Searchlight Wind Energy Project Record of Decision (DOE/EIS-0413), 28842-28844 [2013-11704]

Download as PDF 28842 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 95 / Thursday, May 16, 2013 / Notices Western has identified the No Project/ No Action Alternative as its environmentally-preferred alternative. Under this alternative, Western would deny the interconnection request and not modify its transmission system to interconnect the proposed Project. Under this alternative, there would be no modifications to Western’s transmission system, and thus no new environmental impacts. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Mitigation Measures QSE has incorporated best management practices and has incorporated built-in mitigation to the proposed Project. The mitigation includes regular weed monitoring and management during construction to prevent noxious weed introductions and conducting nest clearance surveys prior to construction and protecting the nests until chicks have fledged or have been relocated into suitable habitat. QSE has committed to these and the other mitigation measures that are noted in the Draft EIS/PRMPA in section 2.7: Best Management Practices and Built-In Mitigation. The measures were designed to avoid and minimize harm to the environment from the proposed Project. For Western’s proposed switching station, Western requires its construction contractors to implement standard environmental protection provisions. These provisions are provided in Western’s Construction Standard 13 (included as an appendix in the Draft EIS) and will be applied to the proposed switchyard. In addition, Western will comply with the stipulations in the special use permit that the BLM would issue, including desert tortoise fencing and the use of flat tone colors for the switchyard intended to blend with the surrounding environment. With this decision, Western is not adopting any additional mitigation measures that apply to its action outside of the measures addressed in the Final EIS/PRMPA. The measures in the Final EIS/PRMPA reflect all practicable means to avoid or minimize environmental harm from the proposed Project and Western’s proposed action. Comments on Final EIS/PRMPA Western received several comments on the Final EIS/PRMPA. Western received comments from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), from the Defenders of Wildlife and one from a collection of organizations including: The Wilderness Society/Arizona Wilderness Coalition/ Sierra Club-Grand Canyon (Arizona) and Sonoran Institute. Based on a review of these comments, Western has VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:13 May 15, 2013 Jkt 229001 determined that the comments do not present any significant new circumstances or information relevant to environmental concerns and bearing on the proposed Project or its impacts, and a Supplemental EIS is not required. The basis for this determination is summarized below. EPA acknowledged that some of their previously expressed concerns were addressed. Additionally, EPA expressed concern regarding the lack of specificity regarding mitigation measures and the lack of consideration of numerous reasonably foreseeable projects in the limited analysis of cumulative impacts. As noted in the Final EIS/PRMPA, reasonably forseeable projects and their impacts were addressed in the Draft and Final EIS/PRMPA. Western references pages 4–3 through 4–10 of the Draft EIS/ PRMPA and page 22 of the Final EIS/ PRMPA for more information on the rationale for which projects were included in and excluded from the cumulative impacts analysis. EPA also expressed an interest in the implementation of recommendations that it feels could reduce the proposed Project’s environmental impacts. Western’s role in the proposed Project is to make a decision regarding the interconnection request. Western does not have authority over the generation facility to require the QSE to implement EPA’s recommendations for improvements to the facility. The Defenders of Wildlife expressed concern about the lack of compensatory habitat for the Mohave fringe-toed lizard. As noted on page 4–65 of the Draft EIS/PRMPA, current data shows there is no optimal habitat for the Mohave fringe-toed lizard in the proposed Project area and no compensatory habitat plan is in place for this species. Should impacts to the Mohave fringe-toed lizard occur, as noted on page 4–69 of the Draft EIS/ PRMPA, ‘‘adaptive-management strategies to mitigate unforeseeable impacts as they occur,’’ will be incorporated. Furthermore, as noted on page 47 of the Final EIS/PRMPA, the BLM in cooperation with the AZGFD, proposes to authorize a monitor and study plan to address impacts to habitat functions and values to increase the scientific community’s information on the Mohave fringe-toed lizard and its habitat. Finally, The Wilderness Society/ Arizona Wilderness Coalition/Sierra Club-Grand Canyon (Arizona) and Sonoran Institute expressed concern about the BLM management of lands with wilderness characteristics in and around the proposed Project area. Western does not have authority over PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 BLM-administered lands and cannot dictate how lands with wilderness characteristics are managed. Land with wilderness characteristics were addressed on pages 42–43 of the Final EIS/PRMPA. Decision Western’s decision is to allow QSE’s request for interconnection to Western’s transmission system at its Bouse-Kofa 161-kV transmission line and to construct, own and operate a new switchyard.2 Western’s decision to grant this interconnection request satisfies the agency’s statutory mission and QSE’s objectives while minimizing harm to the environment. Full implementation of this decision is contingent upon QSE obtaining all other applicable permits and approvals as well as executing an interconnection agreement in accordance with Western’s Tariff. This decision is based on the information contained in the Project Draft and Final EIS/PRMPA. This ROD was prepared pursuant to the requirements of the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508) and DOE’s Procedures for Implementing NEPA (10 CFR part 1021). Dated: May 6, 2013. Mark A. Gabriel, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2013–11696 Filed 5–15–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Western Area Power Administration Searchlight Wind Energy Project Record of Decision (DOE/EIS–0413) Western Area Power Administration, DOE. ACTION: Record of Decision. AGENCY: Western Area Power Administration (Western), an agency within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), received a request from Searchlight Wind Energy, LLC (Searchlight) to interconnect its proposed Searchlight Wind Energy Project (Project) to Western’s DavisMead 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line. The Project would be located in southern Clark County, Nevada, near the town of Searchlight. On December 14, 2012, the Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement SUMMARY: 2 On November 16, 2011, DOE’s Acting General Counsel restated the delegations to Western’s Administrator of all the authorities of the General Counsel respecting environmental impact statements. E:\FR\FM\16MYN1.SGM 16MYN1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 95 / Thursday, May 16, 2013 / Notices (EIS) for Searchlight Wind Energy Project was published in the Federal Register (77 FR 74479). The U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was the lead Federal agency for the EIS. Western was a cooperating agency in preparation of the EIS. After considering the environmental impacts, Western has decided to allow Searchlight’s request for interconnection to Western’s transmission system on its Davis-Mead transmission line and to construct, own, and operate a new switching station to accommodate the interconnection. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, please contact Mr. Matt Blevins, Corporate Services Office, Western Area Power Administration, A7400, P.O. Box 281213, Lakewood, CO 80228–8213, telephone (720) 962–7261, fax (720) 962–7263, or email: blevins@wapa.gov. For general information on DOE’s National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) review process, please contact Carol M. Borgstrom, Director, Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance, GC–54, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585, telephone (202) 586–4600 or (800) 472–2756. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Western is a Federal agency under the DOE that markets and transmits wholesale electrical power through an integrated 17,000-circuit mile, high-voltage transmission system across 15 western states. Western’s Open Access Transmission Service Tariff (Tariff) provides open access to its electric transmission system. In reviewing interconnection requests, Western must ensure that existing reliability and service is not degraded. Western’s Large Generator Interconnection Procedures provide for transmission and system studies to ensure that system reliability and service to existing customers are not adversely affected by new interconnections. Interested parties were notified of the proposed Project and the public scoping comment opportunity through a Notice of Intent published in the Federal Register on December 16, 2008 (73 FR 76377). The BLM published a Notice of Availability (NOA) of the Draft EIS in the Federal Register on January 12, 2012 (77 FR 2999). The NOA also announced a 90-day public comment period for receipt of comments on the Draft EIS. On December 14, 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published an NOA of the Final EIS for the Project in the Federal Register (77 FR 74479).1 The BLM published its NOA for its Record of Decision (ROD) on March 22, 2013, in the Federal Register (78 FR 17718). With the issuance of its ROD, BLM included errata to the Final EIS, and its right-of-way authorization for Western’s switching station. The BLM was the lead Federal agency for the EIS. Western and the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service participated as cooperating agencies on the EIS. After an independent review of the Final EIS, Western has concluded that its needs are satisfied and has adopted the Final EIS, including the errata sheet issued in BLM’s ROD. 1 The Final EIS can be found on the BLM Web site at: https://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo/ blm_programs/energy/ searchlight_wind_energy.html. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:13 May 15, 2013 Jkt 229001 Proposed Federal Action Western’s proposed Federal action is to construct, own, and operate a new switching station to interconnect the Project with Western’s transmission system. The new switching station would be on BLM-administered land located just west of Western’s existing Davis-Mead 230-kV transmission line, approximately 7.5 miles east of the town of Searchlight, and approximately 150 feet north of a National Park Service fee station on Cottonwood Cove Road. Searchlight Proposed Project Searchlight proposes to construct and operate a utility-scale wind energy facility in an area encompassing approximately 18,949 acres on BLMadministered lands. The wind energy generating facility would generate up to 220 megawatts (MW) of electricity from wind turbine generators (WTGs). The proposed Project includes a wind energy facility and a 230-kV transmission tie-line. The proposed wind energy facility would include 37.6 miles of improved and new access and service roads, up to 96 WTGs, electrical collection lines, two step-up substations, communications system, operations and maintenance building, and meteorological monitoring towers. A new 230-kV single-circuit electrical transmission tie-line would be constructed between the Project and Western’s proposed switching station at its existing Davis-Mead transmission line. Facilities associated with the proposed Project would permanently occupy approximately 160 acres. Description of Alternatives With issuance of its ROD, the BLM authorized Searchlight to construct, operate and maintain, and decommission an approximately 200– MW wind energy facility on BLM- PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 28843 administered lands within the same location as described under the proposed Project. This alternative was BLM’s preferred alternative and would involve the construction of up to 87 WTGs that would provide up to 200 MW of electricity. Under this alternative, 8.6 miles of road widening and improvement would be required, and 16.3 miles of new roads would be constructed. Facilities associated with this alternative would permanently occupy approximately 152 acres. Western would construct the new switching station; the same as Western proposed Federal action, and Searchlight would construct the transmission tie-line as described under the proposed Project. Initially, the BLM considered two additional alternatives: A 161 WTG Layout Alternative and a 140 WTG Layout Alternative. The 161 WTG Alternative was Searchlight’s original proposal developed to maximize the power generation potential of the site. The 140 WTG Alternative was developed to reduce impacts on visual resources and air traffic safety in the area. However, based on public scoping meeting input, agency discussions, and further analyses both of these alternatives were rejected based on the potential for environmental impacts and technical and economic considerations and eliminated from further analysis. Western considered three additional alternatives for siting the proposed switching station, but eliminated these sites from further analysis for technical reasons. Western’s primary selection criteria was to locate the switching station close to the Davis-Mead transmission line and meet the BLM resource planning requirements, including siting the switching station outside of special management designation lands, except for a 0.5-mile area adjacent to a federally-designated highway. Western has identified the No Action Alternative as its environmentally preferred alternative. Under this alternative, Western would deny the interconnection request and not modify its transmission system to interconnect the proposed Project with its transmission system. Under this alternative, there would be no modifications to Western’s transmission system, and thus no new environmental impacts. Mitigation Measures For the wind facility component of the proposed Project, Searchlight has committed to best management practices and design features addressed as Applicant’s Proposed Measures in the E:\FR\FM\16MYN1.SGM 16MYN1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 28844 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 95 / Thursday, May 16, 2013 / Notices EIS. In addition, the wind energy portion of the project would adhere to BLM wind energy development program policies and best management practices. Searchlight will abide by the Biological Opinion issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and as conditioned by BLM in its right-of-way authorization for the proposed Project. Western will abide by the Biological Opinion as it pertains to Western’s switching station and as conditioned by BLM in its rightof-way authorization to Western. In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, BLM has executed a Programmatic Agreement with the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office and Searchlight (as an invited signatory). Western is a concurring party to the Programmatic Agreement. For Western’s proposed switching station, Western requires its construction contractors to implement standard environmental protection provisions. These provisions are provided in Western’s Construction Standard 13 (included as an appendix in the Final EIS) and will be applied to the proposed switching station. In addition, specific mitigation measures for the switching station are addressed in the Final EIS and BLM’s Record of Decision (ROD), and include requirements for site environmental clearances prior to construction, desert tortoise fencing around the switching station and preparation of a worker environmental awareness program per the Biological Opinion issued for the proposed Project, use of flat tone colors for the switching station intended to blend with the surrounding environment, developing a Memorandum of Understanding to address mitigation for the switching station, and surveying the boundaries of the switching station. With this decision, Western is adopting the specific mitigation measures that apply to its action and will issue a Mitigation Action Plan before any construction takes place. The plan will address the adopted mitigation measures. When completed, the Mitigation Action Plan will be made available to the public. The mitigation measures in the Final EIS and the BLM ROD reflect all practicable means to avoid or minimize environmental harm from the proposed Project and Western’s proposed action. Comments on the Final EIS The National Park Service provided comments on the Final EIS to the BLM in a letter dated January 10, 2013, requesting the inclusion of additional mitigation addressing the visual impacts VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:13 May 15, 2013 Jkt 229001 of Western’s proposed switching station. In response, the BLM has added mitigation in its ROD that includes developing a Memorandum of Understanding to address mitigation of the switching station. This mitigation will be incorporated into BLM’s right-ofway authorization for the switching station. Western has adopted this mitigation and will abide by mitigation stipulations provided by BLM in its right-of-way authorization for the switching station. The National Parks Conservation Association (Association) submitted comments on the Final EIS to the BLM in a letter dated January 14, 2013. The Association noted that its comments on the Draft EIS were omitted from the Final EIS. Its comments on the Draft EIS noted that the proposed switching station, an industrial facility with chain link fence, would be built next to Lake Mead National Recreation Area’s newly constructed Cottonwood Cove Visitor Entrance Station, negatively impacting visitor experience to the National Recreation Area. The Association also questioned the location of the proposed switching station in relation to the Piute-Eldorado Valley Area of Critical Environmental Concern and a 100-year floodplain. Western has adopted BLM’s Final EIS errata addressing the Association’s comments on the Draft EIS. In its January 14, 2013, letter, the Association also requested that the siting of the switching station along with the station’s construction methods and materials be addressed by convening a meeting that includes highlevel representatives from Duke Energy, Western, the National Park Service, BLM, and the Association. BLM has added mitigation to its ROD to address the visual impacts of the switching station. Western has adopted this mitigation and will abide by mitigation stipulation provided by BLM in its right-of-way authorization. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the Desert Conversation Program, an individual, and an official of Save the Eagles International also provided comments on the Final EIS. However, none of these comments involved Western’s participation or its proposed switching station. Based on a review of the comments provided on the Final EIS related to Western’s switching station, Western has determined that the comments do not present any significant new circumstances or information relevant to environmental concerns and bearing on the Project or its impacts, and a Supplemental EIS is not required. PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Decision Western’s decision is to allow Searchlight’s request for interconnection to Western’s transmission system at its Davis-Mead transmission line, and to construct, own, and operate a new switching station.2 Western’s decision to grant this interconnection request satisfies the agency’s statutory mission and Searchlight’s objectives while minimizing harm to the environment. Full implementation of this decision is contingent upon Searchlight obtaining all other applicable permits and approvals as well as executing an interconnection agreement in accordance with Western’s Tariff. This decision is based on the information contained in the Searchlight Wind Energy Project Final EIS, comments received on Draft EIS but not specifically addressed in the Final EIS, and comments received on the Final EIS. This ROD was prepared pursuant to the requirements of the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508) and DOE’s Procedures for Implementing NEPA (10 CFR part 1021). Dated: May 6, 2013. Mark A. Gabriel, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2013–11704 Filed 5–15–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION Sunshine Act Meetings Federal Election Commission. & TIME: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. PLACE: 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC. STATUS: This meeting will be closed to the public. ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED: Compliance matters pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 437g. Audits conducted pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 437g, 438(b), and Title 26, U.S.C. Matters concerning participation in civil actions or proceedings or arbitration. Internal personnel rules and procedures or matters affecting a particular employee. * * * * * AGENCY: DATE 2 On November 16, 2011, DOE’s Acting General Counsel restated the delegation to Western’s Administrator all the authorities of the General Counsel respecting environmental impact statements. E:\FR\FM\16MYN1.SGM 16MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 95 (Thursday, May 16, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28842-28844]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-11704]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Western Area Power Administration

Searchlight Wind Energy Project Record of Decision (DOE/EIS-0413)

AGENCY: Western Area Power Administration, DOE.

ACTION: Record of Decision.

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

SUMMARY: Western Area Power Administration (Western), an agency within
the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), received a request from
Searchlight Wind Energy, LLC (Searchlight) to interconnect its proposed
Searchlight Wind Energy Project (Project) to Western's Davis-Mead 230-
kilovolt (kV) transmission line. The Project would be located in
southern Clark County, Nevada, near the town of Searchlight. On
December 14, 2012, the Notice of Availability of the Final
Environmental Impact Statement

[[Page 28843]]

(EIS) for Searchlight Wind Energy Project was published in the Federal
Register (77 FR 74479). The U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) was the lead Federal agency for the EIS. Western was a
cooperating agency in preparation of the EIS. After considering the
environmental impacts, Western has decided to allow Searchlight's
request for interconnection to Western's transmission system on its
Davis-Mead transmission line and to construct, own, and operate a new
switching station to accommodate the interconnection.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, please
contact Mr. Matt Blevins, Corporate Services Office, Western Area Power
Administration, A7400, P.O. Box 281213, Lakewood, CO 80228-8213,
telephone (720) 962-7261, fax (720) 962-7263, or email:
blevins@wapa.gov. For general information on DOE's National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) review process, please contact
Carol M. Borgstrom, Director, Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance, GC-
54, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585, telephone (202)
586-4600 or (800) 472-2756.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Western is a Federal agency under the DOE
that markets and transmits wholesale electrical power through an
integrated 17,000-circuit mile, high-voltage transmission system across
15 western states. Western's Open Access Transmission Service Tariff
(Tariff) provides open access to its electric transmission system. In
reviewing interconnection requests, Western must ensure that existing
reliability and service is not degraded. Western's Large Generator
Interconnection Procedures provide for transmission and system studies
to ensure that system reliability and service to existing customers are
not adversely affected by new interconnections.
Interested parties were notified of the proposed Project and the
public scoping comment opportunity through a Notice of Intent published
in the Federal Register on December 16, 2008 (73 FR 76377). The BLM
published a Notice of Availability (NOA) of the Draft EIS in the
Federal Register on January 12, 2012 (77 FR 2999). The NOA also
announced a 90-day public comment period for receipt of comments on the
Draft EIS. On December 14, 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) published an NOA of the Final EIS for the Project in the
Federal Register (77 FR 74479).\1\ The BLM published its NOA for its
Record of Decision (ROD) on March 22, 2013, in the Federal Register (78
FR 17718). With the issuance of its ROD, BLM included errata to the
Final EIS, and its right-of-way authorization for Western's switching
station.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ The Final EIS can be found on the BLM Web site at: https://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo/blm_programs/energy/searchlight_wind_energy.html.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The BLM was the lead Federal agency for the EIS. Western and the
U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service participated as
cooperating agencies on the EIS. After an independent review of the
Final EIS, Western has concluded that its needs are satisfied and has
adopted the Final EIS, including the errata sheet issued in BLM's ROD.

Proposed Federal Action

Western's proposed Federal action is to construct, own, and operate
a new switching station to interconnect the Project with Western's
transmission system. The new switching station would be on BLM-
administered land located just west of Western's existing Davis-Mead
230-kV transmission line, approximately 7.5 miles east of the town of
Searchlight, and approximately 150 feet north of a National Park
Service fee station on Cottonwood Cove Road.

Searchlight Proposed Project

Searchlight proposes to construct and operate a utility-scale wind
energy facility in an area encompassing approximately 18,949 acres on
BLM-administered lands. The wind energy generating facility would
generate up to 220 megawatts (MW) of electricity from wind turbine
generators (WTGs). The proposed Project includes a wind energy facility
and a 230-kV transmission tie-line. The proposed wind energy facility
would include 37.6 miles of improved and new access and service roads,
up to 96 WTGs, electrical collection lines, two step-up substations,
communications system, operations and maintenance building, and
meteorological monitoring towers. A new 230-kV single-circuit
electrical transmission tie-line would be constructed between the
Project and Western's proposed switching station at its existing Davis-
Mead transmission line. Facilities associated with the proposed Project
would permanently occupy approximately 160 acres.

Description of Alternatives

With issuance of its ROD, the BLM authorized Searchlight to
construct, operate and maintain, and decommission an approximately 200-
MW wind energy facility on BLM-administered lands within the same
location as described under the proposed Project. This alternative was
BLM's preferred alternative and would involve the construction of up to
87 WTGs that would provide up to 200 MW of electricity. Under this
alternative, 8.6 miles of road widening and improvement would be
required, and 16.3 miles of new roads would be constructed. Facilities
associated with this alternative would permanently occupy approximately
152 acres. Western would construct the new switching station; the same
as Western proposed Federal action, and Searchlight would construct the
transmission tie-line as described under the proposed Project.
Initially, the BLM considered two additional alternatives: A 161
WTG Layout Alternative and a 140 WTG Layout Alternative. The 161 WTG
Alternative was Searchlight's original proposal developed to maximize
the power generation potential of the site. The 140 WTG Alternative was
developed to reduce impacts on visual resources and air traffic safety
in the area. However, based on public scoping meeting input, agency
discussions, and further analyses both of these alternatives were
rejected based on the potential for environmental impacts and technical
and economic considerations and eliminated from further analysis.
Western considered three additional alternatives for siting the
proposed switching station, but eliminated these sites from further
analysis for technical reasons. Western's primary selection criteria
was to locate the switching station close to the Davis-Mead
transmission line and meet the BLM resource planning requirements,
including siting the switching station outside of special management
designation lands, except for a 0.5-mile area adjacent to a federally-
designated highway.
Western has identified the No Action Alternative as its
environmentally preferred alternative. Under this alternative, Western
would deny the interconnection request and not modify its transmission
system to interconnect the proposed Project with its transmission
system. Under this alternative, there would be no modifications to
Western's transmission system, and thus no new environmental impacts.

Mitigation Measures

For the wind facility component of the proposed Project,
Searchlight has committed to best management practices and design
features addressed as Applicant's Proposed Measures in the

[[Page 28844]]

EIS. In addition, the wind energy portion of the project would adhere
to BLM wind energy development program policies and best management
practices. Searchlight will abide by the Biological Opinion issued by
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and as conditioned by BLM in its
right-of-way authorization for the proposed Project. Western will abide
by the Biological Opinion as it pertains to Western's switching station
and as conditioned by BLM in its right-of-way authorization to Western.
In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, BLM has
executed a Programmatic Agreement with the Nevada State Historic
Preservation Office and Searchlight (as an invited signatory). Western
is a concurring party to the Programmatic Agreement.
For Western's proposed switching station, Western requires its
construction contractors to implement standard environmental protection
provisions. These provisions are provided in Western's Construction
Standard 13 (included as an appendix in the Final EIS) and will be
applied to the proposed switching station. In addition, specific
mitigation measures for the switching station are addressed in the
Final EIS and BLM's Record of Decision (ROD), and include requirements
for site environmental clearances prior to construction, desert
tortoise fencing around the switching station and preparation of a
worker environmental awareness program per the Biological Opinion
issued for the proposed Project, use of flat tone colors for the
switching station intended to blend with the surrounding environment,
developing a Memorandum of Understanding to address mitigation for the
switching station, and surveying the boundaries of the switching
station.
With this decision, Western is adopting the specific mitigation
measures that apply to its action and will issue a Mitigation Action
Plan before any construction takes place. The plan will address the
adopted mitigation measures. When completed, the Mitigation Action Plan
will be made available to the public. The mitigation measures in the
Final EIS and the BLM ROD reflect all practicable means to avoid or
minimize environmental harm from the proposed Project and Western's
proposed action.

Comments on the Final EIS

The National Park Service provided comments on the Final EIS to the
BLM in a letter dated January 10, 2013, requesting the inclusion of
additional mitigation addressing the visual impacts of Western's
proposed switching station. In response, the BLM has added mitigation
in its ROD that includes developing a Memorandum of Understanding to
address mitigation of the switching station. This mitigation will be
incorporated into BLM's right-of-way authorization for the switching
station. Western has adopted this mitigation and will abide by
mitigation stipulations provided by BLM in its right-of-way
authorization for the switching station.
The National Parks Conservation Association (Association) submitted
comments on the Final EIS to the BLM in a letter dated January 14,
2013. The Association noted that its comments on the Draft EIS were
omitted from the Final EIS. Its comments on the Draft EIS noted that
the proposed switching station, an industrial facility with chain link
fence, would be built next to Lake Mead National Recreation Area's
newly constructed Cottonwood Cove Visitor Entrance Station, negatively
impacting visitor experience to the National Recreation Area. The
Association also questioned the location of the proposed switching
station in relation to the Piute-Eldorado Valley Area of Critical
Environmental Concern and a 100-year floodplain. Western has adopted
BLM's Final EIS errata addressing the Association's comments on the
Draft EIS.
In its January 14, 2013, letter, the Association also requested
that the siting of the switching station along with the station's
construction methods and materials be addressed by convening a meeting
that includes high-level representatives from Duke Energy, Western, the
National Park Service, BLM, and the Association. BLM has added
mitigation to its ROD to address the visual impacts of the switching
station. Western has adopted this mitigation and will abide by
mitigation stipulation provided by BLM in its right-of-way
authorization.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Nevada Department of
Wildlife, the Desert Conversation Program, an individual, and an
official of Save the Eagles International also provided comments on the
Final EIS. However, none of these comments involved Western's
participation or its proposed switching station.
Based on a review of the comments provided on the Final EIS related
to Western's switching station, Western has determined that the
comments do not present any significant new circumstances or
information relevant to environmental concerns and bearing on the
Project or its impacts, and a Supplemental EIS is not required.

Decision

Western's decision is to allow Searchlight's request for
interconnection to Western's transmission system at its Davis-Mead
transmission line, and to construct, own, and operate a new switching
station.\2\ Western's decision to grant this interconnection request
satisfies the agency's statutory mission and Searchlight's objectives
while minimizing harm to the environment. Full implementation of this
decision is contingent upon Searchlight obtaining all other applicable
permits and approvals as well as executing an interconnection agreement
in accordance with Western's Tariff.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\2\ On November 16, 2011, DOE's Acting General Counsel restated
the delegation to Western's Administrator all the authorities of the
General Counsel respecting environmental impact statements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

This decision is based on the information contained in the
Searchlight Wind Energy Project Final EIS, comments received on Draft
EIS but not specifically addressed in the Final EIS, and comments
received on the Final EIS. This ROD was prepared pursuant to the
requirements of the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for
Implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508) and DOE's Procedures for
Implementing NEPA (10 CFR part 1021).

Dated: May 6, 2013.
Mark A. Gabriel,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013-11704 Filed 5-15-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

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