November 14, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announces a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics.

The Department of State has submitted the information collection request described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the emergency review procedures of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (5 CFR 1320.13). The purpose of this notice is to allow for public comment from all interested individuals and organizations. Emergency review and approval of this collection has been requested from OMB by immediately. If granted, the emergency approval is only valid for 180 days. The Department plans to follow this emergency request with a submission for a 3 year approval through OMB's normal PRA clearance process (5 CFR 1320.10).

The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) revised and streamlined the requirements for the inventor's oath or declaration. In implementing the AIA inventor's oath or declaration provisions, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) provided that an applicant may postpone the filing of the inventor's oath or declaration until allowance if the applicant provides an application data sheet indicating the name, residence, and mailing address of each inventor. The rules pertaining to continued prosecution applications (which are applicable only to design applications) require that the prior nonprovisional application of a continued prosecution application be complete, which requires that the prior nonprovisional application contain the inventor's oath or declaration. The Office published an interim rule on March 5, 2014, to revise the rules pertaining to continued prosecution applications to permit the filing of a continued prosecution application even if the prior nonprovisional application does not contain the inventor's oath or declaration so long as the continued prosecution application is filed on or after September 16, 2012, and the prior nonprovisional application contains an application data sheet indicating the name, residence, and mailing address of each inventor (continued prosecution application interim rule). The Office received no comments from the public in response to the continued prosecution application interim rule published on March 5, 2014. This final rule adopts as final the amendments to the rules of practice originally set forth in the continued prosecution application interim rule.

This action proposes special conditions for the CFM International (CFM), LEAP-1A and -1C engine models. These engines will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the engine fan bladesnew woven composite fan blades. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

This notice announces proposed additions to the categorical exclusions (CE) included in the Departmental Manual 516 DM 10. The three proposed CEs pertain to limited timber harvesting on Indian lands.

The information collection requirements described below will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The FTC seeks public comments on its proposal to extend for three years the current PRA clearance for information collection requirements pertaining to the Commission's administrative activities. That clearance expires on February 28, 2015, and consists of: (a) Applications to the Commission, including applications and notices contained in the Commission's Rules of Practice (primarily Parts I, II, and IV); (b) the FTC's consumer complaint systems; and (c) the FTC's program evaluation activities.

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the operation of the Meadowbrook State Parkway Bridge, across Sloop Channel, mile 12.8, at Nassau, New York. This deviation is necessary to replace electrical components at the bridge. This deviation will allow the bridge to remain in the closed position for three partial days to facilitate scheduled bridge maintenance, the replacement of the electrical umbilical cords.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing that the period for providing public comments on the October 6, 2014, supplemental proposed rule titled ``National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ferroalloys Production'' is being extended for 18 days.

Because the terms of the members of the South Dakota Advisory Committee are expiring on April 18, 2015, the United States Commission on Civil Rights hereby invites any individual who is eligible to be appointed to apply. The memberships are exclusively for the South Dakota Advisory Committee, and applicants must be residents of South Dakota to be considered. Letters of interest must be received by the Rocky Mountain Regional Office of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights no later than December 15, 2014. Letters of interest must be sent to the address listed below.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) has forwarded the information collection renewal request relating to the permanent program performance standardssurface mining activities and underground mining activities, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The information collection request describes the nature of the information collection and the expected burden and cost. This information collection activity was previously approved by OMB and assigned control number 1029-0047.

The purpose of this Notice is to inform the public and interested federal, tribal, state, and local government entities that the Otay Water District (District) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) intend to prepare a joint Environmental Impact Report/ Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the Otay Mesa Conveyance and Disinfection System Project (proposed project). In November 2013, the District submitted an application to DOS for a Presidential Permit authorizing the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of a cross-border pipeline facility for the proposed project, which would convey desalinated seawater from a new border crossing with Mexico approximately four miles northeast to the District's Roll Reservoir in San Diego County. This Notice of Preparation/Notice of Intent (NOP/NOI) informs the public about the proposed project and solicits participation and comments from interested federal, tribal, state, and local government entities and the public for consideration in establishing the scope and content of the EIR/EIS. Project Description: The proposed project would entail construction of a potable water pipeline and associated facilities to convey desalinated sea water produced in Mexico into the District's service area in southern San Diego County, California. The scope of the proposed project for the purpose of environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is limited to the portion of the proposed project within the United States. The scope does not include the proposed desalination plant in Rosarito, Mexico or associated pipeline infrastructure in Mexico. Within the United States, the proposed project would involve the construction and operation of an approximately four-mile long (depending on the selected alternative) potable water pipeline with a set diameter of between 48 and 54 inches, and a metering station within the Otay Mesa area of the County of San Diego just north of the United States/Mexico border. Additionally, a pump station and/or disinfection facility may be constructed if needed. The proposed project would enable the District to import and convey desalinated potable water from a connection point at the United States/ Mexico border north to the District's existing Roll Reservoir. The proposed Mexican desalination plant (not a part of the proposed project) is envisioned to produce 100 million gallons per day (MGD) of desalinated sea water. The District intends to initially purchase approximately 20-25 MGD of desalinated sea water, and ultimately increase the amount to 50 MGD. Due to seasonal variation in demand, the District anticipates that 10 MGD would be conveyed in the winter months, and up to 50 MGD would be conveyed during peak demand periods in the summer months. Numerous alignment (routing) options were considered; however, after initial consideration of environmental and engineering opportunities and constraints, the District has chosen three alternative alignments considered the most feasible, and will address those alignments in the EIR/EIS. The District will be responsible for approving the expenditure of public funds for the proposed project and DOS will be responsible for determining whether the proposed project serves the national interest pursuant to Executive Order 13337, and if so, issuing a Presidential Permit authorizing the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of the cross-border pipeline facility. Project Location: The proposed project is generally located in the southwestern portion of San Diego County, in the community of Otay Mesa, immediately adjacent to the United States/Mexico border, east of Interstate 5, Interstate 805 and State Route 125. More specifically, the proposed project is located within the East Otay Mesa Specific Plan, which lies between the Otay River Valley to the north, United States/Mexico border to the south, San Ysidro Mountains to the east, and City of San Diego Otay Mesa Community Plan Area to the west. Probable Environmental Effects: The District will be the CEQA Lead Agency and the DOS will be the federal lead agency for the environmental review of the proposed project. The District and DOS are jointly reviewing the proposed project pursuant to CEQA and consistent with NEPA, respectively, and will prepare a joint EIR/EIS to identify and assess potential environmental impacts, mitigation measures, and alternatives associated with the proposed project. The District and DOS have determined that an EIR/EIS is the appropriate environmental document for the proposed project because there is substantial evidence that some aspects of the proposed project individually or cumulatively may have a significant effect on the human environment. The EIR/EIS will identify the purpose and need for the proposed project, the affected environment, project alternatives (including the no action alternative), impacts of the project alternatives, and proposed mitigation measures. Environmental issues that may require detailed analysis include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, noise, socioeconomics/environmental justice, and transportation/traffic. Based on the preliminary scope of the proposed project, technical studies are expected to be prepared for the following issues: Air quality/GHG, biological resources, cultural resources, geology/soils, hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, noise, and traffic. Scoping Period: The District and DOS have issued this NOP/NOI, and are seeking review and comments within 30 days from relevant federal, tribal, state, and local government entities, interested parties, and the public about the scope of the EIR/EIS, alternatives and analyses, pursuant to CEQA Section 21153(a); California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 15082(a) and 15083; and consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (as implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations found at 40 CFR 1500-1508). The comment period for the NOP/NOI begins on November 14, 2014 and ends on December 14, 2014. A copy of this NOP/NOI is available on the proposed project's Web site: www.owd-desalconveyance.com. The California Office of Planning and Research is responsible for coordinating state-level review of the CEQA/NEPA document. Additionally, DOS will publish the NOP/NOI in the Federal Register pursuant to CEQ Regulations, Sections 1501.7 and 1508.22. Once the NOP/NOI is published in the Federal Register, the 30-day scoping/ comment period begins consistent with NEPA. The District and DOS will also undertake any consultations required by applicable laws or regulations, including the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470, et seq.). All comments in response to the NOP/NOI must be submitted by December 14, 2014. Comments may be submitted at www.regulations.gov by entering the title of this Notice into the search field and following the prompts. Comments may also be submitted by mail at the address below. All comments from agencies or organizations should indicate a contact person for each agency or organization, if applicable. All comments received during the scoping period may be made public, no matter how initially submitted. Comments are not private and will not be edited to remove identifying or contact information. Commenters are cautioned against including any information that they would not want publicly disclosed. Any party soliciting or aggregating comments from other persons is further requested to direct those persons not to include any identifying or contact information, or information they would not want publicly disclosed, in their comments. Public Scoping Meeting: A public scoping meeting regarding the EIR/ EIS will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at the Otay Water District Board Room, located at 2554 Sweetwater Springs Blvd., Spring Valley, CA 91978. Cooperating and Responsible Agencies, as well as any interested agencies, organizations, and members of the public are invited to attend.

The SEDAR 42 assessment of the Gulf of Mexico Red Grouper: a Data Workshop; a series of Assessment webinars; and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the Agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), Federal Agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information collection requirements imposed on firms that intend to export to countries that require an export certificate as a condition of entry for FDA regulated products, pharmaceuticals, biologics, and devices as indicated in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act) as amended.

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92-463, as amended, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announces a meeting of the Science Committee of the NASA Advisory Council (NAC). This Committee reports to the NAC. The meeting will be held for the purpose of soliciting, from the scientific community and other persons, scientific and technical information relevant to program planning.

This quarterly notice lists CMS manual instructions, substantive and interpretive regulations, and other Federal Register notices that were published from July through September 2014, relating to the Medicare and Medicaid programs and other programs administered by CMS.

This notice announces a 3-year Medicare Prior Authorization model for repetitive scheduled nonemergent ambulance transport in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina where there have been high incidences of improper payments for these services.

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), the Assembly of the Administrative Conference of the United States will hold a meeting to consider three proposed recommendations and to conduct other business. This meeting will be open to the public.

NMFS proposes 2015 specifications and management measures for Atlantic mackerel, 2015-2017 specifications for Illex squid, 2015-2017 specifications for longfin squid, and 2015-2017 specifications for butterfish. This action also proposes simplifying the butterfish fishery closure mechanism. These proposed specifications and management measures are intended to promote the utilization and conservation of the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish resources.