Jordan Cove Energy Project, L.P.; Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline, L.P.; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Planned Jordan Cove LNG Terminal and Pacific Connector Pipeline Projects, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and Notice of Public Scoping Sessions; Correction, 28837-28845 [2017-13271]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 121 (Monday, June 26, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28837-28845]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-13271]



[[Page 28837]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. PF17-4-000]


Jordan Cove Energy Project, L.P.; Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline, 
L.P.; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for 
the Planned Jordan Cove LNG Terminal and Pacific Connector Pipeline 
Projects, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and Notice of 
Public Scoping Sessions; Correction

    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or 
Commission) will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) that 
will discuss the impacts of the planned Jordan Cove LNG Terminal and 
Pacific Connector Pipeline Projects (collectively referred to as the 
Project). The FERC is the lead federal agency for the preparation of 
the EIS. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Department of 
Energy (DOE), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Reclamation 
(Reclamation), U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service), and the Bonneville 
Power Administration (BPA) are Cooperating Agencies and can adopt the 
EIS for their respective purposes and permitting actions.
    Jordan Cove Energy Project, L.P. (JCEP) plans to construct and 
operate a liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, storage, and export 
facility in Coos County, Oregon. Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline, L.P. 
(PCGP) plans to construct and operate an interstate natural gas 
transmission pipeline and associated facilities in Coos, Douglas, 
Jackson, and Klamath Counties, Oregon. The Commission will use this EIS 
in its decision-making process to determine whether the Jordan Cove LNG 
Terminal is in the public interest and the Pacific Connector Pipeline 
is in the public convenience and necessity. Other federal agencies may 
adopt the EIS when making their respective determinations or decisions.
    This notice announces the opening of the public comment period, 
commonly referred to as scoping. You can make a difference by providing 
your comments. Your comments should focus on potential environmental 
impacts, reasonable alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen 
environmental impacts. This scoping opportunity is for the entire 
Project, including actions and proposed plan amendments of the 
Cooperating Agencies listed above. The Forest Service also seeks 
comments specific to the 2012 planning rule requirements at Sec. Sec.  
219.8 through 219.11 that are likely to be directly related to the 
proposed amendments. To ensure that your comments are timely and 
properly recorded, please send your comments so that the Commission 
receives them in Washington, DC on or before July 10, 2017.
    If you submitted comments on this project before February 10, 2017, 
you will need to refile those comments in FERC Docket No. PF17-4-000 to 
ensure they are considered as part of this proceeding. If you sent 
comments on a previous iteration of this project, you will also need to 
refile those comments in FERC Docket No. PF17-4-000.
    This notice is being sent to the Commission's current environmental 
mailing list for the Project. State and local government 
representatives should notify their constituents of this project and 
encourage them to comment on their areas of concern.
    If you are a landowner receiving this notice, a PCGP company 
representative may contact you about the acquisition of an easement to 
construct, operate, and maintain the planned pipeline. The company 
would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement. However, if 
the Commission approves the project, that approval conveys with it the 
right of eminent domain. Therefore, if easement negotiations fail to 
produce an agreement, the pipeline company could initiate condemnation 
proceedings where compensation would be determined in accordance with 
state law.
    A fact sheet prepared by the FERC entitled An Interstate Natural 
Gas Facility On My Land? What Do I Need To Know? is available for 
viewing on the FERC Web site (www.ferc.gov). This fact sheet addresses 
a number of typically asked questions, including the use of eminent 
domain and how to participate in the Commission's proceedings.

Public Participation

    For your convenience, there are four methods you can use to submit 
your comments to the Commission. The Commission encourages electronic 
filing of comments and has expert staff available to assist you by 
phone at (202) 502-8258 or via email at FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. 
Please carefully follow these instructions so that your comments are 
properly recorded. If you include personal information along with your 
comments, please be aware that this information (address, phone number, 
and/or email address) would become publicly available in the 
Commission's eLibrary.
    You can file your comments electronically using the eComment 
feature on the Commission's Web site (www.ferc.gov) under the link to 
Documents and Filings. This is an easy method for submitting brief, 
text-only comments on a project;
    You can file your comments electronically by using the eFiling 
feature on the Commission's Web site (www.ferc.gov) under the link to 
Documents and Filings. With eFiling, you can provide comments in a 
variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your submission. 
New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking on 
``eRegister.'' If you are filing a comment on a particular project, 
please select ``Comment on a Filing'' as the filing type; or
    You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to the 
following address. Be sure to include docket number PF17-4-000 with 
your submission: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission, 888 First Street NE., Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426.
    In lieu of sending written or electronic comments, the Commission 
invites you to attend one the public scoping sessions its staff will 
conduct in the project area, scheduled as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Date and time                           Location
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, June 27, 2017, 4:00 p.m. to     Sunset Middle School, Library
 7:00 p.m.                                and Commons Rooms, 245 South
                                          Cammann Street, Coos Bay, OR
                                          97420.
Wednesday, June 28, 2017, 4:00 p.m. to   Umpqua Community College,
 7:00 p.m.                                Jackson Hall, Rooms 11 & 12,
                                          1140 Umpqua College Road,
                                          Roseburg, OR 97470.
Thursday, June 29, 2017, 4:00 p.m. to    Oregon Institute of Technology,
 7:00 p.m.                                College Union Building, Mt.
                                          Bailey and Mt. Theilsen Rooms,
                                          3201 Campus Drive, Klamath
                                          Falls, OR 97601.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 28838]]

    The primary goal of these scoping sessions is to have you identify 
the specific environmental issues and concerns that should be 
considered in the EIS to be prepared for this project. Individual 
verbal comments will be taken on a one-on-one basis with a court 
reporter. This format is designed to receive the maximum amount of 
verbal comments in a convenient way during the timeframe allotted.
    Each scoping session is scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
Pacific Daylight Time. There will be no formal presentation by 
Commission staff when the session opens. If you wish to provide 
comments, the Commission staff will issue numbers in the order of your 
arrival. Please see Appendix 2 \1\ for additional information on the 
session format and conduct expectations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The appendices referenced in this notice will not appear in 
the Federal Register. Copies of the appendices were sent to all 
those receiving this notice in the mail and are available at 
www.ferc.gov using the link called ``eLibrary'' or from the 
Commission's Public Reference Room, 888 First Street NE., 
Washington, DC 20426, or call (202) 502-8371. For instructions on 
connecting to eLibrary, refer to the last page of this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Your comments will be recorded by the court reporter (with FERC 
staff or representative present) and become part of the public record 
for this proceeding. Transcripts will be publicly available through the 
FERC's eLibrary system (see below for instructions on using eLibrary). 
If a significant number of people are interested in providing verbal 
comments, a time limit of 5 minutes may be implemented for each 
commenter.
    Verbal comments hold the same weight as written or electronically 
submitted comments. Although there will not be a formal presentation, 
Commission staff will be available throughout the comment session to 
answer your questions about the environmental review process.
    The submission of timely and specific comments, whether submitted 
in writing or orally at a scoping session, can affect a reviewer's 
ability to participate in a subsequent administrative or judicial 
review of BLM and/or Forest Service decisions. Comments concerning BLM 
and Forest Service actions submitted anonymously will be accepted and 
considered; however such anonymous submittals would not provide the 
commenters with standing to participate in administrative or judicial 
review of BLM and Forest Service decisions.

Summary of the Planned Project

    JCEP plans to construct and operate an LNG export terminal on the 
North Spit of Coos Bay in Coos County, Oregon. The terminal would 
include gas inlet facilities, a metering station, a gas conditioning 
plant, five liquefaction trains and associated equipment, two full-
containment LNG storage tanks, an LNG transfer line, LNG ship loading 
facilities, a marine slip, a marine offloading facility, a new access 
channel between the Coos Bay Navigation Channel and the new marine 
slip, and enhancements to the existing Coos Bay Navigation Channel at 
four turns. In addition, the terminal would include emergency and 
hazard, electrical, security, control, and support systems, 
administrative buildings, and a temporary workforce housing facility. 
The LNG terminal would be designed to liquefy about 1.04 billion cubic 
feet per day of LNG for export to markets across the Pacific Rim.
    PCGP plans to construct and operate an approximately 235-mile-long, 
36-inch-diameter interstate natural gas transmission pipeline and 
associated aboveground facilities. The pipeline would originate near 
Malin in Klamath County, Oregon, traverse Douglas and Jackson Counties, 
and terminate (at the LNG Terminal) in Coos County, Oregon. The 
pipeline would be capable of transporting about 1.2 billion cubic feet 
per day of natural gas. The associated aboveground facilities would 
include the new Klamath Compressor Station (61,500 horsepower) near 
Malin, Oregon; 3 new meter stations; 5 new pig launchers and receivers; 
17 mainline block valves; and a gas control communication system.
    The general locations of the Project facilities are shown on maps 
included in Appendix 1. In addition, PCGP provides detailed mapping of 
its pipeline route on its Web page at https://pacificconnectorgp.com/project-overview/.

Land Requirements for Construction

    About 530 acres of land would be disturbed by construction of the 
LNG Terminal. JCEP owns about 300 acres of this land, and the remaining 
230 acres would be leased from private landowners. Following 
construction, about 170 acres would be retained for operation of the 
LNG terminal facilities.
    About 5,060 acres of land would be disturbed by construction of the 
Pacific Connector Pipeline Project. Following construction, a 50-foot-
wide easement, totaling about 1,415 acres, would be permanently 
maintained for operation of the pipeline. The majority of the remaining 
3,620 acres disturbed by pipeline construction would be restored and 
returned to previous use, while about 25 acres would be maintained for 
a new compressor station and other new aboveground facilities. Land 
ownership of the approximately 235 miles of permanent pipeline 
operational easement is approximately 162 miles private land, 40 miles 
BLM, 31 miles Forest Service, and 2 miles Reclamation.

The EIS Process

    The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires the 
Commission to take into account the environmental impacts that could 
result from an action whenever it considers the authorization of LNG 
facilities under Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act and pipeline 
facilities under Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act. NEPA also requires 
the Commission to discover and address concerns the public may have 
about proposals. This process is commonly referred to as scoping. The 
main goal of the scoping process is to identify the important 
environmental issues the Commission's staff should focus on in the EIS. 
By this notice, the Commission requests public comments on the scope of 
issues to be addressed in the EIS. The FERC and the Cooperating 
Agencies will consider all filed comments during the preparation of the 
EIS.
    The EIS will discuss the impacts that could occur as a result of 
the construction and operation of the planned Project under these 
general headings:
     Geology and soils;
     water resources and wetlands;
     vegetation, fisheries, and wildlife;
     protected species;
     land use;
     socioeconomics;
     cultural resources;
     air quality and noise;
     public safety and reliability; and
     cumulative impacts.
    The FERC and the Cooperating Agencies will also evaluate reasonable 
alternatives to the planned project or portions thereof; and make 
recommendations on how to avoid or minimize impacts on the various 
resource areas.
    Although no formal application has been filed with FERC, FERC has 
already initiated a review of the project under the Commission's pre-
filing process. The purpose of the pre-filing process is to encourage 
early involvement of interested stakeholders and to identify and 
resolve issues before the FERC receives an application. As part of its 
pre-filing review, FERC has begun to contact interested federal and 
state agencies to discuss their involvement in the scoping process and 
the preparation of the EIS.
    As stated previously, the FERC will be the lead federal agency for 
the

[[Page 28839]]

preparation of the EIS. The USACE, BLM, Reclamation, and Forest Service 
all have NEPA responsibilities related to their respective permitting 
actions, and can adopt the EIS for their own agency's purposes. The 
BLM, Reclamation, and Forest Service intend to adopt this EIS to 
evaluate the effects of the pipeline portion of the Project on lands 
and facilities managed by each respective agency, and to support 
decision-making regarding the issuance of and concurrence with the 
right-of-way grant and the associated plan amendments.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ BLM land management plans are called ``Resource Management 
Plans'' or RMPs. Forest Service land management plans are called 
``Land and Resource Management Plans'' or LRMPs. The term ``land 
management plan'' is generic and may apply to either an RMP or LRMP.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The EIS will present the FERC's and the Cooperating Agencies' 
independent analysis of the issues. The FERC will publish and 
distribute the draft EIS for public comment. After the comment period, 
the FERC and the Cooperating Agencies will consider all timely comments 
and revise the document, as necessary, before issuing a final EIS. To 
ensure the FERC and the Cooperating Agencies have the opportunity to 
consider and address your comments, please carefully follow the 
instructions in the Public Participation section.
    With this notice, the FERC is asking agencies with jurisdiction by 
law and/or special expertise with respect to environmental issues 
related to this project to formally cooperate with us in the 
preparation of the EIS.\3\ Agencies that would like to request 
cooperating agency status should follow the instructions for filing 
comments provided in the Public Participation section.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ The Council on Environmental Quality regulations addressing 
cooperating agency responsibilities are at Title 40, Code of Federal 
Regulations, Part 1501.6.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consultations Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation 
Act

    In accordance with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's 
implementing regulations for section 106 of the National Historic 
Preservation Act, this notice initiates consultation with Oregon's 
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and solicits its views and 
those of other government agencies, interested Indian tribes, and the 
public on the Project's potential effects on historic properties.\4\ 
The project-specific Area of Potential Effects (APE) will be defined in 
consultation with the SHPO as the Project develops. On natural gas 
facility projects, the APE at a minimum encompasses all areas subject 
to ground disturbance (examples include LNG terminal site, pipeline 
construction work area, contractor/equipment storage yards, and access 
roads). The EIS for this Project will document the findings on the 
impacts on historic properties and summarize the status of 
consultations under section 106.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation regulations 
are at Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 800. Those 
regulations define historic properties as any prehistoric or 
historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in 
or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic 
Places.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Currently Identified Environmental Issues

    The Commission's environmental staff has already identified several 
issues that merit attention based on a preliminary review of the 
planned facilities, the environmental information provided by the 
applicants, analysis conducted previously, and early comments filed 
with FERC. This preliminary list of issues may change based on your 
comments and further analysis. Preliminary issues include:
    Reliability and safety of LNG carrier traffic in Coos Bay, the LNG 
terminal, and natural gas pipeline;
    impacts on aquatic resources from dredging the LNG terminal access 
channel and slip, and from multiple pipeline crossings of surface 
waters;
    potential impacts on the LNG Terminal resulting from an earthquake 
or tsunami;
    impacts of pipeline construction on federally listed threatened and 
endangered species, including salmon, marbled murrelet, and northern 
spotted owl; and
    impacts of pipeline construction on private landowners, including 
use of eminent domain to obtain right-of-way.

Preliminary Planning Criteria Identified by the BLM

    The BLM Preliminary Planning Criteria for its proposed land 
management plan amendments include:
    Impacts to stand function for listed species, specifically northern 
spotted owl and marbled murrelet in BLM-managed Late Successional 
Reserves (LSR); and
    consent by the Federal surface managing agencies, Forest Service 
and Reclamation.

Preliminary Issues and Planning Criteria Identified by the Forest 
Service

    The Forest Service has identified preliminary issues for its 
proposed land and resource management plan (LRMP) amendments. The 
issues include:
    Effects of proposed amendments on Survey and Manage species and 
their habitat;
    effects of the proposed amendments on LSRs; and
    effects of the proposed amendments on Riparian Reserves, 
detrimental soil conditions, and Visual Quality Objectives.

Planning Rule Requirements for LRMP Amendments

    The Forest Service seeks public input on issues and planning rule 
requirements on proposed amendments of their Forest land management 
plans related to the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project. Additional 
information regarding the proposed amendments is included at the end of 
this NOI.

Proposed Actions of the BLM

    The purpose of and need for the proposed action by the BLM is to 
respond to a right-of-way grant application originally submitted by 
Pacific Connector L.P. to construct, operate, maintain, and eventually 
decommission a natural gas pipeline that crosses lands and facilities 
administered by the BLM, Reclamation, and Forest Service. In addition, 
there is a need for the BLM to consider amending affected District land 
management plans to make provision for the Pacific Connector right-of-
way. Additional detail on proposed actions by the BLM is provided at 
the end of this NOI.

Proposed Actions of the Forest Service

    The purpose of and need for the proposed action by the Forest 
Service is to consider amending affected National Forest land 
management plans to make provision for the Pacific Connector right-of-
way. The Responsible Official for amendment of Forest Service LRMPs is 
the Forest Supervisor of the Umpqua National Forest. If the Forest 
Service adopts the FERC EIS for the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project 
(in FERC Docket No. PF17-4-000), the Forest Supervisor of the Umpqua 
National Forest will make the following decisions and determinations:
    Decide whether to amend the LRMPs of the Umpqua, Rogue River, and 
Winema National Forests as proposed or as described in an alternative.
    Additional detail on proposed actions by the Forest Service is 
provided at the end of this NOI.

Environmental Mailing List

    The environmental mailing list includes Federal, State, and local 
government representatives and agencies; elected officials; 
environmental and public interest groups; Native American Tribes; other 
interested parties; and local libraries

[[Page 28840]]

and newspapers. This list also includes all affected landowners (as 
defined in the Commission's regulations), whose property may be used 
temporarily for project purposes, or who own homes within certain 
distances of aboveground facilities, and anyone who submits comments on 
the Project. The FERC will update the environmental mailing list as the 
analysis proceeds to ensure that the information related to this 
environmental review is sent to all individuals, organizations, and 
government entities interested in and/or potentially affected by the 
planned project.
    Copies of the draft EIS will be sent to the environmental mailing 
list for public review and comment. If you would prefer to receive a 
paper copy of the document instead of a compact disc or would like to 
remove your name from the mailing list, please return the attached 
Information Request (Appendix 2).

Becoming an Intervenor

    Once JCEP and PCGP file applications with the Commission, you may 
want to become an ``intervenor,'' which is an official party to the 
Commission's proceeding. Intervenors play a more formal role in the 
process and are able to file briefs, appear at hearings, and be heard 
by the courts if they choose to appeal the Commission's final ruling. 
An intervenor formally participates in the proceeding by filing a 
request to intervene. Motions to intervene are more fully described at 
https://www.ferc.gov/resources/guides/how-to/intervene.asp. Instructions 
for becoming an intervenor are in the ``Document-less Intervention 
Guide'' under the ``e-filing'' link on the Commission's Web site. 
Please note that the Commission will not accept requests for intervenor 
status at this time. You must wait until the Commission receives a 
formal application for the project.

BLM Administrative Remedy Process

    Under the provisions of 43 CFR 1610.5-2, proposed decision(s) of 
the BLM to amend land management plans are subject to protest with the 
Director of the BLM following publication of the Final EIS. In 
accordance with 43 CFR, part 4, the BLM's decision on the application 
for a right-of-way grant will be subject to appeal to the Interior 
Board of Land Appeals.

Administrative Review of Forest Service Decisions To Amend Land 
Management Plans

    The proposed Forest Service plan amendments are being developed in 
accordance with the planning regulations at 36 CFR 219 (2012). 
Decisions by the Forest Service to approve ``plan level'' amendments to 
Land Management Plans (proposed amendments UNF-4 and RRNF-7 in this 
Notice) are subject to the Pre-Decisional Administrative Review Process 
Regulations at 36 CFR 219 subpart B. The term ``plan level'' refers to 
plan amendments that would apply to future management actions.
    Decisions by the Forest Service to approve ``project-specific'' 
plan amendments (proposed amendments UNF-1 thru 3, RRNF-2 thru 6, and 
WNF-1 thru 5 in this Notice) are subject to the Administrative Review 
Process of 36 CFR 218 Subpart A and B, in accordance with 36 CFR 219.59 
(b). The term ``project specific'' refers to amendments that would only 
apply to the proposed project and would not apply to any future 
management actions.
    The Forest Service concurrence to BLM to issue a right-of-way grant 
would not be a decision subject to the NEPA and, therefore, would not 
be subject to the Forest Service administrative review procedures.

Additional Information

    Additional information about the Project is available from the 
Commission's Office of External Affairs, at (866) 208-FERC, or on the 
FERC Web site (www.ferc.gov) using the eLibrary link. Click on the 
eLibrary link, click on ``General Search'' and enter the docket number, 
excluding the last three digits in the Docket Number field (i.e., PF17-
4). Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For 
assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at 
FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at (866) 208-3676, or for TTY, 
contact (202) 502-8659. The eLibrary link also provides access to the 
texts of formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, 
notices, and rulemakings.
    In addition, the Commission offers a free service called 
eSubscription which allows you to keep track of all formal issuances 
and submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time 
you spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with 
notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to 
the documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp.
    Finally, public meetings or site visits will be posted on the 
Commission's calendar located at www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx along with other related information.

    Dated: June 9, 2017.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.

BLM Proposed Actions and Forest Service Planning Rule Requirements

Forest Service Planning Rule Requirements for LRMP Amendments

    The Forest Service seeks public input on issues and planning rule 
requirements on proposed amendments of their Forest land management 
plans related to the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project. On December 
15, 2016 the Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Natural 
Resources and Environment issued a final rule that amended the 36 CFR 
219 regulations pertaining to National Forest System Land Management 
Planning (the planning rule) (81 FR 90723, 90737). The amendment to the 
219 planning rule clarified the Department's direction for amending 
LRMPs. The Department also added a requirement for amending a plan for 
the responsible official to provide in the initial notice ``which 
substantive requirements of Sec. Sec.  219.8 through 219.11 are likely 
to be directly related to the amendment'' (36 CFR 219.13(b)(2), 81 FR 
at 90738). Whether a rule provision is directly related to an amendment 
is determined by any one of the following: The purpose for the 
amendment, a beneficial effect of the amendment, a substantial adverse 
effect of the amendment, or a lessening of plan protections by the 
amendment. The proposed Forest Service plan amendments described below 
(under Amendments of Forest Service Land Management Plans), include a 
description of the ``substantive requirements of Sec. Sec.  219.8 
through 219.11'' that are likely to be directly related to each 
amendment.

Proposed Actions of the BLM

    The purpose of and need for the proposed action by the BLM is to 
respond to a right-of-way grant application originally submitted by 
Pacific Connector L.P. to construct, operate, maintain, and eventually 
decommission a natural gas pipeline that crosses lands and facilities 
administered by the BLM, Reclamation, and Forest Service. In addition, 
there is a need for the BLM to consider amending affected District land 
management plans to make provision for the Pacific Connector right-of-
way.
    The proposed action of the BLM has two components. First, the BLM 
would amend the Northwestern and Coastal Oregon ROD/RMP and the 
Southwestern Oregon ROD/RMP. The

[[Page 28841]]

BLM would consider one or more amendments to:
    Make changes to land use allocations along the Pacific Connector 
Gas Pipeline route;
    Make changes to the management direction for Late Successional 
Reserves (LSR) specifically where the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline 
route crosses LSR, for this project only;
    Consider designating a utility corridor coinciding with the Pacific 
Connector Gas Pipeline route;
    Make changes to the right-of-way Avoidance Areas specifically where 
the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline route would cross these areas.
    Second, in accordance with 43 CFR 2882.3(i), the BLM would consider 
a right-of-way grant in response to Pacific Connector's application for 
the project to occupy federal lands, with the written concurrence of 
the Forest Service and Reclamation. Each agency may submit specific 
stipulations, including mitigation measures, for inclusion in the 
right-of-way grant related to lands, facilities, and easements within 
their respective jurisdictions.
    The Secretary of the Interior has delegated to the BLM the 
authority, under the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, to grant a right-of-
way in response to Pacific Connector's application for a natural gas 
transmission pipeline across federal lands, with consent of affected 
surface managing agencies. The Responsible Official for amendments of 
BLM RMPs and issuance of the right-of-way grant, should one be issued, 
is the BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. Reclamation's Responsible 
Official for concurrence of the right-of-way grant, if issued by BLM, 
is the Area Manager of the Mid-Pacific Region's Klamath Basin Area 
Office.
    If the BLM adopts the FERC EIS for the Pacific Connector Pipeline 
Project (in FERC Docket No. PF17-4-000), the Oregon/Washington State 
Director of the BLM would use this EIS in the decision-making process 
to:
    Grant, grant with conditions, or deny the right-of-way application, 
and;
    Consider associated amendments to the Northwestern and Coastal 
Oregon ROD/RMP and the Southwestern Oregon ROD/RMP where the Project 
does not conform to these plans.

Proposed Actions of the Forest Service

    The purpose of and need for the proposed action by the Forest 
Service is to consider amending affected National Forest land 
management plans to make provision for the Pacific Connector right-of-
way. The Responsible Official for amendment of Forest Service LRMPs is 
the Forest Supervisor of the Umpqua National Forest. If the Forest 
Service adopts the FERC EIS for the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project 
(in FERC Docket No. PF17-4-000), the Forest Supervisor of the Umpqua 
National Forest will make the following decisions and determinations:
    Decide whether to amend the LRMPs of the Umpqua, Rogue River, and 
Winema National Forests as proposed or as described in an alternative.

Amendment of Forest Service Land Management Plans

FS-1--Project-Specific Amendment To Exempt Management Recommendations 
for Survey and Manage Species on the Umpqua National Forest, Rogue 
River National Forest, and Winema National Forest LRMPs
    Applicable National Forest LRMPs would be amended to exempt certain 
known sites within the area of the proposed Pacific Connector right-of-
way grant from the Management Recommendations required by the 2001 
``Record of Decision and Standards and Guidelines for Amendments to the 
Survey and Manage, Protection Buffer, and other Mitigation Measures 
Standards and Guidelines. For known sites within the proposed right-of-
way that cannot be avoided, the 2001 Management Recommendations for 
protection of known sites of Survey and Manage species would not apply. 
For known sites located outside the proposed right-of-way but with an 
overlapping protection buffer only that portion of the buffer within 
the right-of-way would be exempt from the protection requirements of 
the Management Recommendations. Those Management Recommendations would 
remain in effect for that portion of the protection buffer that is 
outside of the right of way. The proposed amendment would not exempt 
the Forest Service from the requirements of the 2001 Survey and Manage 
Record of Decision, as modified, to maintain species persistence for 
affected Survey and Manage species within the range of the northern 
spotted owl. This is a project-specific plan amendment applicable only 
to the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project and would not change future 
management direction for any other project. The amendment would provide 
an exception from these standards for the Pacific Connector Project and 
include specific mitigation measures and project design requirements 
for the project.
    The 36 CFR 219 planning rule requirements that are likely to be 
directly related to this amendment include:
    Sec.  219.9(a)(2)(ii)--[the plan must include plan components to 
maintain or restore] ``Rare aquatic and terrestrial plant and animal 
communities.''
    Sec.  219.9(b)(1)--The responsible official shall determine whether 
or not the plan components required by paragraph (a) provide ecological 
conditions necessary to: . . . maintain viable populations of each 
species of conservation concern within the plan area.
    If this proposed amendment is determined to be directly related to 
the substantive rule requirements, the Responsible Official must apply 
those requirements within the scope and scale of the amendment and, if 
necessary, make adjustments to the amendment to meet these rule 
requirements (36 CFR 219.13 (b)(5) and (6)).

Amendment of the Umpqua National Forest LRMP

UNF-1--Project-Specific Amendment To Allow Removal of Effective Shade 
on Perennial Streams:
    The Umpqua National Forest LRMP would be amended to exempt the 
Standards and Guidelines for Fisheries (Umpqua National Forest LRMP, 
page IV-33, Forest-Wide) to allow the removal of effective shading 
vegetation where perennial streams are crossed by the Pacific Connector 
right-of-way. This change would potentially affect an estimated total 
of three acres of effective shading vegetation at approximately five 
perennial stream crossings in the East Fork of Cow Creek subwatershed 
from pipeline mileposts (MP) 109 to 110 in Sections 16 and 21, T.32S., 
R.2W., W.M., OR. The amendment would provide an exception from these 
standards for the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project and include 
specific mitigation measures and project design requirements for the 
project. This is a project-specific plan amendment applicable only to 
the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project and would not change future 
management direction for any other project.
    The 36 CFR 219 planning rule requirements that are likely to be 
directly related to this amendment include: Sec.  219.8(a)(3)(i)--The 
plan must include plan components ``to maintain or restore the 
ecological integrity of riparian areas in the plan area, including plan 
components to maintain or restore structure, function, composition, and 
connectivity.''

[[Page 28842]]

UNF-2--Project-Specific Amendment To Allow the Pacific Connector 
Pipeline Project in Riparian Areas:
    The Umpqua National Forest LRMP would be amended to change 
prescriptions C2-II (LRMP IV-173) and C2-IV (LRMP IV-177) to allow the 
Pacific Connector pipeline route to run parallel to the East Fork of 
Cow Creek for approximately 0.1 mile between about pipeline MPs 109.5 
and 109.6 in Section 21, T.32S., R.2W., W.M., OR. This change would 
potentially affect approximately one acre of riparian vegetation along 
the East Fork of Cow Creek. The amendment would provide an exception 
from these standards for the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project and 
include specific mitigation measures and project design requirements 
for the project. This is a project-specific plan amendment applicable 
only to the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project and would not change 
future management direction for any other project.
    The 36 CFR 219 planning rule requirements that are likely to be 
directly related to this amendment include: Sec.  219.8(a)(3)(i)--The 
plan must include plan components to ``maintain or restore the 
ecological integrity of riparian areas in the plan area, including plan 
components to maintain or restore structure, function, composition, and 
connectivity.''
UNF-3--Project-Specific Amendment To Exempt Limitations on Detrimental 
Soil Conditions Within the Pacific Connector Right-of-Way in All 
Management Areas
    The Umpqua National Forest LRMP would be amended to exempt 
limitations on the area affected by detrimental soil conditions from 
displacement and compaction within the Pacific Connector right-of-way. 
Standards and Guidelines for Soils (LRMP page IV-67) requires that not 
more than 20 percent of the project area have detrimental compaction, 
displacement, or puddling after completion of a project. The amendment 
would provide an exception from these standards for the Pacific 
Connector Pipeline Project and include specific mitigation measures and 
project design requirements for the project. This is a project-specific 
plan amendment applicable only to the Pacific Connector Pipeline 
Project and would not change future management direction for any other 
project.
    The 36 CFR 219 planning rule requirements that are likely to be 
directly related to this amendment include: Sec.  219.8(a)(2)(ii)--[The 
plan must include plan components to maintain or restore] soils and 
soil productivity, including guidance to reduce soil erosion and 
sedimentation.
UNF-4--Reallocation of Matrix Lands to LSR
    The Umpqua National Forest LRMP would be amended to change the 
designation of approximately 588 acres from Matrix land allocations to 
the LSR land allocation in Sections 7, 18, and 19, T.32S., R.2W.; and 
Sections 13 and 24, T.32S., R.3W., W.M., OR. This change in land 
allocation is proposed to partially mitigate the potential adverse 
impact of the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project on LSR 223 on the 
Umpqua National Forest. This is a plan level amendment that would 
change future management direction for the lands reallocated from 
Matrix to LSR.
    The 36 CFR 219 planning rule requirements that are likely to be 
directly related to this amendment include:
    Sec.  219.8(a)(1)(i)--[the plan must include plan components to 
maintain or restore] Interdependence of terrestrial and aquatic 
ecosystems in the plan area.
    Sec.  219.8(b)(1)--[the plan must include plan components to guide 
the plan area's contribution to social and economic sustainability] 
social, cultural and economic conditions relevant to the area 
influenced by the plan.
    Sec.  219.9(b)(1) ``The responsible official shall determine 
whether or not the plan components required by paragraph (a) of this 
section provide the ecological conditions necessary to: contribute to 
the recovery of federally listed threatened and endangered species, 
conserve proposed and candidate species, and maintain a viable 
population of each species of conservation concern within the plan 
area,'' and
    Sec.  219.9(a)(2)(ii)--[the plan must include plan components to 
maintain or restore] ``Rare aquatic and terrestrial plant and animal 
communities.''
    If any of the proposed amendments to the Umpqua NF LRMP described 
above are determined to be ``directly related'' to a substantive rule 
requirement, the Responsible Official must apply that requirement 
within the scope and scale of the proposed amendment and, if necessary, 
make adjustments to the proposed amendment to meet the rule requirement 
(36 CFR 219.13 (b)(5) and (6)).

Amendment of the Rogue River National Forest LRMP

RRNF-2--Project Specific Amendment of Visual Quality Objectives (VQO) 
on the Big Elk Road
    The Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be amended to change the 
VQO where the Pacific Connector pipeline route crosses the Big Elk Road 
at about pipeline MP 161.4 in Section 16, T.37S., R.4E., W.M., OR, from 
Foreground Retention (Management Strategy 6, LRMP page 4-72) to 
Foreground Partial Retention (Management Strategy 7, LRMP page 4-86) 
and allow 10-15 years for amended VQO to be attained. The existing 
Standards and Guidelines for VQO in Foreground Retention where the 
Pacific Connector pipeline route crosses the Big Elk Road require that 
VQOs be met within one year of completion of the project and that 
management activities not be visually evident. The amendment would 
provide an exception from these standards for the Pacific Connector 
Pipeline Project and include specific mitigation measures and project 
design requirements for the project. This is a project-specific plan 
amendment that would apply only to the Pacific Connector Pipeline 
Project in the vicinity of Big Elk Road and would not change future 
management direction for any other project.
    The 36 CFR 219 planning rule requirements that are likely to be 
directly related to this amendment include:
    Sec.  219.10(a)(1)--[. . .the responsible official shall consider: 
. . .] (1) Aesthetic values,. . . scenery,. . . viewsheds. . . .
    Sec.  219.10(b)(i)--[the responsible official shall consider] 
Sustainable recreation; including recreation settings, opportunities, . 
. . and scenic character. . . .
RRNF-3--Project--Specific Amendment of VQO on the Pacific Crest Trail
    The Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be amended to change the 
VQO where the Pacific Connector pipeline route crosses the Pacific 
Crest Trail at about pipeline MP 168 in Section 32, T.37S., R.5E., 
W.M., OR, from Foreground Partial Retention (Management Strategy 7, 
LRMP page 4-86) to Modification (USDA Forest Service Agricultural 
Handbook 478) and to allow 15-20 years for amended VQOs to be attained. 
The existing Standards and Guidelines for VQOs in Foreground Partial 
Retention in the area where the Pacific Connector pipeline route 
crosses the Pacific Crest Trail require that visual

[[Page 28843]]

mitigation measures meet the stated VQO within three years of the 
completion of the project and that management activities be visually 
subordinate to the landscape. The amendment would provide an exception 
from these standards for the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project and 
include specific mitigation measures and project design requirements 
for the project. This is a project-specific plan amendment that would 
apply only to the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project in the vicinity of 
the Pacific Crest Trail and would not change future management 
direction for any other project.
    The 36 CFR 219 planning rule requirements that are likely to be 
directly related to this amendment include:
    Sec.  219.10(a)(1)--[. . .the responsible official shall consider: 
. . .] (1) Aesthetic values,. . . scenery,. . . viewsheds. . . .
    Sec.  219.10(b)(i)--[the responsible official shall consider] 
Sustainable recreation; including recreation settings, opportunities, . 
. . and scenic character. . . .
RRNF-4--Project-Specific Amendment of Visual Quality Objectives 
Adjacent to Highway 140
    The Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be amended to allow 10-
15 years to meet the VQO of Middleground Partial Retention between 
Pacific Connector pipeline MPs 156.3 to 156.8 and 157.2 to 157.5 in 
Sections 11 and 12, T.37S., R.3E., W.M., OR. Standards and Guidelines 
for Middleground Partial Retention (Management Strategy 9, LRMP Page 4-
112) require that VQOs for a given location be achieved within three 
years of completion of the project. Approximately 0.8 miles or 9 acres 
of the Pacific Connector right-of-way in the Middleground Partial 
Retention VQO visible at distances of 0.75 to 5 miles from State 
Highway 140 would be affected by this amendment. The amendment would 
provide an exception from these standards for the Pacific Connector 
Pipeline Project and include specific mitigation measures and project 
design requirements for the project. This is a project-specific plan 
amendment that would apply only to the Pacific Connector Pipeline 
Project in Sections 11 and 12, T.37S., R.3E., W.M., OR, and would not 
change future management direction for any other project.
    The 36 CFR 219 planning rule requirements that are likely to be 
directly related to this amendment include:
    Sec.  219.10(a)(1)--[. . .the responsible official shall consider: 
. . .] (1) Aesthetic values,. . . scenery,. . . viewsheds. . . .
    Sec.  219.10(b)(i)--[the responsible official shall consider] 
Sustainable recreation; including recreation settings, opportunities, . 
. . and scenic character. . . .
RRNF-5--Project-Specific Amendment To Allow the Pacific Connector 
Pipeline Project in Management Strategy 26, Restricted Riparian Areas
    The Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be amended to allow the 
Pacific Connector right-of-way to cross the Restricted Riparian land 
allocation. This would potentially affect approximately 2.5 acres of 
the Restricted Riparian Management Strategy at one perennial stream 
crossing on the South Fork of Little Butte Creek at about pipeline MP 
162.45 in Section 15, T.37S., R.4E., W.M., OR. Standards and Guidelines 
for the Restricted Riparian land allocation prescribe locating 
transmission corridors outside of this land allocation (Management 
Strategy 26, LRMP page 4-308,). The amendment would provide an 
exception from these standards for the Pacific Connector Pipeline 
Project and include specific mitigation measures and project design 
requirements for the project. This is a site-specific amendment 
applicable only to the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project and would not 
change future management direction for any other project.
    The 36 CFR 219 planning rule requirements that are likely to be 
directly related to this amendment include:
    Sec.  219.8(a)(3)(i)--The plan must include plan components to 
maintain or restore the ecological integrity of riparian areas in the 
plan area, including plan components to maintain or restore structure, 
function, composition, and connectivity
RRNF-6--Site-Specific Amendment To Exempt Limitations on Detrimental 
Soil Conditions Within the Pacific Connector Right-of-Way in All 
Management Areas
    The Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be amended to exempt 
limitations on areas affected by detrimental soil conditions from 
displacement and compaction within the Pacific Connector right-of-way 
in all affected Management Strategies. Standards and Guidelines for 
detrimental soil impacts in affected Management Strategies require that 
no more than 10 percent of an activity area should be compacted, 
puddled or displaced upon completion of project (not including 
permanent roads or landings). No more than 20 percent of the area 
should be displaced or compacted under circumstances resulting from 
previous management practices including roads and landings. Permanent 
recreation facilities or other permanent facilities are exempt (RRNF 
LRMP 4-41, 4-83, 4-97, 4-123, 4-177, 4-307). The amendment would 
provide an exception from these standards for the Pacific Connector 
Pipeline Project and include specific mitigation measures and project 
design requirements for the project. This is a project-specific plan 
amendment applicable only to the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project and 
would not change future management direction for any other project.
    The 36 CFR 219 planning rule requirements that are likely to be 
directly related to this amendment include:
    219.8(a)(2)(ii)--[The plan must include plan components to maintain 
or restore] soils and soil productivity, including guidance to reduce 
soil erosion and sedimentation.
RRNF-7--Reallocation of Matrix Lands to LSR
    The Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be amended to change the 
designation of approximately 512 acres from Matrix land allocations to 
the LSR land allocation in Section 32, T.36S., R.4E. W.M., OR. This 
change in land allocation is proposed to partially mitigate the 
potential adverse impact of the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project on 
LSR 227 on the Rogue River National Forest. This is a plan level 
amendment that would change future management direction for the lands 
reallocated from Matrix to LSR.
    The 36 CFR 219 planning rule requirements that are likely to be 
directly related to this amendment include:
    Sec.  219.8(a)(1)(i)--[the plan must include plan components to 
maintain or restore] Interdependence of terrestrial and aquatic 
ecosystems in the plan area.
    Sec.  219.8(b)(1)--[the plan must include plan components to guide 
the plan area's contribution to social and economic sustainability] 
Social, cultural and economic conditions relevant to the area 
influenced by the plan.
    Sec.  219.9(b)(1) The responsible official shall determine whether 
or not the plan components required by paragraph (a) of this section 
provide the ecological conditions necessary to: Contribute to the 
recovery of federally listed threatened and endangered species, 
conserve proposed and candidate species, and maintain a viable 
population of each species of

[[Page 28844]]

conservation concern within the plan area, and
    Sec.  219.9(a)(2)(ii)- [the plan must include plan components to 
maintain or restore: . . .] (ii) Rare aquatic and terrestrial plant and 
animal communities.
    If any of the proposed amendments to the Rogue River NF LRMP 
described above are determined to be ``directly related'' to a 
substantive rule requirement, the Responsible Official must apply that 
requirement within the scope and scale of the proposed amendment and, 
if necessary, make adjustments to the proposed amendment to meet the 
rule requirement (36 CFR 219.13 (b)(5) and (6)).

Amendment of the Winema National Forest LRMP

WNF-1--Project -Specific Amendment To Allow Pacific Connector Pipeline 
Project in Management Area 3
    The Winema National Forest LRMP would be amended to change the 
Standards and Guidelines for Management Area 3 (MA-3) (LRMP page 4-103-
4, Lands) to allow the 95-foot-wide Pacific Connector pipeline project 
in MA-3 from the Forest Boundary in Section 32, T.37S., R.5E., W.M., 
OR, to the Clover Creek Road corridor in Section 4, T.38S, R.5. E., 
W.M., OR. Standards and Guidelines for MA-3 state that the area is 
currently an avoidance area for new utility corridors. This proposed 
Pacific Connector Pipeline Project is approximately 1.5 miles long and 
occupies approximately 17 acres within MA-3. The amendment would 
provide an exception from these standards for the Pacific Connector 
Pipeline Project and include specific mitigation measures and project 
design requirements. This is a project-specific plan amendment 
applicable only to the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project and would not 
change future management direction for any other project.
    The 36 CFR 219 planning rule requirements that are likely to be 
directly related to this amendment include:
    Sec.  219.10(a)(1)--[the responsible official shall consider] 
Aesthetic values,. . . scenery,. . . viewsheds. . ..
    Sec.  219.10(b)(i)--[the responsible official shall consider] 
Sustainable recreation; including recreation settings, opportunities, . 
. . and scenic character . . . .
WNF-2--Project-Specific Amendment of VQO on the Dead Indian Memorial 
Highway
    The Winema National Forest LRMP would be amended to allow 10-15 
years to achieve the VQO of Foreground Retention where the Pacific 
Connector right-of-way crosses the Dead Indian Memorial Highway at 
approximately pipeline MP 168.8 in Section 33, T.37S., R.5E., W. M., 
OR. Standards and Guidelines for Scenic Management, Foreground 
Retention (LRMP 4-103, MA 3A, Foreground Retention) requires VQOs for a 
given location be achieved within one year of completion of the 
project. The Forest Service proposes to allow 10-15 years to meet the 
specified VQO at this location. The amendment would provide an 
exception from these standards for the Pacific Connector Pipeline 
Project and include specific mitigation measures and project design 
requirements for the project. This is a project-specific plan amendment 
that would apply only to the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project in the 
vicinity of the Dead Indian Memorial Highway and would not change 
future management direction for any other project.
    The 36 CFR 219 planning rule requirements that are likely to be 
directly related to this amendment include:
    Sec.  219.10(a)(1)--[. . .the responsible official shall consider: 
. . .] (1) Aesthetic values,. . . scenery,. . . viewsheds . . . .
    Sec.  219.10(b)(i)--[the responsible official shall consider] 
Sustainable recreation; including recreation settings, opportunities, . 
. . and scenic character . . . .
WNF-3--Project--Specific Amendment of VQO Adjacent to the Clover Creek 
Road
    The Winema National Forest LRMP would be amended to allow 10-15 
years to meet the VQO for Scenic Management, Foreground Partial 
Retention, where the Pacific Connector right-of-way is adjacent to the 
Clover Creek Road from approximately pipeline MP 170 to 175 in Sections 
2, 3, 4, 11, and 12, T.38S., R.5E., and Sections 7 and 18, T.38S., 
R.6E., W.M., OR. This change would potentially affect approximately 50 
acres. Standards and Guidelines for Foreground Partial Retention (LRMP, 
page 4-107, MA 3B) require that VQOs be met within three years of 
completion of a project. The amendment would provide an exception from 
these standards for the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project and include 
specific mitigation measures and project design requirements for the 
project. This is a project-specific plan amendment that would apply 
only to the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project in the vicinity of 
Clover Creek Road and would not change future management direction for 
any other project.
    The 36 CFR 219 planning rule requirements that are likely to be 
directly related to this amendment include:
    Sec.  219.10(a)(1)--[. . .the responsible official shall consider: 
. . .] (1) Aesthetic values,. . . scenery,. . . viewsheds . . . .
    Sec.  219.10(b)(i)--[the responsible official shall consider] 
Sustainable recreation; including recreation settings, opportunities, . 
. . and scenic character. . . .
WNF-4--Project--Specific Amendment To Exempt Limitations on Detrimental 
Soil Conditions Within the Pacific Connector Right-of-Way in All 
Management Areas
    The Winema National Forest LRMP would be amended to exempt 
restrictions on detrimental soil conditions from displacement and 
compaction within the Pacific Connector right-of-way in all affected 
management areas. Standards and Guidelines for detrimental soil impacts 
in all affected management areas require that no more than 20 percent 
of the activity area be detrimentally compacted, puddled, or displaced 
upon completion of a project (LRMP page 4-73, 12-5). The amendment 
would provide an exception from these standards for the Pacific 
Connector Pipeline Project and include specific mitigation measures and 
project design requirements for the project. This is a project-specific 
plan amendment applicable only to the Pacific Connector Pipeline 
Project and would not change future management direction for any other 
project.
    The 36 CFR 219 planning rule requirements that are likely to be 
directly related to this amendment include:
    Sec.  219.8(a)(2)(ii)--[The plan must include plan components to 
maintain or restore . . .] Soils and soil productivity, including 
guidance to reduce soil erosion and sedimentation
WNF-5--Project-Specific Amendment To Exempt Limitations on Detrimental 
Soil Conditions Within the Pacific Connector Right-of-Way in Management 
Area 8
    The Winema National Forest LRMP would be amended to exempt 
restrictions on detrimental soil conditions from displacement and 
compaction within the Pacific Connector right-of-way within the 
Management Area 8, Riparian Area (MA-8). This change would potentially 
affect approximately 0.5 mile or an

[[Page 28845]]

estimated 9.6 acres of MA-8. Standards and Guidelines for Soil and 
Water, MA-8 require that not more than 10 percent of the total riparian 
zone in an activity area be in a detrimental soil condition upon the 
completion of a project (LRMP page 4-137, 2). The amendment would 
provide an exception from these standards for the Pacific Connector 
Pipeline Project and include specific mitigation measures and project 
design requirements for the project. This is a project-specific plan 
amendment applicable only to the Pacific Connector Pipeline Project and 
would not change future management direction for any other project.
    The 36 CFR 219 planning rule requirements that are likely to be 
directly related to this amendment include:
    Sec.  219.8(a)(2)(ii)--[The plan must include plan components to 
maintain or restore . . .] ``Soils and soil productivity, including 
guidance to reduce soil erosion and sedimentation''
    If any of the proposed amendments to the Winema NF LRMP described 
above are determined to be directly related to a substantive rule 
requirement, the Responsible Official must apply that requirement 
within the scope and scale of the proposed amendment and, if necessary, 
make adjustments to the proposed amendment to meet the rule requirement 
(36 CFR 219.13 (b)(5) and (6)).

[FR Doc. 2017-13271 Filed 6-23-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P