Proposed Establishment of the San Luis Obispo Coast (SLO Coast) Viticultural Area, 61899-61907 [2020-17624]
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(3) Proceed along the Charles City
County boundary, crossing onto the
Petersburg, Virginia, map and
continuing along the Charles City
County boundary to the point where it
intersects the Henrico County boundary
at Turkey Island Creek; then
(4) Proceed north-northeasterly along
the concurrent Henrico County–Charles
City County boundary to its intersection
with the Chickahominy River, which is
concurrent with the New Kent County
boundary; then
(5) Proceed northwesterly along the
Chickahominy River–New Kent County
boundary, crossing onto the Richmond,
Virginia, map to its intersection with the
Hanover County boundary; then
(6) Proceed northeasterly along the
Hanover County–New Kent County
boundary to its intersection with the
King William County boundary at the
Pamunkey River; then
(7) Proceed southeasterly along the
King William County–New Kent County
boundary, crossing onto the
Tappahannock, Virginia–Maryland map,
to the intersection of the concurrent
county boundary with the York River;
then
(8) Proceed southeasterly along the
York River, crossing onto the
Williamsburg, Virginia map, to the
intersection of the river with the
Chesapeake Bay north of Tue Point;
then
(9) Proceed southeast in a straight line
to the shoreline of Marsh Point; then
(10) Proceed southeasterly, then
southwesterly along the shoreline to the
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel; then
(11) Proceed southwest in a straight
line, crossing onto the Norfolk,
Virginia–North Carolina map, to the
northeastern terminus of the Hampton
City boundary; then
(12) Proceed southwesterly along the
Hampton City boundary to the point
where it intersects with the Newport
News City boundary; then
(13) Proceed southwesterly, then
northwesterly along the Newport News
City boundary, returning to the
beginning point.
Signed: July 22, 2020.
Mary G. Ryan,
Acting Administrator.
Approved: August 3, 2020.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, (Tax, Trade, and
Tariff Policy).
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Background on Viticultural Areas
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau
TTB Authority
Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol
Administration Act (FAA Act), 27
U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary
of the Treasury to prescribe regulations
for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits,
and malt beverages. The FAA Act
provides that these regulations should,
among other things, prohibit consumer
deception and the use of misleading
statements on labels, and ensure that
labels provide the consumer with
adequate information as to the identity
and quality of the product. The Alcohol
and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
(TTB) administers the FAA Act
pursuant to section 1111(d) of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002,
codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The
Secretary has delegated the functions
and duties in the administration and
enforcement of these provisions to the
TTB Administrator through Treasury
Order 120–01, dated December 10, 2013
(superseding Treasury Order 120–01,
dated January 24, 2003).
Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR
part 4) authorizes TTB to establish
definitive viticultural areas and regulate
the use of their names as appellations of
origin on wine labels and in wine
advertisements. Part 9 of the TTB
regulations (27 CFR part 9) sets forth
standards for the preparation and
submission of petitions for the
establishment or modification of
American viticultural areas (AVAs) and
lists the approved AVAs.
27 CFR Part 9
[Docket No. TTB–2020–0009; Notice No.
194]
RIN 1513–AC59
Proposed Establishment of the San
Luis Obispo Coast (SLO Coast)
Viticultural Area
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau, Treasury.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax
and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to
establish the 408,585-acre ‘‘San Luis
Obispo Coast’’ viticultural area in San
Luis Obispo County, California. TTB is
proposing to recognize both ‘‘San Luis
Obispo Coast’’ and the abbreviated
‘‘SLO Coast’’ as the name of the
proposed AVA. The proposed AVA is
located entirely within the existing
Central Coast AVA and would
encompass the established Edna Valley
and Arroyo Grande Valley AVAs. TTB
designates viticultural areas to allow
vintners to better describe the origin of
their wines and to allow consumers to
better identify wines they may
purchase. TTB invites comments on this
proposed addition to its regulations.
SUMMARY:
TTB must receive your
comments on or before November 30,
2020.
DATES:
You may electronically
submit comments to TTB on this
proposal, and view copies of this
document, its supporting materials, and
any comments TTB receives on it within
Docket No. TTB–2020–0009 as posted
on Regulations.gov (https://
www.regulations.gov), the Federal erulemaking portal. Please see the
‘‘Public Participation’’ section of this
document below for full details on how
to comment on this proposal via
Regulations.gov or U.S. mail, and for
full details on how to obtain copies of
this document, its supporting materials,
and any comments related to this
proposal.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
[FR Doc. 2020–17628 Filed 9–30–20; 8:45 am]
Karen A. Thornton, Regulations and
Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco
Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street
NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005;
phone 202–453–1039, ext. 175.
BILLING CODE 4810–31–P
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Definition
Section 4.25(e)(1)(i) of the TTB
regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(1)(i)) defines
a viticultural area for American wine as
a delimited grape-growing region having
distinguishing features, as described in
part 9 of the regulations, and a name
and a delineated boundary, as
established in part 9 of the regulations.
These designations allow vintners and
consumers to attribute a given quality,
reputation, or other characteristic of a
wine made from grapes grown in an area
to the wine’s geographic origin. The
establishment of AVAs allows vintners
to describe more accurately the origin of
their wines to consumers and helps
consumers to identify wines they may
purchase. Establishment of an AVA is
neither an approval nor an endorsement
by TTB of the wine produced in that
area.
Requirements
Section 4.25(e)(2) of the TTB
regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(2)) outlines
the procedure for proposing an AVA
and provides that any interested party
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may petition TTB to establish a grapegrowing region as an AVA. Section 9.12
of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 9.12)
prescribes standards for petitions for the
establishment or modification of AVAs.
Petitions to establish an AVA must
include the following:
• Evidence that the area within the
proposed AVA boundary is nationally
or locally known by the AVA name
specified in the petition;
• An explanation of the basis for
defining the boundary of the proposed
AVA;
• A narrative description of the
features of the proposed AVA that affect
viticulture, such as climate, geology,
soils, physical features, and elevation,
that make the proposed AVA distinctive
and distinguish it from adjacent areas
outside the proposed AVA;
• If the proposed AVA is to be
established within, or overlapping, an
existing AVA, an explanation that both
identifies the attributes of the proposed
AVA that are consistent with the
existing AVA and explains how the
proposed AVA is sufficiently distinct
from the existing AVA and therefore
appropriate for separate recognition;
• The appropriate United States
Geological Survey (USGS) map(s)
showing the location of the proposed
AVA, with the boundary of the
proposed AVA clearly drawn thereon;
and
• A detailed narrative description of
the proposed AVA boundary based on
USGS map markings.
Petition To Establish the San Luis
Obispo Coast (SLO Coast) AVA
TTB received a petition from the SLO
Coast AVA Association, proposing to
establish the ‘‘San Luis Obispo Coast’’
AVA. The petition also requested that
TTB recognize the abbreviated name
‘‘SLO Coast’’ as an approved alternative
name for the proposed AVA. For
purposes of the remainder of this
document, TTB will refer to the
proposed AVA as ‘‘SLO Coast.’’
The proposed SLO Coast AVA is
located in San Luis Obispo County,
California, and is entirely within the
existing Central Coast AVA (27 CFR
9.75). The proposed AVA would also
encompass the existing Edna Valley (27
CFR 9.35) and Arroyo Grande Valley (27
CFR 9.129) AVAs. Within the 408,585acre proposed AVA, there are over 50
wineries and approximately 78
commercial vineyards, which cover a
total of approximately 3,942 acres. The
petition states that of those 3,942 acres
of vineyards, approximately 2,661 acres
are in the existing Edna Valley AVA,
838 acres are in the existing Arroyo
Grande AVA, and 398 acres are
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distributed throughout the remaining
portion of the proposed AVA. The
distinguishing features of the proposed
SLO Coast AVA are its topography,
climate, and soils. Unless otherwise
noted, all information and data
contained in the following sections are
from the petition to establish the
proposed AVA and its supporting
exhibits.
Proposed SLO Coast AVA
Name Evidence
The proposed SLO Coast AVA derives
its name from its location in coastal San
Luis Obispo County. The petition notes
that the region is often referred to as
‘‘SLO,’’ which is a reference to both the
county’s initials and its relaxed culture.
The petition states that although the full
name of the proposed AVA is ‘‘San Luis
Obispo Coast,’’ the frequently-used
abbreviation ‘‘SLO’’ should also be
recognized by TTB in order to avoid
consumer confusion.
The petition included a number of
examples of the use of the name ‘‘SLO
Coast’’ to describe the region of the
proposed AVA. For example, a book
about Santa Barbara County and
California’s Central Coast contains a
chapter titled ‘‘Coastal SLO’’ that uses
the phrase ‘‘SLO Coast’’ nearly a dozen
times.1 The petition shows that
businesses within the proposed AVA
include SLO Coast Jerky, SLO Coast
Diner, SLO Coast Catering, SLO Coast
Realty, SLO Coast Insurance Services,
SLO Coast Custom Print and Laser, SLO
Coast Construction, and SLO Coast
Coffee. An online magazine featuring
information about the region of the
proposed AVA is called SLO Coast
Journal.2 Finally, on his 2016 campaign
website, State Senate Majority Leader
Bill Monning described his district as
encompassing ‘‘the SLO Coast towns of
Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, and Arroyo
Grande,’’ 3 all of which are within the
proposed AVA.
Boundary Evidence
The proposed SLO Coast AVA is a
long, relatively narrow region that
encompasses the portion of San Luis
Obispo County that is oriented towards
the Pacific Ocean and experiences an
immediate marine influence. The
proposed AVA is 1.7 miles across at its
narrowest point and 15.1 miles across at
its widest point. According to the
petition, approximately 97 percent of
the proposed AVA sits at elevations
1 Wares, Donna. An Explorer’s Guide—Santa
Barbara & California’s Central Coast. New York:
The Countryman Press, 2011.
2 slocoastjournal.net.
3 https://www.billmonning.org/2016/district.html.
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below 1,800 feet, which is described in
the petition as the approximate limit of
strong marine influence.
The northern boundary of the
proposed AVA follows the northern
Piedras Blancas Grant boundary and
separates the proposed AVA from the
Los Padres National Forest. Beyond the
northern boundary, the elevations rise
sharply and become more rugged. The
eastern boundary follows a series of
straight lines between peaks of the Santa
Lucia Range, as well as the boundary of
the Los Padres National Forest, to
separate the proposed AVA from regions
that are oriented away from the Pacific
Ocean and receive little direct marine
influence. The southern boundary
generally follows the Nipomo Mesa and
the boundary of the Oceano State
Vehicular Recreation Area. The region
south of this boundary is sandier than
the proposed AVA and also contains
State recreational area lands that are not
appropriate for vineyard development.
The western boundary of the proposed
AVA follows the coastline of the Pacific
Ocean.
Distinguishing Features
According to the petition, the
distinguishing features of the proposed
SLO Coast AVA are its topography,
climate, and soils. Because the Pacific
Ocean is to the west of the proposed
AVA, the following sections will only
compare the features of the proposed
AVA to the surrounding regions to the
north, east, and south.
Topography
The petition describes the proposed
SLO Coast AVA as a region of coastal
terraces, foothills, and small valleys
along the Pacific Coast. The region is
oriented to the west, allowing the region
to experience marine fog and cool
marine air. According to the petition, 97
percent of the proposed AVA is at or
below 1,800 feet in elevation, which
corresponds to the approximate limit of
the influence of the maritime climate.
The petition states that the steady
maritime influence prevents
temperatures from rising too high or
dropping too low for optimal vineyard
conditions.
According to U.S.G.S maps provided
with the petition, to the north of the
proposed AVA, the elevations rise to
over 3,000 feet and the terrain is steep
and rough. The higher elevations are
above the maximum extent of the
marine air and fog that characterizes the
proposed AVA. Additionally, the land
north of the proposed AVA was
excluded because most of it is within
the Los Padres National Forest and thus
is unavailable for commercial
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viticulture. To the east of the proposed
AVA is the eastern side of the Santa
Lucia Range. This region is oriented to
the east, away from the Pacific Ocean,
and is thus not as exposed to the marine
influence as the proposed AVA. To the
south of the proposed AVA is the Santa
Maria Valley, which has a much flatter
topography.
Climate
The proposed SLO Coast AVA
petition included information on the
climate of the proposed AVA, including
growing degree day 4 (GDD)
accumulations and Winkler Regions 5,
average maximum and minimum
temperatures, and cloud cover.
GDD accumulations and Winkler
Regions: The petition included data on
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the average GDD accumulations and the
corresponding Winkler Region for the
proposed AVA and the surrounding
regions. The information for the entire
proposed SLO Coast AVA is included in
the following table, along with the
information for several established
AVAs in the surrounding regions and
for the established Edna Valley and
Arroyo Grande Valley AVAs, which are
located within the proposed AVA.6
TABLE 1—GDD ACCUMULATIONS AND WINKLER REGIONS
AVA name
(direction from proposed AVA)
GDD
accumulation 7
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Proposed SLO Coast ...............................................................................................................................
Edna Valley (within) .................................................................................................................................
Arroyo Grande Valley (within) .................................................................................................................
Monterey (NE) .........................................................................................................................................
Arroyo Seco (NE) ....................................................................................................................................
York Mountain (E) ....................................................................................................................................
Paso Robles (E) ......................................................................................................................................
Santa Maria Valley (S) ............................................................................................................................
Santa Ynez Valley (S) .............................................................................................................................
2,493
2,738
2,786
2,594
2,680
2,772
3,425
2,733
2,844
Winkler region
I
II
II
II
II
II
III
II
II
The data shows that the proposed
SLO Coast AVA, as a whole, has a lower
GDD accumulation and is in a lower
Winkler Region than the surrounding
regions. The established Edna Valley
and Arroyo Grande Valley AVAs, which
are located within the proposed AVA,
have higher individual GDD
accumulations and are in a higher
Winkler Region than the remainder of
the proposed AVA. The petition
explains that both of these AVAs are
somewhat sheltered from the marine
influence but still receive more marine
air and fog than the regions outside the
proposed AVA on the eastern side of the
Santa Lucia Range, such as the Paso
Robles AVA. The petition suggests that
the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA’s GDD
accumulation may be skewed high due
to the fact that the far eastern portion of
that AVA, which represents
approximately 5 percent of the total
acreage of the proposed SLO Coast
AVA, is in a narrow, sheltered canyon
that is classified as a Winkler Region III.
Furthermore, Appendices 4 through 6 of
the petition 8 include evidence that
other protected pockets with Winkler
Region II GDD accumulations exist
within the proposed SLO Coast AVA, so
including the Arroyo Grande Valley and
Edna Valley AVAs would not be
inconsistent with the characteristics of
the rest of the proposed AVA.
According to the petition, low GDD
accumulations limit which grape
varietals can be successfully grown in
the region. The petition states that areas
classified as Winkler Region I, like the
majority of the proposed AVA, are wellsuited for growing early-to-mid-seasonripening varietals such as Chardonnay
and Pinot Noir, which comprise 43
percent and 35 percent, respectively, of
the total planted vineyard acreage
within the proposed SLO Coast AVA.
Average minimum and maximum
growing season temperatures: The
petition states that the average
minimum growing season temperature
for nearly 90 percent of the proposed
SLO Coast AVA is between 47.5 degrees
F and 52 degrees F.9 The petition
attributes the mild minimum
temperatures of the proposed AVA to its
proximity to the waters of the Pacific
Ocean, which have a high heat capacity
that provides a constant moderation on
the climate. Likewise, the ocean
moderates the average maximum
growing season temperature of the
proposed AVA. Sea breeze circulation,
driven by inland heating, keeps the
daytime temperatures lower along the
coast than within the inland valleys east
of the proposed AVA. According to the
petition, 21 percent of the proposed
SLO Coast AVA has an average
maximum growing season temperature
of less than 70 degrees F, while another
68 percent of the proposed AVA has an
average maximum growing season
temperature of between 70 and 78
degrees F.10
By contrast, the region east of the
proposed AVA is sheltered by the Santa
Lucia Mountains from the moderating
influence of the Pacific Ocean. As a
result, the region has lower average
minimum temperatures and higher
average maximum temperatures than
the proposed AVA. For example, the
majority of the established Paso Robles
AVA has an average minimum growing
season temperature that is below 50
degrees F, but a large portion of that
AVA is even cooler, with an average
minimum temperature below 46 degrees
F. The average maximum growing
4 According to the petition, GDDs for a particular
region are calculated by adding the total mean daily
temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for
the days from April 1 through October 31. The
formula is based on the concept that most vineshoot growth occurs in temperatures over 50
degrees F.
5 See Albert J. Winkler, General Viticulture
(Berkeley: University of California Press, 2nd. ed.
1974), pages 61–64. In the Winkler scale, the GDD
regions are defined as follows: Region I = less than
2,500 GDDs; Region II = 2,501–3,000 GDDs; Region
III = 3,001–3,500 GDDs; Region IV = 3,501–4,000
GDDs; Region V = greater than 4,000 GDDs.
6 The petition included GDD and Winkler Region
information for additional established AVAs in
California and Washington and wine regions in
France. However, TTB believes that the additional
AVAs are too far from the proposed AVA to provide
relevant comparisons. All GDD and Winkler Region
information from the petition can be found in the
online docket at www.regulations.gov.
7 Derived from climate data from 1971–2000. See
petition for additional information regarding GDD
calculations.
8 See Appendices 4 through 6 to the petition in
Docket TTB–2020–0009 at https://
www.regulations.gov.
9 Derived from climate data from 1981–2015. See
Appendix 7 to the petition in Docket TTB–2020–
0009 at https://www.regulations.gov.
10 Derived from climate data from 1981–2015. See
Appendix 8 to the petition in Docket TTB–2020–
0009 at https://www.regulations.gov.
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season temperature within the Paso
Robles AVA is above 80 degrees F.
The region south of the proposed
AVA, which includes the established
Santa Maria Valley AVA, has a flatter
terrain than the proposed SLO Coast
AVA and is thus more exposed to the
marine air. As a result, the region to the
south has a higher average minimum
growing season temperature and a lower
average maximum growing season
temperature than the proposed AVA.
The petition states that the mild
minimum and maximum growing
season temperatures within the
proposed SLO Coast AVA affect
viticulture. Mild minimum
temperatures lead to a shorter period of
wintertime vine dormancy and earlier
spring bud breaks. However, early
spring bud breaks are not a concern for
grape growers in the proposed AVA
because potentially damaging frost
events that can damage or kill early vine
growth in the spring are far less
common in coastal regions than they are
in inland valleys. Lower maximum
temperatures lead to a reduced risk of
fruit desiccation and also produce
higher levels of malic acid in the grapes,
which increases total acidities and
lowers pH values. Finally, the petition
notes that the cooler temperatures of the
proposed AVA can affect the flavor
profile of certain grape varietals,
specifically Syrah. The petition claims
that Syrah grown in cooler climates
such as the proposed AVA features
more pepper and gamey flavors
compared to the riper, fruitier flavors
found in Syrah grown in warmer
regions.
Cloud cover: The petition also
provided information about nighttime
cloud cover over the proposed SLO
Coast AVA and the surrounding regions.
The petition states that daytime fog is
typically present in coastal regions of
California, but that it quickly dissipates
as the air heats up. In the evening, land
temperatures decrease and the moist air
above cools to its dew point, resulting
in nighttime fog.
According to the petition, the majority
of the proposed SLO Coast AVA
experiences nighttime fog cover
between 35 and 55 percent of all nights
during the growing season.11 The region
of the proposed AVA immediately
adjacent to the coast, the Morro Bay
area, and the southernmost region of the
proposed AVA all experience fog 55 of
75 percent of all nights during the
growing season. By contrast, the
majority of the region east of the
proposed AVA experiences fog less than
30 percent of all nights during the
growing season, while the region south
of the proposed AVA has fog over 55
percent of all nights during the growing
season.
The petition states that cloud cover in
the form of nighttime fog has an effect
on viticulture within the proposed
AVA. The fog prevents nighttime
temperatures from dropping
significantly. As a result, the proposed
AVA generally experiences temperature
changes of no more than 20 to 30
degrees F throughout the day. The
moderate nighttime temperatures lead to
longer growing seasons within the
proposed AVA. By contrast, regions to
the east with less nighttime fog
experience 40 to 50 degree swings and
a greater risk of damaging early spring
frosts.
Soils
The petition states that the soils of the
proposed SLO Coast AVA can be
classified into four groups. The first
group is derived from older Franciscan
Formation geology. This group
represents the largest proportion of soils
within the boundaries of the proposed
AVA and is found in the northern and
central portions of the proposed AVA.
These soils derive from sandstone,
shale, and metamorphosed sedimentary
rocks, and they vary from very thin,
rocky soils on hills and mountains to
very deep clay and clay-loam soils along
lower-lying alluvial fans and terraces.
These soils are highly varied due to the
highly complex nature of the Franciscan
Formation geology that produced these
soils. The soils of this group that are
most suitable for viticulture are found
on foothills, terraces, and valleys and
have good drainage, moderate water
holding capacity, and a high mineral
content. Examples of soil series in this
group include Diablo, San Simeon,
Shimmon, Conception, and Santa Lucia
series.
The second group of soils found in
the proposed AVA consists of younger
marine deposits and basin sediments
from the Miocene and Pliocene periods.
These soils represent the second largest
proportion of soils in the proposed AVA
and are mostly found in the southern
region of the proposed AVA. Most of
these soils are composed of sandy loam
and loams derived from marine deposits
of sandstone and shale, and they have
less clay than soils in the northern
portion of the proposed AVA. The
higher sand content provides excellent
drainage for vineyards, but often
requires irrigation during the growing
season. Examples of soil series in this
group include Pismo, Briones, Tierrs,
Gazos, Nacimiento, Linne, Balcom, and
Sorrento series.
The third group of soils found in the
proposed AVA is derived from volcanic
intrusion and represents a very small
proportion of the soils within the
proposed AVA, occurring mostly in
isolated instances on very steep terrain
within the Santa Lucia Mountains, as
well as along the rocky outcrops near
Morro Bay. Most soils in this group are
thick and are found on excessively steep
terrain or rocky outcrops that are
unsuitable for viticulture.
The fourth group of soils within the
proposed AVA is derived from wind
deposits and comprises the sand dunes
and low areas near the coast. These soils
comprise a very small portion of the
proposed AVA, mainly along the
coastline near Morro Bay and around
the township of Nipomo. They consist
of very deep sands at low elevations and
are excessively drained soils with a high
sodium content, making them generally
unsuitable for viticulture.
To the south of the proposed AVA,
within the established Santa Maria
AVA, the soils are largely from younger
geological periods and consist of deep,
fertile, sandy soils that are well-suited
for viticulture. These soils are derived
from alluvial deposits and contain less
clay and clay loam than the majority of
soils in the proposed AVA. To the east
of the proposed AVA, within the
established Paso Robles AVA, the soils
consist of alluvial and terrace deposits.
The region north of the proposed AVA
is characterized by rocky outcrops,
shallow soils derived from sandstone
and metamorphic rock, and soils
derived from igneous and granitic rocks.
Summary of Distinguishing Features
The topography, climate, and soils of
the proposed SLO Coast AVA
distinguish it from the surrounding
regions to the north, east, and south. To
the west of the proposed AVA is the
Pacific Ocean. The following table
summarizes the distinguishing features
of the proposed AVA and the
surrounding regions.
11 Derived from climate data from 2003–2015. See
Appendix 9 of the petition in Docket TTB–2020–
0009 at https://www.regulations.gov.
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TABLE 2—SUMMARY OF DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
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Region
Topography
Climate
Soils
Proposed SLO Coast
AVA.
Coastal terraces, foothills, and
small valleys with western orientations and elevations below
1,800 feet.
North ............................
Steep, mountainous region with
elevations over 3,000 feet.
Majority of soils derived from
Franciscan Formation and marine deposits and basin sediments, with some soils formed
from volcanic intrusion and
wind deposited sand.
Shallow soils derived from sandstone and metamorphic rocks
and igneous and granitic rocks.
East .............................
Eastern slope orientation ..............
South ...........................
Flat valley terrain ..........................
Marine influenced climate with average GDD
accumulation of 2,493, average minimum
growing season temperatures between
47.5 and 52 degrees F, average maximum
growing season temperatures between 70
and 78 degrees, and frequent nighttime fog.
Less marine influence, higher GDD accumulations, lower average growing season minimum temperature, higher average growing
season maximum temperature, less nighttime fog.
Less marine influence, higher GDD accumulations, lower average growing season minimum temperature, higher average growing
season maximum temperature, less nighttime fog.
Higher GDD accumulations, higher average
growing season minimum temperature,
lower average growing season maximum
temperature, more nighttime fog.
Comparison of the Proposed SLO Coast
AVA to the Existing Edna Valley AVA
The Edna Valley AVA was established
by T.D. ATF–101, which was published
in the Federal Register on May 12, 1982
(47 FR 20298). The AVA is located in
the southeastern portion of the proposed
SLO Coast AVA and covers
approximately 35 square miles. T.D.
ATF–101 states that the Edna Valley
AVA consists of a natural valley that has
a predominately Region II climate with
a few pockets that classify as Region I.
A gap in the coastal mountains allows
marine air and fog to enter the valley
and keep the summer temperatures
lower and the winter temperatures
warmer than the temperature farther to
the east, beyond the Santa Lucia
Mountains. Elevations range from 120 to
300 feet, and the soils are generally
sandy clay loam, clay loam, or clay.
The proposed SLO Coast AVA shares
some of the general viticultural features
of the Edna Valley AVA. For example,
temperatures within both the proposed
AVA and the established AVA are
influenced by marine air and fog and are
generally cooler than temperatures in
the region to the east. Both the proposed
AVA and the established AVA also have
similar soils of clay and loam. However,
the proposed AVA also has some unique
characteristics. For instance, the
majority of the proposed AVA can be
classified as a Region I climate with
pockets of Region II microclimates,
whereas most of the established Edna
Valley AVA is classified as a Region II
climate with pockets of Region I
microclimates. Additionally, the
proposed SLO Coast AVA has a wider
range of elevations than the Edna Valley
AVA.
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Comparison of the Proposed SLO Coast
AVA to the Existing Arroyo Grande
Valley AVA
The Arroyo Grande Valley AVA was
established by T.D. ATF–291, which
was published in the Federal Register
on January 4, 1990 (55 FR 285). The
AVA is located in the southeastern
region of the proposed SLO Coast AVA,
adjacent to the Edna Valley AVA, and
covers approximately 67 square miles.
T.D. ATF–291 states that the Arroyo
Grande Valley AVA is primarily
distinguished by its climate, which is
described as ranging from high Region
I to Region II. The AVA experiences
frequent morning and evening fog and
temperatures, and is moderated by the
marine influence.
The proposed SLO Coast AVA shares
some of the general viticultural features
of the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA. For
example, both the proposed AVA and
the established AVA experience
morning and evening fog. They also
both have temperatures that are
influenced by marine air and are
generally cooler than temperatures in
the region to the east. However, the
proposed AVA is described as having an
overall cooler climate than the Arroyo
Grande Valley AVA, which is in a more
sheltered location within the proposed
AVA and experiences less direct marine
influence.
Comparison of the Proposed SLO Coast
AVA to the existing Central Coast AVA
The approximately 1 million-acre
Central Coast AVA was established by
T.D. ATF–216, which was published in
the Federal Register on October 24,
1985 (50 FR 43128). The AVA is a large,
multi-county AVA that entirely
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Alluvial and terrace deposits, as
well rock outcrop in the Santa
Lucia Mountain Range.
Younger soils consisting of deep,
fertile, sandy soils.
encompasses the proposed SLO Coast
AVA. T.D. ATF–216 states that the
Central Coast AVA is primarily
distinguished by its marine-influenced
climate. The AVA experiences
maximum high temperatures, minimum
low temperatures, marine fog intrusion,
relative humidity, length of growing
season, and precipitation that are
significantly different from conditions
on the eastern (inland) side of the
Coastal Ranges.
The proposed SLO Coast AVA shares
some of the general viticultural features
of the Central Coast AVA. For example,
both the proposed AVA and the
established AVA experience fog, have
temperatures that are influenced by
marine air, and are generally milder
than temperatures in the inland region
to the east. However, due to its smaller
size, the climate, topography, and soils
of the proposed AVA are less varied
than those of the much larger Central
Coast AVA.
TTB Determination
TTB concludes that the petition to
establish the 408,585-acre ‘‘SLO Coast’’
AVA merits consideration and public
comment, as invited in this proposed
rule.
Boundary Description
See the narrative boundary
descriptions of the petitioned-for AVA
in the proposed regulatory text
published at the end of this notice of
proposed rulemaking.
Maps
The petitioner provided the required
maps, and they are listed below in the
proposed regulatory text. You may also
view the proposed SLO Coast AVA
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boundary on the AVA Map Explorer on
the TTB website, at https://www.ttb.gov/
wine/ava-map-explorer.
Impact on Current Wine Labels
Part 4 of the TTB regulations prohibits
any label reference on a wine that
indicates or implies an origin other than
the wine’s true place of origin. For a
wine to be labeled with an AVA name
or with a brand name that includes an
AVA name, at least 85 percent of the
wine must be derived from grapes
grown within the area represented by
that name, and the wine must meet the
other conditions listed in § 4.25(e)(3) of
the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(3)).
If the wine is not eligible for labeling
with an AVA name and that name
appears in the brand name, then the
label is not in compliance and the
bottler must change the brand name and
obtain approval of a new label.
Similarly, if the AVA name appears in
another reference on the label in a
misleading manner, the bottler would
have to obtain approval of a new label.
Different rules apply if a wine has a
brand name containing an AVA name
that was used as a brand name on a
label approved before July 7, 1986. See
§ 4.39(i)(2) of the TTB regulations (27
CFR 4.39(i)(2)) for details.
If TTB establishes this proposed AVA,
its name, ‘‘San Luis Obispo Coast’’ or its
abbreviated name ‘‘SLO Coast,’’ will be
recognized as a name of viticultural
significance under § 4.39(i)(3) of the
TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.39(i)(3)). The
text of the proposed regulation clarifies
this point. Consequently, wine bottlers
using ‘‘San Luis Obispo Coast’’ or ‘‘SLO
Coast’’ in a brand name, including a
trademark, or in another label reference
as to the origin of the wine, would have
to ensure that the product is eligible to
use the viticultural area’s name ‘‘San
Luis Obispo Coast’’ or the alternative
abbreviated name ‘‘SLO Coast’’ as an
appellation of origin.
The approval of the proposed ‘‘San
Luis Obispo Coast’’ or ‘‘SLO Coast’’
AVA would not affect any existing
AVA. If approved, the establishment of
the proposed SLO Coast AVA would
allow vintners to use ‘‘San Luis Obispo
Coast,’’ ‘‘SLO Coast,’’ or ‘‘Central Coast’’
as appellations of origin for wines made
from grapes grown within the SLO Coast
AVA, if the wines meet the eligibility
requirements for the appellation.
Furthermore, vintners whose wines
meet the eligibility requirements to use
either ‘‘Edna Valley’’ or ‘‘Arroyo Grande
Valley’’ as appellations of origin would
also be able to use ‘‘San Luis Obispo
Coast,’’ ‘‘SLO Coast,’’ and ‘‘Central
Coast’’ as appellations of origin on those
wines.
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Public Participation
Comments Invited
TTB invites comments from interested
members of the public on whether TTB
should establish the proposed SLO
Coast AVA. TTB is interested in
receiving comments on the sufficiency
and accuracy of the name, boundary,
topography, and other required
information submitted in support of the
SLO Coast AVA petition. In addition,
because the proposed SLO Coast AVA
would be within the existing Central
Coast AVA and would encompass the
existing Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande
Valley AVAs, TTB is interested in
comments on whether the evidence
submitted in the petition regarding the
distinguishing features of the proposed
AVA sufficiently differentiates it from
the existing AVAs. TTB is also
interested in comments on whether the
geographic features of the proposed
AVA are so distinguishable from the
Central Coast AVA that the proposed
SLO Coast AVA should not be part of
the established AVA. Finally, TTB
invites comments on whether the
geographical features of either the Edna
Valley or Arroyo Grande Valley AVA
are so distinguishable from the
proposed SLO Coast AVA that one or
both of the established AVAs should not
be part of the proposed AVA. Please
provide any available specific
information in support of your
comments.
Because of the potential impact of the
establishment of the proposed SLO
Coast AVA on wine labels that include
the term ‘‘SLO Coast’’ or ‘‘San Luis
Obispo Coast’’ as discussed above under
Impact on Current Wine Labels, TTB is
particularly interested in comments
regarding whether there will be a
conflict between the proposed area
names and currently used brand names.
If a commenter believes that a conflict
will arise, the comment should describe
the nature of that conflict, including any
anticipated negative economic impact
that approval of the proposed AVA will
have on an existing viticultural
enterprise. TTB is also interested in
receiving suggestions for ways to avoid
conflicts, for example, by adopting a
modified or different name for the
proposed AVA.
Submitting Comments
You may submit comments on this
proposal by using one of the following
two methods:
• Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You
may send comments via the online
comment form posted with this
document within Docket No. TTB–
2020–0009 on ‘‘Regulations.gov,’’ the
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Federal e-rulemaking portal, at https://
www.regulations.gov. A direct link to
that docket is available under Notice
No. 194 on the TTB website at https://
www.ttb.gov/wine/winerulemaking.shtml. Supplemental files
may be attached to comments submitted
via Regulations.gov. For complete
instructions on how to use
Regulations.gov, visit the site and click
on the ‘‘Help’’ tab at the top of the page.
• U.S. Mail: You may send comments
via postal mail to the Director,
Regulations and Rulings Division,
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Box 12,
Washington, DC 20005.
Please submit your comments by the
closing date shown above in this
document. Your comments must
reference Notice No. 194 and include
your name and mailing address. Your
comments also must be made in
English, be legible, and be written in
language acceptable for public
disclosure. We do not acknowledge
receipt of comments, and we consider
all comments as originals.
Your comment must clearly state if
you are commenting on your own behalf
or on behalf of an organization,
business, or other entity. If you are
commenting on behalf of an
organization, business, or other entity,
your comment must include the entity’s
name as well as your name and position
title. If you comment via
Regulations.gov, please enter the
entity’s name in the ‘‘Organization’’
blank of the online comment form. If
you comment via postal mail, please
submit your entity’s comment on
letterhead.
You may also write to the
Administrator before the comment
closing date to ask for a public hearing.
The Administrator reserves the right to
determine whether to hold a public
hearing.
Confidentiality
All submitted comments and
attachments are part of the public record
and subject to disclosure. Do not
enclose any material in your comments
that you consider to be confidential or
inappropriate for public disclosure.
Public Disclosure
TTB will post, and you may view,
copies of this document, selected
supporting materials, and any online or
mailed comments received about this
proposal within Docket No. TTB–2020–
0009 on the Federal e-rulemaking
portal, Regulations.gov, at https://
www.regulations.gov. A direct link to
that docket is available on the TTB
website at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/
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wine-rulemaking.shtml under Notice
No. 194. You may also reach the
relevant docket through the
Regulations.gov search page at https://
www.regulations.gov. For instructions
on how to use Regulations.gov, visit the
site and click on the ‘‘Help’’ tab at the
top of the page.
All posted comments will display the
commenter’s name, organization (if
any), city, and State, and, in the case of
mailed comments, all address
information, including email addresses.
TTB may omit voluminous attachments
or material that it considers unsuitable
for posting.
You may also obtain copies of this
proposed rule, all related petitions,
maps and other supporting materials,
and any electronic or mailed comments
that TTB receives about this proposal at
20 cents per 8.5 x 11-inch page. Please
note that TTB is unable to provide
copies of USGS maps or any similarlysized documents that may be included
as part of the AVA petition. Contact
TTB’s Regulations and Rulings Division
by email using the web form at https://
www.ttb.gov/contact-rrd, or by
telephone at 202–453–1039, ext. 175, to
request copies of comments or other
materials.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
TTB certifies that this proposed
regulation, if adopted, would not have
a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
The proposed regulation imposes no
new reporting, recordkeeping, or other
administrative requirement. Any benefit
derived from the use of a viticultural
area name would be the result of a
proprietor’s efforts and consumer
acceptance of wines from that area.
Therefore, no regulatory flexibility
analysis is required.
Executive Order 12866
It has been determined that this
proposed rule is not a significant
regulatory action as defined by
Executive Order 12866 of September 30,
1993. Therefore, no regulatory
assessment is required.
Drafting Information
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Karen A. Thornton of the Regulations
and Rulings Division drafted this
document.
List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9
Wine.
Proposed Regulatory Amendment
For the reasons discussed in the
preamble, we propose to amend title 27,
chapter I, part 9, Code of Federal
Regulations, as follows:
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PART 9—AMERICAN VITICULTURAL
AREAS
1. The authority citation for part 9
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 27 U.S.C. 205.
Subpart C—Approved American
Viticultural Areas
■
2. Add § 9. lll to read as follows:
§ 9.lll
San Luis Obispo Coast.
(a) Name. The name of the viticultural
area described in this section is ‘‘San
Luis Obispo Coast’’. ‘‘SLO Coast’’ may
also be used as the name of the
viticultural area described in this
section. For purposes of part 4 of this
chapter, ‘‘San Luis Obispo Coast’’ and
‘‘SLO Coast’’ are terms of viticultural
significance.
(b) Approved maps. The 24 United
States Geological Survey (USGS)
1:24,000 scale topographic maps used to
determine the boundary of the San Luis
Obispo Coast viticultural area are titled:
(1) Burro Mountain, 1995;
(2) Piedras Blancas, 1959;
photoinspected 1976;
(3) San Simeon, 1958; photoinspected
1976;
(4) Pebblestone Shut-In, 1959;
photoinspected 1976;
(5) Lime Mountain, 1948; photo
revised 1979;
(6) Cypress Mountain, 1979;
(7) York Mountain, 1948;
photorevised 1979;
(8) Morro Bay North, 1995;
(9) Atascadero, 1995;
(10) San Luis Obispo, 1968;
photorevised 1978;
(11) Morro Bay South, 1965;
photorevised 1978;
(12) Lopez Mountain, 1995;
(13) Arroyo Grande NE, 1985;
(14) Tar Spring Ridge, 1995;
(15) Nipomo, 1965;
(16) Huasna Peak, 1995;
(17) Twitchell Dam, 1959;
photorevised 1982;
(18) Santa Maria, 1959; photorevised
1982;
(19) Oceano, 1965; revised 1994
(20) Pismo Beach, 1998;
(21) Port San Luis, 1965; photorevised
1979;
(22) Cayucus, 1965; revised 1994;
(23) Cambria, 1959; photorevised
1979; and
(24) Pico Creek, 1959; photorevised
1979.
(c) Boundary. The San Luis Obispo
Coast viticultural area is located in San
Luis Obispo County in California. The
boundary of the San Luis Obispo Coast
viticultural area is as described below:
(1) The beginning point is on the
Burro Mountain map at the intersection
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of the northern boundary of the Piedra
Blanca Grant boundary and the Pacific
Ocean. From the beginning point,
proceed southeast along the grant
boundary to its intersection with the
western boundary of Section 15, T25S/
R6E; then
(2) Proceed northeast in a straight line
to a marked 1,462-foot peak in Section
11, T25S/R6E; then
(3) Proceed southeast in a straight
line, crossing onto the Piedras Blancas
map, to a marked 2,810-fook peak in
Section 19, T25S/R7E; then
(4) Proceed southeast in a straight
line, crossing onto the San Simeon map,
to the 2,397-foot peak of Garrity Peak in
the Piedra Blanca Land Grant; then
(5) Proceed east in a straight line to a
marked 2,729-foot peak in Section 32,
T25S/R8E; then
(6) Proceed southeast in a straight
line, crossing onto the Pebblestone
Shut-In map, to the 3,432-foot peak of
Rocky Butte in Section 24, T26S/R8E;
then
(7) Proceed southeast in a straight line
to the 2,849-foot peak of Vulture Rock
in Section 29, T26S/R9E; then
(8) Proceed southeast in a straight
line, crossing over the Lime Mountain
map and onto the Cypress Mountain
map to the 2,933-foot peak of Cypress
Mountain in Section 12, T27S/R9E; then
(9) Proceed southeast in a straight
line, crossing onto the York Mountain
map, to the intersection of Dover
Canyon Road and a jeep trail in Dover
Canyon in Section 14, T27S/R10E; then
(10) Proceed southwesterly, then
southeasterly along the jeep trail to the
point where the jeep trail becomes an
unnamed light-duty road, and
continuing southeasterly along the road
to its intersection Santa Rita Creek in
Section 25, T27S/R10E; then
(11) Proceed easterly along Santa Rita
Creek to the point where the creek splits
into a northern and a southern fork;
then
(12) Proceed east in a straight line to
Cayucos Templeton Road, then proceed
south along Cayucos Templeton Road,
crossing onto the Morro Bay North map
and continuing along the road as it
becomes Santa Rita Road, to the
intersection of the road with the
northeast boundary of Section 20, T28S/
R11E; then
(13) Proceed southeast along the
northeast boundary of Section 20 to its
intersection with the western boundary
of the Los Padres National Forest; then
(14) Proceed south, then southeasterly
along the western boundary of the Los
Padres National Forest, crossing over
the Atascadero map and onto the San
Luis Obispo map, to the intersection of
the forest boundary with the boundary
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of the Camp San Luis Obispo National
Guard Reservation at the northeastern
corner of Section 32, T29S/R12E; then
(15) Proceed south, then generally
southwesterly along the boundary of
Camp San Luis Obispo National Guard
Reservation, crossing onto the Morro
Bay South map and then back onto the
San Luis Obispo map, and then
continuing generally easterly along the
military reservation boundary to the
intersection of the boundary with a
marked 1,321-foot peak along the
northern boundary of the Potrero de San
Luis Obispo Land Grant; then
(16) Proceed southeast in a straight
line, crossing onto the Lopez Mountain
map, to the southeastern corner of
Section 18, T30S/R13E; then
(17) Proceed southeasterly in a
straight line to the southeast corner of
Section 29; then
(18) Proceed southeasterly in a
straight line to a marked 2,094-foot peak
in Section 2, T31S/R13E; then
(19) Proceed southeasterly in a
straight line, crossing onto the Arroyo
Grande NE map, to the intersection of
the 1,800-foot elevation contour and the
western boundary of the Los Padres
National Forest, along the eastern
boundary of Section 12, T31S/R13E;
then
(20) Proceed south along the
boundary of the Los Padres National
Forest to the southeastern corner of
Section 13, T31S/R13E; then
(21) Proceed southeast in a straight
line to a marked 1,884-foot peak in
Section 19, T31S/R14E; then
(22) Proceed southeast in a straight
line to northwesternmost corner of the
boundary of the Lopez Lake Recreation
Area in Section 19, T31S/R14E; then
(23) Proceed south, then generally
east along the boundary of the Lopez
Lake Recreation Area, crossing onto the
Tar Spring Ridge map, to the
intersection of the boundary with an
unnamed light-duty road known locally
as Lopez Drive west of the Lopez Dam
spillway in Section 32, T31S/R14E; then
(24) Proceed east along Lopez Drive to
its intersection with an unnamed lightduty road known as Hi Mountain Road
in Section 34, T31S/R14E; then
(25) Proceed east along Hi Mountain
Drive to its intersection with an
unnamed light-duty road known locally
as Upper Lopez Canyon Road in the
Arroyo Grande Land Grant; then
(26) Proceed north along Upper Lopez
Canyon Road to its intersection with an
unnamed, unimproved road that runs
south to Ranchita Ranch; then
(27) Proceed northeast in a straight
line to a marked 1,183-foot peak in
Section 19, T31S/R15E; then
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(28) Proceed southeast in a straight
line to a marked 1,022-foot peak in
Section 29, T31S/R15E; then
(29) Proceed southwest in a straight
line to a marked 1,310-foot peak in
Section 30, T31S/R15E; then
(30) Proceed southeast in a straight
line to a marked 1,261-foot peak in
Section 32, T31S/R15E; then
(31) Proceed southeast in a straight
line to a marked 1,436-foot peak in
Section 4, T32S/R15E; then
(32) Proceed southwest in a straight
line to a marked 1,308-foot peak in the
Huasna Land Grant; then
(33) Proceed westerly in a straight line
to a marked 1,070-foot peak in Section
1, T32S/R14E; then
(34) Proceed southeast in a straight
line to a marked 1,251-foot peak in the
Huasna Land Grant; then
(35) Proceed southwest in a straight
line to a marked 1,458-foot peak in the
Santa Manuela Land Grant; then
(36) Proceed southeast in a straight
line to a marked 1,377-foot peak in the
Huasna Land Grant; then
(37) Proceed southwest in a straight
line, crossing onto the Nipomo map, to
a marked 1,593-foot peak in the Santa
Manuela Land Grant; then
(38) Proceed southwest in a straight
line to the jeep trail immediately north
of a marked 1,549-foot peak in Section
35, T32S/R14E; then
(39) Proceed northwesterly along the
jeep trail to its intersection with an
unnamed, unimproved road in the Santa
Manuela Land Grant; then
(40) Proceed south along the
unimproved road to its intersection with
Upper Los Berros Road No. 2 in Section
33, T32S/R14E; then
(41) Proceed southeast along Upper
Los Berros Road No. 2, crossing onto the
Huasna Peak map, to the intersection of
the road and State Highway 166; then
(42) Proceed south, then westerly
along State Highway 166, crossing over
the Twitchell Dam, Santa Maria, and
Nipomo maps, then back onto the Santa
Maria map, to the intersection of State
Highway 166 with U.S. Highway 101 in
the Nipomo Land Grant; then
(43) Proceed south along U.S.
Highway 101 to its intersection with the
north bank of the Santa Maria River;
then
(44) Proceed west along the north
bank of the Santa Maria River to its
intersection with the 200-foot elevation
contour; then
(45) Proceed generally west along the
200-foot elevation contour, crossing
over the Nipomo map and onto the
Oceano map, to a point north of where
the north-south trending 100-foot
elevation contour makes a sharp
westerly turn in the Guadalupe Land
Grant; then
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(46) Proceed due south in a straight
line to the 100-foot elevation contour;
then
(47) Proceed westerly along the 100foot elevation contour to its intersection
with State Highway 1 in the Guadalupe
Land Grant; then
(48) Proceed northwesterly in a
straight line to the eastern boundary of
the Pismo Dunes State Vehicular
Recreation Area at Lettuce Lake in the
Bolsa de Chamisal Land Grant; then
(49) Proceed northerly along the
eastern boundary of the Pismo Dunes
State Vehicular Recreation Area to the
point where the boundary makes a
sharp westerly turn just west of Black
Lake in the Bolsa de Chamisal Land
Grant; then
(50) Northerly along the Indefinite
Boundary of the Pismo Dunes National
Preserve to corner just west of Black
Lake in the Bolsa de Chamisal Land
Grant; then
(51) Proceed east in a straight line to
an unnamed four wheel drive road east
of Black Lake in the Bolsa de Chamisal
Land Grant; then
(52) Proceed north along the western
fork of the four wheel drive road as it
meanders to the east of White Lake, Big
Twin Lake, and Pipeline Lake, to the
point where the road intersects an
unnamed creek at the southeastern end
of Cienega Valley in the Bolsa de
Chamisal Land Grant; then
(53) Proceed northwesterly along the
creek to its intersection with an
unnamed dirt road known locally as
Delta Lane south of the Oceano Airport;
then
(54) Proceed northerly along Delta
Lane to its intersection with an
unnamed light-duty road known locally
as Ocean Street; then
(55) Proceed east in a straight line to
State Highway 1; then
(56) Proceed northerly on State
Highway 1, crossing onto the Pismo
Beach map, to the highway’s
intersection with a light-duty road
known locally as Harloe Avenue; then
(57) Proceed west along Harloe
Avenue to its intersection with the
boundary of Pismo State Beach; then
(58) Proceed northwesterly along the
boundary of Pismo State Beach to its
intersection with the Pacific Ocean
coastline; then
(59) Proceed northerly along the
Pacific Ocean coastline, crossing over
the Pismo Beach, Port San Luis, Morro
Bay South, Morro Bay North, Cayucos,
Cambria, Pico Creek, San Simeon, and
Piedras Blancas maps and onto the
Burro Mountain map, and returning to
the beginning point.
E:\FR\FM\01OCP1.SGM
01OCP1
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 191 / Thursday, October 1, 2020 / Proposed Rules
Signed: May 28, 2020.
Mary G. Ryan,
Acting Administrator.
Approved: June 17, 2020.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax, Trade, and
Tariff Policy).
Editorial Note: This document was
received for publication by the Office of the
Federal Register on August 7, 2020.
[FR Doc. 2020–17624 Filed 9–30–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810–31–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau
27 CFR Part 9
[Docket No. TTB–2020–0008; Notice No.
193]
RIN: 1513–AC58
Proposed Establishment of the Mount
Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon
Viticultural Area
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau, Treasury.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax
and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to
establish the approximately 5,850-acre
‘‘Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon’’
viticultural area in Polk County, Oregon.
The proposed viticultural area lies
entirely within the Willamette Valley
viticultural area. TTB designates
viticultural areas to allow vintners to
better describe the origin of their wines
and to allow consumers to better
identify wines they may purchase. TTB
invites comments on this proposed
addition to its regulations.
DATES: Comments must be received by
November 30, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may electronically
submit comments to TTB on this
proposal, and view copies of this
document, its supporting materials, and
any comments TTB receives on it within
Docket No. TTB–2020–0008 as posted
on Regulations.gov (https://
www.regulations.gov), the Federal erulemaking portal. Please see the
‘‘Public Participation’’ section of this
document below for full details on how
to comment on this proposal via
Regulations.gov or U.S. mail, and for
full details on how to obtain copies of
this document, its supporting materials,
and any comments related to this
proposal.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kate
M. Bresnahan, Regulations and Rulings
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
22:45 Sep 30, 2020
Jkt 253001
Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Box
12, Washington, DC 20005; phone 202–
453–1039, ext. 151.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background on Viticultural Areas
TTB Authority
Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol
Administration Act (FAA Act), 27
U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary
of the Treasury to prescribe regulations
for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits,
and malt beverages. The FAA Act
provides that these regulations should,
among other things, prohibit consumer
deception and the use of misleading
statements on labels and ensure that
labels provide the consumer with
adequate information as to the identity
and quality of the product. The Alcohol
and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
(TTB) administers the FAA Act
pursuant to section 1111(d) of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002,
codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The
Secretary has delegated the functions
and duties in the administration and
enforcement of these provisions to the
TTB Administrator through Treasury
Order 120–01, dated December 10, 2013
(superseding Treasury Order 120–01,
dated January 24, 2003).
Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR
part 4) authorizes TTB to establish
definitive viticultural areas and regulate
the use of their names as appellations of
origin on wine labels and in wine
advertisements. Part 9 of the TTB
regulations (27 CFR part 9) sets forth
standards for the preparation and
submission of petitions for the
establishment or modification of
American viticultural areas (AVAs) and
lists the approved AVAs.
Definition
Section 4.25(e)(1)(i) of the TTB
regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(1)(i)) defines
a viticultural area for American wine as
a delimited grape-growing region having
distinguishing features, as described in
part 9 of the regulations, and a name
and a delineated boundary, as
established in part 9 of the regulations.
These designations allow vintners and
consumers to attribute a given quality,
reputation, or other characteristic of a
wine made from grapes grown in an area
to the wine’s geographic origin. The
establishment of AVAs allows vintners
to describe more accurately the origin of
their wines to consumers and helps
consumers to identify wines they may
purchase. Establishment of an AVA is
neither an approval nor an endorsement
by TTB of the wine produced in that
area.
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
61907
Requirements
Section 4.25(e)(2) of the TTB
regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(2)) outlines
the procedure for proposing an AVA
and provides that any interested party
may petition TTB to establish a grapegrowing region as an AVA. Section 9.12
of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 9.12)
prescribes the standards for petitions for
the establishment or modification of
AVAs. Petitions to establish an AVA
must include the following:
• Evidence that the area within the
proposed AVA boundary is nationally
or locally known by the AVA name
specified in the petition;
• An explanation of the basis for
defining the boundary of the proposed
AVA;
• A narrative description of the
features of the proposed AVA affecting
viticulture, such as climate, geology,
soils, physical features, and elevation,
that make the proposed AVA distinctive
and distinguish it from adjacent areas
outside the proposed AVA;
• The appropriate United States
Geological Survey (USGS) map(s)
showing the location of the proposed
AVA, with the boundary of the
proposed AVA clearly drawn thereon;
• If the proposed AVA is to be
established within, or overlapping, an
existing AVA, an explanation that both
identifies the attributes of the proposed
AVA that are consistent with the
existing AVA and explains how the
proposed AVA is sufficiently distinct
from the existing AVA and therefore
appropriate for separate recognition;
and
• A detailed narrative description of
the proposed AVA boundary based on
USGS map markings.
Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon
Petition
TTB received a petition from the
representatives of the vineyards and
wineries within the proposed Mount
Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon viticultural
area, proposing the establishment of the
‘‘Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon’’
AVA.
The proposed Mount Pisgah, Polk
County, Oregon AVA is located within
Polk County, Oregon. The proposed
AVA lies entirely within the established
Willamette Valley AVA (27 CFR 9.90)
and does not overlap any other existing
or proposed AVA. The proposed Mount
Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon AVA
contains approximately 5,850 acres,
with 10 commercially-producing
vineyards covering a total of 531 acres
distributed throughout the proposed
AVA. The petition states that an
additional 164 acres in total will soon
E:\FR\FM\01OCP1.SGM
01OCP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 191 (Thursday, October 1, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 61899-61907]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-17624]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
27 CFR Part 9
[Docket No. TTB-2020-0009; Notice No. 194]
RIN 1513-AC59
Proposed Establishment of the San Luis Obispo Coast (SLO Coast)
Viticultural Area
AGENCY: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to
establish the 408,585-acre ``San Luis Obispo Coast'' viticultural area
in San Luis Obispo County, California. TTB is proposing to recognize
both ``San Luis Obispo Coast'' and the abbreviated ``SLO Coast'' as the
name of the proposed AVA. The proposed AVA is located entirely within
the existing Central Coast AVA and would encompass the established Edna
Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley AVAs. TTB designates viticultural areas
to allow vintners to better describe the origin of their wines and to
allow consumers to better identify wines they may purchase. TTB invites
comments on this proposed addition to its regulations.
DATES: TTB must receive your comments on or before November 30, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may electronically submit comments to TTB on this
proposal, and view copies of this document, its supporting materials,
and any comments TTB receives on it within Docket No. TTB-2020-0009 as
posted on Regulations.gov (https://www.regulations.gov), the Federal e-
rulemaking portal. Please see the ``Public Participation'' section of
this document below for full details on how to comment on this proposal
via Regulations.gov or U.S. mail, and for full details on how to obtain
copies of this document, its supporting materials, and any comments
related to this proposal.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen A. Thornton, Regulations and
Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G
Street NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; phone 202-453-1039, ext. 175.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background on Viticultural Areas
TTB Authority
Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act),
27 U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe
regulations for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits, and malt
beverages. The FAA Act provides that these regulations should, among
other things, prohibit consumer deception and the use of misleading
statements on labels, and ensure that labels provide the consumer with
adequate information as to the identity and quality of the product. The
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) administers the FAA Act
pursuant to section 1111(d) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002,
codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The Secretary has delegated the functions
and duties in the administration and enforcement of these provisions to
the TTB Administrator through Treasury Order 120-01, dated December 10,
2013 (superseding Treasury Order 120-01, dated January 24, 2003).
Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 4) authorizes TTB to
establish definitive viticultural areas and regulate the use of their
names as appellations of origin on wine labels and in wine
advertisements. Part 9 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 9) sets
forth standards for the preparation and submission of petitions for the
establishment or modification of American viticultural areas (AVAs) and
lists the approved AVAs.
Definition
Section 4.25(e)(1)(i) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(1)(i))
defines a viticultural area for American wine as a delimited grape-
growing region having distinguishing features, as described in part 9
of the regulations, and a name and a delineated boundary, as
established in part 9 of the regulations. These designations allow
vintners and consumers to attribute a given quality, reputation, or
other characteristic of a wine made from grapes grown in an area to the
wine's geographic origin. The establishment of AVAs allows vintners to
describe more accurately the origin of their wines to consumers and
helps consumers to identify wines they may purchase. Establishment of
an AVA is neither an approval nor an endorsement by TTB of the wine
produced in that area.
Requirements
Section 4.25(e)(2) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(2))
outlines the procedure for proposing an AVA and provides that any
interested party
[[Page 61900]]
may petition TTB to establish a grape-growing region as an AVA. Section
9.12 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 9.12) prescribes standards for
petitions for the establishment or modification of AVAs. Petitions to
establish an AVA must include the following:
Evidence that the area within the proposed AVA boundary is
nationally or locally known by the AVA name specified in the petition;
An explanation of the basis for defining the boundary of
the proposed AVA;
A narrative description of the features of the proposed
AVA that affect viticulture, such as climate, geology, soils, physical
features, and elevation, that make the proposed AVA distinctive and
distinguish it from adjacent areas outside the proposed AVA;
If the proposed AVA is to be established within, or
overlapping, an existing AVA, an explanation that both identifies the
attributes of the proposed AVA that are consistent with the existing
AVA and explains how the proposed AVA is sufficiently distinct from the
existing AVA and therefore appropriate for separate recognition;
The appropriate United States Geological Survey (USGS)
map(s) showing the location of the proposed AVA, with the boundary of
the proposed AVA clearly drawn thereon; and
A detailed narrative description of the proposed AVA
boundary based on USGS map markings.
Petition To Establish the San Luis Obispo Coast (SLO Coast) AVA
TTB received a petition from the SLO Coast AVA Association,
proposing to establish the ``San Luis Obispo Coast'' AVA. The petition
also requested that TTB recognize the abbreviated name ``SLO Coast'' as
an approved alternative name for the proposed AVA. For purposes of the
remainder of this document, TTB will refer to the proposed AVA as ``SLO
Coast.''
The proposed SLO Coast AVA is located in San Luis Obispo County,
California, and is entirely within the existing Central Coast AVA (27
CFR 9.75). The proposed AVA would also encompass the existing Edna
Valley (27 CFR 9.35) and Arroyo Grande Valley (27 CFR 9.129) AVAs.
Within the 408,585-acre proposed AVA, there are over 50 wineries and
approximately 78 commercial vineyards, which cover a total of
approximately 3,942 acres. The petition states that of those 3,942
acres of vineyards, approximately 2,661 acres are in the existing Edna
Valley AVA, 838 acres are in the existing Arroyo Grande AVA, and 398
acres are distributed throughout the remaining portion of the proposed
AVA. The distinguishing features of the proposed SLO Coast AVA are its
topography, climate, and soils. Unless otherwise noted, all information
and data contained in the following sections are from the petition to
establish the proposed AVA and its supporting exhibits.
Proposed SLO Coast AVA
Name Evidence
The proposed SLO Coast AVA derives its name from its location in
coastal San Luis Obispo County. The petition notes that the region is
often referred to as ``SLO,'' which is a reference to both the county's
initials and its relaxed culture. The petition states that although the
full name of the proposed AVA is ``San Luis Obispo Coast,'' the
frequently-used abbreviation ``SLO'' should also be recognized by TTB
in order to avoid consumer confusion.
The petition included a number of examples of the use of the name
``SLO Coast'' to describe the region of the proposed AVA. For example,
a book about Santa Barbara County and California's Central Coast
contains a chapter titled ``Coastal SLO'' that uses the phrase ``SLO
Coast'' nearly a dozen times.\1\ The petition shows that businesses
within the proposed AVA include SLO Coast Jerky, SLO Coast Diner, SLO
Coast Catering, SLO Coast Realty, SLO Coast Insurance Services, SLO
Coast Custom Print and Laser, SLO Coast Construction, and SLO Coast
Coffee. An online magazine featuring information about the region of
the proposed AVA is called SLO Coast Journal.\2\ Finally, on his 2016
campaign website, State Senate Majority Leader Bill Monning described
his district as encompassing ``the SLO Coast towns of Pismo Beach,
Grover Beach, and Arroyo Grande,'' \3\ all of which are within the
proposed AVA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Wares, Donna. An Explorer's Guide--Santa Barbara &
California's Central Coast. New York: The Countryman Press, 2011.
\2\ slocoastjournal.net.
\3\ https://www.billmonning.org/2016/district.html.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boundary Evidence
The proposed SLO Coast AVA is a long, relatively narrow region that
encompasses the portion of San Luis Obispo County that is oriented
towards the Pacific Ocean and experiences an immediate marine
influence. The proposed AVA is 1.7 miles across at its narrowest point
and 15.1 miles across at its widest point. According to the petition,
approximately 97 percent of the proposed AVA sits at elevations below
1,800 feet, which is described in the petition as the approximate limit
of strong marine influence.
The northern boundary of the proposed AVA follows the northern
Piedras Blancas Grant boundary and separates the proposed AVA from the
Los Padres National Forest. Beyond the northern boundary, the
elevations rise sharply and become more rugged. The eastern boundary
follows a series of straight lines between peaks of the Santa Lucia
Range, as well as the boundary of the Los Padres National Forest, to
separate the proposed AVA from regions that are oriented away from the
Pacific Ocean and receive little direct marine influence. The southern
boundary generally follows the Nipomo Mesa and the boundary of the
Oceano State Vehicular Recreation Area. The region south of this
boundary is sandier than the proposed AVA and also contains State
recreational area lands that are not appropriate for vineyard
development. The western boundary of the proposed AVA follows the
coastline of the Pacific Ocean.
Distinguishing Features
According to the petition, the distinguishing features of the
proposed SLO Coast AVA are its topography, climate, and soils. Because
the Pacific Ocean is to the west of the proposed AVA, the following
sections will only compare the features of the proposed AVA to the
surrounding regions to the north, east, and south.
Topography
The petition describes the proposed SLO Coast AVA as a region of
coastal terraces, foothills, and small valleys along the Pacific Coast.
The region is oriented to the west, allowing the region to experience
marine fog and cool marine air. According to the petition, 97 percent
of the proposed AVA is at or below 1,800 feet in elevation, which
corresponds to the approximate limit of the influence of the maritime
climate. The petition states that the steady maritime influence
prevents temperatures from rising too high or dropping too low for
optimal vineyard conditions.
According to U.S.G.S maps provided with the petition, to the north
of the proposed AVA, the elevations rise to over 3,000 feet and the
terrain is steep and rough. The higher elevations are above the maximum
extent of the marine air and fog that characterizes the proposed AVA.
Additionally, the land north of the proposed AVA was excluded because
most of it is within the Los Padres National Forest and thus is
unavailable for commercial
[[Page 61901]]
viticulture. To the east of the proposed AVA is the eastern side of the
Santa Lucia Range. This region is oriented to the east, away from the
Pacific Ocean, and is thus not as exposed to the marine influence as
the proposed AVA. To the south of the proposed AVA is the Santa Maria
Valley, which has a much flatter topography.
Climate
The proposed SLO Coast AVA petition included information on the
climate of the proposed AVA, including growing degree day \4\ (GDD)
accumulations and Winkler Regions \5\, average maximum and minimum
temperatures, and cloud cover.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ According to the petition, GDDs for a particular region are
calculated by adding the total mean daily temperatures above 50
degrees Fahrenheit (F) for the days from April 1 through October 31.
The formula is based on the concept that most vine-shoot growth
occurs in temperatures over 50 degrees F.
\5\ See Albert J. Winkler, General Viticulture (Berkeley:
University of California Press, 2nd. ed. 1974), pages 61-64. In the
Winkler scale, the GDD regions are defined as follows: Region I =
less than 2,500 GDDs; Region II = 2,501-3,000 GDDs; Region III =
3,001-3,500 GDDs; Region IV = 3,501-4,000 GDDs; Region V = greater
than 4,000 GDDs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
GDD accumulations and Winkler Regions: The petition included data
on the average GDD accumulations and the corresponding Winkler Region
for the proposed AVA and the surrounding regions. The information for
the entire proposed SLO Coast AVA is included in the following table,
along with the information for several established AVAs in the
surrounding regions and for the established Edna Valley and Arroyo
Grande Valley AVAs, which are located within the proposed AVA.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ The petition included GDD and Winkler Region information for
additional established AVAs in California and Washington and wine
regions in France. However, TTB believes that the additional AVAs
are too far from the proposed AVA to provide relevant comparisons.
All GDD and Winkler Region information from the petition can be
found in the online docket at www.regulations.gov.
Table 1--GDD Accumulations and Winkler Regions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVA name (direction from GDD accumulation
proposed AVA) \7\ Winkler region
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed SLO Coast.............. 2,493 I
Edna Valley (within)............ 2,738 II
Arroyo Grande Valley (within)... 2,786 II
Monterey (NE)................... 2,594 II
Arroyo Seco (NE)................ 2,680 II
York Mountain (E)............... 2,772 II
Paso Robles (E)................. 3,425 III
Santa Maria Valley (S).......... 2,733 II
Santa Ynez Valley (S)........... 2,844 II
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The data shows that the proposed SLO Coast AVA, as a whole, has a
lower GDD accumulation and is in a lower Winkler Region than the
surrounding regions. The established Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande
Valley AVAs, which are located within the proposed AVA, have higher
individual GDD accumulations and are in a higher Winkler Region than
the remainder of the proposed AVA. The petition explains that both of
these AVAs are somewhat sheltered from the marine influence but still
receive more marine air and fog than the regions outside the proposed
AVA on the eastern side of the Santa Lucia Range, such as the Paso
Robles AVA. The petition suggests that the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA's
GDD accumulation may be skewed high due to the fact that the far
eastern portion of that AVA, which represents approximately 5 percent
of the total acreage of the proposed SLO Coast AVA, is in a narrow,
sheltered canyon that is classified as a Winkler Region III.
Furthermore, Appendices 4 through 6 of the petition \8\ include
evidence that other protected pockets with Winkler Region II GDD
accumulations exist within the proposed SLO Coast AVA, so including the
Arroyo Grande Valley and Edna Valley AVAs would not be inconsistent
with the characteristics of the rest of the proposed AVA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ Derived from climate data from 1971-2000. See petition for
additional information regarding GDD calculations.
\8\ See Appendices 4 through 6 to the petition in Docket TTB-
2020-0009 at https://www.regulations.gov.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the petition, low GDD accumulations limit which grape
varietals can be successfully grown in the region. The petition states
that areas classified as Winkler Region I, like the majority of the
proposed AVA, are well-suited for growing early-to-mid-season-ripening
varietals such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which comprise 43 percent
and 35 percent, respectively, of the total planted vineyard acreage
within the proposed SLO Coast AVA.
Average minimum and maximum growing season temperatures: The
petition states that the average minimum growing season temperature for
nearly 90 percent of the proposed SLO Coast AVA is between 47.5 degrees
F and 52 degrees F.\9\ The petition attributes the mild minimum
temperatures of the proposed AVA to its proximity to the waters of the
Pacific Ocean, which have a high heat capacity that provides a constant
moderation on the climate. Likewise, the ocean moderates the average
maximum growing season temperature of the proposed AVA. Sea breeze
circulation, driven by inland heating, keeps the daytime temperatures
lower along the coast than within the inland valleys east of the
proposed AVA. According to the petition, 21 percent of the proposed SLO
Coast AVA has an average maximum growing season temperature of less
than 70 degrees F, while another 68 percent of the proposed AVA has an
average maximum growing season temperature of between 70 and 78 degrees
F.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ Derived from climate data from 1981-2015. See Appendix 7 to
the petition in Docket TTB-2020-0009 at https://www.regulations.gov.
\10\ Derived from climate data from 1981-2015. See Appendix 8 to
the petition in Docket TTB-2020-0009 at https://www.regulations.gov.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
By contrast, the region east of the proposed AVA is sheltered by
the Santa Lucia Mountains from the moderating influence of the Pacific
Ocean. As a result, the region has lower average minimum temperatures
and higher average maximum temperatures than the proposed AVA. For
example, the majority of the established Paso Robles AVA has an average
minimum growing season temperature that is below 50 degrees F, but a
large portion of that AVA is even cooler, with an average minimum
temperature below 46 degrees F. The average maximum growing
[[Page 61902]]
season temperature within the Paso Robles AVA is above 80 degrees F.
The region south of the proposed AVA, which includes the
established Santa Maria Valley AVA, has a flatter terrain than the
proposed SLO Coast AVA and is thus more exposed to the marine air. As a
result, the region to the south has a higher average minimum growing
season temperature and a lower average maximum growing season
temperature than the proposed AVA.
The petition states that the mild minimum and maximum growing
season temperatures within the proposed SLO Coast AVA affect
viticulture. Mild minimum temperatures lead to a shorter period of
wintertime vine dormancy and earlier spring bud breaks. However, early
spring bud breaks are not a concern for grape growers in the proposed
AVA because potentially damaging frost events that can damage or kill
early vine growth in the spring are far less common in coastal regions
than they are in inland valleys. Lower maximum temperatures lead to a
reduced risk of fruit desiccation and also produce higher levels of
malic acid in the grapes, which increases total acidities and lowers pH
values. Finally, the petition notes that the cooler temperatures of the
proposed AVA can affect the flavor profile of certain grape varietals,
specifically Syrah. The petition claims that Syrah grown in cooler
climates such as the proposed AVA features more pepper and gamey
flavors compared to the riper, fruitier flavors found in Syrah grown in
warmer regions.
Cloud cover: The petition also provided information about nighttime
cloud cover over the proposed SLO Coast AVA and the surrounding
regions. The petition states that daytime fog is typically present in
coastal regions of California, but that it quickly dissipates as the
air heats up. In the evening, land temperatures decrease and the moist
air above cools to its dew point, resulting in nighttime fog.
According to the petition, the majority of the proposed SLO Coast
AVA experiences nighttime fog cover between 35 and 55 percent of all
nights during the growing season.\11\ The region of the proposed AVA
immediately adjacent to the coast, the Morro Bay area, and the
southernmost region of the proposed AVA all experience fog 55 of 75
percent of all nights during the growing season. By contrast, the
majority of the region east of the proposed AVA experiences fog less
than 30 percent of all nights during the growing season, while the
region south of the proposed AVA has fog over 55 percent of all nights
during the growing season.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\11\ Derived from climate data from 2003-2015. See Appendix 9 of
the petition in Docket TTB-2020-0009 at https://www.regulations.gov.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The petition states that cloud cover in the form of nighttime fog
has an effect on viticulture within the proposed AVA. The fog prevents
nighttime temperatures from dropping significantly. As a result, the
proposed AVA generally experiences temperature changes of no more than
20 to 30 degrees F throughout the day. The moderate nighttime
temperatures lead to longer growing seasons within the proposed AVA. By
contrast, regions to the east with less nighttime fog experience 40 to
50 degree swings and a greater risk of damaging early spring frosts.
Soils
The petition states that the soils of the proposed SLO Coast AVA
can be classified into four groups. The first group is derived from
older Franciscan Formation geology. This group represents the largest
proportion of soils within the boundaries of the proposed AVA and is
found in the northern and central portions of the proposed AVA. These
soils derive from sandstone, shale, and metamorphosed sedimentary
rocks, and they vary from very thin, rocky soils on hills and mountains
to very deep clay and clay-loam soils along lower-lying alluvial fans
and terraces. These soils are highly varied due to the highly complex
nature of the Franciscan Formation geology that produced these soils.
The soils of this group that are most suitable for viticulture are
found on foothills, terraces, and valleys and have good drainage,
moderate water holding capacity, and a high mineral content. Examples
of soil series in this group include Diablo, San Simeon, Shimmon,
Conception, and Santa Lucia series.
The second group of soils found in the proposed AVA consists of
younger marine deposits and basin sediments from the Miocene and
Pliocene periods. These soils represent the second largest proportion
of soils in the proposed AVA and are mostly found in the southern
region of the proposed AVA. Most of these soils are composed of sandy
loam and loams derived from marine deposits of sandstone and shale, and
they have less clay than soils in the northern portion of the proposed
AVA. The higher sand content provides excellent drainage for vineyards,
but often requires irrigation during the growing season. Examples of
soil series in this group include Pismo, Briones, Tierrs, Gazos,
Nacimiento, Linne, Balcom, and Sorrento series.
The third group of soils found in the proposed AVA is derived from
volcanic intrusion and represents a very small proportion of the soils
within the proposed AVA, occurring mostly in isolated instances on very
steep terrain within the Santa Lucia Mountains, as well as along the
rocky outcrops near Morro Bay. Most soils in this group are thick and
are found on excessively steep terrain or rocky outcrops that are
unsuitable for viticulture.
The fourth group of soils within the proposed AVA is derived from
wind deposits and comprises the sand dunes and low areas near the
coast. These soils comprise a very small portion of the proposed AVA,
mainly along the coastline near Morro Bay and around the township of
Nipomo. They consist of very deep sands at low elevations and are
excessively drained soils with a high sodium content, making them
generally unsuitable for viticulture.
To the south of the proposed AVA, within the established Santa
Maria AVA, the soils are largely from younger geological periods and
consist of deep, fertile, sandy soils that are well-suited for
viticulture. These soils are derived from alluvial deposits and contain
less clay and clay loam than the majority of soils in the proposed AVA.
To the east of the proposed AVA, within the established Paso Robles
AVA, the soils consist of alluvial and terrace deposits. The region
north of the proposed AVA is characterized by rocky outcrops, shallow
soils derived from sandstone and metamorphic rock, and soils derived
from igneous and granitic rocks.
Summary of Distinguishing Features
The topography, climate, and soils of the proposed SLO Coast AVA
distinguish it from the surrounding regions to the north, east, and
south. To the west of the proposed AVA is the Pacific Ocean. The
following table summarizes the distinguishing features of the proposed
AVA and the surrounding regions.
[[Page 61903]]
Table 2--Summary of Distinguishing Features
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Region Topography Climate Soils
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed SLO Coast AVA............. Coastal terraces, Marine influenced climate Majority of soils
foothills, and small with average GDD derived from
valleys with western accumulation of 2,493, Franciscan Formation
orientations and average minimum growing and marine deposits
elevations below season temperatures and basin sediments,
1,800 feet. between 47.5 and 52 with some soils
degrees F, average maximum formed from volcanic
growing season intrusion and wind
temperatures between 70 deposited sand.
and 78 degrees, and
frequent nighttime fog.
North.............................. Steep, mountainous Less marine influence, Shallow soils derived
region with higher GDD accumulations, from sandstone and
elevations over 3,000 lower average growing metamorphic rocks and
feet. season minimum igneous and granitic
temperature, higher rocks.
average growing season
maximum temperature, less
nighttime fog.
East............................... Eastern slope Less marine influence, Alluvial and terrace
orientation. higher GDD accumulations, deposits, as well
lower average growing rock outcrop in the
season minimum Santa Lucia Mountain
temperature, higher Range.
average growing season
maximum temperature, less
nighttime fog.
South.............................. Flat valley terrain... Higher GDD accumulations, Younger soils
higher average growing consisting of deep,
season minimum fertile, sandy soils.
temperature, lower average
growing season maximum
temperature, more
nighttime fog.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of the Proposed SLO Coast AVA to the Existing Edna Valley
AVA
The Edna Valley AVA was established by T.D. ATF-101, which was
published in the Federal Register on May 12, 1982 (47 FR 20298). The
AVA is located in the southeastern portion of the proposed SLO Coast
AVA and covers approximately 35 square miles. T.D. ATF-101 states that
the Edna Valley AVA consists of a natural valley that has a
predominately Region II climate with a few pockets that classify as
Region I. A gap in the coastal mountains allows marine air and fog to
enter the valley and keep the summer temperatures lower and the winter
temperatures warmer than the temperature farther to the east, beyond
the Santa Lucia Mountains. Elevations range from 120 to 300 feet, and
the soils are generally sandy clay loam, clay loam, or clay.
The proposed SLO Coast AVA shares some of the general viticultural
features of the Edna Valley AVA. For example, temperatures within both
the proposed AVA and the established AVA are influenced by marine air
and fog and are generally cooler than temperatures in the region to the
east. Both the proposed AVA and the established AVA also have similar
soils of clay and loam. However, the proposed AVA also has some unique
characteristics. For instance, the majority of the proposed AVA can be
classified as a Region I climate with pockets of Region II
microclimates, whereas most of the established Edna Valley AVA is
classified as a Region II climate with pockets of Region I
microclimates. Additionally, the proposed SLO Coast AVA has a wider
range of elevations than the Edna Valley AVA.
Comparison of the Proposed SLO Coast AVA to the Existing Arroyo Grande
Valley AVA
The Arroyo Grande Valley AVA was established by T.D. ATF-291, which
was published in the Federal Register on January 4, 1990 (55 FR 285).
The AVA is located in the southeastern region of the proposed SLO Coast
AVA, adjacent to the Edna Valley AVA, and covers approximately 67
square miles. T.D. ATF-291 states that the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA is
primarily distinguished by its climate, which is described as ranging
from high Region I to Region II. The AVA experiences frequent morning
and evening fog and temperatures, and is moderated by the marine
influence.
The proposed SLO Coast AVA shares some of the general viticultural
features of the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA. For example, both the
proposed AVA and the established AVA experience morning and evening
fog. They also both have temperatures that are influenced by marine air
and are generally cooler than temperatures in the region to the east.
However, the proposed AVA is described as having an overall cooler
climate than the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA, which is in a more sheltered
location within the proposed AVA and experiences less direct marine
influence.
Comparison of the Proposed SLO Coast AVA to the existing Central Coast
AVA
The approximately 1 million-acre Central Coast AVA was established
by T.D. ATF-216, which was published in the Federal Register on October
24, 1985 (50 FR 43128). The AVA is a large, multi-county AVA that
entirely encompasses the proposed SLO Coast AVA. T.D. ATF-216 states
that the Central Coast AVA is primarily distinguished by its marine-
influenced climate. The AVA experiences maximum high temperatures,
minimum low temperatures, marine fog intrusion, relative humidity,
length of growing season, and precipitation that are significantly
different from conditions on the eastern (inland) side of the Coastal
Ranges.
The proposed SLO Coast AVA shares some of the general viticultural
features of the Central Coast AVA. For example, both the proposed AVA
and the established AVA experience fog, have temperatures that are
influenced by marine air, and are generally milder than temperatures in
the inland region to the east. However, due to its smaller size, the
climate, topography, and soils of the proposed AVA are less varied than
those of the much larger Central Coast AVA.
TTB Determination
TTB concludes that the petition to establish the 408,585-acre ``SLO
Coast'' AVA merits consideration and public comment, as invited in this
proposed rule.
Boundary Description
See the narrative boundary descriptions of the petitioned-for AVA
in the proposed regulatory text published at the end of this notice of
proposed rulemaking.
Maps
The petitioner provided the required maps, and they are listed
below in the proposed regulatory text. You may also view the proposed
SLO Coast AVA
[[Page 61904]]
boundary on the AVA Map Explorer on the TTB website, at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/ava-map-explorer.
Impact on Current Wine Labels
Part 4 of the TTB regulations prohibits any label reference on a
wine that indicates or implies an origin other than the wine's true
place of origin. For a wine to be labeled with an AVA name or with a
brand name that includes an AVA name, at least 85 percent of the wine
must be derived from grapes grown within the area represented by that
name, and the wine must meet the other conditions listed in Sec.
4.25(e)(3) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(3)). If the wine is
not eligible for labeling with an AVA name and that name appears in the
brand name, then the label is not in compliance and the bottler must
change the brand name and obtain approval of a new label. Similarly, if
the AVA name appears in another reference on the label in a misleading
manner, the bottler would have to obtain approval of a new label.
Different rules apply if a wine has a brand name containing an AVA name
that was used as a brand name on a label approved before July 7, 1986.
See Sec. 4.39(i)(2) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.39(i)(2)) for
details.
If TTB establishes this proposed AVA, its name, ``San Luis Obispo
Coast'' or its abbreviated name ``SLO Coast,'' will be recognized as a
name of viticultural significance under Sec. 4.39(i)(3) of the TTB
regulations (27 CFR 4.39(i)(3)). The text of the proposed regulation
clarifies this point. Consequently, wine bottlers using ``San Luis
Obispo Coast'' or ``SLO Coast'' in a brand name, including a trademark,
or in another label reference as to the origin of the wine, would have
to ensure that the product is eligible to use the viticultural area's
name ``San Luis Obispo Coast'' or the alternative abbreviated name
``SLO Coast'' as an appellation of origin.
The approval of the proposed ``San Luis Obispo Coast'' or ``SLO
Coast'' AVA would not affect any existing AVA. If approved, the
establishment of the proposed SLO Coast AVA would allow vintners to use
``San Luis Obispo Coast,'' ``SLO Coast,'' or ``Central Coast'' as
appellations of origin for wines made from grapes grown within the SLO
Coast AVA, if the wines meet the eligibility requirements for the
appellation. Furthermore, vintners whose wines meet the eligibility
requirements to use either ``Edna Valley'' or ``Arroyo Grande Valley''
as appellations of origin would also be able to use ``San Luis Obispo
Coast,'' ``SLO Coast,'' and ``Central Coast'' as appellations of origin
on those wines.
Public Participation
Comments Invited
TTB invites comments from interested members of the public on
whether TTB should establish the proposed SLO Coast AVA. TTB is
interested in receiving comments on the sufficiency and accuracy of the
name, boundary, topography, and other required information submitted in
support of the SLO Coast AVA petition. In addition, because the
proposed SLO Coast AVA would be within the existing Central Coast AVA
and would encompass the existing Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley
AVAs, TTB is interested in comments on whether the evidence submitted
in the petition regarding the distinguishing features of the proposed
AVA sufficiently differentiates it from the existing AVAs. TTB is also
interested in comments on whether the geographic features of the
proposed AVA are so distinguishable from the Central Coast AVA that the
proposed SLO Coast AVA should not be part of the established AVA.
Finally, TTB invites comments on whether the geographical features of
either the Edna Valley or Arroyo Grande Valley AVA are so
distinguishable from the proposed SLO Coast AVA that one or both of the
established AVAs should not be part of the proposed AVA. Please provide
any available specific information in support of your comments.
Because of the potential impact of the establishment of the
proposed SLO Coast AVA on wine labels that include the term ``SLO
Coast'' or ``San Luis Obispo Coast'' as discussed above under Impact on
Current Wine Labels, TTB is particularly interested in comments
regarding whether there will be a conflict between the proposed area
names and currently used brand names. If a commenter believes that a
conflict will arise, the comment should describe the nature of that
conflict, including any anticipated negative economic impact that
approval of the proposed AVA will have on an existing viticultural
enterprise. TTB is also interested in receiving suggestions for ways to
avoid conflicts, for example, by adopting a modified or different name
for the proposed AVA.
Submitting Comments
You may submit comments on this proposal by using one of the
following two methods:
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You may send comments via the
online comment form posted with this document within Docket No. TTB-
2020-0009 on ``Regulations.gov,'' the Federal e-rulemaking portal, at
https://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to that docket is available
under Notice No. 194 on the TTB website at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine-rulemaking.shtml. Supplemental files may be attached to comments
submitted via Regulations.gov. For complete instructions on how to use
Regulations.gov, visit the site and click on the ``Help'' tab at the
top of the page.
U.S. Mail: You may send comments via postal mail to the
Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005.
Please submit your comments by the closing date shown above in this
document. Your comments must reference Notice No. 194 and include your
name and mailing address. Your comments also must be made in English,
be legible, and be written in language acceptable for public
disclosure. We do not acknowledge receipt of comments, and we consider
all comments as originals.
Your comment must clearly state if you are commenting on your own
behalf or on behalf of an organization, business, or other entity. If
you are commenting on behalf of an organization, business, or other
entity, your comment must include the entity's name as well as your
name and position title. If you comment via Regulations.gov, please
enter the entity's name in the ``Organization'' blank of the online
comment form. If you comment via postal mail, please submit your
entity's comment on letterhead.
You may also write to the Administrator before the comment closing
date to ask for a public hearing. The Administrator reserves the right
to determine whether to hold a public hearing.
Confidentiality
All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public
record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your
comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for
public disclosure.
Public Disclosure
TTB will post, and you may view, copies of this document, selected
supporting materials, and any online or mailed comments received about
this proposal within Docket No. TTB-2020-0009 on the Federal e-
rulemaking portal, Regulations.gov, at https://www.regulations.gov. A
direct link to that docket is available on the TTB website at https://
www.ttb.gov/wine/
[[Page 61905]]
wine-rulemaking.shtml under Notice No. 194. You may also reach the
relevant docket through the Regulations.gov search page at https://www.regulations.gov. For instructions on how to use Regulations.gov,
visit the site and click on the ``Help'' tab at the top of the page.
All posted comments will display the commenter's name, organization
(if any), city, and State, and, in the case of mailed comments, all
address information, including email addresses. TTB may omit voluminous
attachments or material that it considers unsuitable for posting.
You may also obtain copies of this proposed rule, all related
petitions, maps and other supporting materials, and any electronic or
mailed comments that TTB receives about this proposal at 20 cents per
8.5 x 11-inch page. Please note that TTB is unable to provide copies of
USGS maps or any similarly-sized documents that may be included as part
of the AVA petition. Contact TTB's Regulations and Rulings Division by
email using the web form at https://www.ttb.gov/contact-rrd, or by
telephone at 202-453-1039, ext. 175, to request copies of comments or
other materials.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
TTB certifies that this proposed regulation, if adopted, would not
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The proposed regulation imposes no new reporting,
recordkeeping, or other administrative requirement. Any benefit derived
from the use of a viticultural area name would be the result of a
proprietor's efforts and consumer acceptance of wines from that area.
Therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required.
Executive Order 12866
It has been determined that this proposed rule is not a significant
regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866 of September 30,
1993. Therefore, no regulatory assessment is required.
Drafting Information
Karen A. Thornton of the Regulations and Rulings Division drafted
this document.
List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9
Wine.
Proposed Regulatory Amendment
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, we propose to amend
title 27, chapter I, part 9, Code of Federal Regulations, as follows:
PART 9--AMERICAN VITICULTURAL AREAS
0
1. The authority citation for part 9 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 27 U.S.C. 205.
Subpart C--Approved American Viticultural Areas
0
2. Add Sec. 9. ___ to read as follows:
Sec. 9.___ San Luis Obispo Coast.
(a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this
section is ``San Luis Obispo Coast''. ``SLO Coast'' may also be used as
the name of the viticultural area described in this section. For
purposes of part 4 of this chapter, ``San Luis Obispo Coast'' and ``SLO
Coast'' are terms of viticultural significance.
(b) Approved maps. The 24 United States Geological Survey (USGS)
1:24,000 scale topographic maps used to determine the boundary of the
San Luis Obispo Coast viticultural area are titled:
(1) Burro Mountain, 1995;
(2) Piedras Blancas, 1959; photoinspected 1976;
(3) San Simeon, 1958; photoinspected 1976;
(4) Pebblestone Shut-In, 1959; photoinspected 1976;
(5) Lime Mountain, 1948; photo revised 1979;
(6) Cypress Mountain, 1979;
(7) York Mountain, 1948; photorevised 1979;
(8) Morro Bay North, 1995;
(9) Atascadero, 1995;
(10) San Luis Obispo, 1968; photorevised 1978;
(11) Morro Bay South, 1965; photorevised 1978;
(12) Lopez Mountain, 1995;
(13) Arroyo Grande NE, 1985;
(14) Tar Spring Ridge, 1995;
(15) Nipomo, 1965;
(16) Huasna Peak, 1995;
(17) Twitchell Dam, 1959; photorevised 1982;
(18) Santa Maria, 1959; photorevised 1982;
(19) Oceano, 1965; revised 1994
(20) Pismo Beach, 1998;
(21) Port San Luis, 1965; photorevised 1979;
(22) Cayucus, 1965; revised 1994;
(23) Cambria, 1959; photorevised 1979; and
(24) Pico Creek, 1959; photorevised 1979.
(c) Boundary. The San Luis Obispo Coast viticultural area is
located in San Luis Obispo County in California. The boundary of the
San Luis Obispo Coast viticultural area is as described below:
(1) The beginning point is on the Burro Mountain map at the
intersection of the northern boundary of the Piedra Blanca Grant
boundary and the Pacific Ocean. From the beginning point, proceed
southeast along the grant boundary to its intersection with the western
boundary of Section 15, T25S/R6E; then
(2) Proceed northeast in a straight line to a marked 1,462-foot
peak in Section 11, T25S/R6E; then
(3) Proceed southeast in a straight line, crossing onto the Piedras
Blancas map, to a marked 2,810-fook peak in Section 19, T25S/R7E; then
(4) Proceed southeast in a straight line, crossing onto the San
Simeon map, to the 2,397-foot peak of Garrity Peak in the Piedra Blanca
Land Grant; then
(5) Proceed east in a straight line to a marked 2,729-foot peak in
Section 32, T25S/R8E; then
(6) Proceed southeast in a straight line, crossing onto the
Pebblestone Shut-In map, to the 3,432-foot peak of Rocky Butte in
Section 24, T26S/R8E; then
(7) Proceed southeast in a straight line to the 2,849-foot peak of
Vulture Rock in Section 29, T26S/R9E; then
(8) Proceed southeast in a straight line, crossing over the Lime
Mountain map and onto the Cypress Mountain map to the 2,933-foot peak
of Cypress Mountain in Section 12, T27S/R9E; then
(9) Proceed southeast in a straight line, crossing onto the York
Mountain map, to the intersection of Dover Canyon Road and a jeep trail
in Dover Canyon in Section 14, T27S/R10E; then
(10) Proceed southwesterly, then southeasterly along the jeep trail
to the point where the jeep trail becomes an unnamed light-duty road,
and continuing southeasterly along the road to its intersection Santa
Rita Creek in Section 25, T27S/R10E; then
(11) Proceed easterly along Santa Rita Creek to the point where the
creek splits into a northern and a southern fork; then
(12) Proceed east in a straight line to Cayucos Templeton Road,
then proceed south along Cayucos Templeton Road, crossing onto the
Morro Bay North map and continuing along the road as it becomes Santa
Rita Road, to the intersection of the road with the northeast boundary
of Section 20, T28S/R11E; then
(13) Proceed southeast along the northeast boundary of Section 20
to its intersection with the western boundary of the Los Padres
National Forest; then
(14) Proceed south, then southeasterly along the western boundary
of the Los Padres National Forest, crossing over the Atascadero map and
onto the San Luis Obispo map, to the intersection of the forest
boundary with the boundary
[[Page 61906]]
of the Camp San Luis Obispo National Guard Reservation at the
northeastern corner of Section 32, T29S/R12E; then
(15) Proceed south, then generally southwesterly along the boundary
of Camp San Luis Obispo National Guard Reservation, crossing onto the
Morro Bay South map and then back onto the San Luis Obispo map, and
then continuing generally easterly along the military reservation
boundary to the intersection of the boundary with a marked 1,321-foot
peak along the northern boundary of the Potrero de San Luis Obispo Land
Grant; then
(16) Proceed southeast in a straight line, crossing onto the Lopez
Mountain map, to the southeastern corner of Section 18, T30S/R13E; then
(17) Proceed southeasterly in a straight line to the southeast
corner of Section 29; then
(18) Proceed southeasterly in a straight line to a marked 2,094-
foot peak in Section 2, T31S/R13E; then
(19) Proceed southeasterly in a straight line, crossing onto the
Arroyo Grande NE map, to the intersection of the 1,800-foot elevation
contour and the western boundary of the Los Padres National Forest,
along the eastern boundary of Section 12, T31S/R13E; then
(20) Proceed south along the boundary of the Los Padres National
Forest to the southeastern corner of Section 13, T31S/R13E; then
(21) Proceed southeast in a straight line to a marked 1,884-foot
peak in Section 19, T31S/R14E; then
(22) Proceed southeast in a straight line to northwesternmost
corner of the boundary of the Lopez Lake Recreation Area in Section 19,
T31S/R14E; then
(23) Proceed south, then generally east along the boundary of the
Lopez Lake Recreation Area, crossing onto the Tar Spring Ridge map, to
the intersection of the boundary with an unnamed light-duty road known
locally as Lopez Drive west of the Lopez Dam spillway in Section 32,
T31S/R14E; then
(24) Proceed east along Lopez Drive to its intersection with an
unnamed light-duty road known as Hi Mountain Road in Section 34, T31S/
R14E; then
(25) Proceed east along Hi Mountain Drive to its intersection with
an unnamed light-duty road known locally as Upper Lopez Canyon Road in
the Arroyo Grande Land Grant; then
(26) Proceed north along Upper Lopez Canyon Road to its
intersection with an unnamed, unimproved road that runs south to
Ranchita Ranch; then
(27) Proceed northeast in a straight line to a marked 1,183-foot
peak in Section 19, T31S/R15E; then
(28) Proceed southeast in a straight line to a marked 1,022-foot
peak in Section 29, T31S/R15E; then
(29) Proceed southwest in a straight line to a marked 1,310-foot
peak in Section 30, T31S/R15E; then
(30) Proceed southeast in a straight line to a marked 1,261-foot
peak in Section 32, T31S/R15E; then
(31) Proceed southeast in a straight line to a marked 1,436-foot
peak in Section 4, T32S/R15E; then
(32) Proceed southwest in a straight line to a marked 1,308-foot
peak in the Huasna Land Grant; then
(33) Proceed westerly in a straight line to a marked 1,070-foot
peak in Section 1, T32S/R14E; then
(34) Proceed southeast in a straight line to a marked 1,251-foot
peak in the Huasna Land Grant; then
(35) Proceed southwest in a straight line to a marked 1,458-foot
peak in the Santa Manuela Land Grant; then
(36) Proceed southeast in a straight line to a marked 1,377-foot
peak in the Huasna Land Grant; then
(37) Proceed southwest in a straight line, crossing onto the Nipomo
map, to a marked 1,593-foot peak in the Santa Manuela Land Grant; then
(38) Proceed southwest in a straight line to the jeep trail
immediately north of a marked 1,549-foot peak in Section 35, T32S/R14E;
then
(39) Proceed northwesterly along the jeep trail to its intersection
with an unnamed, unimproved road in the Santa Manuela Land Grant; then
(40) Proceed south along the unimproved road to its intersection
with Upper Los Berros Road No. 2 in Section 33, T32S/R14E; then
(41) Proceed southeast along Upper Los Berros Road No. 2, crossing
onto the Huasna Peak map, to the intersection of the road and State
Highway 166; then
(42) Proceed south, then westerly along State Highway 166, crossing
over the Twitchell Dam, Santa Maria, and Nipomo maps, then back onto
the Santa Maria map, to the intersection of State Highway 166 with U.S.
Highway 101 in the Nipomo Land Grant; then
(43) Proceed south along U.S. Highway 101 to its intersection with
the north bank of the Santa Maria River; then
(44) Proceed west along the north bank of the Santa Maria River to
its intersection with the 200-foot elevation contour; then
(45) Proceed generally west along the 200-foot elevation contour,
crossing over the Nipomo map and onto the Oceano map, to a point north
of where the north-south trending 100-foot elevation contour makes a
sharp westerly turn in the Guadalupe Land Grant; then
(46) Proceed due south in a straight line to the 100-foot elevation
contour; then
(47) Proceed westerly along the 100-foot elevation contour to its
intersection with State Highway 1 in the Guadalupe Land Grant; then
(48) Proceed northwesterly in a straight line to the eastern
boundary of the Pismo Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area at Lettuce
Lake in the Bolsa de Chamisal Land Grant; then
(49) Proceed northerly along the eastern boundary of the Pismo
Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area to the point where the boundary
makes a sharp westerly turn just west of Black Lake in the Bolsa de
Chamisal Land Grant; then
(50) Northerly along the Indefinite Boundary of the Pismo Dunes
National Preserve to corner just west of Black Lake in the Bolsa de
Chamisal Land Grant; then
(51) Proceed east in a straight line to an unnamed four wheel drive
road east of Black Lake in the Bolsa de Chamisal Land Grant; then
(52) Proceed north along the western fork of the four wheel drive
road as it meanders to the east of White Lake, Big Twin Lake, and
Pipeline Lake, to the point where the road intersects an unnamed creek
at the southeastern end of Cienega Valley in the Bolsa de Chamisal Land
Grant; then
(53) Proceed northwesterly along the creek to its intersection with
an unnamed dirt road known locally as Delta Lane south of the Oceano
Airport; then
(54) Proceed northerly along Delta Lane to its intersection with an
unnamed light-duty road known locally as Ocean Street; then
(55) Proceed east in a straight line to State Highway 1; then
(56) Proceed northerly on State Highway 1, crossing onto the Pismo
Beach map, to the highway's intersection with a light-duty road known
locally as Harloe Avenue; then
(57) Proceed west along Harloe Avenue to its intersection with the
boundary of Pismo State Beach; then
(58) Proceed northwesterly along the boundary of Pismo State Beach
to its intersection with the Pacific Ocean coastline; then
(59) Proceed northerly along the Pacific Ocean coastline, crossing
over the Pismo Beach, Port San Luis, Morro Bay South, Morro Bay North,
Cayucos, Cambria, Pico Creek, San Simeon, and Piedras Blancas maps and
onto the Burro Mountain map, and returning to the beginning point.
[[Page 61907]]
Signed: May 28, 2020.
Mary G. Ryan,
Acting Administrator.
Approved: June 17, 2020.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax, Trade, and Tariff Policy).
Editorial Note: This document was received for publication by
the Office of the Federal Register on August 7, 2020.
[FR Doc. 2020-17624 Filed 9-30-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P