Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for the American Burying Beetle, From American Electric Power, and Availability of Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, 62758-62759 [2016-21412]

Download as PDF sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES 62758 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 176 / Monday, September 12, 2016 / Notices to complete its contract of participation due to being absorbed into the HCV program of a PHA that did not administer an FSS program. Nature of Requirement: This regulation states the FSS escrow shall be paid to the participant when the contract of participation has been completed and at the time of contract completion the head of the FSS family submits to the PHA a certification that to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, no member of the FSS family is a recipient of welfare assistance. ´ Granted By: Lourdes Castro Ramırez, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing. Date Granted: June 29, 2016. Reason Waived: Although the FSS participant in question was unable to complete its contract of participation prior to being absorbed into the HCV program of the receiving PHA, the family was in compliance with the contract of participation and the move to the receiving PHA’s jurisdiction was for good cause. In consideration of these circumstances, the waiver was granted so that escrow could be disbursed to the family without completing the contract of participation. Contact: Becky Primeaux, Housing Voucher Management and Operations Division, Office of Public Housing and Voucher Programs, Office of Public and Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 4216, Washington, DC 20410, telephone (202) 708–0477. • Regulation: 24 CFR 985.101(a). Project/Activity: Loveland Housing Authority (LHA) in Loveland, Colorado, requested a waiver of 24 CFR 985.101(a) so that it could submit its Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) certification after the deadline. Nature of Requirement: Section 985.101(a) states a PHA must submit the HUD-required SEMAP certification form within 60 calendar days after the end of its fiscal year. ´ Granted By: Lourdes Castro Ramırez, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing. Date Granted: May 13, 2016. Reason Waived: This waiver was granted for the LHA’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2015. The waiver was approved because of circumstances beyond the PHA’s control and to prevent additional administrative burdens for the PHA and field office. Contact: Becky Primeaux, Housing Voucher Management and Operations Division, Office of Public Housing and Voucher Programs, Office of Public and Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 4216, Washington, DC 20410, telephone (202) 708–0477. • Regulation: 24 CFR 985.101(a). Project/Activity: Winter Haven Housing Authority (WHHA) in Winter Haven, Florida, requested a waiver of 24 CFR 985.101(a) so that it could submit its Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) certification after the deadline. Nature of Requirement: Section 985.101(a) states a PHA must submit the HUD-required SEMAP certification form within 60 calendar days after the end of its fiscal year. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:40 Sep 09, 2016 Jkt 238001 ´ Granted By: Lourdes Castro Ramırez, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing. Date Granted: April 8, 2016. Reason Waived: This waiver was granted because for the WHHA’s fiscal year ending September 30, 2015. The waiver was approved because of circumstances beyond the PHA’s control and to prevent additional administrative burdens for the PHA and field office. Contact: Becky Primeaux, Housing Voucher Management and Operations Division, Office of Public Housing and Voucher Programs, Office of Public and Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 4216, Washington, DC 20410, telephone (202) 708–0477. [FR Doc. 2016–21867 Filed 9–9–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R2–ES–2016–N129; FXES11120200000–167–FF02ENEH00] Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for the American Burying Beetle, From American Electric Power, and Availability of Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for public comments. AGENCY: Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), we, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application for an incidental take permit (ITP) and a proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP) from American Electric Power in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma. Our loweffect screening form (LESF), which supports a categorical exclusion for the HCP under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), is also available for review. The requested permit, which would be in effect for a period of 3 years, if granted, would authorize incidental take of the American burying beetle resulting from the construction of two segments of the Talawanda to McAlester electric transmission line. DATES: Comments: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by October 12, 2016. ADDRESSES: Obtaining Documents: • Internet: You may obtain copies of the draft low-effect screening form and draft HCP on the Service’s Web site at https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/ Oklahoma/. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • U.S. Mail: Field Supervisor, Oklahoma Ecological Services Field Office, 9014 East 21st Street, Tulsa, OK 74129; telephone 918–382–4500. Please note that your request is in reference to the American Electric Power (AEP) LEHCP (TE01909C). • In-Person: Copies of the draft loweffect screening form and draft HCP are also available for public inspection and review at the following locations, by appointment and written request only, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Æ Department of the Interior, Natural Resources Library, 1849 C St. NW., Washington, DC 20240. Æ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 500 Gold Avenue SW., Room 6034, Albuquerque, NM 87201. Æ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 9014 East 21st St., Tulsa, OK 74129; 918–382–4500 (phone); or 918–581– 7467 (fax). Persons wishing to review the application may obtain a copy by writing to the Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 1306, Room 4102, Albuquerque, NM 87103, Attention: Branch Chief, Environmental Review. Comment submission: You may submit written comments by one of the following methods: • Electronically: fw2_hcp_permits@ fws.gov. • By hard copy: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 9014 East 21st St., Tulsa, OK 74129; calling 918–382–4500; or faxing 918–581–7467. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonna Polk, Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 9014 East 21st St., Tulsa, OK 74129; or by telephone at 918–382–4500. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), we have received an application for an ITP and a proposed HCP from AEP in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma. Our LESF, which supports a categorical exclusion for the HCP under NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.), is also available for review. The requested permit, which would be in effect for a period of 3 years, if granted, would authorize incidental take of the American burying beetle resulting from the construction of two segments of the Talawanda to McAlester electric transmission line. Under NEPA, we advise the public that we have gathered the information necessary to determine impacts related to potential issuance of an ITP and have determined that the proposed action qualifies as a low-effect HCP and is categorically excluded from the NEPA process; and In addition, the applicant has developed and proposes to implement E:\FR\FM\12SEN1.SGM 12SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 176 / Monday, September 12, 2016 / Notices sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES its draft HCP, as part of the application for an ITP, which describes the measures the applicant has agreed to take to avoid, minimize, and mitigate the effects of the incidental take of American burying beetles (Nicrophorus americanus; ABB; covered species) to the maximum extent practicable pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act. The requested permit would authorize incidental take of the ABB as a result of the construction of two segments along 2.11 miles of the Talawanda to McAlester transmission line in Pittsburg County, OK (Permit Area), as a result of activities associated with the applicant’s construction and maintenance activities (covered activities). Such actions may require disturbance within potential American burying beetle habitat. American Electric Power has proposed to mitigate the impacts to 13.07 acres of suitable habitat for the American burying beetle, including 10.42 acres of temporary impacts, 2.65 acres of permanent cover change (changing of vegetative successional stage, but remaining as suitable ABB habitat), and 0.006 acres of permanent change (changing of ABB habitat from suitable to non-suitable). These habitat acres will be mitigated in perpetuity according to Service-approved mitigation ratios through the purchase of credits at an approved conservation bank for ABB. Additionally, avoidance and minimization measures will be implemented including limiting clearing in temporary work areas, relief of soil compaction, and revegetation of temporary and permanent cover change impacts with native vegetation after construction is completed. Section 9 of the Act and its implementing regulations prohibit ‘‘take’’ of fish and wildlife species listed as threatened or endangered under section 4 of the Act. However, section 10(a) of the Act authorizes us to issue permits to take listed wildlife species where such take is incidental to, and not the purpose of, otherwise lawful activities and where the applicant meets certain statutory requirements. Public Availability of Comments Written comments we receive become part of the public record associated with this action. 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 request in your comment that we withhold your personal identifying VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:40 Sep 09, 2016 Jkt 238001 information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will not consider anonymous comments. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be made available for public disclosure in their entirety. Authority We provide this notice under section 10(c) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.22) and NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). Joy E. Nicholopoulos, Regional Director, Southwest Region, Albuquerque, New Mexico. [FR Doc. 2016–21412 Filed 9–9–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLORE00000.L63340000.AL0000. 16XL1109AF. HAG 16–0214] Notice of Public Meeting for the Northwest Oregon Resource Advisory Council Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Northwest Oregon Resource Advisory Council (RAC) will meet as indicated below. DATES: The RAC will meet on Thursday through Friday, October 13–14, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday, October 20, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The RAC members will review and select Secure Rural Schools Title II project proposals for the counties in Northwest Oregon. They will also receive an overview of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Western Oregon Resource Management Plans (RMP) and consider recreation subcommittee work. The October 14 and 20 meetings will be held at the BLM Salem District Office, 1717 Fabry Rd SE., Salem, OR 97306. The October 13 meeting will be held at the BLM Eugene District Office, 3106 Pierce Parkway Suite E, Springfield, OR 97477. The public comment period will occur from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. each meeting day. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Velez, Coordinator for the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 62759 Northwest Oregon RAC, 1717 Fabry Road SE., Salem, OR 97306, (541) 222– 9241, jvelez@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 individuals 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 individuals. You will receive a reply during normal business hours. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The fifteen-member Northwest Oregon RAC was chartered to serve in an advisory capacity concerning the planning and management of the public land resources located within the BLM’s Salem and Eugene Districts. Members represent an array of stakeholder interests in the land and resources from within the local area and statewide. Planned agenda items include reviewing and voting on Secure Rural Schools project submissions for each county in Northwest Oregon. On each day of the three day meeting, members of the public will have the opportunity to make comments to the RAC during a public comment period. All advisory committee meetings are open to the public. Persons wishing to make comments during the public comment period should register in person with the BLM, at the meeting location, preceding that meeting day’s comment period. Depending on the number of persons wishing to comment, the length of comments may be limited. The public may send written comments to the RAC at the Salem District office, 1717 Fabry Road SE., Salem, OR 97306. The BLM appreciates all comments. Kim Titus, Salem District Manager. [FR Doc. 2016–21821 Filed 9–9–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–33–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLORM00000.L63100000.HD0000. 16XL1116AF; HAG 16–0210] Notice of Public Meeting for the Southwest Oregon Resource Advisory Council Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, and the U.S. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\12SEN1.SGM 12SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 176 (Monday, September 12, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62758-62759]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21412]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R2-ES-2016-N129; FXES11120200000-167-FF02ENEH00]


Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for the 
American Burying Beetle, From American Electric Power, and Availability 
of Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for public comments.

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

SUMMARY: Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), 
we, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an 
application for an incidental take permit (ITP) and a proposed habitat 
conservation plan (HCP) from American Electric Power in Pittsburg 
County, Oklahoma. Our low-effect screening form (LESF), which supports 
a categorical exclusion for the HCP under the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA), is also available for review. The requested permit, 
which would be in effect for a period of 3 years, if granted, would 
authorize incidental take of the American burying beetle resulting from 
the construction of two segments of the Talawanda to McAlester electric 
transmission line.

DATES: Comments: To ensure consideration, please send your written 
comments by October 12, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Obtaining Documents:
     Internet: You may obtain copies of the draft low-effect 
screening form and draft HCP on the Service's Web site at https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/Oklahoma/.
     U.S. Mail: Field Supervisor, Oklahoma Ecological Services 
Field Office, 9014 East 21st Street, Tulsa, OK 74129; telephone 918-
382-4500. Please note that your request is in reference to the American 
Electric Power (AEP) LEHCP (TE01909C).
     In-Person: Copies of the draft low-effect screening form 
and draft HCP are also available for public inspection and review at 
the following locations, by appointment and written request only, 8 
a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:
    [cir] Department of the Interior, Natural Resources Library, 1849 C 
St. NW., Washington, DC 20240.
    [cir] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 500 Gold Avenue SW., Room 
6034, Albuquerque, NM 87201.
    [cir] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 9014 East 21st St., Tulsa, OK 
74129; 918-382-4500 (phone); or 918-581-7467 (fax).
    Persons wishing to review the application may obtain a copy by 
writing to the Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. 
Box 1306, Room 4102, Albuquerque, NM 87103, Attention: Branch Chief, 
Environmental Review.
    Comment submission: You may submit written comments by one of the 
following methods:
     Electronically: fw2_hcp_permits@fws.gov.
     By hard copy: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 9014 East 
21st St., Tulsa, OK 74129; calling 918-382-4500; or faxing 918-581-
7467.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonna Polk, Field Supervisor, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, 9014 East 21st St., Tulsa, OK 74129; or by 
telephone at 918-382-4500.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), we 
have received an application for an ITP and a proposed HCP from AEP in 
Pittsburg County, Oklahoma. Our LESF, which supports a categorical 
exclusion for the HCP under NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.), is also 
available for review. The requested permit, which would be in effect 
for a period of 3 years, if granted, would authorize incidental take of 
the American burying beetle resulting from the construction of two 
segments of the Talawanda to McAlester electric transmission line.
    Under NEPA, we advise the public that we have gathered the 
information necessary to determine impacts related to potential 
issuance of an ITP and have determined that the proposed action 
qualifies as a low-effect HCP and is categorically excluded from the 
NEPA process; and
    In addition, the applicant has developed and proposes to implement

[[Page 62759]]

its draft HCP, as part of the application for an ITP, which describes 
the measures the applicant has agreed to take to avoid, minimize, and 
mitigate the effects of the incidental take of American burying beetles 
(Nicrophorus americanus; ABB; covered species) to the maximum extent 
practicable pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act.
    The requested permit would authorize incidental take of the ABB as 
a result of the construction of two segments along 2.11 miles of the 
Talawanda to McAlester transmission line in Pittsburg County, OK 
(Permit Area), as a result of activities associated with the 
applicant's construction and maintenance activities (covered 
activities). Such actions may require disturbance within potential 
American burying beetle habitat. American Electric Power has proposed 
to mitigate the impacts to 13.07 acres of suitable habitat for the 
American burying beetle, including 10.42 acres of temporary impacts, 
2.65 acres of permanent cover change (changing of vegetative 
successional stage, but remaining as suitable ABB habitat), and 0.006 
acres of permanent change (changing of ABB habitat from suitable to 
non-suitable). These habitat acres will be mitigated in perpetuity 
according to Service-approved mitigation ratios through the purchase of 
credits at an approved conservation bank for ABB. Additionally, 
avoidance and minimization measures will be implemented including 
limiting clearing in temporary work areas, relief of soil compaction, 
and revegetation of temporary and permanent cover change impacts with 
native vegetation after construction is completed.
    Section 9 of the Act and its implementing regulations prohibit 
``take'' of fish and wildlife species listed as threatened or 
endangered under section 4 of the Act. However, section 10(a) of the 
Act authorizes us to issue permits to take listed wildlife species 
where such take is incidental to, and not the purpose of, otherwise 
lawful activities and where the applicant meets certain statutory 
requirements.

Public Availability of Comments

    Written comments we receive become part of the public record 
associated with this action. 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 request in your comment that we withhold 
your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot 
guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will not consider anonymous 
comments. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from 
individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of 
organizations or businesses, will be made available for public 
disclosure in their entirety.

Authority

    We provide this notice under section 10(c) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.22) and NEPA 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (40 CFR 
1506.6).

Joy E. Nicholopoulos,
Regional Director, Southwest Region, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 2016-21412 Filed 9-9-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

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