Notice of Meeting of the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force, 70845-70846 [2014-28067]

Download as PDF tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 229 / Friday, November 28, 2014 / Notices desirable vegetation characteristics in previously treated areas and, when necessary, reduction of surface and ladder fuels, stand density, and canopy biomass to emulate fire intensities, and associated fire severities, associated with a particular Fire Regime. Prescribed fire entry will be utilized to rehabilitate decadent grass and shrub to improve wildlife forage in big game winter range and bighorn sheep habitat, dispose of activity fuels created by harvest, and as site preparation for planting. Treatment objectives would be achieved through a combination of the following activities such as whole-tree yarding, prescribed burning in harvest units (approximately 2,300 acres), grapple piling of activity fuels (approximately 600 acres). Landscape prescribed fire— Landscape prescribed fire would occur across approximately 11,500 acres within the Sunrise project area. This treatment would reintroduce fire to a fire-dependent ecosystem to lessen the impact of a future uncharacteristic wildfire and improve forage quality for big game (Management area direction for C3, C3A, C4, and C8). In the majority of the project area, fire intensities would be kept low by keeping fire out of the overstory and burning mainly surface fuels. Consistent with the mixedseverity fire regimes which have long characterized some parts of the project area, individual tree and group torching would likely occur in areas where there is sufficient ladder fuels and in timber stands with high occurrences of mistletoe. Upon completion the landscape could be described as a mosaic of unburned, lightly burned, moderately burned, and intensely burned patches. Road management—To accomplish implementation of proposed activities approximately 39 miles of open system roads, about 42 miles of closed system roads, and 46 miles of seasonally open roads would be used as haul routes. Closed system roads used for project activities would not be opened to the public. All system roads would remain the same after project implementation; open roads would remain opened, closed roads would continue to be closed, and seasonally open roads would continue with that designation. Approximately 11 miles of temporary road would be constructed of which 9 miles would be constructed over previous road templates. All temporary roads would be decommissioned after project activity use. No new specified road construction is proposed. Danger tree removal—Danger trees would be felled and removed along all previously described haul routes used VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Nov 26, 2014 Jkt 235001 70845 for timber sale activity. If considered economically feasible they would be sold as part of a timber sale. Danger trees within Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas (RHCAs) would not be removed; they would be cut and left to provide additional coarse woody debris. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Responsible Official AGENCY: Monte Fujishin, District Ranger of Pomeroy Ranger District will be the responsible official for making the decision and providing direction for the analysis. SUMMARY: Nature of Decision To Be Made The responsible official will decide whether or not to implement the proposed action or an alternative to the proposed action, including the no action, and what monitoring will be appropriate. Scoping Process This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides the development of the environmental impact statement. A scoping letter will be sent to interested and/or affected members of the public, non-profit organizations, and other agencies. It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times and in such manner that they are useful to the agency’s preparation of the environmental impact statement. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer’s concerns and contentions. Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered; however, anonymous comments will not provide the Agency with the ability to provide the respondent with subsequent environmental documents. Dated: November 19, 2014. Monte Fujishin, Pomeroy District Ranger. [FR Doc. 2014–28069 Filed 11–26–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Natural Resources Conservation Service [Docket No. NRCS–2014–0006] Notice of Meeting of the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of meeting. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF) will meet for discussions on critical air quality issues relating to agriculture. Special emphasis will be placed on obtaining a greater understanding about the relationship between agricultural production and air quality. The meeting is open to the public, and a draft agenda is included in this notice. DATES: The meeting will convene at 7:30 a.m. MST on Thursday and Friday, December 4–5, 2014. A public comment period will be held on the morning of December 5. The meeting will end at approximately noon on December 5. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Hilton Ft. Collins, 425 West Prospect Road, Fort Collins, Colorado 80526; telephone: (970) 482–2626. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions and comments should be directed to Dr. Greg Johnson, Designated Federal Official, USDA, NRCS, 1201 Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1000, Portland Oregon 97232; telephone: (503) 273– 2424; fax: (503) 273–2401; or email: greg.johnson@por.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of this meeting is given under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2. Additional information concerning AAQTF, including any revised agendas for the December 4–5, 2014, meeting that occurs after this Federal Register Notice is published, may be found at: www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ detail/national/air/taskforce. Draft Agenda Meeting of the AAQTF December 4–5, 2014, Fort Collins, Colorado A. Welcome remarks and introductions B. Colorado air quality and agriculture C. Update on agricultural air quality regulatory issues at the Environmental Protection Agency D. AAQTF Subcommittee reports E. Carbon credits and environmental markets F. Rocky Mountain National Park Nitrogen Deposition Issues G. Updates from USDA agencies (Forest Service, NRCS, NIFA, ARS) E:\FR\FM\28NON1.SGM 28NON1 70846 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 229 / Friday, November 28, 2014 / Notices H. Selected agricultural air quality research presentations I. Public Input (Individual presentations limited to 5 minutes) Please note that the timing of events in the agenda is subject to change to accommodate changing schedules of expected speakers and or extended discussions. Procedural This meeting is open to the public. On December 5 the public will have an opportunity to provide up to 5 minutes of input to the AAQTF. Information on Services for Individuals With Disabilities For information on facilities or services for individuals with disabilities or to request special assistance at the meeting, please contact Greg Johnson (contact information listed above). USDA prohibits discrimination in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Additionally, discrimination on the basis of political beliefs and marital or family status is also prohibited by statutes enforced by USDA. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternate means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should contact the USDA’s Target Center at (202) 720–2000 (voice and TDD). Signed this 21st day of November 2014, in Washington, DC. Jason A. Weller, Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service. [FR Doc. 2014–28067 Filed 11–26–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–16–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Energy Answers Arecibo Puerto Rico Renewable Energy Project: Notice of Cancellation of a Supplemental Final Environmental Impact Statement and Notice of Public Scoping and Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Notice of cancellation of a Supplemental Final Environmental Impact Statement and notice of public scoping and intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: ACTION: On April 12, 2013, Rural Utilities Service (RUS) published a SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Nov 26, 2014 Jkt 235001 Notice of Intent (NOI) announcing its intent to prepare a Supplemental Final Environmental Impact Statement (SFEIS) in association with a financial assistance request for a proposal submitted to the Agency by Energy Answers Arecibo, LLC (Energy Answers). RUS is cancelling its NOI for the SFEIS. RUS intends to conduct public scoping and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality’s regulations for implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), and RUS’s Environmental and Policies and Procedures (7 CFR part 1794) in connection with potential impacts related to the Energy Answers proposal. The proposal consists of constructing a waste-to-energy generation and resource recovery facility in the Cambalache Ward of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. RUS is providing notice of the intention to conduct public scoping and prepare an EIS related to the proposal submitted by Energy Answers. RUS is considering funding this application, thereby making the proposal an undertaking subject to review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), 16 U.S.C. 470(f), and its implementing regulation, ‘‘Protection of Historic Properties’’ (36 CFR part 800). Any party wishing to participate directly with RUS as a ‘‘consulting party’’ in Section 106 review may submit a written request to the RUS contact provided below. Pursuant to 36 CFR 800.3(f)(3), RUS will consider, and provide a timely response to, any and all requests for consulting party status. RUS will publish a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in the Federal Register and in local newspapers to announce its review period. DATES: Written requests to participate as a ‘‘consulting party’’ and/or comments concerning the public scoping or about this Notice of Intent must be received on or before December 29, 2014. A notice of availability of a Draft EIS will be published in the Federal Register and local newspapers announcing its review period. ADDRESSES: Project-related information will be available at RUS’s Web site located at: https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ UWP-AreciboPuertoRico.html. To request ‘‘consulting party’’ status, submit comments or for further information, please contact: Ms. Stephanie Strength, Environmental Protection Specialist, USDA/RUS, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 2244–S, Stop 1571, Washington, DC 20250– PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1571, Telephone: (970) 403–3559, fax: (202) 690–0649, or email: stephanie.strength@wdc.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 12, 2013, RUS published a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare a Supplemental Final Impact Statement (SFEIS) in the Federal Register. RUS is canceling the SFEIS published on April 12, 2013, and is soliciting public comments on the scope of an EIS that it intends to prepare for Energy Answers’ proposal. In accordance with 7 CFR 1794.74 and 40 CFR 1502.21, RUS intends to incorporate by reference the environmental impact analyses and documentation prepared by the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO). PRIDCO served as a lead agency in preparation of an EIS prepared under the Puerto Rico Environmental Public Policy Act, Article 4(B)(3), (Law No. 416, September 22, 2004). RUS has copies of this EIS and all associated appendices posted on this Web site: https:// www.rurdev.usda.gov/UWPAreciboPuertoRico.html. RUS also intends to incorporate by reference all of the environmental impact and air quality analyses and responses to public comments prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as part of its Clean Air Act, Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permit. USEPA issued a final PSD permit on June 11, 2013, and information related to the PSD permit can be found on USEPA’s Web site— see: https://www.epa.gov/region02/air/ permit/energyanswers/. RUS is in receipt of all past public involvement activities, public comments, and responses to public comments from both PRIDCO and USEPA actions. While RUS understands the concerns expressed in the past by the public, the Agency strongly encourages all interested parties to submit scoping comments to the RUS contact listed the ADDRESSES section of this Notice. Energy Answers proposes to construct a waste-to-energy generation and resource recovery facility in the Cambalache Ward of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The proposed facility would process approximately 2,100 tons of municipal waste per day and generate a net capacity of 77 megawatts (MW). The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority will purchase the power generated from the facility. The preferred location of the facility is the former site of the Global Fibers Paper Mill and would encompass approximately 79.6 acres of the 90-acre parcel. The proposal would include the following facility components: a E:\FR\FM\28NON1.SGM 28NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 229 (Friday, November 28, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70845-70846]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-28067]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Natural Resources Conservation Service

[Docket No. NRCS-2014-0006]


Notice of Meeting of the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of meeting.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Air Quality 
Task Force (AAQTF) will meet for discussions on critical air quality 
issues relating to agriculture. Special emphasis will be placed on 
obtaining a greater understanding about the relationship between 
agricultural production and air quality. The meeting is open to the 
public, and a draft agenda is included in this notice.

DATES: The meeting will convene at 7:30 a.m. MST on Thursday and 
Friday, December 4-5, 2014. A public comment period will be held on the 
morning of December 5. The meeting will end at approximately noon on 
December 5.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Hilton Ft. Collins, 425 West 
Prospect Road, Fort Collins, Colorado 80526; telephone: (970) 482-2626.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions and comments should be 
directed to Dr. Greg Johnson, Designated Federal Official, USDA, NRCS, 
1201 Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1000, Portland Oregon 97232; telephone: 
(503) 273-2424; fax: (503) 273-2401; or email: 
greg.johnson@por.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of this meeting is given under the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2. Additional information 
concerning AAQTF, including any revised agendas for the December 4-5, 
2014, meeting that occurs after this Federal Register Notice is 
published, may be found at: www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/air/taskforce.

Draft Agenda Meeting of the AAQTF December 4-5, 2014, Fort Collins, 
Colorado

A. Welcome remarks and introductions
B. Colorado air quality and agriculture
C. Update on agricultural air quality regulatory issues at the 
Environmental Protection Agency
D. AAQTF Subcommittee reports
E. Carbon credits and environmental markets
F. Rocky Mountain National Park Nitrogen Deposition Issues
G. Updates from USDA agencies (Forest Service, NRCS, NIFA, ARS)

[[Page 70846]]

H. Selected agricultural air quality research presentations
I. Public Input (Individual presentations limited to 5 minutes)

    Please note that the timing of events in the agenda is subject to 
change to accommodate changing schedules of expected speakers and or 
extended discussions.

Procedural

    This meeting is open to the public. On December 5 the public will 
have an opportunity to provide up to 5 minutes of input to the AAQTF.

Information on Services for Individuals With Disabilities

    For information on facilities or services for individuals with 
disabilities or to request special assistance at the meeting, please 
contact Greg Johnson (contact information listed above). USDA prohibits 
discrimination in its programs and activities on the basis of race, 
color, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or 
disability. Additionally, discrimination on the basis of political 
beliefs and marital or family status is also prohibited by statutes 
enforced by USDA. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) 
Persons with disabilities who require alternate means for communication 
of program information (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should 
contact the USDA's Target Center at (202) 720-2000 (voice and TDD).

    Signed this 21st day of November 2014, in Washington, DC.
Jason A. Weller,
Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-28067 Filed 11-26-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P
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