and
the Forest Service has two components.
First, the BLM would amend its
Resource Management Plans (RMP) for
the Coos Bay, Roseburg, and Medford
Districts, and Klamath Falls Resource
Area of the Lakeview District, while the
Forest Service would amend its Land
and Resource Management Plans
(LRMP) for the Umpqua, Rogue River,
and Winema National Forests to make
provisions for the Pacific Connector Gas
Pipeline. Second, in accordance with 43
CFR 2884.26, the BLM would issue a
right-of-way grant in response to Pacific
Connector’s application for the Project
to occupy Federal lands, with the
written concurrence of the Forest
Service and the Bureau of Reclamation.
Each agency may submit specific
stipulations, including mitigations, for
inclusion in the right-of-way grant
related to lands, facilities, and
easements within their respective
jurisdictions.
Amendment of Bureau of Land
Management and Forest Service Land
Management Plans
BLM/FS–1, Site-Specific Waiver of
Management Recommendations for
Survey and Manage Species on the BLM
Coos Bay District, Roseburg District,
Medford District, and Klamath Falls
Resource Area of the Lakeview District
RMPs, and the Umpqua National Forest,
Rogue River National Forest, and
Winema National Forest LRMPs:
Applicable BLM district RMPs and
Forest Service national forest LRMPs
would be amended to exempt certain
known sites within the area of the
proposed Pacific Connector right-of-way
grant from the Management
Recommendations required by the 2001
‘‘Record of Decision and Standards and
Guidelines for Amendments to the
Survey and Manage, Protection Buffer,
and other Mitigation Measures
Standards and Guidelines,’’ as modified
in July 2011. For known sites within the
proposed right-of-way that cannot be
avoided, the amendment would specify
that the 2001 Management
Recommendations for protection of
known sites of Survey and Manage
species would not apply. For known
sites located outside the proposed rightof-way but with an overlapping
protection buffer, only that portion of
the buffer within the right-of-way would
be exempt from the protection
requirements of the Management
Recommendations under the
amendment. The Management
Recommendations would remain in
PO 00000
Frm 00063
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
effect for that portion of the protection
buffer that is outside of the right-of-way.
The proposed amendment would not
exempt the BLM or the Forest Service
from the requirements of the 2001
Survey and Manage Record of Decision,
as modified, to maintain species
persistence for affected Survey and
Manage species within the range of the
northern spotted owl. This is a sitespecific amendment applicable only to
the Pacific Connector right-of-way and
would not change future management
direction at any other location.
Amendments of BLM Resource
Management Plans
BLM–1, Site-Specific Exemption of
Requirement to Protect Marbled
Murrelet Habitat on the BLM Coos Bay
and Roseburg Districts: The Coos Bay
District and Roseburg District RMPs
would be amended to waive the
requirements to protect contiguous
existing and recruitment habitat for
marbled murrelets within the Pacific
Connector right-of-way that is within
0.5 miles of occupied marbled murrelet
sites, as mapped by the BLM. This is a
site-specific amendment applicable only
to the Pacific Connector right-of-way
and would not change future
management direction at any other
location.
BLM–2, Site Specific Exemption of
Requirement To Retain Habitat in
Known Owl Activity Centers on the BLM
Roseburg District: The RMP for the
Roseburg District would be amended to
exempt the Pacific Connector pipeline
project from the requirement to retain
habitat in Known Owl Activity Centers
at three locations. This is a site-specific
amendment applicable only to the
Pacific Connector right-of-way and
would not change future management
direction at any other location.
BLM–3, Reallocation of Matrix Lands
to Late Successional Reserves: The
Roseburg District RMP would be
amended to change the designation of
approximately 409 acres from the
Matrix land allocations to the Late
Successional Reserves (LSR) land
allocation in Sections 32 and 34,
Township (T.) 29 c South (S.), Range (R.)
7 West (W.); and Section 1, T. 30 S., R.
7 W.,Willamette Meridian (W.M.),
Oregon. This change in land allocation
is proposed to mitigate the potential
adverse impact of the Pacific Connector
pipeline project on LSRs in the
Roseburg District. The amendment
would change future management
direction for the lands reallocated from
matrix lands to LSR.
BLM–4, Reallocation of Matrix Lands
to Late Successional Reserves: The Coos
Bay District RMP would be amended to
E:\FR\FM\21SEN1.SGM
21SEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2012 / Notices
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
change the designation of approximately
454 acres from the matrix land
allocations to the LSR land allocation in
Sections 19 and 29 of T. 28 S., R. 10 W.,
W. M., Oregon. This change in land
allocation is proposed to mitigate the
potential adverse impact of the Pacific
Connector pipeline project on LSRs in
the Coos Bay District. The amendment
would change future management
direction for the lands reallocated from
matrix lands to LSR.
Amendment of the Umpqua National
Forest LRMP
NF–1, Site-Specific Amendment To
Allow Removal of Effective Shade on
Perennial Streams: The Umpqua
National Forest LRMP would be
amended to change the Standards and
Guidelines for Fisheries (Umpqua
National Forest LRMP, page IV–33,
Forest-Wide) to allow the removal of
effective shading vegetation where
perennial streams are crossed by the
Pacific Connector right-of-way. This
change would potentially affect an
estimated total of 3 acres of effective
shading vegetation at approximately five
perennial stream crossings in the East
Fork of Cow Creek subwatershed from
pipeline mileposts (MP) 109 to 110 in
Sections 16 and 21, T. 32 S., R. 2 W.,
W. M., Oregon. This is a site-specific
amendment that would apply only to
the Pacific Connector right-of-way and
would not change future management
direction at any other location.
UNF–2, Site-Specific Amendment To
Allow Utility Corridors in Riparian
Areas: The Umpqua National Forest
LRMP would be amended to change
prescriptions C2–II (LRMP IV–173) and
C2–IV (LRMP IV–177) to allow the
Pacific Connector pipeline route to run
parallel to the East Fork of Cow Creek
for approximately 0.1 mile between
about pipeline MPs 109.5 and 109.6 in
Section 21, T. 32 S., R. 2 W., W. M.,
Oregon. This change would potentially
affect approximately 1 acre of riparian
vegetation along the East Fork of Cow
Creek. This is a site-specific amendment
that would apply only to the Pacific
Connector right-of-way and would not
change future management direction at
any other location.
UNF–3, Site-Specific Amendment To
Waive Limitations on Detrimental Soil
Conditions within the Pacific Connector
Right-of-Way in All Management Areas:
The Umpqua National Forest LRMP
would be amended to waive limitations
on the area affected by detrimental soil
conditions from displacement and
compaction within the Pacific
Connector right-of-way. Standards and
Guidelines for Soils (LRMP page IV–67)
requires that not more than 20 percent
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:05 Sep 20, 2012
Jkt 226001
of the project area have detrimental
compaction, displacement, or puddling
after completion of a project. This is a
site-specific amendment that would
apply only to the Pacific Connector
right-of-way and would not change
future management direction at any
other location.
UNF–4, Reallocation of Matrix Lands
to Late Successional Reserves: The
Umpqua National Forest LRMP would
be amended to change the designation
of approximately 588 acres from the
matrix land allocation to the LSR land
allocation in Sections 7, 18, and 19, T.
32 S., R. 2 W., W. M., Oregon; and
Sections 13 and 24, T. 32 S., R. 3 W.,
W. M., Oregon. This change in land
allocation is proposed to partially
mitigate the potential adverse impact of
the Pacific Connector pipeline project
on LSR 223 on the Umpqua National
Forest. This amendment would change
future management direction for the
lands reallocated from matrix to LSR.
Amendment of the Rogue River National
Forest LRMP
RRNF–1, Amendment to Provide for
Energy Transmission: The Rogue River
National Forest LRMP would be
amended to establish a Forest Plan
objective that states: ‘‘While considering
other multiple use values, the Forest
shall facilitate and make provision for
energy transmission via the Pacific
Connector consistent with the Energy
Policy Act of 2005, the Mineral Leasing
Act, the Natural Gas Act, the Multiple
Use Sustained Yield Act, and the
National Forest Management Act.’’
RRNF–2, Site-Specific Amendment of
Visual Quality Objectives on the Big Elk
Road: The Rogue River National Forest
LRMP would be amended to change the
Visual Quality Objective (VQO) where
the Pacific Connector pipeline route
crosses the Big Elk Road at about
pipeline MP 161.4 in Section 16, T. 37
S., R. 4 E., W. M., Oregon, from
Foreground Retention (Management
Strategy 6, LRMP page 4–72) to
Foreground Partial Retention
(Management Strategy 7, LRMP page 4–
86) and allow 10–15 years for amended
visual quality objectives to be attained.
The existing Standards and Guidelines
for VQO in Foreground Retention where
the Pacific Connector pipeline route
crosses the Big Elk Road require that
VQOs be met within 1 year of
completion of the project and that
management activities not be visually
evident. This amendment would apply
only to the Pacific Connector pipeline
project in the vicinity of Big Elk Road
and would not change future
management direction for any other
project.
PO 00000
Frm 00064
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
58573
RRNF–3, Site-Specific Amendment of
Visual Quality Objectives on the Pacific
Crest Trail: The Rogue River National
Forest LRMP would be amended to
change the VQO where the Pacific
Connector pipeline route crosses the
Pacific Crest Trail at about pipeline MP
168 in Section 32, T. 37 S., R. 5 E., W.
M., Oregon, from Foreground Partial
Retention (Management Strategy 7,
LRMP page 4–86) to Modification
(USDA Forest Service Agricultural
Handbook 478) and to allow 15–20
years for amended VQOs to be attained.
The existing Standards and Guidelines
for VQOs in Foreground Partial
Retention in the area where the Pacific
Connector pipeline route crosses the
Pacific Crest Trail require that visual
mitigation measures meet the stated
VQO within 3 years of the completion
of the project and that management
activities be visually subordinate to the
landscape. This amendment would
apply only to the Pacific Connector
pipeline project in the vicinity of the
Pacific Crest Trail and would not
change future management direction for
any other project.
RRNF–4, Site-Specific Amendment of
Visual Quality Objectives Adjacent to
Highway 140: The Rogue River National
Forest LRMP would be amended to
allow 10–15 years to meet the VQO of
Middleground Partial Retention
between Pacific Connector pipeline MPs
156.3 to 156.8 and 157.2 to 157.5 in
Sections 11 and 12, T. 37 S., R. 3 E., W.
M., Oregon. Standards and Guidelines
for Middleground Partial Retention
(Management Strategy 9, LRMP Page 4–
112) require that VQOs for a given
location be achieved within 3 years of
completion of the project.
Approximately 0.8 miles or 9 acres of
the Pacific Connector right-of-way in the
Middleground Partial Retention VQO
visible at distances of 0.75 to 5 miles
from State Highway 140 would be
affected by this amendment. This
amendment would apply only to the
Pacific Connector pipeline project in
Sections 11 and 12, T .37 S., R. 3 E., W.
M., Oregon, and would not change
future management direction for any
other project.
RRNF–5, Site-Specific Amendment to
Allow Utility Transmission Corridors in
Management Strategy 26, Restricted
Riparian Areas: The Rogue River
National Forest LRMP would be
amended to allow the Pacific Connector
right-of-way to cross the Restricted
Riparian land allocation. This would
potentially affect approximately 2.5
acres of the Restricted Riparian
Management Strategy at one perennial
stream crossing on the South Fork of
Little Butte Creek at about pipeline MP
E:\FR\FM\21SEN1.SGM
21SEN1
58574
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2012 / Notices
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
162.45 in Section 15, T. 37 S., R. 4 E.,
W. M., Oregon. Standards and
Guidelines for the Restricted Riparian
land allocation prescribe locating
transmission corridors outside of this
land allocation (Management Strategy
26, LRMP page 4–308,). This
amendment would apply only to the
Pacific Connector pipeline right-of-way
and would not change future
management direction at any other
location.
RRNF–6, Site-Specific Amendment To
Waive Limitations on Detrimental Soil
Conditions Within the Pacific Connector
Right-of-Way in All Management Areas:
The Rogue River National Forest LRMP
would be amended to waive limitations
on areas affected by detrimental soil
conditions from displacement and
compaction within the Pacific
Connector right-of-way in all affected
Management Strategies. Standards and
Guidelines for detrimental soil impacts
in affected Management Strategies
require that no more than 10 percent of
an activity area should be compacted,
puddled, or displaced upon completion
of project (not including permanent
roads or landings). No more than 20
percent of the area should be displaced
or compacted under circumstances
resulting from previous management
practices including roads and landings.
Permanent recreation facilities or other
permanent facilities are exempt (RRNF
LRMP 4–41, 4–83, 4–97, 4–123, 4–177,
4–307). This is a site-specific
amendment applicable only to the
Pacific Connector right-of-way and
would not change future management
direction for at any other location.
RRNF–7, Reallocation of Matrix Lands
to Late Successional Reserves: The
Rogue River National Forest LRMP
would be amended to change the
designation of approximately 512 acres
from the matrix land allocation to the
LSR land allocation in Section 32, T. 36
S., R. 4 E., W. M., Oregon. This change
in land allocation is proposed to
partially mitigate the potential adverse
impact of the Pacific Connector pipeline
project on LSR 227 on the Rogue River
National Forest. This amendment would
change future management direction for
the lands reallocated from Matrix to
LSR.
Amendment of the Winema National
Forest LRMP
WNF–1, Site-Specific Amendment To
Allow Utility Corridors in Management
Area 3: The Winema National Forest
LRMP would be amended to change the
Standards and Guidelines for
Management Area 3 (MA–3) (LRMP
page 4–103–4, Lands) to allow the 95foot-wide Pacific Connector pipeline
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:05 Sep 20, 2012
Jkt 226001
corridor in MA–3 from the Forest
Boundary in Section 32, T. 37 S., R. 5
E., W. M., Oregon, to the Clover Creek
Road corridor in Section 4, T. 38 S., R.
5 E., W. M., Oregon. Standards and
Guidelines for MA–3 state that the area
is currently an avoidance area for new
utility corridors. This proposed new
utility corridor is approximately 1.5
miles long and occupies approximately
17 acres. This is a site-specific
amendment that would apply only to
the Pacific Connector right-of-way and
would not change future management
direction at any other location.
WNF–2, Site-Specific Amendment of
Visual Quality Objectives on the Dead
Indian Memorial Highway: The Winema
National Forest LRMP would be
amended to allow 10–15 years to
achieve the VQO of Foreground
Retention where the Pacific Connector
right-of-way crosses the Dead Indian
Memorial Highway at approximately
pipeline MP 168.8 in Section 33, T. 37
S., R. 5 E., W. M., Oregon. Standards
and Guidelines for Scenic Management,
Foreground Retention (LRMP 4–103,
MA 3A, Foreground Retention) requires
VQOs for a given location be achieved
within 1 year of completion of the
project. The Forest Service proposes to
allow 10–15 years to meet the specified
VQO at this location. This is a sitespecific amendment that would apply
only to the Pacific Connector pipeline
project in the vicinity of the Dead
Indian Memorial Highway and would
not change future management direction
for any other project.
WNF–3, Site-Specific Amendment of
Visual Quality Objectives Adjacent to
the Clover Creek Road: The Winema
National Forest LRMP would be
amended to allow 10–15 years to meet
the VQO for Scenic Management,
Foreground Partial Retention, where the
Pacific Connector right-of-way is
adjacent to the Clover Creek Road from
approximately pipeline MP 170 to 175
in Sections 2, 3, 4, 11, and 12, T. 38 S.,
R. 5 E., and Sections 7 and 18, T. 38 S.,
R. 6 E., W. M., Oregon. This change
would potentially affect approximately
50 acres. Standards and Guidelines for
Foreground Partial Retention (LRMP,
page 4–107, MA 3B) require that VQOs
be met within 3 years of completion of
a project. This is a site-specific
amendment that would apply only to
the Pacific Connector pipeline project in
the vicinity of Clover Creek road and
would not change future management
direction for any other project.
WNF–4, Site-Specific Amendment To
Waive Limitations on Detrimental Soil
Conditions within the Pacific Connector
Right-of-Way in All Management Areas:
The Winema National Forest LRMP
PO 00000
Frm 00065
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
would be amended to waive restrictions
on detrimental soil conditions from
displacement and compaction within
the Pacific Connector right-of-way in all
affected management areas. Standards
and Guidelines for detrimental soil
impacts in all affected management
areas require that no more than 20
percent of the activity area be
detrimentally compacted, puddled, or
displaced upon completion of a project
(LRMP page 4–73, 12–5). This is a sitespecific amendment applicable only to
the Pacific Connector right-of-way and
would not change future management
direction at any other location.
WNF–5, Site-Specific Amendment To
Waive Limitations on Detrimental Soil
Conditions within the Pacific Connector
Right-of-Way in Management Area 8:
The Winema National Forest LRMP
would be amended to waive restrictions
on detrimental soil conditions from
displacement and compaction within
the Pacific Connector right-of-way
within the Management Area 8,
Riparian Area (MA–8). This change
would potentially affect approximately
0.5 mile or an estimated 9.6 acres of
MA–8. Standards and Guidelines for
Soil and Water, MA–8 require that not
more than 10 percent of the total
riparian zone in an activity area be in a
detrimental soil condition upon the
completion of a project (LRMP page 4–
137, 2). This is a site-specific
amendment applicable only to the
Pacific Connector right-of-way and
would not change future management
direction at any other location.
Lead Agency
The Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission is the lead agency for
preparation of an EIS for the Pacific
Connector Gas Pipeline.
Responsible Officials
The Secretary of the Interior has
delegated authority to the BLM to
potentially grant a right-of-way in
response to Pacific Connector’s
application for natural gas transmission
on Federal lands under the Mineral
Leasing Act of 1920. The Responsible
Official for the proposed amendments of
the BLM RMPs and potential issuance of
the right-of-way grant is the BLM
Oregon/Washington State Director. The
Responsible Official for the proposed
amendment of Forest Service LRMPs is
the Forest Supervisor of the Umpqua
National Forest. In accordance with 36
CFR 219.17(b)(2), the Deciding Official
for the Forest Service has elected to use
the 1982 planning rule procedures to
amend Forest Service LRMPs as
provided in the transition procedures of
the 2000 planning rule.
E:\FR\FM\21SEN1.SGM
21SEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2012 / Notices
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Nature of Decision To Be Made
If the BLM adopts the new FERC EIS
for the Pacific Connector pipeline
project (in Docket No. PF12–17–000),
the BLM Oregon/Washington State
Director will make the following
decisions and determinations:
• Determine whether to amend the
RMPs for the BLM Coos Bay, Roseburg,
and Medford Districts and the Klamath
Falls Resource Area of the Lakeview
District as proposed or as described in
an alternative to the Proposed Action;
and
• Respond to the Pacific Connector
application with concurrence of the
Bureau of Reclamation and the Forest
Service by issuing a right-of-way grant,
granting the right-of-way with
conditions, or denying the application.
If the Forest Service adopts the new
FERC EIS for the Pacific Connector
pipeline project (in Docket No. PF12–
17–000), the Forest Supervisor of the
Umpqua National Forest will make the
following decisions and determinations:
• Decide whether to amend the
LRMPs of the Umpqua, Rogue River,
and Winema National Forests as
proposed or as described in an
alternative; and
• Determine the significance of the
proposed amendments or alternatives in
accordance with national forest
planning regulation 36 CFR 219.10(f)
(1982 procedures) using criteria in
Forest Service Manual 1926.5.
Scoping Process: The BLM and the
Forest Service seek public input on
issues and planning criteria related to
issuance of the Right-of-Way Grant. The
BLM and the Forest Service seek public
input on issues and planning criteria
related to amendment of their district
and forest land management plans
related to the Pacific Connector pipeline
project. All comments received related
to actions of the BLM and the Forest
Service will be considered in the
preparation of land management plan
amendments and issuance of a right-ofway grant for the Project.
It is important that reviewers provide
their comments at such times and in
such manner that they are useful to the
agency’s preparation of the
environmental impact statement.
Therefore, comments should be
provided prior to the close of the
comment period and should clearly
articulate the reviewer’s concerns and
contentions. Your comments should
focus on the potential changes in the
goods and services that are provided by
affected BLM districts and National
Forests, reasonable alternatives, and
measures to avoid or lessen any adverse
changes in the goods and services
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:05 Sep 20, 2012
Jkt 226001
produced. The more specific your
comments, the more useful they will be.
Currently Identified Issues Specific to
Proposed BLM and Forest Service Land
Management Plan Amendments
The purpose of the public scoping
process is to determine relevant issues
that will influence the scope of the
environmental analysis, including
alternatives, and guide the plan
amendment process. Preliminary issues
for the plan amendments have been
identified by BLM and Forest Service
personnel, Federal, State, and local
agencies, and other stakeholders. The
issues include:
• Effects of proposed amendments on
Survey and Manage species and their
habitat;
• Effects of proposed amendments on
contiguous existing or recruitment
habitat for marbled murrelets within 0.5
mile of occupied marbled murrelet sites;
• Effects of proposed amendments on
habitat in Known Owl Activity Centers,
and
• Effects of the proposed amendments
on Late Successional Reserves.
Preliminary BLM and Forest Service
planning criteria include:
• Evaluation of significance of
proposed amendments to Forest Service
LRMPs in the context of LRMP goals
and objectives. Whether a plan
amendment is significant is guided by
several factors, including the timing and
duration of the proposed change, the
location and size of the project, and how
the proposed change could alter
multiple-use goals and objectives for
long-term land and resource
management.
• Likelihood of persistence of affected
Survey and Manage species within the
range of the northern spotted owl.
• Amount and quality of marbled
murrelet habitat affected by
construction and operation of the
Pacific Connector pipeline project.
• Amount and quality of habitat in
Known Owl Activity Centers affected by
construction and operation of the
Pacific Connector pipeline project.
• Functionality of LSRs.
• Impacts on Connectivity and
Diversity Blocks on BLM lands.
Administrative Review of Bureau of
Land Management and Forest Service
Decisions To Amend Land Management
Plans and Appeal of BLM Response to
Right-of-Way Grant Application
Decisions by the BLM and the Forest
Service to amend land management
plans are subject to administrative
review. In accordance with 36 CFR
219.59, the Forest Service has elected to
use the administrative review
PO 00000
Frm 00066
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
58575
procedures (otherwise known as protest
procedures) of the BLM. Administrative
objections to Forest Service land
management plan amendment decisions
and protests of BLM land management
plan amendment decisions may be filed
under the provisions of 43 CFR 1610.5–
2. The BLM’s decision on the
application for a right-of-way grant may
be appealed to the Interior Board of
Land Appeals in accordance with 43
CFR part 4.
The submission of timely and specific
comments can affect a reviewer’s ability
to participate in subsequent
administrative appeal or judicial review.
Comments received in response to this
solicitation, including names and
addresses of those who comment, will
be part of the public record for this
proposed action. Comments submitted
anonymously will be accepted and
considered; however, anonymous
comments will not provide the
respondent with standing to object to
the subsequent decision.
Michael S. Mottice,
Acting BLM State Director, Oregon/
Washington.
Alice B. Carlton,
FS Forest Supervisor, Umpqua National
Forest.
[FR Doc. 2012–23206 Filed 9–20–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–33–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[LLES956000–L71300000–BK0000–
LVTSM12M1660]
Eastern States: Filing of Plat of Survey
Bureau of Land Management,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) will file the plat of
survey of the lands described below in
the BLM-Eastern States office in
Springfield, Virginia, 30 calendar days
from the date of publication in the
Federal Register.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bureau of Land Management-Eastern
States, 7450 Boston Boulevard,
Springfield, Virginia 22153. Attn:
Cadastral Survey. Persons who use a
telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD) may call the Federal Information
Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339
during normal business hours. The FIRS
is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week, to leave a message or question.
You will receive a reply during normal
business hours.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\21SEN1.SGM
21SEN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 184 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58570-58575]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-23206]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
[LLOR9300000.5100000.ER0000.LVRWH09H03200.HAG12-0267]
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for
the Proposed Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline Right-of-Way Grant in
Oregon and Possible Land Use Plan Amendments
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior; Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (NEPA), as amended; the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of
1976 (FLPMA), as amended; and the National Forest Management Act of
1976 (NFMA), as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Coos Bay,
[[Page 58571]]
Roseburg, and Medford Districts and the Klamath Falls Resource Area of
the Lakeview District in Oregon and the Forest Service Umpqua, Rogue
River, and Winema National Forests, Oregon, propose to amend their land
management plans to make provision for the proposed Pacific Connector
Gas Pipeline (Project) if the Project is authorized by the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or the Commission). The BLM also
proposes to respond to Pacific Connector LP's application for a right-
of-way grant for the Project to occupy Federal lands. The FERC is the
lead agency for preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
for the proposed Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline (FERC Docket PF12-17),
which includes the analysis for possible land use plan amendments.
DATES: This notice announces the opening of the scoping process the BLM
and the Forest Service will use to gather input from the public and
interested agencies concerning amendment of BLM and Forest Service land
management plans and possible issuance of the right-of-way grant by the
BLM. Your input will help the BLM, the Forest Service, and Commission
staffs determine what issues to evaluate in the EIS that FERC is
preparing for the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. Please note that your
comments must be received by October 29, 2012, to receive full
consideration in the preparation of the EIS.
You may submit comments either in written form or orally or both.
You may submit your comments orally or in writing at public scoping
meetings announced in the FERC's Notice of Intent published on August
13, 2012 (77 FR 48138), or at three additional public scoping meetings
scheduled by the FERC as lead agency, in cooperation with the BLM and
the Forest Service at the following times and locations:
October 9, 2012, 6:30 p.m., Mill Casino-Hotel, 3201 Tremont Ave., North
Bend, OR 97459.
October 10, 2012, 6:30 p.m., Seven Feathers Casino Resort, 146 Chief
Miwaleta Lane, Canyonville, OR 97417.
October 11, 2012, 6:30 p.m., Malin Community Park Hall, 2307 Front St.,
Malin, OR 97632.
ADDRESSES: The FERC is the lead agency for preparation of the EIS for
the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline so written comments on actions by
the BLM or the Forest Service must be submitted through the FERC's
comment process and within the timelines described in this notice so
that they may be considered in preparation of the EIS.
There are three methods you can use to submit your comments to the
FERC. In all instances, please reference the docket number for the
Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline (PF12-17-000) with your submission. The
Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and has expert
staff available to assist you at (202) 502-8258 or efiling@ferc.gov.
Web site: www.ferc.gov. Use the eComment feature under the
Documents & Filings link for brief, text-only comments on actions
proposed by the BLM and the Forest Service. Use the eFiling feature
under the Documents and Filings link for providing comments in a
variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your submission.
New eFiling users must create an account by clicking on ``eRegister.''
You must select the type of filing you are making. If you are filing a
comment on a particular project, please select, ``Comment on a
Filing.''
Mail: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Room 1A, Washington DC
20426.
Any comments submitted directly to the BLM and the Forest Service
will be forwarded to the FERC for inclusion in the public record.
Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other
personal identifying information in your comments, you should be aware
that the entire text of your comments--including your personal
identifying information--would be publicly available through the FERC
elibrary system.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Holly Orr, BLM National Project
Manager, 28910 Hwy 20 West, Hines, OR 97738; telephone: 541-573-4501;
fax: 541-573-4411; email: horr@blm.gov. Wes Yamamoto, Forest Service
Project Manager, Umpqua National Forest, Tiller Ranger Station, 27812
Tiller Trail Highway, Tiller, OR 97484; telephone: 541-825-3100; fax:
541-825-3110; email: wyamamoto@fs.fed.us. Persons who use a
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact the above
individual during normal business hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the above
individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 313 of the 2005 Energy Policy Act
requires the Forest Service and the BLM to cooperate with the
Commission when considering aspects of an application for Federal
authorization of natural gas pipelines. Section 372 of the 2005 Energy
Policy Act directed the Secretary of Energy in consultation with the
Secretaries of Agriculture, Interior, and Defense to coordinate all
applicable Federal authorizations and environmental reviews relating to
a proposed or existing utility facility, including an agreement to
prepare a single environmental review document to be used as the basis
for all Federal authorization decisions.
On Monday, August 13, 2012, the FERC published a Notice of Intent
to prepare an EIS for the planned Jordan Cove Liquefaction and Pacific
Connector Gas Pipeline projects in the Federal Register (77 FR 48138).
The BLM and the Forest Service are cooperating agencies for preparation
of this EIS. The EIS prepared by the FERC will address impacts of the
Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline that occur on lands administered by the
BLM and the Forest Service, including those associated with proposed
land management plan amendments and possible issuance of the right-of-
way grant.
The BLM and the Forest Service will consider the FERC EIS in their
evaluation of proposed land management plan amendments. The BLM will
also consider adoption of the FERC EIS in its evaluation of, and
response to, the application for a right-of-way grant by Pacific
Connector Gas Pipeline LP.
The BLM and the Forest Service have identified possible land
management plan amendments that may be necessary to make provision for
the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. The BLM and the Forest Service have
jurisdiction by law for amendment of their land management plans.
Unless otherwise noted in the description of the Proposed Action, these
amendments would only apply to the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline, and
they would be implemented only if FERC authorizes the construction of
the Project. The BLM has jurisdiction by law for response to the
application by the proponents of the proposed Pacific Connector Gas
Pipeline for a right-of-way grant to occupy Federal lands if the
Commission authorizes the Project.
The Federal Land Policy and Management Act and National Forest
Management Act require that actions on these Federal lands be
consistent with the land management plans for the administrative units
where the action would occur. In order for the Pacific Connector Gas
Pipeline to proceed, the BLM must issue a right-of-way grant for
occupancy of Federal lands by the
[[Page 58572]]
Project. The Forest Service must concur with issuance of the right-of-
way grant for areas where the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline crosses
National Forest System lands. Proposed amendments of BLM and Forest
Service land management plans would be implemented only if the
Commission authorizes the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline.
Additional information about the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline is
available from the Commission's Office of External Affairs, at 866-208-
FERC, or on the FERC Web site (www.ferc.gov). On the FERC Web page, go
to Documents & Filings and click on the eLibrary link. Then click on
General Search, and enter the docket number, excluding the last three
digits in the Docket Number field (i.e., PF12-17). Be sure you have
selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC
Online Support at FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at 866-208-
3676, or for TTY, contact 202-502-8659. The eLibrary link also provides
access to the texts of formal documents issued by the Commission, such
as orders, notices, and rulemakings.
In addition, the Commission offers a free service called
eSubscription which allows you to keep track of all formal issuances
and submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time
you spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with
notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to
the documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/esubscribenow.htm.
Finally, public meetings or site visits hosted by the Commission
will be posted on the Commission's calendar located at www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx along with other related information.
Purpose and Need for Action by the BLM and the Forest Service
The purpose of and need for the proposed action by the BLM is to
respond to a right-of way grant application originally submitted by
Pacific Connector on April 17, 2006, to construct, operate, maintain,
and eventually decommission a natural gas pipeline that crosses lands
and facilities administered by the BLM, the Bureau of Reclamation, and
the Forest Service. In addition, there is a need for the BLM and the
Forest Service to consider amending affected district and forest land
management plans to make provision for the Pacific Connector right-of-
way.
Proposed Actions of the BLM and the Forest Service
The proposed action of the BLM and the Forest Service has two
components. First, the BLM would amend its Resource Management Plans
(RMP) for the Coos Bay, Roseburg, and Medford Districts, and Klamath
Falls Resource Area of the Lakeview District, while the Forest Service
would amend its Land and Resource Management Plans (LRMP) for the
Umpqua, Rogue River, and Winema National Forests to make provisions for
the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. Second, in accordance with 43 CFR
2884.26, the BLM would issue a right-of-way grant in response to
Pacific Connector's application for the Project to occupy Federal
lands, with the written concurrence of the Forest Service and the
Bureau of Reclamation. Each agency may submit specific stipulations,
including mitigations, for inclusion in the right-of-way grant related
to lands, facilities, and easements within their respective
jurisdictions.
Amendment of Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service Land
Management Plans
BLM/FS-1, Site-Specific Waiver of Management Recommendations for
Survey and Manage Species on the BLM Coos Bay District, Roseburg
District, Medford District, and Klamath Falls Resource Area of the
Lakeview District RMPs, and the Umpqua National Forest, Rogue River
National Forest, and Winema National Forest LRMPs: Applicable BLM
district RMPs and Forest Service national forest LRMPs would be amended
to exempt certain known sites within the area of the proposed Pacific
Connector right-of-way grant from the Management Recommendations
required by the 2001 ``Record of Decision and Standards and Guidelines
for Amendments to the Survey and Manage, Protection Buffer, and other
Mitigation Measures Standards and Guidelines,'' as modified in July
2011. For known sites within the proposed right-of-way that cannot be
avoided, the amendment would specify that the 2001 Management
Recommendations for protection of known sites of Survey and Manage
species would not apply. For known sites located outside the proposed
right-of-way but with an overlapping protection buffer, only that
portion of the buffer within the right-of-way would be exempt from the
protection requirements of the Management Recommendations under the
amendment. The Management Recommendations would remain in effect for
that portion of the protection buffer that is outside of the right-of-
way. The proposed amendment would not exempt the BLM or the Forest
Service from the requirements of the 2001 Survey and Manage Record of
Decision, as modified, to maintain species persistence for affected
Survey and Manage species within the range of the northern spotted owl.
This is a site-specific amendment applicable only to the Pacific
Connector right-of-way and would not change future management direction
at any other location.
Amendments of BLM Resource Management Plans
BLM-1, Site-Specific Exemption of Requirement to Protect Marbled
Murrelet Habitat on the BLM Coos Bay and Roseburg Districts: The Coos
Bay District and Roseburg District RMPs would be amended to waive the
requirements to protect contiguous existing and recruitment habitat for
marbled murrelets within the Pacific Connector right-of-way that is
within 0.5 miles of occupied marbled murrelet sites, as mapped by the
BLM. This is a site-specific amendment applicable only to the Pacific
Connector right-of-way and would not change future management direction
at any other location.
BLM-2, Site Specific Exemption of Requirement To Retain Habitat in
Known Owl Activity Centers on the BLM Roseburg District: The RMP for
the Roseburg District would be amended to exempt the Pacific Connector
pipeline project from the requirement to retain habitat in Known Owl
Activity Centers at three locations. This is a site-specific amendment
applicable only to the Pacific Connector right-of-way and would not
change future management direction at any other location.
BLM-3, Reallocation of Matrix Lands to Late Successional Reserves:
The Roseburg District RMP would be amended to change the designation of
approximately 409 acres from the Matrix land allocations to the Late
Successional Reserves (LSR) land allocation in Sections 32 and 34,
Township (T.) 29 [frac12] South (S.), Range (R.) 7 West (W.); and
Section 1, T. 30 S., R. 7 W.,Willamette Meridian (W.M.), Oregon. This
change in land allocation is proposed to mitigate the potential adverse
impact of the Pacific Connector pipeline project on LSRs in the
Roseburg District. The amendment would change future management
direction for the lands reallocated from matrix lands to LSR.
BLM-4, Reallocation of Matrix Lands to Late Successional Reserves:
The Coos Bay District RMP would be amended to
[[Page 58573]]
change the designation of approximately 454 acres from the matrix land
allocations to the LSR land allocation in Sections 19 and 29 of T. 28
S., R. 10 W., W. M., Oregon. This change in land allocation is proposed
to mitigate the potential adverse impact of the Pacific Connector
pipeline project on LSRs in the Coos Bay District. The amendment would
change future management direction for the lands reallocated from
matrix lands to LSR.
Amendment of the Umpqua National Forest LRMP
NF-1, Site-Specific Amendment To Allow Removal of Effective Shade
on Perennial Streams: The Umpqua National Forest LRMP would be amended
to change the Standards and Guidelines for Fisheries (Umpqua National
Forest LRMP, page IV-33, Forest-Wide) to allow the removal of effective
shading vegetation where perennial streams are crossed by the Pacific
Connector right-of-way. This change would potentially affect an
estimated total of 3 acres of effective shading vegetation at
approximately five perennial stream crossings in the East Fork of Cow
Creek subwatershed from pipeline mileposts (MP) 109 to 110 in Sections
16 and 21, T. 32 S., R. 2 W., W. M., Oregon. This is a site-specific
amendment that would apply only to the Pacific Connector right-of-way
and would not change future management direction at any other location.
UNF-2, Site-Specific Amendment To Allow Utility Corridors in
Riparian Areas: The Umpqua National Forest LRMP would be amended to
change prescriptions C2-II (LRMP IV-173) and C2-IV (LRMP IV-177) to
allow the Pacific Connector pipeline route to run parallel to the East
Fork of Cow Creek for approximately 0.1 mile between about pipeline MPs
109.5 and 109.6 in Section 21, T. 32 S., R. 2 W., W. M., Oregon. This
change would potentially affect approximately 1 acre of riparian
vegetation along the East Fork of Cow Creek. This is a site-specific
amendment that would apply only to the Pacific Connector right-of-way
and would not change future management direction at any other location.
UNF-3, Site-Specific Amendment To Waive Limitations on Detrimental
Soil Conditions within the Pacific Connector Right-of-Way in All
Management Areas: The Umpqua National Forest LRMP would be amended to
waive limitations on the area affected by detrimental soil conditions
from displacement and compaction within the Pacific Connector right-of-
way. Standards and Guidelines for Soils (LRMP page IV-67) requires that
not more than 20 percent of the project area have detrimental
compaction, displacement, or puddling after completion of a project.
This is a site-specific amendment that would apply only to the Pacific
Connector right-of-way and would not change future management direction
at any other location.
UNF-4, Reallocation of Matrix Lands to Late Successional Reserves:
The Umpqua National Forest LRMP would be amended to change the
designation of approximately 588 acres from the matrix land allocation
to the LSR land allocation in Sections 7, 18, and 19, T. 32 S., R. 2
W., W. M., Oregon; and Sections 13 and 24, T. 32 S., R. 3 W., W. M.,
Oregon. This change in land allocation is proposed to partially
mitigate the potential adverse impact of the Pacific Connector pipeline
project on LSR 223 on the Umpqua National Forest. This amendment would
change future management direction for the lands reallocated from
matrix to LSR.
Amendment of the Rogue River National Forest LRMP
RRNF-1, Amendment to Provide for Energy Transmission: The Rogue
River National Forest LRMP would be amended to establish a Forest Plan
objective that states: ``While considering other multiple use values,
the Forest shall facilitate and make provision for energy transmission
via the Pacific Connector consistent with the Energy Policy Act of
2005, the Mineral Leasing Act, the Natural Gas Act, the Multiple Use
Sustained Yield Act, and the National Forest Management Act.''
RRNF-2, Site-Specific Amendment of Visual Quality Objectives on the
Big Elk Road: The Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be amended to
change the Visual Quality Objective (VQO) where the Pacific Connector
pipeline route crosses the Big Elk Road at about pipeline MP 161.4 in
Section 16, T. 37 S., R. 4 E., W. M., Oregon, from Foreground Retention
(Management Strategy 6, LRMP page 4-72) to Foreground Partial Retention
(Management Strategy 7, LRMP page 4-86) and allow 10-15 years for
amended visual quality objectives to be attained. The existing
Standards and Guidelines for VQO in Foreground Retention where the
Pacific Connector pipeline route crosses the Big Elk Road require that
VQOs be met within 1 year of completion of the project and that
management activities not be visually evident. This amendment would
apply only to the Pacific Connector pipeline project in the vicinity of
Big Elk Road and would not change future management direction for any
other project.
RRNF-3, Site-Specific Amendment of Visual Quality Objectives on the
Pacific Crest Trail: The Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be
amended to change the VQO where the Pacific Connector pipeline route
crosses the Pacific Crest Trail at about pipeline MP 168 in Section 32,
T. 37 S., R. 5 E., W. M., Oregon, from Foreground Partial Retention
(Management Strategy 7, LRMP page 4-86) to Modification (USDA Forest
Service Agricultural Handbook 478) and to allow 15-20 years for amended
VQOs to be attained. The existing Standards and Guidelines for VQOs in
Foreground Partial Retention in the area where the Pacific Connector
pipeline route crosses the Pacific Crest Trail require that visual
mitigation measures meet the stated VQO within 3 years of the
completion of the project and that management activities be visually
subordinate to the landscape. This amendment would apply only to the
Pacific Connector pipeline project in the vicinity of the Pacific Crest
Trail and would not change future management direction for any other
project.
RRNF-4, Site-Specific Amendment of Visual Quality Objectives
Adjacent to Highway 140: The Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be
amended to allow 10-15 years to meet the VQO of Middleground Partial
Retention between Pacific Connector pipeline MPs 156.3 to 156.8 and
157.2 to 157.5 in Sections 11 and 12, T. 37 S., R. 3 E., W. M., Oregon.
Standards and Guidelines for Middleground Partial Retention (Management
Strategy 9, LRMP Page 4-112) require that VQOs for a given location be
achieved within 3 years of completion of the project. Approximately 0.8
miles or 9 acres of the Pacific Connector right-of-way in the
Middleground Partial Retention VQO visible at distances of 0.75 to 5
miles from State Highway 140 would be affected by this amendment. This
amendment would apply only to the Pacific Connector pipeline project in
Sections 11 and 12, T .37 S., R. 3 E., W. M., Oregon, and would not
change future management direction for any other project.
RRNF-5, Site-Specific Amendment to Allow Utility Transmission
Corridors in Management Strategy 26, Restricted Riparian Areas: The
Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be amended to allow the Pacific
Connector right-of-way to cross the Restricted Riparian land
allocation. This would potentially affect approximately 2.5 acres of
the Restricted Riparian Management Strategy at one perennial stream
crossing on the South Fork of Little Butte Creek at about pipeline MP
[[Page 58574]]
162.45 in Section 15, T. 37 S., R. 4 E., W. M., Oregon. Standards and
Guidelines for the Restricted Riparian land allocation prescribe
locating transmission corridors outside of this land allocation
(Management Strategy 26, LRMP page 4-308,). This amendment would apply
only to the Pacific Connector pipeline right-of-way and would not
change future management direction at any other location.
RRNF-6, Site-Specific Amendment To Waive Limitations on Detrimental
Soil Conditions Within the Pacific Connector Right-of-Way in All
Management Areas: The Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be amended
to waive limitations on areas affected by detrimental soil conditions
from displacement and compaction within the Pacific Connector right-of-
way in all affected Management Strategies. Standards and Guidelines for
detrimental soil impacts in affected Management Strategies require that
no more than 10 percent of an activity area should be compacted,
puddled, or displaced upon completion of project (not including
permanent roads or landings). No more than 20 percent of the area
should be displaced or compacted under circumstances resulting from
previous management practices including roads and landings. Permanent
recreation facilities or other permanent facilities are exempt (RRNF
LRMP 4-41, 4-83, 4-97, 4-123, 4-177, 4-307). This is a site-specific
amendment applicable only to the Pacific Connector right-of-way and
would not change future management direction for at any other location.
RRNF-7, Reallocation of Matrix Lands to Late Successional Reserves:
The Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be amended to change the
designation of approximately 512 acres from the matrix land allocation
to the LSR land allocation in Section 32, T. 36 S., R. 4 E., W. M.,
Oregon. This change in land allocation is proposed to partially
mitigate the potential adverse impact of the Pacific Connector pipeline
project on LSR 227 on the Rogue River National Forest. This amendment
would change future management direction for the lands reallocated from
Matrix to LSR.
Amendment of the Winema National Forest LRMP
WNF-1, Site-Specific Amendment To Allow Utility Corridors in
Management Area 3: The Winema National Forest LRMP would be amended to
change the Standards and Guidelines for Management Area 3 (MA-3) (LRMP
page 4-103-4, Lands) to allow the 95-foot-wide Pacific Connector
pipeline corridor in MA-3 from the Forest Boundary in Section 32, T. 37
S., R. 5 E., W. M., Oregon, to the Clover Creek Road corridor in
Section 4, T. 38 S., R. 5 E., W. M., Oregon. Standards and Guidelines
for MA-3 state that the area is currently an avoidance area for new
utility corridors. This proposed new utility corridor is approximately
1.5 miles long and occupies approximately 17 acres. This is a site-
specific amendment that would apply only to the Pacific Connector
right-of-way and would not change future management direction at any
other location.
WNF-2, Site-Specific Amendment of Visual Quality Objectives on the
Dead Indian Memorial Highway: The Winema National Forest LRMP would be
amended to allow 10-15 years to achieve the VQO of Foreground Retention
where the Pacific Connector right-of-way crosses the Dead Indian
Memorial Highway at approximately pipeline MP 168.8 in Section 33, T.
37 S., R. 5 E., W. M., Oregon. Standards and Guidelines for Scenic
Management, Foreground Retention (LRMP 4-103, MA 3A, Foreground
Retention) requires VQOs for a given location be achieved within 1 year
of completion of the project. The Forest Service proposes to allow 10-
15 years to meet the specified VQO at this location. This is a site-
specific amendment that would apply only to the Pacific Connector
pipeline project in the vicinity of the Dead Indian Memorial Highway
and would not change future management direction for any other project.
WNF-3, Site-Specific Amendment of Visual Quality Objectives
Adjacent to the Clover Creek Road: The Winema National Forest LRMP
would be amended to allow 10-15 years to meet the VQO for Scenic
Management, Foreground Partial Retention, where the Pacific Connector
right-of-way is adjacent to the Clover Creek Road from approximately
pipeline MP 170 to 175 in Sections 2, 3, 4, 11, and 12, T. 38 S., R. 5
E., and Sections 7 and 18, T. 38 S., R. 6 E., W. M., Oregon. This
change would potentially affect approximately 50 acres. Standards and
Guidelines for Foreground Partial Retention (LRMP, page 4-107, MA 3B)
require that VQOs be met within 3 years of completion of a project.
This is a site-specific amendment that would apply only to the Pacific
Connector pipeline project in the vicinity of Clover Creek road and
would not change future management direction for any other project.
WNF-4, Site-Specific Amendment To Waive Limitations on Detrimental
Soil Conditions within the Pacific Connector Right-of-Way in All
Management Areas: The Winema National Forest LRMP would be amended to
waive restrictions on detrimental soil conditions from displacement and
compaction within the Pacific Connector right-of-way in all affected
management areas. Standards and Guidelines for detrimental soil impacts
in all affected management areas require that no more than 20 percent
of the activity area be detrimentally compacted, puddled, or displaced
upon completion of a project (LRMP page 4-73, 12-5). This is a site-
specific amendment applicable only to the Pacific Connector right-of-
way and would not change future management direction at any other
location.
WNF-5, Site-Specific Amendment To Waive Limitations on Detrimental
Soil Conditions within the Pacific Connector Right-of-Way in Management
Area 8: The Winema National Forest LRMP would be amended to waive
restrictions on detrimental soil conditions from displacement and
compaction within the Pacific Connector right-of-way within the
Management Area 8, Riparian Area (MA-8). This change would potentially
affect approximately 0.5 mile or an estimated 9.6 acres of MA-8.
Standards and Guidelines for Soil and Water, MA-8 require that not more
than 10 percent of the total riparian zone in an activity area be in a
detrimental soil condition upon the completion of a project (LRMP page
4-137, 2). This is a site-specific amendment applicable only to the
Pacific Connector right-of-way and would not change future management
direction at any other location.
Lead Agency
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is the lead agency for
preparation of an EIS for the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline.
Responsible Officials
The Secretary of the Interior has delegated authority to the BLM to
potentially grant a right-of-way in response to Pacific Connector's
application for natural gas transmission on Federal lands under the
Mineral Leasing Act of 1920. The Responsible Official for the proposed
amendments of the BLM RMPs and potential issuance of the right-of-way
grant is the BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. The Responsible
Official for the proposed amendment of Forest Service LRMPs is the
Forest Supervisor of the Umpqua National Forest. In accordance with 36
CFR 219.17(b)(2), the Deciding Official for the Forest Service has
elected to use the 1982 planning rule procedures to amend Forest
Service LRMPs as provided in the transition procedures of the 2000
planning rule.
[[Page 58575]]
Nature of Decision To Be Made
If the BLM adopts the new FERC EIS for the Pacific Connector
pipeline project (in Docket No. PF12-17-000), the BLM Oregon/Washington
State Director will make the following decisions and determinations:
Determine whether to amend the RMPs for the BLM Coos Bay,
Roseburg, and Medford Districts and the Klamath Falls Resource Area of
the Lakeview District as proposed or as described in an alternative to
the Proposed Action; and
Respond to the Pacific Connector application with
concurrence of the Bureau of Reclamation and the Forest Service by
issuing a right-of-way grant, granting the right-of-way with
conditions, or denying the application.
If the Forest Service adopts the new FERC EIS for the Pacific
Connector pipeline project (in Docket No. PF12-17-000), the Forest
Supervisor of the Umpqua National Forest will make the following
decisions and determinations:
Decide whether to amend the LRMPs of the Umpqua, Rogue
River, and Winema National Forests as proposed or as described in an
alternative; and
Determine the significance of the proposed amendments or
alternatives in accordance with national forest planning regulation 36
CFR 219.10(f) (1982 procedures) using criteria in Forest Service Manual
1926.5.
Scoping Process: The BLM and the Forest Service seek public input
on issues and planning criteria related to issuance of the Right-of-Way
Grant. The BLM and the Forest Service seek public input on issues and
planning criteria related to amendment of their district and forest
land management plans related to the Pacific Connector pipeline
project. All comments received related to actions of the BLM and the
Forest Service will be considered in the preparation of land management
plan amendments and issuance of a right-of-way grant for the Project.
It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times
and in such manner that they are useful to the agency's preparation of
the environmental impact statement. Therefore, comments should be
provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly
articulate the reviewer's concerns and contentions. Your comments
should focus on the potential changes in the goods and services that
are provided by affected BLM districts and National Forests, reasonable
alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen any adverse changes in
the goods and services produced. The more specific your comments, the
more useful they will be.
Currently Identified Issues Specific to Proposed BLM and Forest Service
Land Management Plan Amendments
The purpose of the public scoping process is to determine relevant
issues that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis,
including alternatives, and guide the plan amendment process.
Preliminary issues for the plan amendments have been identified by BLM
and Forest Service personnel, Federal, State, and local agencies, and
other stakeholders. The issues include:
Effects of proposed amendments on Survey and Manage
species and their habitat;
Effects of proposed amendments on contiguous existing or
recruitment habitat for marbled murrelets within 0.5 mile of occupied
marbled murrelet sites;
Effects of proposed amendments on habitat in Known Owl
Activity Centers, and
Effects of the proposed amendments on Late Successional
Reserves.
Preliminary BLM and Forest Service planning criteria include:
Evaluation of significance of proposed amendments to
Forest Service LRMPs in the context of LRMP goals and objectives.
Whether a plan amendment is significant is guided by several factors,
including the timing and duration of the proposed change, the location
and size of the project, and how the proposed change could alter
multiple-use goals and objectives for long-term land and resource
management.
Likelihood of persistence of affected Survey and Manage
species within the range of the northern spotted owl.
Amount and quality of marbled murrelet habitat affected by
construction and operation of the Pacific Connector pipeline project.
Amount and quality of habitat in Known Owl Activity
Centers affected by construction and operation of the Pacific Connector
pipeline project.
Functionality of LSRs.
Impacts on Connectivity and Diversity Blocks on BLM lands.
Administrative Review of Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service
Decisions To Amend Land Management Plans and Appeal of BLM Response to
Right-of-Way Grant Application
Decisions by the BLM and the Forest Service to amend land
management plans are subject to administrative review. In accordance
with 36 CFR 219.59, the Forest Service has elected to use the
administrative review procedures (otherwise known as protest
procedures) of the BLM. Administrative objections to Forest Service
land management plan amendment decisions and protests of BLM land
management plan amendment decisions may be filed under the provisions
of 43 CFR 1610.5-2. The BLM's decision on the application for a right-
of-way grant may be appealed to the Interior Board of Land Appeals in
accordance with 43 CFR part 4.
The submission of timely and specific comments can affect a
reviewer's ability to participate in subsequent administrative appeal
or judicial review. Comments received in response to this solicitation,
including names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the
public record for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously
will be accepted and considered; however, anonymous comments will not
provide the respondent with standing to object to the subsequent
decision.
Michael S. Mottice,
Acting BLM State Director, Oregon/Washington.
Alice B. Carlton,
FS Forest Supervisor, Umpqua National Forest.
[FR Doc. 2012-23206 Filed 9-20-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-33-P
