Final Environmental Impact Statement, Habitat Conservation Plan, and Implementing Agreement; Beech Ridge Wind Power Project, Greenbrier and Nicholas Counties, West Virginia, 56729-56730 [2013-22204]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 178 / Friday, September 13, 2013 / Notices 56729 APPENDIX A—CAPITAL FUND SAFETY AND SECURITY PROGRAM FY2013 AWARDS—Continued Amount funded Name/Address of applicant McDonough Housing Authority; 345 Simpson Street; McDonough, GA 30253–3417. Housing Authority of the City of Winder 11; Horton Street PO Box 505; Winder, GA 30680–2078. Quincy Housing Authority; 540 Harrison Street; Quincy, IL 62301–7236 ..... Housing Authority of Pope County; 802 S. Franklin St.; Golconda, IL 62938 Westbrook Housing Authority; 30 Liza Harmon Dr; Westbrook, ME 04092– 4766. Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County; PO Box 817; Glen Burnie, MD 21060–2817. Mt. Pleasant Housing Commission; 1 W Mosher Street; Mount Pleasant, MI 48858–2392. Housing Authority of City of Louisville; 605A West Main Street, PO Box 175; Louisville, MS 39339–2535. City of Concord Housing Department; 283 Harold Goodman Circle SW.; Concord, NC 28025–5442. Jersey City Housing Authority; 400 U.S. Highway #1, (Marion Gardens), Building #7; Jersey City, NJ 07306. Peekskill Housing Authority; 807 Main Street; Peekskill, NY 10566–2040 ... Poughkeepsie Housing Authority; 4 Howard Street; Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. McKeesport Housing Authority; 2901 Brownlee Avenue; McKeesport, PA 15132. Monahans Housing Authority; 209 S Dwight Street; Monahans, TX 79756– 4311. [FR Doc. 2013–22283 Filed 9–12–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R5–ES–2012–0059; 50120–1112– 0000–F2] Final Environmental Impact Statement, Habitat Conservation Plan, and Implementing Agreement; Beech Ridge Wind Power Project, Greenbrier and Nicholas Counties, West Virginia Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability: final environmental impact statement, habitat conservation plan, and implementing agreement. AGENCY: Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is advising the public of the availability of a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) associated with an application received from Beech Ridge Energy, LLC and Beech Ridge Energy II, LLC (collectively referred to as Beech Ridge Energy, applicant), for an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We also announce the availability of the Beech Ridge Energy Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), prepared in accordance with the ESA, tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:23 Sep 12, 2013 Jkt 229001 250,000 Project description Security Cameras. 50,080 Security Cameras, Lighting. 242,500 175,000 38,000 Security Cameras, Lighting. Security Cameras, Lighting. Security Cameras, Lighting. 217,000 250,000 Security Cameras, Access Control System, Lighting. Security Camera System, Fencing, Lighting, Locks. Security Cameras, Fencing, Bullet Proof Glass for entry. Security Alarm System, Fencing, Lighting, Locks. 152,000 Security Cameras, Repair/Replace entrances. 250,000 248,836 Security Cameras, Lighting, Fencing, Doors. Security Cameras, Security Display Monitors. 250,000 Security Cameras, Lighting. 177,644 250,000 80,000 Security Camera System. and an Implementing Agreement (IA), part of its incidental take permit application. If issued, the permit would authorize incidental take of the federally listed endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and Virginia big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) from construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of the Beech Ridge Wind Power Project. Beech Ridge Energy is requesting a 25-year permit term. DATES: The Service’s decision on issuance of the permit will occur no sooner than 30 days after the publication of the Environmental Protection Agency notice of the final EIS in the Federal Register and will be documented in a Record of Decision. ADDRESSES: Document availability: You may obtain copies of the documents on the Web site at: https:// www.regulations.gov at Docket Number FWS–R5–ES–2012–0059, or by any of the methods described in Availability of Documents (under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Laura Hill, Assistant Field Supervisor, West Virginia Field Office, 694 Beverly Pike, Elkins, WV 26241, telephone 304– 636–6586, extension 18. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We received an application from Beech Ridge Energy for an ITP for the operation and maintenance of 67 existing turbines in the project area; the construction, operation, and PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 maintenance of up to 33 additional turbines and associated infrastructure in the project area; the implementation of the HCP during the life of the permit; and the decommissioning of the entire 100-turbine project and associated infrastructure at the end of its operational life. If approved, the permit would be for a 25-year period and would authorize incidental take of the endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and Virginia big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) (covered species). A conservation program to minimize and mitigate for the impacts of the incidental take would be implemented by Beech Ridge Energy as described in the final Beech Ridge Wind Energy Project HCP. To comply with the NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), we prepared an EIS that describes the proposed action and possible alternatives and analyzes the effects of alternatives on the human environment. Availability of Documents The final HCP and final EIS are available on the West Virginia Field Office’s Web site at: https://www.fws.gov/ westvirginiafieldoffice/beech_ridge_ wind_power.html, or at: https:// www.regulations.gov under Docket Number FWS–R5–ES–2012–0059. Copies of the final HCP and final EIS will also be available for public review during regular business hours at the West Virginia Field Office, 694 Beverly Pike, Elkins, WV 26241. In addition, paper copies of the final HCP and final E:\FR\FM\13SEN1.SGM 13SEN1 56730 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 178 / Friday, September 13, 2013 / Notices EIS may be viewed at the following public libraries: (1) Greenbrier County Public Library, 152 Robert W. McCormick Drive, Lewisburg, West Virginia; (2) Kanawha County Public Library, 123 Capitol Street, Charleston, West Virginia; and (3) Rupert Public Library, 602 Nicholas Street, Rupert, West Virginia. Those who do not have access to the Web site or cannot visit our office or local libraries can request CD–ROM copies of the documents by telephone at 304–636–6586, or by letter to the West Virginia Field Office (see the address under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). National Environmental Policy Act We formally initiated an environmental review of the project through publication of a notice of intent to prepare an EIS in the Federal Register on July 22, 2010 (75 FR 42767). That notice also announced a public scoping period, during which we invited interested parties to provide written comments expressing their issues or concerns related to the proposal and to attend a public scoping meeting held in Rupert, West Virginia. Based on public scoping comments, we prepared a draft EIS for the proposed action and made it available for public review on August 24, 2012 (77 FR 51554). Public comments were accepted until October 23, 2012. Based on public comments on the draft EIS, we prepared responses to public comments and a final EIS. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Next Steps We will evaluate the permit application, associated documents, and public comments in reaching a final decision on whether the application meets the requirements of section 10(a) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). We also will evaluate whether issuance of a section 10(a)(1)(B) permit would comply with section 7 of the ESA by conducting an intra-Service section 7 consultation. We will use the results of this consultation, in combination with the above findings, in our final analysis to determine whether to issue a permit. If the requirements are met, we will issue the permit to the applicant. We will issue a Record of Decision and issue or deny the permit no sooner than 30 days after publication of the notice of availability of the final EIS. Authority We provide this notice under section 10(c) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531, 1539(c)) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.22), NEPA, (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (40 CFR VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:23 Sep 12, 2013 Jkt 229001 1506.6; 43 CFR Part 46), and section 106 of the NHPA (16 U.S.C. 470, 470f) and its implementing regulations (36 CFR Part 800). Dated: August 16, 2013. Paul R. Phifer, Assistant Regional Director, Ecological Services, Northeast Region. [FR Doc. 2013–22204 Filed 9–12–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLCOS06000 L12200000.DP0000] Notice of Intent To Amend the Resource Management Plan for the Gunnison Field Office and Prepare an Associated Environmental Assessment for Hartman Rocks Special Recreation Area Management Plan, Gunnison County, CO Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Intent. AGENCY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Gunnison Field Office, Gunnison, Colorado, intends to prepare a Resource Management Plan (RMP) amendment with an associated Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze potential updates to the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area Management Plan (2006). This action will determine the appropriate course of management for the area and may include an amendment to the Gunnison Resource Area Approved Resource Management Plan of February 1993. The BLM, by this notice, is announcing the beginning of the scoping process to solicit public comments and identify issues. The BLM will amend the existing Gunnison Resource Area RMP if necessary. DATES: This notice initiates the public scoping process for the RMP amendment and associated EA. Comments on issues may be submitted in writing until October 15, 2013. The date(s) and location(s) of any scoping meetings will be announced at least 15 calendar days in advance, through local media, newspapers and the BLM Web site at: https://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ gfo.html. To be considered, all comments must be received prior to the close of the 30-day scoping period or 30 days after the last public meeting, whichever is later. The BLM will SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 provide additional opportunities for public participation as appropriate. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on issues and planning criteria related to Hartman Rocks Special Recreation Area Management Plan, Gunnison County by any of the following methods: • Web site: https://www.blm.gov/co/st/ en/fo/gfo.html • Email: kmurphy@blm.gov • Fax: 970–642–4425 • Mail: BLM, Gunnison Field Office, 650 S. 11th St., Gunnison, CO 81230 Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the Gunnison Field Office. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristi Murphy, Outdoor Recreation Planner, telephone 970–642–4955; Gunnison Field Office (see address above); email kmurphy@blm.gov. You may also contact Kristi to have your name added to the mailing list. 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: This document provides notice that the BLM Gunnison Field Office, Gunnison, Colorado, intends to prepare an RMP amendment with an associated EA for the Gunnison Resource Area; announces the beginning of the scoping process; and seeks public input on issues and preliminary planning criteria. The planning area is located in Gunnison County, Colorado, and encompasses approximately 14,423 acres of public land in the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. The BLM is proposing to amend the RMP for the Gunnison Resource Area dated February 1993 to designate Hartman Rocks Recreation Area as a Special Recreation Management Area. The proposed plan amendment will provide guidance and direction toward managing recreation in a manner that maintains or improves the condition and health of the unique landscape and natural resources while creating a sustainable recreation environment to promote a diversity of high quality recreation opportunities and provide for the health and safety of visitors. The proposed plan amendment is needed due to issues with sensitive species, site-specific decisions that are no longer valid, increased visitor use, and other conditions. The proposed plan amendment would provide more E:\FR\FM\13SEN1.SGM 13SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 178 (Friday, September 13, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56729-56730]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-22204]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R5-ES-2012-0059; 50120-1112-0000-F2]


Final Environmental Impact Statement, Habitat Conservation Plan, 
and Implementing Agreement; Beech Ridge Wind Power Project, Greenbrier 
and Nicholas Counties, West Virginia

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability: final environmental impact statement, 
habitat conservation plan, and implementing agreement.

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

SUMMARY: Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is advising the public of the 
availability of a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) associated 
with an application received from Beech Ridge Energy, LLC and Beech 
Ridge Energy II, LLC (collectively referred to as Beech Ridge Energy, 
applicant), for an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) under the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We also announce the 
availability of the Beech Ridge Energy Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), 
prepared in accordance with the ESA, and an Implementing Agreement 
(IA), part of its incidental take permit application. If issued, the 
permit would authorize incidental take of the federally listed 
endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and Virginia big-eared bat 
(Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) from construction, operation, 
maintenance, and decommissioning of the Beech Ridge Wind Power Project. 
Beech Ridge Energy is requesting a 25-year permit term.

DATES: The Service's decision on issuance of the permit will occur no 
sooner than 30 days after the publication of the Environmental 
Protection Agency notice of the final EIS in the Federal Register and 
will be documented in a Record of Decision.

ADDRESSES: Document availability: You may obtain copies of the 
documents on the Web site at: https://www.regulations.gov at Docket 
Number FWS-R5-ES-2012-0059, or by any of the methods described in 
Availability of Documents (under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Laura Hill, Assistant Field 
Supervisor, West Virginia Field Office, 694 Beverly Pike, Elkins, WV 
26241, telephone 304-636-6586, extension 18.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We received an application from Beech Ridge 
Energy for an ITP for the operation and maintenance of 67 existing 
turbines in the project area; the construction, operation, and 
maintenance of up to 33 additional turbines and associated 
infrastructure in the project area; the implementation of the HCP 
during the life of the permit; and the decommissioning of the entire 
100-turbine project and associated infrastructure at the end of its 
operational life. If approved, the permit would be for a 25-year period 
and would authorize incidental take of the endangered Indiana bat 
(Myotis sodalis) and Virginia big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii 
virginianus) (covered species). A conservation program to minimize and 
mitigate for the impacts of the incidental take would be implemented by 
Beech Ridge Energy as described in the final Beech Ridge Wind Energy 
Project HCP. To comply with the NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), we 
prepared an EIS that describes the proposed action and possible 
alternatives and analyzes the effects of alternatives on the human 
environment.

Availability of Documents

    The final HCP and final EIS are available on the West Virginia 
Field Office's Web site at: https://www.fws.gov/westvirginiafieldoffice/beech_ridge_wind_power.html, or at: https://www.regulations.gov under 
Docket Number FWS-R5-ES-2012-0059. Copies of the final HCP and final 
EIS will also be available for public review during regular business 
hours at the West Virginia Field Office, 694 Beverly Pike, Elkins, WV 
26241. In addition, paper copies of the final HCP and final

[[Page 56730]]

EIS may be viewed at the following public libraries: (1) Greenbrier 
County Public Library, 152 Robert W. McCormick Drive, Lewisburg, West 
Virginia; (2) Kanawha County Public Library, 123 Capitol Street, 
Charleston, West Virginia; and (3) Rupert Public Library, 602 Nicholas 
Street, Rupert, West Virginia. Those who do not have access to the Web 
site or cannot visit our office or local libraries can request CD-ROM 
copies of the documents by telephone at 304-636-6586, or by letter to 
the West Virginia Field Office (see the address under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT).

National Environmental Policy Act

    We formally initiated an environmental review of the project 
through publication of a notice of intent to prepare an EIS in the 
Federal Register on July 22, 2010 (75 FR 42767). That notice also 
announced a public scoping period, during which we invited interested 
parties to provide written comments expressing their issues or concerns 
related to the proposal and to attend a public scoping meeting held in 
Rupert, West Virginia. Based on public scoping comments, we prepared a 
draft EIS for the proposed action and made it available for public 
review on August 24, 2012 (77 FR 51554). Public comments were accepted 
until October 23, 2012. Based on public comments on the draft EIS, we 
prepared responses to public comments and a final EIS.

Next Steps

    We will evaluate the permit application, associated documents, and 
public comments in reaching a final decision on whether the application 
meets the requirements of section 10(a) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.). We also will evaluate whether issuance of a section 10(a)(1)(B) 
permit would comply with section 7 of the ESA by conducting an intra-
Service section 7 consultation. We will use the results of this 
consultation, in combination with the above findings, in our final 
analysis to determine whether to issue a permit. If the requirements 
are met, we will issue the permit to the applicant. We will issue a 
Record of Decision and issue or deny the permit no sooner than 30 days 
after publication of the notice of availability of the final EIS.

Authority

    We provide this notice under section 10(c) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 
1531, 1539(c)) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.22), NEPA, 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (40 CFR 
1506.6; 43 CFR Part 46), and section 106 of the NHPA (16 U.S.C. 470, 
470f) and its implementing regulations (36 CFR Part 800).

    Dated: August 16, 2013.
Paul R. Phifer,
Assistant Regional Director, Ecological Services, Northeast Region.
[FR Doc. 2013-22204 Filed 9-12-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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