Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the West of Devers Upgrade Project, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, CA, 52900-52901 [2016-18992]

Download as PDF 52900 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 154 / Wednesday, August 10, 2016 / Notices mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES will take an additional 10 minutes to complete the survey for a second species. Estimated Annual Burden Hours: 106 hours. Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping ‘‘Non-Hour Cost’’ Burden: There are no ‘‘non-hour cost’’ burdens associated with this collection of information. Public Disclosure Statement: The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) provides that an agency may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Until the OMB approves a collection of information, you are not obliged to respond. Comments: On 10/30/2015, we published a Federal Register notice (80 FR 66931) announcing that we would submit this ICR to OMB for approval and soliciting comments. The comment period closed on 12/29/2015. USGS received one public comment regarding the general hardship of birdlife and a statement that no information needed to be collected because the information was already collected by every state. This latter statement was not correct as we found when we queried five professional waterfowl biologists asking whether any similar surveys to ours were being, or had been, conducted and all said they knew of none and that our survey work would be useful. III. Request for Comments We again invite comments concerning this ICR as to: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the agency to perform its duties, including whether the information is useful; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) how to enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) how to minimize the burden on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Please note that comments submitted in response to this notice are a matter of public record. Before including your personal mailing address, phone number, email address, or other personally identifiable information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment, including your personally identifiable information, may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us and the OMB in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that it will be done. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:34 Aug 09, 2016 Jkt 238001 Legal Authority: Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA), codified at 16 U.S.C. 703–712. John Thompson, Deputy Chief, U.S. Geological Survey, Cooperative Research Units. [FR Doc. 2016–18928 Filed 8–9–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4338–11–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLCAD06000.L51010000. ER0000.15X LVRWB15B5410] Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the West of Devers Upgrade Project, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, CA Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Availability. AGENCY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the West of Devers Upgrade Project and by this notice is announcing its availability. DATES: The BLM will not issue a final decision on the proposal for a minimum of 30 days after the date that the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. ADDRESSES: Copies of the Final EIS for the Project are available for public inspection at the BLM Palm SpringsSouth Coast Field Office, 1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262, and to the BLM California Desert District Office, 22835 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553. Interested persons may also review the Final EIS on the Internet at https:// www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/palmsprings/ transmission/WestOfDeversProject.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank McMenimen, Project Manager, telephone 760–833–7150; address 1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262; email fmcmenimen@blm.gov or blm_ca_west_of_devers@blm.gov. 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. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Southern California Edison (SCE) proposes to upgrade and adjust the routes of the following existing 220 kV transmission lines within SCE’s existing West of Devers right-of-way corridor in incorporated and unincorporated areas of Riverside and San Bernardino counties: Devers-El Casco, El Casco-San Bernardino, Devers-San Bernardino, Devers-Vista No. 1 and No. 2, EtiwandaSan Bernardino, and San BernardinoVista. Of the overall 48-mile length of the transmission corridor, about 6 miles would cross Trust Lands (Reservation) of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, and about 1 mile is on BLMadministered public lands. The BLM lands are located east of the City of Banning and west of the City of Desert Hot Springs in Riverside County, California. In addition to the transmission line improvements, substation equipment at Devers, El Casco, Etiwanda, San Bernardino, Timoteo and Tennessee and Vista Substations would be upgraded to accommodate the project changes to transmission and subtransmission systems. Construction of the Project would facilitate the full deliverability of new renewable energy generation resources now being developed in eastern Riverside County, including the BLM’s Riverside East Solar Energy Zone, into the Los Angeles area. As a result, the Project would facilitate progress towards meeting California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard goals, which now require utilities to produce 50 percent of their electricity sales from renewable energy sources by 2030, as well as President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, which directs the Department of the Interior to approve at least 20,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity on public lands by 2020. Utility-scale solar energy development in eastern Riverside County plays an important role in meeting California’s renewable energy goals, allowing for immediate and sizeable deployment, driving costs down and taking advantage of the State’s best renewable energy resources. Additionally, these upgrades are required to comply with transmission reliability standards and will support integration of small scale electricity generation. In addition to the Proposed Action, the Final EIS considers three project alternatives and a No Action Alternative, as well as connected actions enabled by the project. The first alternative, the Tower Relocation Alternative, moves some proposed towers away from residences. The SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\10AUN1.SGM 10AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 154 / Wednesday, August 10, 2016 / Notices second alternative, the Iowa Street 66 kV Underground Alternative, would place a small portion of the subtransmission line underground. The third alternative, the Phased Build Alternative, would retain some of the existing towers, use a different conductor type, and have smaller capacity than the proposed Project. The Final EIS evaluates the potential impacts of the project and alternatives on air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, water resources, geological resources and hazards, land use, noise, paleontological resources, public health, socioeconomics, soils, traffic and transportation, visual resources, wilderness characteristics, and other resources. Mitigation measures are included to conserve priority habitat in the region, including requirements to restore, compensate, and minimize native vegetation and habitat loss; not allow for a net loss for jurisdictional waters and wetlands; and ensure compliance with two regional Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plans. In accordance with Department of the Interior regulations (43 CFR 46.425), the BLM identified a preferred alternative in the Final EIS based on feedback on the Draft Joint Environmental Impact Report (EIR)/EIS from the public and cooperating agencies. The BLM preferred alternative is the Proposed Action with incorporation of the Tower Relocation Alternative and the Iowa Street 66 kV Underground Alternative. The BLM will prepare a Record of Decision (ROD) for the proposed project after a 30-day period following publication of the NOA. Comments on the Draft Joint EIR/EIS received from the public and internal BLM review were considered and incorporated as appropriate into the Final EIS. Public comments resulted in the addition of clarifying text, but did not significantly change the analysis or conclusions presented in the Draft EIR/ EIS. Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6, 40 CFR 1506.10. Thomas Pogacnik, Deputy State Director. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service [NPS–WASO–NRNHL–21559; PPWOCRADI0, PCU00RP14.R50000] National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The National Park Service is soliciting comments on the significance of properties nominated before July 16, 2016, for listing or related actions in the National Register of Historic Places. DATES: Comments should be submitted by August 25, 2016. ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent via U.S. Postal Service to the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service, 1849 C St. NW., MS 2280, Washington, DC 20240; by all other carriers, National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service, 1201 Eye St. NW., 8th floor, Washington, DC 20005; or by fax, 202–371–6447. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The properties listed in this notice are being considered for listing or related actions in the National Register of Historic Places. Nominations for their consideration were received by the National Park Service before July 16, 2016. Pursuant to section 60.13 of 36 CFR part 60, written comments are being accepted concerning the significance of the nominated properties under the National Register criteria for evaluation. 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. SUMMARY: MASSACHUSETTS Bristol County Rhodes, M.M. and Sons Co., 12 Porter St., Taunton, 16000570 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES [FR Doc. 2016–18992 Filed 8–9–16; 8:45 am] PENNSYLVANIA BILLING CODE 4310–40–P Bucks County Perkasie Park Camp Meeting, 200 S. 9th St., Perkasie, 16000571 Philadelphia County Progress Lighting Manufacturing Company, 1401–1409 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, 16000572 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:34 Aug 09, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 52901 Pike County Paupack School, 545 PA 507, Palmyra Township, 16000573 TEXAS Harris County Southwestern Bell Capitol Main Office, 1121 Capitol St. & 1114 Texas Ave., Houston, 16000574 WISCONSIN Rock County Haven—Crandall House, 220 S. Janesville St., Milton, 16000575 Authority: 60.13 of 36 CFR part 60. Dated: July 18, 2016. J. Paul Loether, Chief, National Register of Historic Places/ National Historic Landmarks Program. [FR Doc. 2016–18930 Filed 8–9–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4312–51–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service [NPS–WASO–PPFL–LRD–21603; PS.SPPFL0070.00.1.] Proposed Information Collection; National Park Service Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Program National Park Service, Interior. Notice; request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: We (National Park Service, NPS) will ask the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve the information collection (IC) described below. To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and as a part of our continuing efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, we invite the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on this IC. We may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. DATES: Please submit your comment on or before October 11, 2016. ADDRESSES: Please send your comments on the ICR to Madonna L. Baucum, Information Collection Clearance Officer, National Park Service, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Mail Stop 242, Reston, VA 20192 (mail); or madonna_ baucum@nps.gov (email). Please reference ‘‘1024–New LRD’’ in the subject line. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Cook, Realty Specialist, National Park Service, Land Resources Division, 1201 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20005; joe_cook@nps.gov (email); or (202) 513– 7029 (phone). SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\10AUN1.SGM 10AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 154 (Wednesday, August 10, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52900-52901]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-18992]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[LLCAD06000.L51010000. ER0000.15X LVRWB15B5410]


Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact 
Statement for the West of Devers Upgrade Project, Riverside and San 
Bernardino Counties, CA

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Availability.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a 
Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the West of Devers 
Upgrade Project and by this notice is announcing its availability.

DATES: The BLM will not issue a final decision on the proposal for a 
minimum of 30 days after the date that the Environmental Protection 
Agency publishes its Notice of Availability in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Final EIS for the Project are available for 
public inspection at the BLM Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office, 
1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262, and to the BLM 
California Desert District Office, 22835 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, 
Moreno Valley, CA 92553. Interested persons may also review the Final 
EIS on the Internet at https://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/palmsprings/transmission/WestOfDeversProject.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank McMenimen, Project Manager, 
telephone 760-833-7150; address 1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, 
CA 92262; email fmcmenimen@blm.gov or blm_ca_west_of_devers@blm.gov. 
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: Southern California Edison (SCE) proposes to 
upgrade and adjust the routes of the following existing 220 kV 
transmission lines within SCE's existing West of Devers right-of-way 
corridor in incorporated and unincorporated areas of Riverside and San 
Bernardino counties: Devers-El Casco, El Casco-San Bernardino, Devers-
San Bernardino, Devers-Vista No. 1 and No. 2, Etiwanda-San Bernardino, 
and San Bernardino-Vista.
    Of the overall 48-mile length of the transmission corridor, about 6 
miles would cross Trust Lands (Reservation) of the Morongo Band of 
Mission Indians, and about 1 mile is on BLM-administered public lands. 
The BLM lands are located east of the City of Banning and west of the 
City of Desert Hot Springs in Riverside County, California. In addition 
to the transmission line improvements, substation equipment at Devers, 
El Casco, Etiwanda, San Bernardino, Timoteo and Tennessee and Vista 
Substations would be upgraded to accommodate the project changes to 
transmission and subtransmission systems. Construction of the Project 
would facilitate the full deliverability of new renewable energy 
generation resources now being developed in eastern Riverside County, 
including the BLM's Riverside East Solar Energy Zone, into the Los 
Angeles area.
    As a result, the Project would facilitate progress towards meeting 
California's Renewable Portfolio Standard goals, which now require 
utilities to produce 50 percent of their electricity sales from 
renewable energy sources by 2030, as well as President Obama's Climate 
Action Plan, which directs the Department of the Interior to approve at 
least 20,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity on public lands by 
2020. Utility-scale solar energy development in eastern Riverside 
County plays an important role in meeting California's renewable energy 
goals, allowing for immediate and sizeable deployment, driving costs 
down and taking advantage of the State's best renewable energy 
resources. Additionally, these upgrades are required to comply with 
transmission reliability standards and will support integration of 
small scale electricity generation.
    In addition to the Proposed Action, the Final EIS considers three 
project alternatives and a No Action Alternative, as well as connected 
actions enabled by the project. The first alternative, the Tower 
Relocation Alternative, moves some proposed towers away from 
residences. The

[[Page 52901]]

second alternative, the Iowa Street 66 kV Underground Alternative, 
would place a small portion of the subtransmission line underground. 
The third alternative, the Phased Build Alternative, would retain some 
of the existing towers, use a different conductor type, and have 
smaller capacity than the proposed Project.
    The Final EIS evaluates the potential impacts of the project and 
alternatives on air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, 
water resources, geological resources and hazards, land use, noise, 
paleontological resources, public health, socioeconomics, soils, 
traffic and transportation, visual resources, wilderness 
characteristics, and other resources. Mitigation measures are included 
to conserve priority habitat in the region, including requirements to 
restore, compensate, and minimize native vegetation and habitat loss; 
not allow for a net loss for jurisdictional waters and wetlands; and 
ensure compliance with two regional Multiple Species Habitat 
Conservation Plans.
    In accordance with Department of the Interior regulations (43 CFR 
46.425), the BLM identified a preferred alternative in the Final EIS 
based on feedback on the Draft Joint Environmental Impact Report (EIR)/
EIS from the public and cooperating agencies. The BLM preferred 
alternative is the Proposed Action with incorporation of the Tower 
Relocation Alternative and the Iowa Street 66 kV Underground 
Alternative.
    The BLM will prepare a Record of Decision (ROD) for the proposed 
project after a 30-day period following publication of the NOA.
    Comments on the Draft Joint EIR/EIS received from the public and 
internal BLM review were considered and incorporated as appropriate 
into the Final EIS. Public comments resulted in the addition of 
clarifying text, but did not significantly change the analysis or 
conclusions presented in the Draft EIR/EIS.

    Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6, 40 CFR 1506.10.

Thomas Pogacnik,
Deputy State Director.
[FR Doc. 2016-18992 Filed 8-9-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4310-40-P
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