Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2746-2747 [2022-00853]
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2746
Notices
Federal Register
Vol. 87, No. 12
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains documents other than rules or
proposed rules that are applicable to the
public. Notices of hearings and investigations,
committee meetings, agency decisions and
rulings, delegations of authority, filing of
petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are
examples of documents appearing in this
section.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Natural Resources Conservation
Service
[Docket No. NRCS–2021–0004]
Proposed Revisions to the National
Handbook of Conservation Practices
for the Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA).
ACTION: Notice of availability; request
for comment.
AGENCY:
NRCS is giving notice that it
intends to issue a series of revised
conservation practice standards in the
National Handbook of Conservation
Practices (NHCP). NRCS is also giving
the public an opportunity to provide
comments on specified conservation
practice standards in NHCP.
DATES: Comment Date: We will consider
comments that we receive by February
18, 2022.
ADDRESSES: We invite you to submit
comments on this notice. You may
submit comments through the:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov and search
for docket ID NRCS–2021–0004. Follow
the instructions for submitting
comments.
• Mail, or Hand Delivery: Mr.
Clarence Prestwich, National
Agricultural Engineer, Conservation
Engineering Division, NRCS, USDA,
1400 Independence Avenue, South
Building, Room 4636, Washington, DC
20250. In your comment, specify the
docket ID NRCS–2021–0004.
All comments will be available on
https://www.regulations.gov.
The copies of the proposed revised
standards are available through https://
www.regulations.gov by accessing
Docket No. NRCS–2021–0004.
Alternatively, the proposed revised
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:58 Jan 18, 2022
Jkt 256001
standards can be downloaded or printed
from https://go.usa.gov/TXye.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
Clarence Prestwich; telephone: (202)
720–2972; or email:
clarence.prestwich@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
NRCS is planning to revise the
conservation practice standards in the
NHCP. This notice provides an
overview of the planned changes and
gives the public an opportunity to
provide comments on the specific
conservation practice standards that
NRCS is changing.
NRCS State Conservationists who
choose to adopt these practices in their
States will incorporate these practices
into the respective electronic Field
Office Technical Guide. These practices
may be used in conservation systems
that treat highly erodible land (HEL) or
on land determined to be a wetland.
Section 343 of the Federal Agriculture
Improvement and Reform Act of 1996
requires NRCS to make available for
public review and comment all
proposed revisions to conservation
practice standards used to carry out HEL
and wetland provisions of the law.
Revisions to the National Handbook of
Conservation Practices
The amount of the proposed changes
varies considerably for each of the
conservation practice standards
addressed in this notice. To fully
understand the proposed changes,
individuals are encouraged to compare
these changes with each standard’s
current version, which can be found at:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/
nrcs/detailfull/national/technical/cp/
ncps/?cid=nrcs143_026849.
NRCS is requesting comments on the
following conservation practice
standards:
• Conservation Cover (Code 327);
• Emergency Animal Mortality
Management (Code 368);
• Fishpond Management (Code 399);
• Forest Farming (Code 379);
• Irrigation System, Surface and
Subsurface (Code 443);
• Land Reclamation, Landslide
Treatment (Code 453);
• Mine Shaft and Adit Closing (Code
457);
• Pond (Code 378);
• Residue and Tillage Management,
No Till (Code 329);
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
• Residue and Tillage Management,
Reduced Till (Code 345);
• Subsurface Drain (Code 606);
• Tree/Shrub Pruning (Code 660);
• Vertical Drain (Code 630).
The following are highlights of some
of the proposed changes to each
standard:
Conservation Cover (Code 327): Minor
revisions were made for improved
organization and for clarity. The second
purpose (Reduce ground and surface
water quality degradation by nutrients
and surface water quality degradation
by sediment) was split into two separate
purposes that are clearer and more
succinct (Reduce sediment transport to
surface water and Reduce ground water
and surface water quality degradation
by nutrients). The last purpose (Improve
soil health) was changed to specifically
focus on a measurable metric (Maintain
or increase soil organic matter (OM)
content). The language associated with
the additional criteria was incorporated
into the General Criteria section. We
added three additional purposes
(Improve soil aggregate stability,
Improve habitat for soil organisms, and
Reduce compaction) with Criteria
sections added for both the purposes of
Improve habitat for soil organisms and
Reduce compaction.
Emergency Animal Mortality
Management (Code 368): One of the
Emergency Animal Mortality
Management purposes was separated
into two purposes. The two new
purposes now address surface water and
ground water separately. Minor wording
changes were made to the Criteria and
Considerations sections for clarity and
specificity. Changes were made to the
Operation and Maintenance section to
add specific items for burial and add
more items to composting. New
references were added to the References
section.
Fishpond Management (Code 399):
There were no major changes to this
standard. The three purposes were
combined into one. Three additional
considerations were added regarding
addition of submerged habitat, removal
of accumulated debris or sediment, and
use of biological and/or mechanical
methods to control nuisance aquatic
species. The References section was
updated to delete outdated references
and include new documents.
Forest Farming (Code 379): The
practice name was changed from
E:\FR\FM\19JAN1.SGM
19JAN1
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 12 / Wednesday, January 19, 2022 / Notices
‘‘Multi-Story Cropping’’ to Forest
Farming to reflect technical and popular
literature. Forest Farming also aligns
with other federal agencies (USDA
Forest Service, Agricultural Research
Service), non-government organizations
(Savanna Institute, National Association
of State Foresters), technical assistance,
and outreach efforts. Definition and
purposes were restructured and
expanded to align with the new name
and resource concerns. Minor revisions
were made for improved organization
and for clarity to the Criteria,
Considerations, Plans and
specifications, Operation and
Maintenance, and References sections.
Irrigation System, Surface and
Subsurface (Code 443): Minor revisions
were made for improved organization
and for clarity. The Definition section
was simplified to remove the extended
list of example components described in
the Criteria section. Maximum pipeline
velocity was reduced from 7 feet per
second (fps) to 5 fps to make it
consistent with other NRCS
conservation practice standards. We
added the utility location responsibility
statement.
Land Reclamation, Landslide
Treatment (Code 453): Formatting and
writing style were updated to meet
current agency requirements resulting in
minor revisions for clarity and
readability. Relatively minor technical
additions were included in the Criteria
and Considerations sections. Lists of
required items were added to the Plans
and Specifications and Operation and
Maintenance sections. References were
updated.
Mine Shaft and Adit Closing (Code
457): Formatting and writing style were
updated to meet current agency
requirements resulting in minor
revisions for clarity and readability. In
the Criteria section, the Safety
subsection was reorganized to
emphasize testing and personnel entry
requirements. New subsections entitled
‘‘Bats and other wildlife’’, ‘‘Discharge’’,
and ‘‘Monuments’’ were added to
provide new guidance. The Report
subsection was moved to the Plans and
Specifications section where the list was
expanded.
Pond (Code 378): Minor revisions
were made for improved organization
and for clarity in response to the
availability of new information. Minor
revisions were made to Table 1 to keep
the data within the scope of the practice
standard. We added a utility location
responsibility statement to the General
Criteria section. Changes were made to
the Criteria Applicable to Embankment
Ponds section to Filter diaphragms for
improved explanation. NRCS would
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:58 Jan 18, 2022
Jkt 256001
welcome comments regarding use of
anti-seep collars for this practice.
Residue and Tillage Management, No
Till (Code 329): Minor revisions were
made for improved organization and for
clarity. We added additional purposes
relating to Soil Health Resource
Concerns. We added Additional criteria
for the added purpose of Soil Health.
We added additional wording to the
Considerations section to clarify Soil
Health management principles. We
updated the Plans and Specifications
and the References sections.
Residue and Tillage Management,
Reduced Till (Code 345): We added
additional purposes relating to Soil
Health Resource Concerns. Minor
revisions were made for improved
organization and for clarity. We added
additional criteria for the added
purposes for Soil Health. We added
additional wording to the
Considerations section to clarify Soil
Health management principles. We
updated the References section.
Subsurface Drain (Code 606):
Formatting and writing style were
updated to meet current agency
requirements. The definition was
expanded to address ‘‘soil water
conditions,’’ rather than just ‘‘excess
water.’’ An additional purpose of
addressing animal health and
productivity due to adverse soil
conditions was added. The Conditions
Where Practice Applies section was
revised to encompass ‘‘adverse’’ soil
conditions, rather than specifically the
‘‘wet’’ condition. Wetland conservation
has been elevated to the General Criteria
subsection. Filter and envelope
terminology has been revised to align
with recently released NEH 650,
Chapter 14, Drainage.
Tree/Shrub Pruning (Code 660):
Purpose and Criteria sections were
further refined. Criteria were adjusted to
match changes in purposes.
Considerations and Plans and
Specifications sections were further
refined. New references were added.
Vertical Drain (Code 630): There are
no changes to the criteria and only
minor wording changes have been made
that do not change the meaning of the
conservation practice standards.
Louis Aspey,
Associate Chief, Natural Resources
Conservation Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–00853 Filed 1–18–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–16–P
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2747
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
[Docket No. RBS–21–Business–0030]
Notice of Funding Opportunity for the
Rural Energy Pilot Grants Program
(REPP) for Fiscal Year 2022
Rural Business-Cooperative
Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Rural BusinessCooperative Service (Agency)
announces the availability of up to $10
million in competitive grants awarded
to Rural Energy Community
Partnerships (RECP) to further develop
renewable energy to help meet our
nation’s energy needs and combat
climate change while prioritizing
environmental justice, racial equity, and
economic opportunity. Cost-share grants
of up to 80 percent of total eligible
project costs but not more than $2
million will be made available to assist
eligible entities with planning,
installing, equipping, and maintaining
community scale distributed renewable
energy technologies, systems and
resources.
DATES: Prior to the submission of an
application, the Agency requires
prospective applicants to inform the
Agency by submitting a letter of intent
electronically by no later than 11:59
p.m. Eastern time, April 19, 2022, to be
eligible for grant funding. A Guide and
instructions for submitting the Required
Letter of Intent are available on the
Rural Energy Pilot Program website,
under the To Apply tab, https://
www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/
energy-programs/rural-energy-pilotprogram. Letters of Intent received prior
to the deadline will be reviewed and
afforded a response by the Agency. On
or before May 19, 2022, the Agency will
send a letter of response. Prospective
applicants are invited to submit a
complete application electronically no
later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, July
18, 2022, to be eligible for grant funding.
Please refer to Section IV., of this Notice
for content and format of required
letters of intent and complete
applications.
Prospective applicants are encouraged
to review the REPP website for
instructions on registering their
organization as early as possible in
order to meet the electronic application
deadline. Applications submitted after
the deadline will not be accepted, are
not eligible for funding under this
Notice, and will not be considered.
ADDRESSES: This funding opportunity
will be posted to https://
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\19JAN1.SGM
19JAN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 19, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2746-2747]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00853]
========================================================================
Notices
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings,
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents
appearing in this section.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 12 / Wednesday, January 19, 2022 /
Notices
[[Page 2746]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Natural Resources Conservation Service
[Docket No. NRCS-2021-0004]
Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation
Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service
AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Department
of Agriculture (USDA).
ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NRCS is giving notice that it intends to issue a series of
revised conservation practice standards in the National Handbook of
Conservation Practices (NHCP). NRCS is also giving the public an
opportunity to provide comments on specified conservation practice
standards in NHCP.
DATES: Comment Date: We will consider comments that we receive by
February 18, 2022.
ADDRESSES: We invite you to submit comments on this notice. You may
submit comments through the:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for docket ID NRCS-2021-0004. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Mail, or Hand Delivery: Mr. Clarence Prestwich, National
Agricultural Engineer, Conservation Engineering Division, NRCS, USDA,
1400 Independence Avenue, South Building, Room 4636, Washington, DC
20250. In your comment, specify the docket ID NRCS-2021-0004.
All comments will be available on https://www.regulations.gov.
The copies of the proposed revised standards are available through
https://www.regulations.gov by accessing Docket No. NRCS-2021-0004.
Alternatively, the proposed revised standards can be downloaded or
printed from https://go.usa.gov/TXye.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Clarence Prestwich; telephone:
(202) 720-2972; or email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
NRCS is planning to revise the conservation practice standards in
the NHCP. This notice provides an overview of the planned changes and
gives the public an opportunity to provide comments on the specific
conservation practice standards that NRCS is changing.
NRCS State Conservationists who choose to adopt these practices in
their States will incorporate these practices into the respective
electronic Field Office Technical Guide. These practices may be used in
conservation systems that treat highly erodible land (HEL) or on land
determined to be a wetland. Section 343 of the Federal Agriculture
Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 requires NRCS to make available for
public review and comment all proposed revisions to conservation
practice standards used to carry out HEL and wetland provisions of the
law.
Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices
The amount of the proposed changes varies considerably for each of
the conservation practice standards addressed in this notice. To fully
understand the proposed changes, individuals are encouraged to compare
these changes with each standard's current version, which can be found
at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/technical/cp/ncps/?cid=nrcs143_026849.
NRCS is requesting comments on the following conservation practice
standards:
Conservation Cover (Code 327);
Emergency Animal Mortality Management (Code 368);
Fishpond Management (Code 399);
Forest Farming (Code 379);
Irrigation System, Surface and Subsurface (Code 443);
Land Reclamation, Landslide Treatment (Code 453);
Mine Shaft and Adit Closing (Code 457);
Pond (Code 378);
Residue and Tillage Management, No Till (Code 329);
Residue and Tillage Management, Reduced Till (Code 345);
Subsurface Drain (Code 606);
Tree/Shrub Pruning (Code 660);
Vertical Drain (Code 630).
The following are highlights of some of the proposed changes to
each standard:
Conservation Cover (Code 327): Minor revisions were made for
improved organization and for clarity. The second purpose (Reduce
ground and surface water quality degradation by nutrients and surface
water quality degradation by sediment) was split into two separate
purposes that are clearer and more succinct (Reduce sediment transport
to surface water and Reduce ground water and surface water quality
degradation by nutrients). The last purpose (Improve soil health) was
changed to specifically focus on a measurable metric (Maintain or
increase soil organic matter (OM) content). The language associated
with the additional criteria was incorporated into the General Criteria
section. We added three additional purposes (Improve soil aggregate
stability, Improve habitat for soil organisms, and Reduce compaction)
with Criteria sections added for both the purposes of Improve habitat
for soil organisms and Reduce compaction.
Emergency Animal Mortality Management (Code 368): One of the
Emergency Animal Mortality Management purposes was separated into two
purposes. The two new purposes now address surface water and ground
water separately. Minor wording changes were made to the Criteria and
Considerations sections for clarity and specificity. Changes were made
to the Operation and Maintenance section to add specific items for
burial and add more items to composting. New references were added to
the References section.
Fishpond Management (Code 399): There were no major changes to this
standard. The three purposes were combined into one. Three additional
considerations were added regarding addition of submerged habitat,
removal of accumulated debris or sediment, and use of biological and/or
mechanical methods to control nuisance aquatic species. The References
section was updated to delete outdated references and include new
documents.
Forest Farming (Code 379): The practice name was changed from
[[Page 2747]]
``Multi-Story Cropping'' to Forest Farming to reflect technical and
popular literature. Forest Farming also aligns with other federal
agencies (USDA Forest Service, Agricultural Research Service), non-
government organizations (Savanna Institute, National Association of
State Foresters), technical assistance, and outreach efforts.
Definition and purposes were restructured and expanded to align with
the new name and resource concerns. Minor revisions were made for
improved organization and for clarity to the Criteria, Considerations,
Plans and specifications, Operation and Maintenance, and References
sections.
Irrigation System, Surface and Subsurface (Code 443): Minor
revisions were made for improved organization and for clarity. The
Definition section was simplified to remove the extended list of
example components described in the Criteria section. Maximum pipeline
velocity was reduced from 7 feet per second (fps) to 5 fps to make it
consistent with other NRCS conservation practice standards. We added
the utility location responsibility statement.
Land Reclamation, Landslide Treatment (Code 453): Formatting and
writing style were updated to meet current agency requirements
resulting in minor revisions for clarity and readability. Relatively
minor technical additions were included in the Criteria and
Considerations sections. Lists of required items were added to the
Plans and Specifications and Operation and Maintenance sections.
References were updated.
Mine Shaft and Adit Closing (Code 457): Formatting and writing
style were updated to meet current agency requirements resulting in
minor revisions for clarity and readability. In the Criteria section,
the Safety subsection was reorganized to emphasize testing and
personnel entry requirements. New subsections entitled ``Bats and other
wildlife'', ``Discharge'', and ``Monuments'' were added to provide new
guidance. The Report subsection was moved to the Plans and
Specifications section where the list was expanded.
Pond (Code 378): Minor revisions were made for improved
organization and for clarity in response to the availability of new
information. Minor revisions were made to Table 1 to keep the data
within the scope of the practice standard. We added a utility location
responsibility statement to the General Criteria section. Changes were
made to the Criteria Applicable to Embankment Ponds section to Filter
diaphragms for improved explanation. NRCS would welcome comments
regarding use of anti-seep collars for this practice.
Residue and Tillage Management, No Till (Code 329): Minor revisions
were made for improved organization and for clarity. We added
additional purposes relating to Soil Health Resource Concerns. We added
Additional criteria for the added purpose of Soil Health. We added
additional wording to the Considerations section to clarify Soil Health
management principles. We updated the Plans and Specifications and the
References sections.
Residue and Tillage Management, Reduced Till (Code 345): We added
additional purposes relating to Soil Health Resource Concerns. Minor
revisions were made for improved organization and for clarity. We added
additional criteria for the added purposes for Soil Health. We added
additional wording to the Considerations section to clarify Soil Health
management principles. We updated the References section.
Subsurface Drain (Code 606): Formatting and writing style were
updated to meet current agency requirements. The definition was
expanded to address ``soil water conditions,'' rather than just
``excess water.'' An additional purpose of addressing animal health and
productivity due to adverse soil conditions was added. The Conditions
Where Practice Applies section was revised to encompass ``adverse''
soil conditions, rather than specifically the ``wet'' condition.
Wetland conservation has been elevated to the General Criteria
subsection. Filter and envelope terminology has been revised to align
with recently released NEH 650, Chapter 14, Drainage.
Tree/Shrub Pruning (Code 660): Purpose and Criteria sections were
further refined. Criteria were adjusted to match changes in purposes.
Considerations and Plans and Specifications sections were further
refined. New references were added.
Vertical Drain (Code 630): There are no changes to the criteria and
only minor wording changes have been made that do not change the
meaning of the conservation practice standards.
Louis Aspey,
Associate Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-00853 Filed 1-18-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P
