Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for Proposed Wind Energy-Related Development Activities on the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Offshore Oregon and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings, 30876-30877 [2014-12066]

Download as PDF 30876 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 103 / Thursday, May 29, 2014 / Notices BURDEN BREAKDOWN—Continued Citation 30 CFR 550 Subpart C and related NTL(s) Reporting and recordkeeping requirement Average number of annual responses Hour burden Annual burden hours General General departure and alternative compliance requests not specifically covered elsewhere in subpart C regulations. 2 ...................................... 5 10 Subtotal ....................... ................................................................................... .......................................... 5 10 Total Burden ........ tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 303–304 .............................. ................................................................................... .......................................... 2,560 112,111 Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Non-Hour Cost Burden: We have identified no non-hour cost burdens for this collection. Public Disclosure Statement: The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) provides that an agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Until OMB approves a collection of information, you are not obligated to respond. Comments: We invite comments concerning this information collection on: • Whether or not the collection of information is necessary, including whether or not the information will have practical utility; • The accuracy of our burden estimates; • Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and • Ways to minimize the burden on respondents. If you have costs to generate, maintain, and disclose this information, you should comment and provide your total capital and startup costs or annual operation, maintenance, and purchase of service costs. You should describe the methods you use to estimate major cost factors, including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, discount rate(s), and the period over which you incur costs. Capital and startup costs include, among other items, computers and software you purchase to prepare for collecting information, monitoring, and record storage facilities. You should not include estimates for equipment or services purchased: (a) Before October 1, 1995; (b) to comply with requirements not associated with the information collection; (c) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the Government; or (d) as part of customary and usual business or private practices. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:49 May 28, 2014 Jkt 232001 We will summarize written responses to this notice and address them in our submission for OMB approval. As a result of your comments, we will make any necessary adjustments to the burden in our submission to OMB. Public Availability of Comments: Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, 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. with the issuance of a lease and approval of plans proposed by Principle Power, Inc. (Principle Power) for wind energy-related development activities offshore Oregon. We are seeking public input regarding important environmental issues and the identification of alternatives that should be considered in the EA. In addition to the request for written comments, we are holding two public scoping meetings to provide information and solicit comments on the scope of the EA. The meetings will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at the Coos Bay Public Library, 525 Anderson Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420. Dated: May 20, 2014. Deanna Meyer-Pietruszka, Chief, Office of Policy, Regulations, and Analysis. Authority: The Notice of Intent to prepare an EA is published pursuant to 43 CFR 46.305. [FR Doc. 2014–12417 Filed 5–28–14; 8:45 am] DATES: BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P Comments should be submitted no later than July 28, 2014. Greg Sanders, BOEM Pacific OCS Region, 770 Paseo Camarillo, 2nd Floor, Camarillo, California 93010; (805) 389–7863 or greg.sanders@boem.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Ocean Energy Management [Docket No. BOEM–2014–0050; MMAA104000] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for Proposed Wind Energy-Related Development Activities on the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Offshore Oregon and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Interior. ACTION: Notice of Intent. AGENCY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4231 et seq.), BOEM intends to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) to consider the reasonably foreseeable environmental consequences associated SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1. Background On May 15, 2013, BOEM received an unsolicited request from Principle Power for a commercial wind energy lease on the OCS offshore Coos Bay, Oregon. Principle Power’s proposal, the WindFloat Pacific Project, is to install a floating wind energy demonstration facility approximately 16 nautical miles from shore in a water depth of approximately 1,400 feet. The total area being considered in the EA encompasses approximately 15 square miles. However, the lease will include only the portion of the 15-square-mile area necessary for project facilities. The project is designed to generate up to 30 megawatts (MW) of electricity from five E:\FR\FM\29MYN1.SGM 29MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 103 / Thursday, May 29, 2014 / Notices floating WindFloat units, each equipped with a 6–MW offshore wind turbine. Each unit would be moored with multiple anchors to the seafloor, and be connected to a single transmission cable running along the seafloor to shore. Additional information on Principle Power’s unsolicited lease request and maps of the proposed lease site can be viewed at https://www.boem.gov/StateActivities-Oregon/. On September 30, 2013, we published a notice of the unsolicited lease request and a Request for Interest (RFI) to determine whether anyone had an interest in acquiring a commercial wind lease in the area identified by Principle Power (78 FR 59969). The notice also provided the opportunity for interested stakeholders to comment on the proposed lease area, the proposed project and potential impacts wind energy development may have on the area. No indications of competitive interest were received in response to the notice, and BOEM published a Determination of No Competitive Interest on February 6, 2014 (79 FR 7225). Stakeholder comments received in response to the RFI are being considered during our scoping process. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 2. Purpose and Need for Agency Action BOEM will process Principle Power’s unsolicited lease request under the provisions at 30 CFR Part 585, Renewable Energy and Alternate Uses of Existing Facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf. These regulations provide for lease issuance and approval of plans for construction and operation of renewable energy facilities. 3. Proposed Action and Scope of Analysis BOEM’s proposed action is the issuance of a commercial lease and the approval of a construction and operation plan for the WindFloat Pacific Project. The EA will consider the reasonably foreseeable environmental consequences associated with the proposed action, including the impacts of the construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of wind turbines and cables. This notice is intended to further engage the public in the scoping process for this EA. We are soliciting information regarding important environmental issues and alternatives that should be considered in the EA. Alternatives currently under consideration include the proposal submitted by Principle Power and a noaction alternative. Environmental resources we expect to evaluate in the EA include benthic invertebrates, fish, VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:49 May 28, 2014 Jkt 232001 birds, bats and marine mammals. We will also consider other human uses in the vicinity of the proposed project, including commercial and sport fishing, recreation and vessel traffic. If at any time during preparation of the EA we determine that an environmental impact statement (EIS) is needed, we will issue a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS in the Federal Register. In that case, scoping comments you submit now will be considered for the development of an EIS. 4. Other Environmental Review and Consultation Processes BOEM will also use responses to this notice and the EA public involvement process to satisfy the public involvement requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f), as provided in 36 CFR 800.2(d)(3). We are seeking information from the public on the identification of historic properties that may be affected by the WindFloat Pacific Project. The analyses contained within the EA also will support compliance with other environmental statutes (e.g., Endangered Species Act, Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act). 5. Cooperating Agencies It is BOEM’s intent to prepare an EA that will inform all Federal decisions related to Principle Power’s proposal, and we invite Federal, state and local government agencies to consider becoming cooperating agencies in the preparation of this EA. Council on Environmental Quality regulations implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA define cooperating agencies as those with ‘‘jurisdiction by law or special expertise’’ (40 CFR 1508.5). Potential cooperating agencies should consider their authority and capacity to assume the responsibilities of a cooperating agency and remember that an agency’s role in the environmental analysis neither enlarges nor diminishes the final decision-making authority of any other agency involved in the NEPA process. Even if an organization is not a cooperating agency, opportunities will exist to provide information and comments to BOEM during the normal public involvement phases of the NEPA process. 6. Comments Federal, state, local government agencies, tribal governments and other interested parties are requested to send written comments on the important PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 30877 issues to be considered in the EA by any of the following methods: 1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the field entitled ‘‘Enter Keyword or ID,’’ enter BOEM–2014–0050, and then click ‘‘search.’’ Follow the instructions to submit public comments and view supporting and related materials available for this notice; 2. By U.S. Postal Service or other delivery service, send your comments and information to the following address: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Pacific OCS Region, Attention: Greg Sanders, Office of Environment, 770 Paseo Camarillo, 2nd Floor, Camarillo, California 93010; or 3. In person at one of the EA public scoping meetings. Before including your address, phone number, email address or other personal identifying information in your comment, 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 comments to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Dated: May 14, 2014. Walter D. Cruickshank, Acting Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. [FR Doc. 2014–12066 Filed 5–23–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–MR–P INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation Nos. 701–TA–454 and 731– TA–1144 (Review)] Welded Stainless Steel Pressure Pipe from China United States International Trade Commission. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Commission hereby gives notice of the scheduling of expedited reviews pursuant to section 751(c)(3) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1675(c)(3)) (the Act) to determine whether revocation of the countervailing duty order and revocation of the antidumping duty order on welded stainless steel pressure pipe from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. For further information concerning the conduct of this review and rules of general application, consult the Commission’s Rules of Practice and SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\29MYN1.SGM 29MYN1

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[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 103 (Thursday, May 29, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30876-30877]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-12066]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

[Docket No. BOEM-2014-0050; MMAA104000]


Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for 
Proposed Wind Energy-Related Development Activities on the Pacific 
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Offshore Oregon and Notice of Public 
Scoping Meetings

AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Intent.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4231 et seq.), BOEM intends to 
prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) to consider the reasonably 
foreseeable environmental consequences associated with the issuance of 
a lease and approval of plans proposed by Principle Power, Inc. 
(Principle Power) for wind energy-related development activities 
offshore Oregon. We are seeking public input regarding important 
environmental issues and the identification of alternatives that should 
be considered in the EA.
    In addition to the request for written comments, we are holding two 
public scoping meetings to provide information and solicit comments on 
the scope of the EA. The meetings will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 
p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at the 
Coos Bay Public Library, 525 Anderson Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420.

    Authority: The Notice of Intent to prepare an EA is published 
pursuant to 43 CFR 46.305.

DATES: Comments should be submitted no later than July 28, 2014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Sanders, BOEM Pacific OCS Region, 
770 Paseo Camarillo, 2nd Floor, Camarillo, California 93010; (805) 389-
7863 or greg.sanders@boem.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Background

    On May 15, 2013, BOEM received an unsolicited request from 
Principle Power for a commercial wind energy lease on the OCS offshore 
Coos Bay, Oregon. Principle Power's proposal, the WindFloat Pacific 
Project, is to install a floating wind energy demonstration facility 
approximately 16 nautical miles from shore in a water depth of 
approximately 1,400 feet. The total area being considered in the EA 
encompasses approximately 15 square miles. However, the lease will 
include only the portion of the 15-square-mile area necessary for 
project facilities. The project is designed to generate up to 30 
megawatts (MW) of electricity from five

[[Page 30877]]

floating WindFloat units, each equipped with a 6-MW offshore wind 
turbine. Each unit would be moored with multiple anchors to the 
seafloor, and be connected to a single transmission cable running along 
the seafloor to shore. Additional information on Principle Power's 
unsolicited lease request and maps of the proposed lease site can be 
viewed at https://www.boem.gov/State-Activities-Oregon/.
    On September 30, 2013, we published a notice of the unsolicited 
lease request and a Request for Interest (RFI) to determine whether 
anyone had an interest in acquiring a commercial wind lease in the area 
identified by Principle Power (78 FR 59969). The notice also provided 
the opportunity for interested stakeholders to comment on the proposed 
lease area, the proposed project and potential impacts wind energy 
development may have on the area.
    No indications of competitive interest were received in response to 
the notice, and BOEM published a Determination of No Competitive 
Interest on February 6, 2014 (79 FR 7225). Stakeholder comments 
received in response to the RFI are being considered during our scoping 
process.

2. Purpose and Need for Agency Action

    BOEM will process Principle Power's unsolicited lease request under 
the provisions at 30 CFR Part 585, Renewable Energy and Alternate Uses 
of Existing Facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf. These 
regulations provide for lease issuance and approval of plans for 
construction and operation of renewable energy facilities.

3. Proposed Action and Scope of Analysis

    BOEM's proposed action is the issuance of a commercial lease and 
the approval of a construction and operation plan for the WindFloat 
Pacific Project. The EA will consider the reasonably foreseeable 
environmental consequences associated with the proposed action, 
including the impacts of the construction, operation, maintenance and 
decommissioning of wind turbines and cables.
    This notice is intended to further engage the public in the scoping 
process for this EA. We are soliciting information regarding important 
environmental issues and alternatives that should be considered in the 
EA. Alternatives currently under consideration include the proposal 
submitted by Principle Power and a no-action alternative. Environmental 
resources we expect to evaluate in the EA include benthic 
invertebrates, fish, birds, bats and marine mammals. We will also 
consider other human uses in the vicinity of the proposed project, 
including commercial and sport fishing, recreation and vessel traffic.
    If at any time during preparation of the EA we determine that an 
environmental impact statement (EIS) is needed, we will issue a Notice 
of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS in the Federal Register. In that 
case, scoping comments you submit now will be considered for the 
development of an EIS.

4. Other Environmental Review and Consultation Processes

    BOEM will also use responses to this notice and the EA public 
involvement process to satisfy the public involvement requirements of 
the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f), as provided in 
36 CFR 800.2(d)(3). We are seeking information from the public on the 
identification of historic properties that may be affected by the 
WindFloat Pacific Project. The analyses contained within the EA also 
will support compliance with other environmental statutes (e.g., 
Endangered Species Act, Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Marine Mammal Protection 
Act).

5. Cooperating Agencies

    It is BOEM's intent to prepare an EA that will inform all Federal 
decisions related to Principle Power's proposal, and we invite Federal, 
state and local government agencies to consider becoming cooperating 
agencies in the preparation of this EA. Council on Environmental 
Quality regulations implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA 
define cooperating agencies as those with ``jurisdiction by law or 
special expertise'' (40 CFR 1508.5). Potential cooperating agencies 
should consider their authority and capacity to assume the 
responsibilities of a cooperating agency and remember that an agency's 
role in the environmental analysis neither enlarges nor diminishes the 
final decision-making authority of any other agency involved in the 
NEPA process.
    Even if an organization is not a cooperating agency, opportunities 
will exist to provide information and comments to BOEM during the 
normal public involvement phases of the NEPA process.

6. Comments

    Federal, state, local government agencies, tribal governments and 
other interested parties are requested to send written comments on the 
important issues to be considered in the EA by any of the following 
methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the 
field entitled ``Enter Keyword or ID,'' enter BOEM-2014-0050, and then 
click ``search.'' Follow the instructions to submit public comments and 
view supporting and related materials available for this notice;
    2. By U.S. Postal Service or other delivery service, send your 
comments and information to the following address: Bureau of Ocean 
Energy Management, Pacific OCS Region, Attention: Greg Sanders, Office 
of Environment, 770 Paseo Camarillo, 2nd Floor, Camarillo, California 
93010; or
    3. In person at one of the EA public scoping meetings.
    Before including your address, phone number, email address or other 
personal identifying information in your comment, 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 comments to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

    Dated: May 14, 2014.
Walter D. Cruickshank,
Acting Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
[FR Doc. 2014-12066 Filed 5-23-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-MR-P

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