Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of an Incidental Take Permit Application and Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher; Sunrise Project, City of San Marcos, San Diego County, California, 1177-1178 [2020-00128]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 6 / Thursday, January 9, 2020 / Notices naming each individual it seeks to petition for a cap-subject H–1B. Petitioners will be able to register multiple individuals in a single online session. The electronic system will allow for a filer to prepare, edit and store the record in their account prior to final payment and submission. A petitioner may only submit one registration per beneficiary in any fiscal year. See 8 CFR 214.2(h)(8)(iii)(A)(2). If a petitioner submits more than one registration for the same beneficiary in the same fiscal year, USCIS will consider all registrations filed by that petitioner for that beneficiary for that fiscal year invalid. Id. V. Registration Selection USCIS will send notices electronically to all registrants with selected registrations that they are eligible to file an H–1B cap-subject petition on behalf of the individual named in the notice within the filing period indicated on the notice. See 8 CFR 214.2(h)(8)(iii)(C). The notifications will be added to registration accounts. The account holder who submitted the selected registration will receive notification via email or text message stating that an action has been added to their account, and they will have to log in to see the full notice. USCIS intends to notify registrants with selected registrations from the initial registration period no later than March 31, 2020. Chad F. Wolf, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. 2020–00182 Filed 1–8–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–97–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [Docket No. FWS–R8–ES–2019–0104; FXES11140800000–201] Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of an Incidental Take Permit Application and Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher; Sunrise Project, City of San Marcos, San Diego County, California Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received an application for an incidental permit to take the federally listed coastal California gnatcatcher, a bird species, under the Endangered Species Act. The SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:20 Jan 08, 2020 Jkt 250001 permit application includes a proposed low-effect habitat conservation plan (HCP). In accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we have prepared a draft low-effect screening form and environmental action statement supporting our preliminary determination that the proposed action qualifies as a categorical exclusion under NEPA. We are accepting comments on the permit application, proposed low-effect HCP, and draft NEPA compliance documentation. DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments on or before February 10, 2020. ADDRESSES: Obtaining Documents: The documents this notice announces, as well as any comments and other materials that we receive, will be available for public inspection online in Docket No. FWS–R8–ES–2019–0104 at https://www.regulations.gov. Submitting Comments: You may submit comments by one of the following methods: • Online: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS–R8–ES– 2019–0104. • U.S. Mail or Hand-Delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. FWS–R8–ES–2019–0104; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2177 Salk Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008. We request that you send comments by only one of the methods described above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Zoutendyk, Division Chief, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, 760– 431–9440. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), please call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 800–877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), received an application from Sunrise Gardens Project Owner LLC (applicant) for an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The requested permit would authorize take of the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), incidental to grading, subdividing, and developing approximately 192 multi-family dwelling units, and open space, active recreational areas, bio-retention areas, circulation improvements, and a public services and facilities plan on approximately 15.51 acres in San Diego County, California. The proposed project will impact an estimated 6.52 acres of coastal sage PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1177 scrub habitat occupied by up to one pair of gnatcatchers. Although not likely to support breeding of the species, 5.90 acres of non-native wild oat grassland and 2.94 acres of disturbed habitat will also be permanently impacted and may support gnatcatcher feeding and sheltering. We are requesting comments on the permit application and on our preliminary determination that the proposed HCP qualifies as a low-effect HCP, eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The basis for this determination is discussed in our draft low-effect screening form and environmental action statement, which is also available for public review. Project The project is located on a 15.51-acre site in the City of San Marcos (Assessor’s Parcel Number [APN] 228– 312–9–00, approximately 3.6 acres), County of San Diego (APN 228312–0– 00, approximately 10.8 acres), and City of Escondido (APN 228–312–04, approximately 1.07 acres) in San Diego County, California; however, the entire project site is within the General Plan Sphere of Influence for the City of San Marcos. The applicant requests a 5-year incidental take permit for permanent impacts to 15.36 acres of occupied gnatcatcher habitat. The applicant proposes to mitigate impacts through the purchase of mitigation credits to conserve 20.03 acres of gnatcatcheroccupied coastal sage scrub habitat (17.13 acres) and southern mixed chaparral habitat (2.90 acres) off site at the Onyx Ridge property in an unincorporated portion of northern San Diego County. The off-site mitigation area provides higher quality habitat than that found on the project site and will be conserved, managed, and monitored in perpetuity. In addition, a portion of the off-site mitigation area is within designated gnatcatcher critical habitat. The applicant’s proposed HCP also contains measures to minimize the effects of construction activities on the gnatcatcher, including the following: • Fencing the project limits; • Not clearing gnatcatcher habitat during the nesting season; • Providing a staff biologist on site to ensure that gnatcatchers are not in the vegetation to be cleared; and • Monitoring and reporting to the Service upon project completion. Our Preliminary Determination The Service has made a preliminary determination that the project, including grading, subdividing, E:\FR\FM\09JAN1.SGM 09JAN1 1178 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 6 / Thursday, January 9, 2020 / Notices construction, and the proposed mitigation, would individually and cumulatively have a minor or negligible effect on the gnatcatcher and the environment. Therefore, we have preliminarily concluded that the incidental take permit for this project would qualify for categorical exclusion as provided by our NEPA regulations at 43 CFR 46.205, 46.210, and 46.215, and that the HCP qualifies as a low-effect plan. A low-effect HCP is one that would result in: • Minor or negligible effects on federally listed, proposed, and candidate species and their habitats; • Minor or negligible effects on other environmental values or resources; and • Impacts that, when considered together with the impacts of other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable similarly situated projects, would not over time result in significant cumulative effects to environmental values or resources. Next Steps We will evaluate the proposed HCP and any comments received to determine whether to issue the requested permit. We will also conduct an intra-Service consultation pursuant to section 7 of the ESA to evaluate the effects of the proposed take. After considering the above findings, we will determine whether the permit issuance criteria of section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA have been met. If met, we will issue the permit to the applicant for incidental take of the gnatcatcher. Public Availability of Comments 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 may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES Authority We provide this notice under section 10(c) (16 U.S.C. 1539 et seq.) of the ESA and NEPA regulations at 40 CFR 1506.6. Jane Hendron, Acting Field Supervisor, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, Carlsbad, California. [FR Doc. 2020–00128 Filed 1–8–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:20 Jan 08, 2020 Jkt 250001 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Geological Survey [GX20LR000F60100; OMB Control Number 1028–0065/Renewal] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Production Estimate U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Interior. ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are proposing to renew an information collection. SUMMARY: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before February 10, 2020. ADDRESSES: Send your comments on this information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget’s Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior by email at OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov; or via facsimile to (202) 395–5806. Please provide a copy of your comments to U.S. Geological Survey, Information Collections Officer, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 159, Reston, VA 20192; or by email to gs-info_ collections@usgs.gov. Please reference OMB Control Number 1028–0065 in the subject line of your comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information about this ICR, contact Elizabeth S. Sangine by email at escottsangine@usgs.gov, or by telephone at 703–648–7720. You may also view the ICR at https:// www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we provide the general public and other Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. It also helps the public understand our information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. A Federal Register notice with a 60day public comment period soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on June 14, 2019, 84 FR 27797. We did not receive any public comments in response to that notice. DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 We are again soliciting comments on the proposed ICR that is described below. We are especially interested in public comments addressing the following issues: (1) Is the collection necessary to the proper functions of the USGS; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the USGS enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the USGS minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Abstract: This collection is needed to provide data on mineral production for annual reports published by commodity for use by Government agencies, Congressional offices, educational institutions, research organizations, financial institutions, consulting firms, industry, academia, and the general public. This information will be published in the ‘‘Mineral Commodity Summaries,’’ the first preliminary publication to furnish estimates covering the previous year’s nonfuel mineral industry. Title of Collection: Production Estimate. OMB Control Number: 1028–0065. Form Number: USGS Forms 9–4042– A and 9–4124–A. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Respondents/Affected Public: Business or Other-For-Profit Institutions: U.S. nonfuel minerals producers. Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 1,198. Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 1,198. Estimated Completion Time per Response: 15 minutes. Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 299. Respondent’s Obligation: Voluntary. Frequency of Collection: Annually. Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: There are no ‘‘nonhour cost’’ burdens associated with this IC. E:\FR\FM\09JAN1.SGM 09JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 6 (Thursday, January 9, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1177-1178]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-00128]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2019-0104; FXES11140800000-201]


Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of an Incidental Take 
Permit Application and Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the 
Coastal California Gnatcatcher; Sunrise Project, City of San Marcos, 
San Diego County, California

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received an 
application for an incidental permit to take the federally listed 
coastal California gnatcatcher, a bird species, under the Endangered 
Species Act. The permit application includes a proposed low-effect 
habitat conservation plan (HCP). In accordance with the requirements of 
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we have prepared a draft 
low-effect screening form and environmental action statement supporting 
our preliminary determination that the proposed action qualifies as a 
categorical exclusion under NEPA. We are accepting comments on the 
permit application, proposed low-effect HCP, and draft NEPA compliance 
documentation.

DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments on or 
before February 10, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Obtaining Documents: The documents this notice announces, as 
well as any comments and other materials that we receive, will be 
available for public inspection online in Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2019-
0104 at https://www.regulations.gov.
    Submitting Comments: You may submit comments by one of the 
following methods:
     Online: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2019-0104.
     U.S. Mail or Hand-Delivery: Public Comments Processing, 
Attn: Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2019-0104; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
2177 Salk Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
    We request that you send comments by only one of the methods 
described above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Zoutendyk, Division Chief, 
Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, 760-431-9440. If you use a 
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), please call the Federal 
Relay Service (FRS) at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
(Service), received an application from Sunrise Gardens Project Owner 
LLC (applicant) for an incidental take permit under the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The 
requested permit would authorize take of the federally threatened 
coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), 
incidental to grading, subdividing, and developing approximately 192 
multi-family dwelling units, and open space, active recreational areas, 
bio-retention areas, circulation improvements, and a public services 
and facilities plan on approximately 15.51 acres in San Diego County, 
California.
    The proposed project will impact an estimated 6.52 acres of coastal 
sage scrub habitat occupied by up to one pair of gnatcatchers. Although 
not likely to support breeding of the species, 5.90 acres of non-native 
wild oat grassland and 2.94 acres of disturbed habitat will also be 
permanently impacted and may support gnatcatcher feeding and 
sheltering.
    We are requesting comments on the permit application and on our 
preliminary determination that the proposed HCP qualifies as a low-
effect HCP, eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq.). The basis for this determination is discussed in our draft low-
effect screening form and environmental action statement, which is also 
available for public review.

Project

    The project is located on a 15.51-acre site in the City of San 
Marcos (Assessor's Parcel Number [APN] 228-312-9-00, approximately 3.6 
acres), County of San Diego (APN 228312-0-00, approximately 10.8 
acres), and City of Escondido (APN 228-312-04, approximately 1.07 
acres) in San Diego County, California; however, the entire project 
site is within the General Plan Sphere of Influence for the City of San 
Marcos. The applicant requests a 5-year incidental take permit for 
permanent impacts to 15.36 acres of occupied gnatcatcher habitat. The 
applicant proposes to mitigate impacts through the purchase of 
mitigation credits to conserve 20.03 acres of gnatcatcher-occupied 
coastal sage scrub habitat (17.13 acres) and southern mixed chaparral 
habitat (2.90 acres) off site at the Onyx Ridge property in an 
unincorporated portion of northern San Diego County. The off-site 
mitigation area provides higher quality habitat than that found on the 
project site and will be conserved, managed, and monitored in 
perpetuity. In addition, a portion of the off-site mitigation area is 
within designated gnatcatcher critical habitat.
    The applicant's proposed HCP also contains measures to minimize the 
effects of construction activities on the gnatcatcher, including the 
following:
     Fencing the project limits;
     Not clearing gnatcatcher habitat during the nesting 
season;
     Providing a staff biologist on site to ensure that 
gnatcatchers are not in the vegetation to be cleared; and
     Monitoring and reporting to the Service upon project 
completion.

Our Preliminary Determination

    The Service has made a preliminary determination that the project, 
including grading, subdividing,

[[Page 1178]]

construction, and the proposed mitigation, would individually and 
cumulatively have a minor or negligible effect on the gnatcatcher and 
the environment. Therefore, we have preliminarily concluded that the 
incidental take permit for this project would qualify for categorical 
exclusion as provided by our NEPA regulations at 43 CFR 46.205, 46.210, 
and 46.215, and that the HCP qualifies as a low-effect plan.
    A low-effect HCP is one that would result in:
     Minor or negligible effects on federally listed, proposed, 
and candidate species and their habitats;
     Minor or negligible effects on other environmental values 
or resources; and
     Impacts that, when considered together with the impacts of 
other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable similarly situated 
projects, would not over time result in significant cumulative effects 
to environmental values or resources.

Next Steps

    We will evaluate the proposed HCP and any comments received to 
determine whether to issue the requested permit. We will also conduct 
an intra-Service consultation pursuant to section 7 of the ESA to 
evaluate the effects of the proposed take. After considering the above 
findings, we will determine whether the permit issuance criteria of 
section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA have been met. If met, we will issue the 
permit to the applicant for incidental take of the gnatcatcher.

Public Availability of Comments

    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 may 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

Authority

    We provide this notice under section 10(c) (16 U.S.C. 1539 et seq.) 
of the ESA and NEPA regulations at 40 CFR 1506.6.

Jane Hendron,
Acting Field Supervisor, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, Carlsbad, 
California.
[FR Doc. 2020-00128 Filed 1-8-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
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