Marine Mammals; Letters of Authorization To Take Pacific Walrus and Polar Bears in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, Alaska, in 2018, 14132-14133 [2019-06955]

Download as PDF 14132 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 68 / Tuesday, April 9, 2019 / Notices Dated: April 4, 2019. Madonna Baucum, Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2019–06944 Filed 4–8–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R7–ES–2019–N003; FF07CAMM00– FX–ES111607MRG01] Marine Mammals; Letters of Authorization To Take Pacific Walrus and Polar Bears in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, Alaska, in 2018 Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of issuance. AGENCY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued Letters of Authorization (LOA) for the nonlethal take of polar bears and Pacific walruses incidental to oil and gas industry exploration, development, and production activities in the Beaufort Sea and the adjacent northern coast of Alaska. This notice announces a list of the LOAs that were issued just prior to SUMMARY: and during 2018. The LOAs stipulate conditions and methods that minimize impacts to polar bears and Pacific walruses from these activities. No LOAs were requested or issued in 2018 for the nonlethal take of polar bears and Pacific walruses incidental to oil and gas industry exploration activities in the Chukchi Sea and adjacent western coast of Alaska. ADDRESSES: The Letters of Authorization listed in this notice are available electronically at the following location: https://www.fws.gov/alaska/fisheries/ mmm/itr.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Christopher Putnam at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management Office, 1011 East Tudor Road, MS 341, Anchorage, Alaska 99503; 800–362–5148 or 907–786–3844. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 5, 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published in the Federal Register a final rule (81 FR 52276) establishing regulations that allow us to authorize the nonlethal, incidental, unintentional take of small numbers of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) during year-round oil and gas industry exploration, development, and production activities in the Beaufort Sea and adjacent northern coast of Alaska. The rule established subpart J in part 18 of title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and is effective through August 5, 2021. The rule prescribed a process under which we issue Letters of Authorization (LOAs) to applicants conducting activities as described under the provisions of the regulations. This rule replaced a similar rule, published on August 3, 2011 (76 FR 47010), which expired on August 3, 2016, and likewise prescribed a process under which we issued such LOAs. Each LOA stipulates conditions or methods that are specific to the activity and location. Holders of the LOAs must use methods and conduct activities in a manner that minimizes to the greatest extent practicable adverse impacts on Pacific walruses and polar bears and their habitat, and on the availability of these marine mammals for subsistence purposes. Intentional take and lethal incidental take are prohibited under these regulations. In accordance with section 101(a)(5)(A) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and our regulations at 50 CFR part 18, subpart J, in 2018 we issued LOAs to each of the following companies in the Beaufort Sea and adjacent northern coast of Alaska: BEAUFORT SEA LETTERS OF AUTHORIZATION Company Activity Project ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc .............. Peak Oilfield Service Company, LLC. Armstrong Energy, LLC ................... Oil Search Alaska, Inc ..................... Hilcorp Alaska, LLC ......................... ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc .............. Exploration ..... Support .......... Putu Exploration well ................................................................................. Coastal transportation services ................................................................. 17–12 18–01 Exploration ..... Exploration ..... Development .. Development .. 18–02 18–02 18–03 18–04 Exploration ..... Remediation ... Exploration ..... Remediation ... Remediation ... Pikka #2 exploration .................................................................................. Transfer of Armstrong’s LOA to Oil Search .............................................. Liberty geotech sampling .......................................................................... Seismic exploration and early development for GMT2 in the National Petroleum Reserve—Alaska (NPR–A). Yukon 3d seismic ...................................................................................... Oliktok remediation and coastal erosion study ......................................... Methane hydrate exploration on the North slope ..................................... Demolition of the Liberty rig ...................................................................... Kalubik Creek ............................................................................................ 18–05 18–06 18–07 18–08 18–09 Development .. Exploration ..... Development .. Exploration ..... Exploration ..... Exploration ..... Exploration ..... Nuna project .............................................................................................. Harrison Bay .............................................................................................. GMT–2 Development ................................................................................ 2018–2019 NPR–A Exploration & Appraisal Drilling Program ................. NPR–A geotech and weather station near Harrison Bay ......................... Staines 3D seismic project ........................................................................ Greater Prudhoe Bay 3D Seismic Survey ................................................ 18–10 18–11 18–12 18–13 18–14 18–15 18–16 amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with NOTICES SAExploration, Inc ........................... BEM Systems, Incorporated ............ Petrotechnical Resources of Alaska BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc ........... Chevron Environmental Management Company. Caelus Energy Alaska, LLC ............ ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc .............. ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc .............. ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc .............. ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc .............. SAExploration, Inc ........................... BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc ........... On June 12, 2013, we published in the Federal Register a final rule (78 FR 35364) establishing regulations that allowed us to authorize the nonlethal, incidental, unintentional take of small numbers of polar bears and Pacific walruses during year-round oil and gas industry exploration activities in the VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:15 Apr 08, 2019 Jkt 247001 Chukchi Sea and adjacent western coast of Alaska. The rule established 50 CFR part 18 subpart I and was effective until June 11, 2018. The process under which we issue LOAs to applicants and the requirements that the holders of the LOAs must follow is the same as described above for LOAs issued under PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 LOA No. 50 CFR part 18, subpart J. We issued no LOAs under the subpart I regulations in 2018 prior to their expiration on June 12, 2018. Authority: We issue this notice under the authority of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.). E:\FR\FM\09APN1.SGM 09APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 68 / Tuesday, April 9, 2019 / Notices Dated: February 13, 2019. Karen P. Clark, Acting Regional Director, Alaska Region. [FR Doc. 2019–06955 Filed 4–8–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R2–ES–2019–N037; FXES11140200000–190–FF02ENEH00] Draft Environmental Assessment and Habitat Conservation Plan; Davis Ranch, Bexar County, Texas; Correction Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for public comments; correction. AGENCY: On March 18, 2019, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announced via a Federal Register notice the availability of a draft environmental assessment (dEA) and habitat conservation plan (HCP) for development in Bexar County, Texas. Under the Endangered Species Act, the Davis McCrary Property Trust applied for an incidental take permit (ITP) that would authorize incidental take of the golden-cheeked warbler. Our Federal Register notice inadvertently did not give the correct permit number and did not specifically state how the public can submit comments. In this notice, we correct those errors. DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be received or postmarked on or before May 8, 2019. ADDRESSES: Accessing Documents: Internet: DEA, HCP, and ITP application: You may obtain electronic copies of all three of the documents on the Service’s website at https:// www.fws.gov/southwest/es/ AustinTexas/. U.S. Mail: You may obtain the documents at the following addresses. In your request for documents, please reference Davis Ranch HCP. • DEA and HCP: A limited number of CD–ROM and printed copies of the dEA and HCP are available, by request, from Mr. Adam Zerrenner, Austin Ecological Services Field Office, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78758– 4460; telephone 512–490–0057; fax 512–490–0974. • ITP Application: The ITP application is available by mail from the Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 1306, Room 6034, Albuquerque, NM 87103. In-Person: DEA and dHCP: Copies of the draft EA and HCP (but not the ITP amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:15 Apr 08, 2019 Jkt 247001 application) are available for public inspection and review, by appointment and written request only, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the following locations: • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 500 Gold Avenue SW, Room 6034, Albuquerque, NM 87102. • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78758. Submitting Comments: Regarding any of the documents available for review, you may submit written comments by one of the following methods. In your comments, please reference Davis Ranch HCP. • Electronically: Submit electronic comments to FW2_AUES_Consult@ fws.gov. • By Hard Copy: Mr. Adam Zerrenner, Austin Ecological Services Field Office, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78758–4460; telephone 512–490–0057; fax 512–490–0974. We request that you send comments by only one of the methods described above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Zerrenner, Field Supervisor, by mail at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78758; via phone at 512–490–0057; or via the Federal Relay Service at 800– 877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a March 18, 2019, Federal Register notice (84 FR 9806), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), made available the draft Environmental Assessment (dEA) and the Davis Ranch Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for development of a 724-acre property in Bexar County, Texas. The Davis McCrary Property Trust has applied to the Service for an incidental take permit (ITP) under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The requested ITP, which would be in effect for a period of 30 years, if granted, would authorize incidental take of the federally endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Setophaga (=Dendroica) chrysoparia). The proposed incidental take would result from activities associated with otherwise lawful activities, including commercial and residential development on the property as a result of clearing of vegetation, earth-moving activities, and construction of structures. Corrections In our March 18, 2019, notice (84 FR 9806), we did not provide the correct permit number. The correct permit number is TE33684D–0. PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 14133 We also wish to clarify how the public can submit comments. Please see Submitting Comments under ADDRESSES, above. Finally, while the original end date for the comment period was April 17, 2019, we are extending the comment period to May 8, 2019, because of the errors in our original notice. Authority We provide this notice under section 10(c) of the ESA and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.22 and 17.32) and the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). Stewart Jacks, Acting Regional Director, Southwest Region, Albuquerque, New Mexico. [FR Doc. 2019–06906 Filed 4–8–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLWY–957000–18–L13100000–PP0000] Filing of Plats of Survey, Wyoming Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of official filing. AGENCY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is scheduled to file plats of survey 30 calendar days from the date of this publication in the BLM Wyoming State Office, Cheyenne, Wyoming. The surveys, which were executed at the request of the BLM, are necessary for the management of these lands. DATES: Protests must be received by the BLM by May 9, 2019. ADDRESSES: You may submit written protests to the Wyoming State Director at WY957, Bureau of Land Management, 5353 Yellowstone Road, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82003. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sonja Sparks, BLM Wyoming Chief Cadastral Surveyor at 307–775–6225 or s75spark@blm.gov. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Relay Service at 1– 800–877–8339 to contact this office during normal business hours. The Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with this office. You will receive a reply during normal business hours. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The lands surveyed are: The plat and field notes representing the dependent resurvey of SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\09APN1.SGM 09APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 9, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14132-14133]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-06955]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R7-ES-2019-N003; FF07CAMM00-FX-ES111607MRG01]


Marine Mammals; Letters of Authorization To Take Pacific Walrus 
and Polar Bears in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, Alaska, in 2018

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of issuance.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, 
as amended, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued Letters of 
Authorization (LOA) for the nonlethal take of polar bears and Pacific 
walruses incidental to oil and gas industry exploration, development, 
and production activities in the Beaufort Sea and the adjacent northern 
coast of Alaska. This notice announces a list of the LOAs that were 
issued just prior to and during 2018. The LOAs stipulate conditions and 
methods that minimize impacts to polar bears and Pacific walruses from 
these activities. No LOAs were requested or issued in 2018 for the 
nonlethal take of polar bears and Pacific walruses incidental to oil 
and gas industry exploration activities in the Chukchi Sea and adjacent 
western coast of Alaska.

ADDRESSES: The Letters of Authorization listed in this notice are 
available electronically at the following location: https://www.fws.gov/alaska/fisheries/mmm/itr.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Christopher Putnam at the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management Office, 1011 East 
Tudor Road, MS 341, Anchorage, Alaska 99503; 800-362-5148 or 907-786-
3844.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 5, 2016, the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service published in the Federal Register a final rule (81 FR 
52276) establishing regulations that allow us to authorize the 
nonlethal, incidental, unintentional take of small numbers of polar 
bears (Ursus maritimus) and Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus 
divergens) during year-round oil and gas industry exploration, 
development, and production activities in the Beaufort Sea and adjacent 
northern coast of Alaska. The rule established subpart J in part 18 of 
title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and is effective 
through August 5, 2021. The rule prescribed a process under which we 
issue Letters of Authorization (LOAs) to applicants conducting 
activities as described under the provisions of the regulations. This 
rule replaced a similar rule, published on August 3, 2011 (76 FR 
47010), which expired on August 3, 2016, and likewise prescribed a 
process under which we issued such LOAs.
    Each LOA stipulates conditions or methods that are specific to the 
activity and location. Holders of the LOAs must use methods and conduct 
activities in a manner that minimizes to the greatest extent 
practicable adverse impacts on Pacific walruses and polar bears and 
their habitat, and on the availability of these marine mammals for 
subsistence purposes. Intentional take and lethal incidental take are 
prohibited under these regulations.
    In accordance with section 101(a)(5)(A) of the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and our regulations at 50 
CFR part 18, subpart J, in 2018 we issued LOAs to each of the following 
companies in the Beaufort Sea and adjacent northern coast of Alaska:

                                      Beaufort Sea Letters of Authorization
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Company                           Activity                      Project                LOA No.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc...........  Exploration................  Putu Exploration well.......           17-12
Peak Oilfield Service Company, LLC...  Support....................  Coastal transportation                 18-01
                                                                     services.
Armstrong Energy, LLC................  Exploration................  Pikka #2 exploration........           18-02
Oil Search Alaska, Inc...............  Exploration................  Transfer of Armstrong's LOA            18-02
                                                                     to Oil Search.
Hilcorp Alaska, LLC..................  Development................  Liberty geotech sampling....           18-03
ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc...........  Development................  Seismic exploration and                18-04
                                                                     early development for GMT2
                                                                     in the National Petroleum
                                                                     Reserve--Alaska (NPR-A).
SAExploration, Inc...................  Exploration................  Yukon 3d seismic............           18-05
BEM Systems, Incorporated............  Remediation................  Oliktok remediation and                18-06
                                                                     coastal erosion study.
Petrotechnical Resources of Alaska...  Exploration................  Methane hydrate exploration            18-07
                                                                     on the North slope.
BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc.........  Remediation................  Demolition of the Liberty              18-08
                                                                     rig.
Chevron Environmental Management       Remediation................  Kalubik Creek...............           18-09
 Company.
Caelus Energy Alaska, LLC............  Development................  Nuna project................           18-10
ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc...........  Exploration................  Harrison Bay................           18-11
ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc...........  Development................  GMT-2 Development...........           18-12
ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc...........  Exploration................  2018-2019 NPR-A Exploration            18-13
                                                                     & Appraisal Drilling
                                                                     Program.
ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc...........  Exploration................  NPR-A geotech and weather              18-14
                                                                     station near Harrison Bay.
SAExploration, Inc...................  Exploration................  Staines 3D seismic project..           18-15
BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc.........  Exploration................  Greater Prudhoe Bay 3D                 18-16
                                                                     Seismic Survey.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On June 12, 2013, we published in the Federal Register a final rule 
(78 FR 35364) establishing regulations that allowed us to authorize the 
nonlethal, incidental, unintentional take of small numbers of polar 
bears and Pacific walruses during year-round oil and gas industry 
exploration activities in the Chukchi Sea and adjacent western coast of 
Alaska. The rule established 50 CFR part 18 subpart I and was effective 
until June 11, 2018. The process under which we issue LOAs to 
applicants and the requirements that the holders of the LOAs must 
follow is the same as described above for LOAs issued under 50 CFR part 
18, subpart J. We issued no LOAs under the subpart I regulations in 
2018 prior to their expiration on June 12, 2018.

    Authority: We issue this notice under the authority of the MMPA 
(16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.).


[[Page 14133]]


    Dated: February 13, 2019.
Karen P. Clark,
Acting Regional Director, Alaska Region.
[FR Doc. 2019-06955 Filed 4-8-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
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