Federal Land Managers' Air Quality Related Values Work Group (FLAG); Final Addendum to 2010 Phase 1 Report and Response to Comments, 46416-46417 [2024-11742]

Download as PDF 46416 Application No. ES64986C ........ TE90423C ........ PER0039249 .... Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 29, 2024 / Notices Applicant Species Jeffrey Gordon, Add new species—round Columbus, OH. hickorynut (Obovaria subrotunda) and longsolid (Fusconaia subrotunda)—to existing authorized species: 10 freshwater mussel species. Barr EngineerAdd new species—round ing, Shaughn hickorynut (Obovaria Barnett, Ann subrotunda) and Arbor, MI. rabbitsfoot (Quadrula cylindrica cylindrica)—to existing authorized species: 14 freshwater mussel species. Meredith L. Add new species—triHoggatt, Pittscolored bat (Perimyotis boro, IN. subflavus)—to existing authorized species: Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), northern long-eared bat (M. septentrionalis), and gray bat (M. grisescens). Public Availability of Comments Written comments we receive become part of the administrative record associated with this action. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can request in your comment that we withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Moreover, all submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be made available for public disclosure in their entirety. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Next Steps If we decide to issue permits to any of the applicants listed in this notice, we will publish a notice in the Federal Register. Authority We publish this notice under section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act of VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 May 28, 2024 Jkt 262001 Location Activity Type of take Permit action OH ..................... Conduct presence/absence surveys, document habitat use, conduct population monitoring, and evaluate impacts. Capture, handle, release, and relocate under special circumstances. Amend. IL, IN, OH .......... Conduct presence/absence surveys, document habitat use, conduct population monitoring, and evaluate impacts. Capture, handle, release, and relocate under special circumstances. Renew/amend. Add new States—AZ and NM—to existing authorized States: OK, TX, IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI, AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, CT, DE, DC, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV, KS, MT, NE, ND, SD, WY. Conduct presence/absence surveys, document habitat use, conduct population monitoring, and evaluate impacts. Capture with mist nets and harp traps, bio sample, identify, handle, collect non-intrusive measurements, band, radio-tag, and release. Amend. 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). responses to comments on the draft addendum. Lori Nordstrom, Assistant Regional Director, Ecological Service, Midwest Region. DATES: [FR Doc. 2024–11738 Filed 5–28–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service National Park Service [Docket No. FWS–HQ–NWRS–2023–0180; FXRS126109AQ000–245–FF09R23000] Federal Land Managers’ Air Quality Related Values Work Group (FLAG); Final Addendum to 2010 Phase 1 Report and Response to Comments Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service, Interior (DOI). ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service (the agencies), announce the availability of the final addendum to the Federal Land Managers’ Air Quality Related Values Work Group’s (FLAG’s) Phase 1 Report, which the agencies last revised in 2010 (FLAG 2010 report), and SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The addendum to the FLAG 2010 Phase 1 Report is effective May 29, 2024. ADDRESSES: The final addendum to the FLAG 2010 report, responses to comments on the draft addendum, and other materials are available for public inspection at https:// www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FWS–HQ–NWRS–2023–0180. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jaron Ming, Chief, Branch of Air and Water Resources, by phone at 720–926– 3528 or via email at jaron_ming@ fws.gov. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-ofcontact in the United States. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction The United States Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service (USFS) (collectively, the E:\FR\FM\29MYN1.SGM 29MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 29, 2024 / Notices agencies), announce the availability of the final addendum to the Federal Land Managers’ Air Quality Related Values Work Group’s (FLAG’s) Phase 1 Report, which the agencies last revised in 2010 (FLAG 2010 report). The addendum adds a contextual consideration provision to the FLAG 2010 report concerning the analysis by Federal land managers (FLMs) of temporary emissions for overall low-emitting facilities. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Background The Federal Land Managers’ Air Quality Related Values Work Group (FLAG) was formed by the NPS, FWS, and USFS to (1) develop a more consistent and objective approach for these agencies’ FLMs to evaluate air pollution effects on their air quality related values (AQRVs) in Federal class I areas, as defined by the Clean Air Act, and (2) provide State permitting authorities and potential permit applicants consistency on how to assess the impacts of new and existing sources on AQRVs. The FLAG effort focuses on the effects of the air pollutants that could affect the health and status of resources in areas managed by the agencies, primarily such pollutants as ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrates, and sulfates. The initial FLAG Phase 1 Report was published in 2000. On October 27, 2010, NPS, in cooperation with FWS and USFS, published a revised FLAG report (75 FR 66125). Comments Received and Responses On November 28, 2023, the agencies published a notice of availability and request for comments on the draft addendum to the FLAG Phase 1 Report (88 FR 83144). In response to the request for comments, we received comments from two entities. We reviewed and considered the comments prior to finalizing the addendum. Comment 1: Epsilon Associates, Inc., expressed support for the addendum, noting the need for contextual clarity on short-lived emissions. Response: We acknowledge the comment and appreciate the support for the addendum. Comment 2: The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation suggested including additional criteria concerning air permitting analysis and a date at which the addendum terminates. The commenter also sought clarity on other areas within the addendum. The following text summarizes those comments and our responses: A. The addendum should include criteria that align with air permitting VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 May 28, 2024 Jkt 262001 analysis and should use generally accepted engineering practices for air permitting analysis of project emissions. Response: The addendum does not modify any language or guidance in FLAG regarding general engineering practices. However, FWS agrees with the commenter that the FLM analysis should align with the air permitting analysis to the extent the analysis provides information relevant to AQRVs at the potentially impacted class I area. The draft addendum adds a contextual criterion for temporary air emissions that would occur alongside any considerations of generally accepted practices for emissions, modeling, and analysis. B. It is not clear if the temporary emission criteria conflict with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance on a State’s ability to make reasonable progress determinations. Response: To address the commenter’s request for clarity, the addendum adds a contextual criterion for FLMs to consider temporary emissions. It does not alter a permit authority’s process to make reasonable progress determinations under the Regional Haze Rule or New Source Review, Prevention of Significant Deterioration determinations. Additionally, the addendum is consistent with existing regulations, as it applies only to the FLMs’ discretionary determinations, as authorized under the Clean Air Act and implementing regulations. C. It is not clear whether the outlined criteria are consistent with requirements under the Clean Air Act or EPA regulations. The comment questions whether the addendum introduces ‘‘extra-regulatory’’ factors, relying on the FLM’s best professional judgment rather than on permitting requirements. Response: The FLMs use these criteria to evaluate the effect a project may have on the AQRVs in a class I area and how any predicted AQRV impacts may affect the FLM’s ability to manage public lands consistent with statutory mandates for the area (e.g., to provide for resource protection and visitor experience). The addendum does not alter a permit authority’s Clean Air Act regulatory role in evaluating FLM determinations. D. The addendum should include a sunset date. Response: While the guidance does not include a sunset date in the addendum, FWS, in coordination with NPS and USFS, will periodically evaluate whether this addendum continues to articulate the FLM’s contextual considerations for temporary emission increases. PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 46417 This notice announces the availability of complete responses to comments on the draft addendum and the final addendum to the FLAG 2010 revision to add a contextual consideration to the FLAG 2010 report concerning the FLM’s analysis of temporary emissions for overall low-emitting facilities. The final addendum does not change the FLM’s role or affirmative responsibilities under the Clean Air Act. The final addendum is expected to assist FLAG 2010 report users by describing how the FLMs, as part of their responsibilities under the Clean Air Act, will consider temporary emissions for overall low-emitting facilities in analyzing effects to AQRVs in Federal class I areas. Authority We publish this notice under the authority of the Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.). Shannon A. Estenoz, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. [FR Doc. 2024–11742 Filed 5–28–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [BLM_OR_FRN_MO4500179340] Notice of Public Meeting of the Western Oregon Resource Advisory Council Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces that the Western Oregon Resource Advisory Council (RAC) will host a meeting and field tour. DATES: The Western Oregon RAC will participate in an in-person meeting with a virtual participation option on July 10, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Pacific Time (PT). In addition, a field tour will occur on the same day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT. The field tour and meeting are open to the public. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held, and the field tour will commence and conclude, at the BLM Coos Bay District Office, 1300 Airport Lane, North Bend, OR 97459. The field tour will be of BLM Coos Bay District lands along Highway 38, east of Coos Bay, Oregon. The RAC will travel to the BLM Loon Lake SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\29MYN1.SGM 29MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 104 (Wednesday, May 29, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46416-46417]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-11742]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

National Park Service

[Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2023-0180; FXRS126109AQ000-245-FF09R23000]


Federal Land Managers' Air Quality Related Values Work Group 
(FLAG); Final Addendum to 2010 Phase 1 Report and Response to Comments

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service, Interior 
(DOI).

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with 
the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 
Forest Service (the agencies), announce the availability of the final 
addendum to the Federal Land Managers' Air Quality Related Values Work 
Group's (FLAG's) Phase 1 Report, which the agencies last revised in 
2010 (FLAG 2010 report), and responses to comments on the draft 
addendum.

DATES: The addendum to the FLAG 2010 Phase 1 Report is effective May 
29, 2024.

ADDRESSES:  The final addendum to the FLAG 2010 report, responses to 
comments on the draft addendum, and other materials are available for 
public inspection at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FWS-HQ-
NWRS-2023-0180.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jaron Ming, Chief, Branch of Air and 
Water Resources, by phone at 720-926-3528 or via email at 
[email protected]. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, 
deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 
(TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. 
Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services 
offered within their country to make international calls to the point-
of-contact in the United States.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    The United States Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service (FWS), in cooperation with the National Park Service 
(NPS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's U.S. Forest Service 
(USFS) (collectively, the

[[Page 46417]]

agencies), announce the availability of the final addendum to the 
Federal Land Managers' Air Quality Related Values Work Group's (FLAG's) 
Phase 1 Report, which the agencies last revised in 2010 (FLAG 2010 
report). The addendum adds a contextual consideration provision to the 
FLAG 2010 report concerning the analysis by Federal land managers 
(FLMs) of temporary emissions for overall low-emitting facilities.

Background

    The Federal Land Managers' Air Quality Related Values Work Group 
(FLAG) was formed by the NPS, FWS, and USFS to (1) develop a more 
consistent and objective approach for these agencies' FLMs to evaluate 
air pollution effects on their air quality related values (AQRVs) in 
Federal class I areas, as defined by the Clean Air Act, and (2) provide 
State permitting authorities and potential permit applicants 
consistency on how to assess the impacts of new and existing sources on 
AQRVs.
    The FLAG effort focuses on the effects of the air pollutants that 
could affect the health and status of resources in areas managed by the 
agencies, primarily such pollutants as ozone, particulate matter, 
nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrates, and sulfates.
    The initial FLAG Phase 1 Report was published in 2000. On October 
27, 2010, NPS, in cooperation with FWS and USFS, published a revised 
FLAG report (75 FR 66125).

Comments Received and Responses

    On November 28, 2023, the agencies published a notice of 
availability and request for comments on the draft addendum to the FLAG 
Phase 1 Report (88 FR 83144). In response to the request for comments, 
we received comments from two entities. We reviewed and considered the 
comments prior to finalizing the addendum.
    Comment 1: Epsilon Associates, Inc., expressed support for the 
addendum, noting the need for contextual clarity on short-lived 
emissions.
    Response: We acknowledge the comment and appreciate the support for 
the addendum.
    Comment 2: The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation 
suggested including additional criteria concerning air permitting 
analysis and a date at which the addendum terminates. The commenter 
also sought clarity on other areas within the addendum. The following 
text summarizes those comments and our responses:
    A. The addendum should include criteria that align with air 
permitting analysis and should use generally accepted engineering 
practices for air permitting analysis of project emissions.
    Response: The addendum does not modify any language or guidance in 
FLAG regarding general engineering practices. However, FWS agrees with 
the commenter that the FLM analysis should align with the air 
permitting analysis to the extent the analysis provides information 
relevant to AQRVs at the potentially impacted class I area. The draft 
addendum adds a contextual criterion for temporary air emissions that 
would occur alongside any considerations of generally accepted 
practices for emissions, modeling, and analysis.
    B. It is not clear if the temporary emission criteria conflict with 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance on a State's ability to 
make reasonable progress determinations.
    Response: To address the commenter's request for clarity, the 
addendum adds a contextual criterion for FLMs to consider temporary 
emissions. It does not alter a permit authority's process to make 
reasonable progress determinations under the Regional Haze Rule or New 
Source Review, Prevention of Significant Deterioration determinations. 
Additionally, the addendum is consistent with existing regulations, as 
it applies only to the FLMs' discretionary determinations, as 
authorized under the Clean Air Act and implementing regulations.
    C. It is not clear whether the outlined criteria are consistent 
with requirements under the Clean Air Act or EPA regulations. The 
comment questions whether the addendum introduces ``extra-regulatory'' 
factors, relying on the FLM's best professional judgment rather than on 
permitting requirements.
    Response: The FLMs use these criteria to evaluate the effect a 
project may have on the AQRVs in a class I area and how any predicted 
AQRV impacts may affect the FLM's ability to manage public lands 
consistent with statutory mandates for the area (e.g., to provide for 
resource protection and visitor experience). The addendum does not 
alter a permit authority's Clean Air Act regulatory role in evaluating 
FLM determinations.
    D. The addendum should include a sunset date.
    Response: While the guidance does not include a sunset date in the 
addendum, FWS, in coordination with NPS and USFS, will periodically 
evaluate whether this addendum continues to articulate the FLM's 
contextual considerations for temporary emission increases.
    This notice announces the availability of complete responses to 
comments on the draft addendum and the final addendum to the FLAG 2010 
revision to add a contextual consideration to the FLAG 2010 report 
concerning the FLM's analysis of temporary emissions for overall low-
emitting facilities. The final addendum does not change the FLM's role 
or affirmative responsibilities under the Clean Air Act. The final 
addendum is expected to assist FLAG 2010 report users by describing how 
the FLMs, as part of their responsibilities under the Clean Air Act, 
will consider temporary emissions for overall low-emitting facilities 
in analyzing effects to AQRVs in Federal class I areas.

Authority

    We publish this notice under the authority of the Clean Air Act of 
1970, as amended (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).

Shannon A. Estenoz,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 2024-11742 Filed 5-28-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

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