Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Logan River Watershed Project in Cache County, Utah, 17374-17377 [2024-05091]
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 48 / Monday, March 11, 2024 / Notices
Controlled Business
Estimate of Burden: The public
reporting burden of agents for the
Appendix I collection of Controlled
Business information is estimated to
average 1 hour per response.
Respondents/Affected Entities:
Insurance company agents.
Estimated annual number of
respondents: 14,000.
Estimated annual number of
responses per respondent: 1.
Estimated annual number of
responses: 14,000.
Estimated total annual burden on
respondents (hours): 14,000.
Estimate of Burden: The public
reporting burden of the insurance
companies for the Appendix I collection
of Controlled Business information is
estimated to average 32 hours per
response.
Respondents/Affected Entities:
Insurance companies reinsured by FCIC.
Estimated annual number of
respondents: 13.
Estimated annual number of
responses per respondent: 1.
Estimated annual number of
responses: 13.
Estimated total annual burden on
respondents (hours): 416.
Appendix II—Plan of Operations
Estimate of Burden: The public
reporting burden of the insurance
companies for the collection of
Appendix II information is estimated to
average 128 hours per response.
Respondents/Affected Entities:
Insurance companies reinsured by FCIC.
Estimated annual number of
respondents: 13.
Estimated annual number of
responses per respondent: 1.
Estimated annual number of
responses: 13.
Estimated total annual burden on
respondents (hours): 1,664.
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Appendix IV—Quality Control and
Program Integrity
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Estimate of Burden: The public
reporting burden of agents the
Appendix IV training requirements is
estimated to average 4 hours per
response.
Respondents/Affected Entities:
Insurance company agents.
Estimated annual number of
respondents: 14,000.
Estimated annual number of
responses per respondent: 1.
Estimated annual number of
responses: 14,000.
Estimated total annual burden on
respondents (hours): 56,000.
Loss Adjuster Training Requirements
Estimate of Burden: The public
reporting burden of loss adjusters for the
Appendix IV training requirements is
estimated to average 17 hours per
response.
Respondents/Affected Entities:
Insurance company loss adjusters.
Estimated annual number of
respondents: 6,000.
Estimated annual number of
responses per respondent: 1.
Estimated annual number of
responses: 6,000.
Estimated total annual burden on
respondents (hours): 102,000.
All responses to this notice will be
summarized and included in the request
for OMB approval. All comments will
also become a matter of public record.
Marcia Bunger,
Manager, Federal Crop Insurance
Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2024–05057 Filed 3–8–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–08–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Natural Resources Conservation
Service
[Docket No. NRCS–2024–0001]
Quality Control and Training Plan and
Report
Estimate of Burden: The public
reporting burden of the insurance
companies for the collection of
Appendix IV information is estimated to
average 74 hours per response.
Respondents/Affected Entities:
Insurance companies reinsured by FCIC.
Estimated annual number of
respondents: 13.
Estimated annual number of
responses per respondent: 1.
Estimated annual number of
responses: 13.
Estimated total annual burden on
respondents (hours): 962.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Agent Training Requirements
Notice of Intent To Prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement for
the Logan River Watershed Project in
Cache County, Utah
Natural Resources
Conservation Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of intent (NOI) to prepare
an environmental impact statement
(EIS).
AGENCY:
The Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) Utah State
Office announces its intent to prepare a
watershed plan and EIS for the Logan
River Watershed Project located within
the Logan River Watershed in Cache
County, Utah. The proposed watershed
SUMMARY:
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plan will examine alternative solutions
to reduce water loss and increase
efficiency in the current agricultural
water delivery system, provide flood
control and protection, and enhance
recreational facilities in portions of
Logan, North Logan, and Hyde Park
cities and portions of unincorporated
Cache County, Utah between and to the
west of the cities. NRCS is requesting
comments to identify significant issues,
potential alternatives, information, and
analyses relevant to the proposed action
from all interested individuals, Federal,
State agencies, and Tribes.
DATES: We will consider comments that
we receive by April 10, 2024.We will
consider comments received after close
of the comment period to the extent
possible.
ADDRESSES: We invite you to submit
comments in response to this notice.
You may submit your comments
through one of the methods below:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov and search
for docket ID NRCS–2024–0001. Follow
the online instructions for submitting
comments; or
• Mail or Hand Delivery: Derek
Hamilton, Water Resources Coordinator,
USDA, NRCS, Utah State Office, 125 S
State Street, #4010, Salt Lake City, Utah
84138. In your comments, specify the
docket ID NRCS–2024–0001.
All comments received will be posted
without change and made publicly
available on www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Derek Hamilton; telephone: (801) 524–
4560; email: derek.hamilton@usda.gov.
Individuals who require alternative
means for communication should
contact the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) Target Center at
(202) 720–2600 (voice and text
telephone (TTY)) or dial 711 for
Telecommunications Relay service (both
voice and text telephone users can
initiate this call from any telephone).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose and Need
The primary purposes for the
watershed plan is to improve
agricultural water management in the
Crockett Avenue Irrigation and
Distribution, Inc. (Crockett Avenue
Irrigation Company) service area. The
project is essential to improve
efficiency, water conservation, and the
maintenance and enhancement of
environmental conditions and beneficial
water use in the form of instream flows
and through the removal of barriers to
fish passage; to provide flood control to
the Cities of Logan, North Logan, and
Hyde Park and portions of Cache
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 48 / Monday, March 11, 2024 / Notices
County from flooding that occurs from
large thunderstorms and rain on frozen
ground events in the valley; and to
enhance recreational opportunities
within the project area.
This action is needed to address
deficiencies in the agricultural water
delivery system in the area. The aging
canal system loses water to seepage and
evaporation. Additionally, the primary
method of irrigation to agricultural
lands in the valley is flood irrigation
and the potential for improving
irrigation water management is limited.
Improved efficiencies in the
pressurization of water for secondary
water systems (non-potable irrigation
water for lawns and gardens) are needed
to reduce strains on existing culinary
water supplies for growing communities
with limited water resources. Also, the
irrigation infrastructure needs
improvements as recent stormwater and
flash floods have highlighted
deficiencies in flood protection with
high intensity runoff events
overwhelming the existing diversion
and canals. In particular, the Crocket
Diversion dam is an aging piece of
infrastructure originally built in 1860
and it currently poses hazards to:
• the irrigation company and city
staff operating the diversion,
• area homeowners, and
• the public.
The structure also limits recreation
and is a barrier to fish passage.
Additionally, the Crockett Canal near
Merlin Olsen Park is at risk of slope
failure along the hillside.
This action will increase stormwater
capacity to divert and transport excess
stormwater flows from existing canals
and convey to natural drainages west of
Logan, Utah. The existing irrigation
canals in the past have been used to
deliver both irrigation water and
stormwater runoff that occurs during
storm events. Recent population growth
has converted permeable farmland into
impermeable surfaces, and these
changes have increased storm water
runoff. The existing canals do not have
adequate flow capacity to transport the
additional stormwater produced by
larger storm events.
This action will also enhance
recreational facilities in the area. The
rapidly growing area of Logan, North
Logan, and Hyde Park has a limited trail
system. Enhancements are needed to
provide additional access points to the
terrestrial and river trail systems to
provide for safe and effective access for
residents and visitors to nearby
recreational facilities including USDA
Forest Service public lands and their
existing trail systems.
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NRCS will provide technical and
financial assistance for the proposed
project through the NRCS Watershed
Protection and Flood Prevention
Program, and NRCS will also design and
implement a selected alternative.
Preliminary Proposed Action and
Alternatives
The objective of the EIS is to
formulate and evaluate alternatives for
the agricultural water needs in the
approximately 73,285-acre watershedfocused planning area. The EIS is
expected to evaluate three alternatives:
two action alternatives, and one no
action alternative. The alternatives that
may be considered for detailed analysis
include:
• Alternative 1—No Action
Alternative: Taking no action would
consist of activities conducted if no
Federal action or funding were
provided. The 10 irrigation companies
that comprise the Crockett Avenue
Irrigation Company would continue to
divert water from the Logan River at the
Crockett Diversion dam 1.3 miles below
First Dam. To ensure operator safety at
the Crockett Diversion dam, the Crockett
Avenue Irrigation Company would
necessarily rebuild the aging Crockett
Diversion dam along the Logan River.
To reduce the risk of slope failure along
the hillside of the Crockett Canal near
Merlin Olsen Park, they would also line
2,500 feet of the Crockett Canal if the No
Action Alternative is selected. Water
would continue to be distributed
through the existing canal systems, and
a pressurized pipe irrigation system and
overflow structures would not be
constructed. A recreational trail would
not be built. The existing structures,
besides the Crockett Diversion dam and
a portion of the Crockett Canal, would
continue to operate in their current
condition and would not meet the
purpose and need to provide flood
control, improve agricultural water
management, or enhance recreational
opportunities. Existing river conditions
would continue, and no instream flows
would be provided, especially during
the summer, when flows are critical for
maintaining water quality and a
functional aquatic ecosystem. No
Federal action or funding would be
associated with the No Action
Alternative.
• Alternative 2—Proposed Action—
First Dam Alternative: The proposed
action is to change the diversion
location of the Crockett Avenue
Irrigation Company’s water rights
upstream from the existing Crockett
Diversion dam to a new diversion at
First Dam and would add an additional
point of diversion downstream near the
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western end of the Logan River near N
3200 W. These two diversions would be
used to pressurize a newly constructed
pressurized irrigation system within the
Crockett Avenue Irrigation Company’s
service area in Logan, North Logan,
Hyde Park, and Cache County that
would reduce canal water losses and
pumping requirements, as well as allow
secondary water connections to
residents in the service area. The
existing, unused Logan City lagoons
would be converted to a secondary
water storage reservoir, and three pump
stations would be constructed,
including a pump station to supply
water to the storage reservoir from the
diversion location along the western
end of the Logan River and one to
supply water from the reservoir to the
irrigation distribution system. The third
pump station would pump additional
water rights held by a canal company
into the storage reservoir. A hydropower
turbine would be installed at the storage
reservoir and would allow for power
generation to offset pumping costs
during reservoir filling. This proposed
action would remove the Crockett
Diversion dam and replace it with a
series of steps and pools to reduce safety
hazards experienced by system
operators, remove several homes and a
school from the floodplain, benefit
water quality, facilitate fish and
recreational passage, and improve river
aesthetics. The Providence Pioneer
Irrigation Company’s Providence
Pioneer diversion dam would also be
removed, and their associated diversion
would be supplied through the newly
constructed pressurized irrigation
system. This proposed action would
secure and manage instream flows while
recognizing existing water rights by
maintaining an agreed upon amount of
flow in the Logan River to the
downstream diversion point during the
irrigation season to improve river
attainment of state water quality
standards. Water would also be
provided to the Little Logan Canal,
including Merlin Olsen Park, the Cache
County Fairgrounds, and Willow Park,
during the irrigation season. To control
floodwaters that enter the Logan,
Northern, Hyde Park, Logan North
Field, and Logan Northwest Field
Canals along the east side of Cache
Valley between Logan City and Hyde
Park City, a mixed piped and open
channel overflow system would be
constructed. The system would extend
from approximately 1400 North and 900
East to 1800 North and 2400 West.
Additionally, approximately 3,500 feet
of a non-motorized trail would be
constructed along the Crockett Canal’s
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right-of-way corridor and Canyon Road
from 200 East to 600 East to connect an
existing trail network to the nearby
Forest Service-administered lands.
• Alternative 3—Proposed Action—
Crockett Diversion Alternative: The
proposed action would continue to
supply a portion of the Crockett Avenue
Irrigation Company’s water rights by
diverting water at the current Crockett
Diversion dam on the Logan River but
would add an additional point of
diversion for the remainder of the water
rights downstream at a new location
along the western end of the Logan
River near N 3200 W, as in Alternative
1. The Crockett Diversion dam would be
reconstructed, and a pump station
would be constructed near the Crockett
Diversion. The new diversion dam
would address structural deficiencies
and feature a lower crest elevation that
would reduce safety hazards
experienced by system operators,
remove several homes and a school from
the floodplain, benefit water quality,
facilitate fish and recreational passage,
and improve river aesthetics. This
proposed action would also secure and
manage instream flows by maintaining
an agreed upon amount of flow in the
Logan River to the downstream
diversion point during the irrigation
season and providing flow to the Little
Logan Canal, including Merlin Olsen
Park, the Cache County Fairgrounds,
and Willow Park, during the irrigation
season, as in Alternative 1. Besides the
diversion location changes and
associated actions, the remainder of
irrigation improvements (that is,
constructing pressurized irrigation
distribution system; converting lagoons
to secondary water storage reservoir;
constructing pump stations; removing
Providence Pioneer dam; etc.) and all
the flood control and recreation
improvements would be the same as in
Alternative 1.
Summary of Expected Impacts
An NRCS evaluation of this federally
assisted action indicates that the
proposed alternatives may have local,
regional, or national effects on the
environment. Potential effects include
wetland and channel alteration,
disturbances to wildlife, and temporary
disturbances to riparian areas due to the
piping of the irrigation system. Longterm beneficial effects would occur with
the pressurized piping system and the
additional recreational opportunities
with the new trail.
The proposed alternatives would also
reduce flooding by providing flood
protection and flood damage reduction
within the service area and to
downstream areas from runoff, erosion,
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and sediment deposition, as well as
improve agricultural water management
and public safety by piping and
pressurizing the irrigation system. It
would eliminate a source of open water
in residential areas that could pose
safety risks. It would also provide
additional recreational opportunities for
public use by constructing the trail
connecting Logan City to nearby Forest
Service-administered lands.
Anticipated Permits and Authorizations
The following permits and other
authorizations are anticipated to be
required:
• Federal Emergency Management
Agency Floodplain Development permit.
Implementation of the proposed action
would require coordination with the
local floodplain administrator and may
require a Floodplain Development
Permit to ensure all development and
engineering requirements for
construction within the Special Flood
Hazard Areas are implemented.
• Clean Water Act (CWA) and
National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES). The
project would require water quality
certification under section 401 of the
CWA, permitting under section 402 of
the NPDES, and section 404 of the CWA
for potential wetland impacts.
• Encroachment Permit. The project
would require coordination and
permitting with Utah Department of
Transportation for temporary
construction work within State and
Federal roadway rights-of-way.
• Stream Alteration Permit. The
project would require coordination and
permits with the Utah Division of Water
Rights for the proposed canal
improvements.
• National Historic Preservation Act
(NHPA) Section 106. Consultation with
Tribal Nations and interested parties
would be conducted as required by the
NHPA.
• Local Encroachment. Consultation
and potential encroachment permits
would be required with Logan City,
North Logan City, Hyde Park, and Cache
County for all construction work within
the local roadway rights-of-way.
Schedule of Decision-Making Process
A Draft EIS (DEIS) will be prepared
and circulated for review and comment
by agencies, Tribes, consulting parties,
and the public for at least 45 days as
required by 40 CFR 1503.1, 1502.20,
1506.11, and 1502.17, and 7 CFR
650.13. The DEIS is anticipated to be
published in the Federal Register,
approximately 21 months after
publication of this NOI. A Final EIS is
anticipated to be published within 3
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months of completion of the public
comment period for the DEIS.
NRCS will decide whether to
implement one of the action alternatives
as evaluated in the EIS. A Record of
Decision will be completed after the
required 30-day waiting period and will
be publicly available. The responsible
Federal official and decision maker for
NRCS is the Utah State Conservationist.
Public Scoping Process
Federal, State, Tribal, local agencies
and representatives, and the public were
invited to take part in this watershed
plan scoping period through which
coordination, sought input on issues of
economic, environmental, cultural, and
social importance in the watershed.
The Logan River Watershed Project
began in 2020 when key stakeholders
identified resource concerns within the
Logan River Watershed. A virtual public
scoping meeting was held on January
28, 2021, and an adjacent property
owner scoping meeting was held on
March 4, 2021, to gather input on
concerns and interests and to inform
alternative development and
prioritization for the watershed. The
public submitted 781 comments, of
which the majority emphasized the
importance of protecting existing water
rights and maintaining water flows that
preserve the aesthetics of Logan River
and property values and assure aquatic
recreation and water quality for wildlife
habitat. Scoping meeting presentation
materials are available on the NRCS
website, along with project background
information at https://
www.nrcs.usda.gov/logan-riverwatershed-project.
Based on funding limitations, the
NRCS determined an EIS was necessary,
and is seeking further public comment
to help determine the range of actions,
alternatives, and impacts to be
evaluated and included in the EIS.
NRCS will include the comments
received from the previous scoping
efforts into the EIS analysis.
Identification of Potential Alternatives,
Information, and Analyses
NRCS invites agencies, Tribes,
consulting parties, and individuals that
have special expertise, legal
jurisdiction, or interest in the Logan
River project to provide written
comments concerning the scope of the
analysis and identification of potential
alternatives, information, and analyses
relevant to the Proposed Action.
NRCS will coordinate the scoping
process to correspond with any required
NHPA processes, as allowed in 36 CFR
800.2(d)(3) and 800.8 (54 U.S.C.
306108). The information about historic
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 48 / Monday, March 11, 2024 / Notices
and cultural resources within the area
potentially affected by the proposed
Logan River project will assist NRCS in
identifying and evaluating impacts to
such resources in the context of both the
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) and NHPA.
NRCS will consult with Native
American tribes on a government-togovernment basis in accordance with 36
CFR 800.2 and 800.3, Executive Order
13175, and other policies. Tribal
concerns, including impacts on Indian
trust assets and potential impacts to
cultural resources and historic
properties, will be given due
consideration.
Authorities
This document is published pursuant
to the NEPA regulations regarding
publication of a NOI to issue an EIS (40
CFR 1501.9(d)). Watershed planning is
authorized under the Watershed
Protection and Flood Prevention Act of
1954, as amended, and the Flood
Control Act of 1944.
Federal Assistance Programs
The title and number of the Federal
Assistance Program as found in the
Assistance Listing 1 to which this
document applies is 10.904, Watershed
Protection and Flood Prevention.
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Executive Order 12372
Executive Order 12372,
‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs,’’ requires consultation with
State and local officials that would be
directly affected by proposed Federal
financial assistance. The objectives of
the Executive Order are to foster an
intergovernmental partnership and a
strengthened federalism, by relying on
State and local processes for State and
local government coordination and
review of proposed Federal financial
assistance and direct Federal
development. This Logan River project
is subject to the provisions of Executive
Order 12372, which requires
intergovernmental consultation with
State and local officials.
USDA Non-Discrimination Policy
In accordance with Federal civil
rights law and USDA civil rights
regulations and policies, USDA, its
Agencies, offices, and employees, and
institutions participating in or
administering USDA programs are
prohibited from discriminating based on
race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
gender identity (including gender
expression), sexual orientation,
disability, age, marital status, family/
1 See
https://sam.gov/content/assistance-listings.
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18:24 Mar 08, 2024
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parental status, income derived from a
public assistance program, political
beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior
civil rights activity, in any program or
activity conducted or funded by USDA
(not all bases apply to all programs).
Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Individuals who require alternative
means of communication for program
information (for example, Braille, large
print, audiotape, American Sign
Language, etc.) should contact the
responsible Agency or USDA TARGET
Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and text
telephone) or dial 711 for
Telecommunications Relay Service
(both voice and text telephone users can
initiate this call from any phone).
Additionally, program information may
be made available in languages other
than English.
To file a program discrimination
complaint, complete the USDA Program
Discrimination Complaint Form, AD–
3027, found online at https://
www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-aprogram-discrimination-complaint and
at any USDA office or write a letter
addressed to USDA and provide in the
letter all the information requested in
the form. To request a copy of the
complaint form, call (866) 632–9992.
Submit your completed form or letter to
USDA by: (1) mail to: U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20250–9410; (2) fax: (202) 690–7442;
or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity
provider, employer, and lender.
Emily Fife,
Utah State Conservationist, Natural
Resources Conservation Service.
[FR Doc. 2024–05091 Filed 3–8–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–16–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Census Bureau
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Submission to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for
Review and Approval; Comment
Request; Quarterly Services Survey
The Department of Commerce will
submit the following information
collection request to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for
review and clearance in accordance
with the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995, on or after the date of publication
of this notice. We invite the general
public and other Federal agencies to
comment on proposed, and continuing
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17377
information collections, which helps us
assess the impact of our information
collection requirements and minimize
the public’s reporting burden. Public
comments were previously requested
via the Federal Register on December 8,
2023 during a 60-day comment period.
This notice allows for an additional 30
days for public comments.
Agency: U.S. Census Bureau,
Department of Commerce.
Title: Quarterly Services Survey.
OMB Control Number: 0607–0907.
Form Number(s): QSS–1A, QSS–1E,
QSS–1PA, QSS–1PE, QSS–2A, QSS–2E,
QSS–3A, QSS–3E, QSS–3SA, QSS–3SE,
QSS–5A, QSS–5E, QSS–4A, QSS–4E,
QSS–4FA, QSS–4FE, QSS–4SA, QSS–
4SE.
Type of Request: Regular submission,
Request for an Extension, without
change, of a currently approved
collection.
Number of Respondents: 24,200.
Average Hours per Response: 10
minutes: QSS–1A, QSS–1E, QSS–1PA,
QSS–1PE, QSS–2A, QSS–2E, QSS–3A,
QSS–3E, QSS–3SA, QSS–3SE, QSS–5A,
QSS–5E. 15 minutes: QSS–4A, QSS–4E,
QSS–4FA, QSS–4FE, QSS–4SA, QSS–
4SE.
Burden Hours: 20,700.
Needs and Uses: The U.S. Census
Bureau requests an extension, without
change, of the Quarterly Services Survey
(QSS). In the 1980s, it was determined
that the service economy, despite its
growing importance and share of Gross
Domestic Product (GDP), was not
adequately covered by the existing
federal statistical programs. At the time,
the only services data available came
from the Service Annual Survey (SAS)
and the quinquennial Economic Census,
therefore the decision was made to
create a new principal economic
indicator designed to expand upon the
Census Bureau’s existing annual survey.
The QSS was first released in 2004,
making it the first new U.S. federal
government economic indicator in 30
years. The QSS is now a major source
for the development of quarterly GDP
and an indicator of short-term economic
change.
The initial scope of the QSS was
driven primarily by Bureau of Economic
Analysis (BEA) priorities and what the
budget initiative would allow. The goal
was to begin covering the most dynamic
sectors of the service economy for
which BEA had little to no alternate
source data. In the wake of the dot-com
bubble in the early 2000s, it was clear
that information services and high-tech
industries needed to be a priority as
BEA experienced major revisions to
their GDP estimates as annual data came
in later. At the time it was launched,
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 48 (Monday, March 11, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17374-17377]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-05091]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Natural Resources Conservation Service
[Docket No. NRCS-2024-0001]
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for
the Logan River Watershed Project in Cache County, Utah
AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental impact
statement (EIS).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Utah State
Office announces its intent to prepare a watershed plan and EIS for the
Logan River Watershed Project located within the Logan River Watershed
in Cache County, Utah. The proposed watershed plan will examine
alternative solutions to reduce water loss and increase efficiency in
the current agricultural water delivery system, provide flood control
and protection, and enhance recreational facilities in portions of
Logan, North Logan, and Hyde Park cities and portions of unincorporated
Cache County, Utah between and to the west of the cities. NRCS is
requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential
alternatives, information, and analyses relevant to the proposed action
from all interested individuals, Federal, State agencies, and Tribes.
DATES: We will consider comments that we receive by April 10, 2024.We
will consider comments received after close of the comment period to
the extent possible.
ADDRESSES: We invite you to submit comments in response to this notice.
You may submit your comments through one of the methods below:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for docket ID NRCS-2024-0001. Follow the
online instructions for submitting comments; or
Mail or Hand Delivery: Derek Hamilton, Water Resources
Coordinator, USDA, NRCS, Utah State Office, 125 S State Street, #4010,
Salt Lake City, Utah 84138. In your comments, specify the docket ID
NRCS-2024-0001.
All comments received will be posted without change and made
publicly available on www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Derek Hamilton; telephone: (801) 524-
4560; email: [email protected]. Individuals who require
alternative means for communication should contact the U.S. Department
of Agriculture (USDA) Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and text
telephone (TTY)) or dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay service (both
voice and text telephone users can initiate this call from any
telephone).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose and Need
The primary purposes for the watershed plan is to improve
agricultural water management in the Crockett Avenue Irrigation and
Distribution, Inc. (Crockett Avenue Irrigation Company) service area.
The project is essential to improve efficiency, water conservation, and
the maintenance and enhancement of environmental conditions and
beneficial water use in the form of instream flows and through the
removal of barriers to fish passage; to provide flood control to the
Cities of Logan, North Logan, and Hyde Park and portions of Cache
[[Page 17375]]
County from flooding that occurs from large thunderstorms and rain on
frozen ground events in the valley; and to enhance recreational
opportunities within the project area.
This action is needed to address deficiencies in the agricultural
water delivery system in the area. The aging canal system loses water
to seepage and evaporation. Additionally, the primary method of
irrigation to agricultural lands in the valley is flood irrigation and
the potential for improving irrigation water management is limited.
Improved efficiencies in the pressurization of water for secondary
water systems (non-potable irrigation water for lawns and gardens) are
needed to reduce strains on existing culinary water supplies for
growing communities with limited water resources. Also, the irrigation
infrastructure needs improvements as recent stormwater and flash floods
have highlighted deficiencies in flood protection with high intensity
runoff events overwhelming the existing diversion and canals. In
particular, the Crocket Diversion dam is an aging piece of
infrastructure originally built in 1860 and it currently poses hazards
to:
the irrigation company and city staff operating the
diversion,
area homeowners, and
the public.
The structure also limits recreation and is a barrier to fish
passage. Additionally, the Crockett Canal near Merlin Olsen Park is at
risk of slope failure along the hillside.
This action will increase stormwater capacity to divert and
transport excess stormwater flows from existing canals and convey to
natural drainages west of Logan, Utah. The existing irrigation canals
in the past have been used to deliver both irrigation water and
stormwater runoff that occurs during storm events. Recent population
growth has converted permeable farmland into impermeable surfaces, and
these changes have increased storm water runoff. The existing canals do
not have adequate flow capacity to transport the additional stormwater
produced by larger storm events.
This action will also enhance recreational facilities in the area.
The rapidly growing area of Logan, North Logan, and Hyde Park has a
limited trail system. Enhancements are needed to provide additional
access points to the terrestrial and river trail systems to provide for
safe and effective access for residents and visitors to nearby
recreational facilities including USDA Forest Service public lands and
their existing trail systems.
NRCS will provide technical and financial assistance for the
proposed project through the NRCS Watershed Protection and Flood
Prevention Program, and NRCS will also design and implement a selected
alternative.
Preliminary Proposed Action and Alternatives
The objective of the EIS is to formulate and evaluate alternatives
for the agricultural water needs in the approximately 73,285-acre
watershed-focused planning area. The EIS is expected to evaluate three
alternatives: two action alternatives, and one no action alternative.
The alternatives that may be considered for detailed analysis include:
Alternative 1--No Action Alternative: Taking no action
would consist of activities conducted if no Federal action or funding
were provided. The 10 irrigation companies that comprise the Crockett
Avenue Irrigation Company would continue to divert water from the Logan
River at the Crockett Diversion dam 1.3 miles below First Dam. To
ensure operator safety at the Crockett Diversion dam, the Crockett
Avenue Irrigation Company would necessarily rebuild the aging Crockett
Diversion dam along the Logan River. To reduce the risk of slope
failure along the hillside of the Crockett Canal near Merlin Olsen
Park, they would also line 2,500 feet of the Crockett Canal if the No
Action Alternative is selected. Water would continue to be distributed
through the existing canal systems, and a pressurized pipe irrigation
system and overflow structures would not be constructed. A recreational
trail would not be built. The existing structures, besides the Crockett
Diversion dam and a portion of the Crockett Canal, would continue to
operate in their current condition and would not meet the purpose and
need to provide flood control, improve agricultural water management,
or enhance recreational opportunities. Existing river conditions would
continue, and no instream flows would be provided, especially during
the summer, when flows are critical for maintaining water quality and a
functional aquatic ecosystem. No Federal action or funding would be
associated with the No Action Alternative.
Alternative 2--Proposed Action--First Dam Alternative: The
proposed action is to change the diversion location of the Crockett
Avenue Irrigation Company's water rights upstream from the existing
Crockett Diversion dam to a new diversion at First Dam and would add an
additional point of diversion downstream near the western end of the
Logan River near N 3200 W. These two diversions would be used to
pressurize a newly constructed pressurized irrigation system within the
Crockett Avenue Irrigation Company's service area in Logan, North
Logan, Hyde Park, and Cache County that would reduce canal water losses
and pumping requirements, as well as allow secondary water connections
to residents in the service area. The existing, unused Logan City
lagoons would be converted to a secondary water storage reservoir, and
three pump stations would be constructed, including a pump station to
supply water to the storage reservoir from the diversion location along
the western end of the Logan River and one to supply water from the
reservoir to the irrigation distribution system. The third pump station
would pump additional water rights held by a canal company into the
storage reservoir. A hydropower turbine would be installed at the
storage reservoir and would allow for power generation to offset
pumping costs during reservoir filling. This proposed action would
remove the Crockett Diversion dam and replace it with a series of steps
and pools to reduce safety hazards experienced by system operators,
remove several homes and a school from the floodplain, benefit water
quality, facilitate fish and recreational passage, and improve river
aesthetics. The Providence Pioneer Irrigation Company's Providence
Pioneer diversion dam would also be removed, and their associated
diversion would be supplied through the newly constructed pressurized
irrigation system. This proposed action would secure and manage
instream flows while recognizing existing water rights by maintaining
an agreed upon amount of flow in the Logan River to the downstream
diversion point during the irrigation season to improve river
attainment of state water quality standards. Water would also be
provided to the Little Logan Canal, including Merlin Olsen Park, the
Cache County Fairgrounds, and Willow Park, during the irrigation
season. To control floodwaters that enter the Logan, Northern, Hyde
Park, Logan North Field, and Logan Northwest Field Canals along the
east side of Cache Valley between Logan City and Hyde Park City, a
mixed piped and open channel overflow system would be constructed. The
system would extend from approximately 1400 North and 900 East to 1800
North and 2400 West. Additionally, approximately 3,500 feet of a non-
motorized trail would be constructed along the Crockett Canal's
[[Page 17376]]
right-of-way corridor and Canyon Road from 200 East to 600 East to
connect an existing trail network to the nearby Forest Service-
administered lands.
Alternative 3--Proposed Action--Crockett Diversion
Alternative: The proposed action would continue to supply a portion of
the Crockett Avenue Irrigation Company's water rights by diverting
water at the current Crockett Diversion dam on the Logan River but
would add an additional point of diversion for the remainder of the
water rights downstream at a new location along the western end of the
Logan River near N 3200 W, as in Alternative 1. The Crockett Diversion
dam would be reconstructed, and a pump station would be constructed
near the Crockett Diversion. The new diversion dam would address
structural deficiencies and feature a lower crest elevation that would
reduce safety hazards experienced by system operators, remove several
homes and a school from the floodplain, benefit water quality,
facilitate fish and recreational passage, and improve river aesthetics.
This proposed action would also secure and manage instream flows by
maintaining an agreed upon amount of flow in the Logan River to the
downstream diversion point during the irrigation season and providing
flow to the Little Logan Canal, including Merlin Olsen Park, the Cache
County Fairgrounds, and Willow Park, during the irrigation season, as
in Alternative 1. Besides the diversion location changes and associated
actions, the remainder of irrigation improvements (that is,
constructing pressurized irrigation distribution system; converting
lagoons to secondary water storage reservoir; constructing pump
stations; removing Providence Pioneer dam; etc.) and all the flood
control and recreation improvements would be the same as in Alternative
1.
Summary of Expected Impacts
An NRCS evaluation of this federally assisted action indicates that
the proposed alternatives may have local, regional, or national effects
on the environment. Potential effects include wetland and channel
alteration, disturbances to wildlife, and temporary disturbances to
riparian areas due to the piping of the irrigation system. Long-term
beneficial effects would occur with the pressurized piping system and
the additional recreational opportunities with the new trail.
The proposed alternatives would also reduce flooding by providing
flood protection and flood damage reduction within the service area and
to downstream areas from runoff, erosion, and sediment deposition, as
well as improve agricultural water management and public safety by
piping and pressurizing the irrigation system. It would eliminate a
source of open water in residential areas that could pose safety risks.
It would also provide additional recreational opportunities for public
use by constructing the trail connecting Logan City to nearby Forest
Service-administered lands.
Anticipated Permits and Authorizations
The following permits and other authorizations are anticipated to
be required:
Federal Emergency Management Agency Floodplain Development
permit. Implementation of the proposed action would require
coordination with the local floodplain administrator and may require a
Floodplain Development Permit to ensure all development and engineering
requirements for construction within the Special Flood Hazard Areas are
implemented.
Clean Water Act (CWA) and National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES). The project would require water quality
certification under section 401 of the CWA, permitting under section
402 of the NPDES, and section 404 of the CWA for potential wetland
impacts.
Encroachment Permit. The project would require
coordination and permitting with Utah Department of Transportation for
temporary construction work within State and Federal roadway rights-of-
way.
Stream Alteration Permit. The project would require
coordination and permits with the Utah Division of Water Rights for the
proposed canal improvements.
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106.
Consultation with Tribal Nations and interested parties would be
conducted as required by the NHPA.
Local Encroachment. Consultation and potential
encroachment permits would be required with Logan City, North Logan
City, Hyde Park, and Cache County for all construction work within the
local roadway rights-of-way.
Schedule of Decision-Making Process
A Draft EIS (DEIS) will be prepared and circulated for review and
comment by agencies, Tribes, consulting parties, and the public for at
least 45 days as required by 40 CFR 1503.1, 1502.20, 1506.11, and
1502.17, and 7 CFR 650.13. The DEIS is anticipated to be published in
the Federal Register, approximately 21 months after publication of this
NOI. A Final EIS is anticipated to be published within 3 months of
completion of the public comment period for the DEIS.
NRCS will decide whether to implement one of the action
alternatives as evaluated in the EIS. A Record of Decision will be
completed after the required 30-day waiting period and will be publicly
available. The responsible Federal official and decision maker for NRCS
is the Utah State Conservationist.
Public Scoping Process
Federal, State, Tribal, local agencies and representatives, and the
public were invited to take part in this watershed plan scoping period
through which coordination, sought input on issues of economic,
environmental, cultural, and social importance in the watershed.
The Logan River Watershed Project began in 2020 when key
stakeholders identified resource concerns within the Logan River
Watershed. A virtual public scoping meeting was held on January 28,
2021, and an adjacent property owner scoping meeting was held on March
4, 2021, to gather input on concerns and interests and to inform
alternative development and prioritization for the watershed. The
public submitted 781 comments, of which the majority emphasized the
importance of protecting existing water rights and maintaining water
flows that preserve the aesthetics of Logan River and property values
and assure aquatic recreation and water quality for wildlife habitat.
Scoping meeting presentation materials are available on the NRCS
website, along with project background information at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/logan-river-watershed-project.
Based on funding limitations, the NRCS determined an EIS was
necessary, and is seeking further public comment to help determine the
range of actions, alternatives, and impacts to be evaluated and
included in the EIS. NRCS will include the comments received from the
previous scoping efforts into the EIS analysis.
Identification of Potential Alternatives, Information, and Analyses
NRCS invites agencies, Tribes, consulting parties, and individuals
that have special expertise, legal jurisdiction, or interest in the
Logan River project to provide written comments concerning the scope of
the analysis and identification of potential alternatives, information,
and analyses relevant to the Proposed Action.
NRCS will coordinate the scoping process to correspond with any
required NHPA processes, as allowed in 36 CFR 800.2(d)(3) and 800.8 (54
U.S.C. 306108). The information about historic
[[Page 17377]]
and cultural resources within the area potentially affected by the
proposed Logan River project will assist NRCS in identifying and
evaluating impacts to such resources in the context of both the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and NHPA.
NRCS will consult with Native American tribes on a government-to-
government basis in accordance with 36 CFR 800.2 and 800.3, Executive
Order 13175, and other policies. Tribal concerns, including impacts on
Indian trust assets and potential impacts to cultural resources and
historic properties, will be given due consideration.
Authorities
This document is published pursuant to the NEPA regulations
regarding publication of a NOI to issue an EIS (40 CFR 1501.9(d)).
Watershed planning is authorized under the Watershed Protection and
Flood Prevention Act of 1954, as amended, and the Flood Control Act of
1944.
Federal Assistance Programs
The title and number of the Federal Assistance Program as found in
the Assistance Listing \1\ to which this document applies is 10.904,
Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention.
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\1\ See https://sam.gov/content/assistance-listings.
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Executive Order 12372
Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs,'' requires consultation with State and local officials that
would be directly affected by proposed Federal financial assistance.
The objectives of the Executive Order are to foster an
intergovernmental partnership and a strengthened federalism, by relying
on State and local processes for State and local government
coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance and
direct Federal development. This Logan River project is subject to the
provisions of Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental
consultation with State and local officials.
USDA Non-Discrimination Policy
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights
regulations and policies, USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees,
and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are
prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin,
religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual
orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status,
income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or
reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program
or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all
programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or
incident.
Individuals who require alternative means of communication for
program information (for example, Braille, large print, audiotape,
American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or
USDA TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and text telephone) or dial
711 for Telecommunications Relay Service (both voice and text telephone
users can initiate this call from any phone). Additionally, program
information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint and
at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in
the letter all the information requested in the form. To request a copy
of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form
or letter to USDA by: (1) mail to: U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3)
email: [email protected].
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Emily Fife,
Utah State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-05091 Filed 3-8-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P
