Bureau of Reclamation 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Grassland Bypass Project Extension, Merced and Fresno Counties, CA
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority (Authority) are preparing a joint EIS/ EIR, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and the California Environmental Quality Act, to evaluate effects of extending the Grassland Bypass Project (Project) until December 31, 2019. The Project's use of the San Luis Drain (Drain) was only authorized until December 31, 2009. Additionally, subsurface drainage flows discharged to Mud Slough (North) were to have met water quality objectives by October 1, 2010, as required by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Central Valley Region's (CVRWQCB) 1998 Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins. However, difficulty in acquiring final funding has delayed the development and availability of treatment and disposal technology to reduce selenium loads to meet the 2010 deadline. It is anticipated that the extension to 2019 would allow enough time to acquire funds and develop feasible treatment technology to meet Basin Plan objectives and Waste Discharge Requirements. A scoping meeting will be held to solicit input on alternatives, concerns, and issues to be addressed in the EIS/EIR. Written comments may also be sent.
Red River Valley Water Supply Project, ND
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is notifying the public that Reclamation and the State of North Dakota have prepared a Final EIS for the Red River Valley Water Supply Project (RRVWSP). The purpose of the RRVWSP is to supply water to meet the water needs of the people and industries in the Red River Valley through the year 2050. The project's needs were established by Congress in the Dakota Water Resources Act of 2000. The project needs are defined as municipal, rural, and industrial supplies; water quality; aquatic environment; and water conservation measures. Reclamation published a Draft EIS on December 30, 2005. Following public comments on the Draft EIS and the addition of new information, Reclamation published a Supplemental Draft EIS on January 31, 2007. The comment period for the Draft EIS started on December 30, 2005 and continued through April 25, 2007 with review of the Supplemental Draft EIS. Revisions were made to the Final EIS to incorporate responses to comments on the Supplemental Draft EIS and new information. However, these revisions do not significantly impact the analysis or results presented in the Supplemental Draft EIS. The primary changes are inclusion of a final biological assessment prepared in compliance with the Endangered Species Act, an analysis of forecasted depletions and sedimentation on the Missouri River mainstem reservoir system, and a literature review of the best available climate change information. The Final EIS includes written responses to all public comments on both the DEIS and SDEIS. It also identifies the GDU Import to Sheyenne River Alternative as Reclamation's and the State of North Dakota's preferred alternative.
Northwest Area Water Supply Project, ND
The Bureau of Reclamation published a notice in the Federal Register on March 6, 2006 (71 FR 11226) announcing the commencement of work under the National Environmental Policy Act on an environmental impact statement for the Northwest Area Water Supply Project (NAWS Project). We are now notifying the public that Reclamation has prepared a Draft EIS which is now available for review and comment. The Draft EIS provides information and analyses related to water treatment for the NAWS Project that would further minimize the transfer of potentially invasive species from the Missouri River basin into the Hudson Bay basin from potential treatment or conveyance failures. The Draft EIS analyzes the potential environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic effects of four alternatives.
Proposed Lower Yuba River Accord, Yuba County, CA
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Yuba County Water Agency (YCWA) have prepared the Final EIR/EIS for the Proposed Lower Yuba River Accord (Yuba Accord). The Final EIR/EIS contains responses to comments received on the Draft EIR/EIS. The purpose of the Yuba Accord is to resolve instream flow issues associated with operation of the Yuba River Development Project (Yuba Project) in a way that protects and enhances lower Yuba River fisheries and local water-supply reliability. At the same time, it would provide revenues for local flood control and water supply projects, water for the CALFED Program to use for protection and restoration of Sacramento- San Joaquin Delta (Delta) fisheries, and improvements in statewide water supply management, including supplemental water for the Central Valley Project (CVP) and the State Water Project (SWP). A Notice of Availability of the Draft EIR/EIS was published in the Federal Register on Monday, July 2, 2007 (72 FR 36036). The public review period on the Draft EIR/EIS ended on August 24, 2007.
California Bay-Delta Public Advisory Committee Public Meeting Cancellation; Federal Register: November 9, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 217) [Notices] Page 63628-63629] [DOCID:fr09no07-94] [FR Doc. 07-5597 Filed 11-8-07; 8:45 am]
The Joint meeting of the California Bay-Delta Public Advisory Committee and the California Bay-Delta Authority meeting noticed in the Federal Register on November 8, 2007, Volume 72, Number 217, Page 63628-63629, has been cancelled. The subject meeting will be rescheduled at a later date which is yet to be determined.
Quarterly Status Report of Water Service, Repayment, and Other Water-Related Contract Negotiations
Notice is hereby given of contractual actions that have been proposed to the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and are new, modified, discontinued, or completed since the last publication of this notice on August 22, 2007. This notice is one of a variety of means used to inform the public about proposed contractual actions for capital recovery and management of project resources and facilities consistent with section 9(f) of the Reclamation Project Act of 1939. Additional announcements of individual contract actions may be published in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in the areas determined by Reclamation to be affected by the proposed action.
Change in Discount Rate for Water Resources Planning
The Water Resources Planning Act of 1965 and the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 require an annual determination of a discount rate for Federal water resources planning. The discount rate for Federal water resources planning for fiscal year 2008 is 4.875 percent. Discounting is to be used to convert future monetary values to present values.
California Bay-Delta Public Advisory Committee Public Meeting
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the California Bay-Delta Public Advisory Committee (Committee) will meet on December 13, 2007. This meeting will be held jointly with the California Bay-Delta Authority. The agenda for the joint meeting will include discussions with State and Federal agency representatives on CALFED End of Stage 1 decisions and planning for Stage 2 actions for the CALFED Bay-Delta Program (Program); and approval of the 2007 Statement of Program Accomplishments and Progress, and the 2008 Program Plans. The meeting will also include reports from the Lead Scientist and the Independent Science Board, along with updates on Delta Vision, Delta Risk Management Strategy, Bay-Delta Conservation Plan, Program Performance and Tracking, Performance Measures, and an Environmental Justice Framework.
List of Programs Eligible for Inclusion in Fiscal Year 2008 Funding Agreements to be Negotiated with Self-Governance Tribes
This notice lists programs or portions of programs that are eligible for inclusion in Fiscal Year 2008 funding agreements with self-governance tribes and lists programmatic targets pursuant to section 405(c)(4) of the Tribal Self-Governance Act.
Colorado River Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and Coordinated Operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead
The Department of the Interior (Department), acting through the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), has issued a final environmental impact statement (Final EIS) on the proposed adoption of specific Colorado River Lower Basin shortage guidelines and coordinated reservoir management strategies to address operation of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, particularly under low reservoir conditions. This action is proposed in order to provide a greater degree of certainty to U.S. Colorado River water users and managers of the Colorado River Basin by providing detailed and objective guidelines for the operation of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, thereby allowing water managers and water users in the Lower Basin to know when, and by how much, water deliveries will be reduced in drought and other low reservoir conditions. The Department proposes that these guidelines be interim in duration and extend through 2026. Cooperating agencies are the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the Western Area Power Administration, and the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission.
Seventh Public Meeting for Reclamation's Managing for Excellence Project
The Bureau of Reclamation is holding a meeting to inform the public about the Managing for Excellence project. This meeting is the fourth to be held in 2007 to inform the public about the action items, progress, and results of the Managing for Excellence project and to seek broad public input and feedback. Subsequent meetings are anticipated and will be held in collaboration with the public.
Environmental Water Account
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is the National Environmental Policy Act Federal lead agency, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) are the Federal Cooperating Agencies. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is the California Environmental Quality Act State lead agency, and the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is the State Responsible and Trustee Agency. Together, these five agencies have made the Draft Supplemental EIS/EIR available for public review and comment. The Environmental Water Account (EWA) Program provides for fish protection and recovery in the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta while at the same time improving water supply reliability for Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP) water users. The Draft Supplemental EIS/EIR addresses changes to the regulatory and physical environment that have occurred since completion of the Final EIS/EIR in January 2004 (FR Volume 69: 3599) and the Records of Decision in March 2004 and September 2004.
Meeting of the Yakima River Basin Conservation Advisory Group, Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project, Yakima, WA
As required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, notice is hereby given that the Yakima River Basin Conservation Advisory Group, Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project, Yakima, Washington, established by the Secretary of the Interior, will hold a public meeting. The purpose of the Conservation Advisory Group is to provide technical advice and counsel to the Secretary of the Interior and Washington State on the structure, implementation, and oversight of the Yakima River Basin Water Conservation Program.
Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council
The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council (Council) was established by the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-320) (Act) to receive reports and advise Federal agencies on implementing the Act. In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Bureau of Reclamation announces that the Council will meet as detailed below. Dates and Location: The Council will conduct its annual meeting at the following time and location: Tuesday, October 30, 2007Santa Fe, New MexicoThe meeting will be held at the Hotel Santa Fe, 1501 Paseo de Peralta. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m., recess at approximately 1 p.m., and reconvene briefly the following day at 1 p.m.
Madera Irrigation District Water Supply Enhancement Project
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) proposes to prepare an EIS for the proposed Madera Irrigation District (MID) Water Supply Enhancement Project (Project), in which MID would construct a groundwater bank on the property known as Madera Ranch, west of the City of Madera, Madera County, CA. The Federal actions include approval from Reclamation for MID to bank a portion of their Central Valley Project (CVP) Friant Division contract water supply outside of its service area in the newly constructed groundwater bank at Madera Ranch and approval to extend the Reclamation-owned 24.2 Canal.
Walker River Basin Acquisitions Program, Mineral, Lyon, and Douglas Counties, NV
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) proposes to prepare an EIS for the Walker River Basin Acquisitions Program. The primary purpose of the program is to comply with the requirements of Public Law 107-171 (Desert Terminal Lakes Program), which appropriates funds to provide water to at-risk natural desert terminal lakes, and with Public Law 109-103, which allocates funds to the University of Nevada for two specific purposes. The first purpose is to implement a program for environmental restoration to acquire from willing sellers land, water appurtenant to the land, and related interests in the Walker River Basin, Nevada. Acquired water rights would be transferred to provide water to Walker Lake. The second purpose of the University's funding is to establish and operate an agricultural and natural resources center. The actions to be analyzed in this EIS will be the purchase of water rights and related interests from willing sellers in the Walker River Basin, Nevada.
Adoption of Amended Navajo Power Marketing Plan
On September 18, 2007, the Commissioner of Reclamation adopted the Amended Navajo Power Marketing Plan (Amended Plan) on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary), pursuant to section 107 of the Hoover Power Plant Act of 1984 (98 Stat. 1333). The Amended Plan is to provide for the future marketing of the United States' entitlement to generation from the Navajo Generating Station (Navajo) which is in excess of the pumping requirements of the Central Arizona Project (CAP) and certain needs for desalting and protective pumping facilities. The Amended Plan was developed in consultation with representatives of the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), Western Area Power Administration (Western), the Governor of Arizona, and the Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD) as required by the Hoover Power Plant Act of 1984 (Act). At the request of Reclamation, Western published a notice in the Federal Register on August 14, 2006, to initiate and obtain public comments on the proposed Amended Plan. Western held public information forums on September 19, 2006, in Phoenix, Arizona, and on September 22, 2006, in Ontario, California. Western accepted oral and written comments on the proposed Amended Plan at public comment forums on October 10, 2006, in Phoenix, Arizona, and on October 11, 2006 in Ontario, California, and thereafter until November 13, 2006, the end of the public comment period. Additional public information forums will be held in advance of the time of the actual marketing of Navajo Surplus under the Amended Plan to address the procedures to be used in the actual marketing process. Public comments were received both with respect to the terms of the proposed Amended Plan and with respect to Western's presentations at the public forums relating to the implementation of the plan. Written comments were received from Aha Macav Power Service, Arizona Power Authority, Arizona Tribal Energy Association, Colorado River Indian Tribes, Ralph E. Hitchcock and Associates, Moyes Storey Law Offices, Santa Cruz Water & Power Districts Association, and Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District. Oral comments were received from the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, Ralph E. Hitchcock and Associates, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes. Comments and responses, paraphrased for brevity, are presented below. Reclamation considered all comments prior to the adoption of the Amended Plan. Reclamation determined that no modifications to the proposed Amended Plan were necessary as a result of the comments and in light of the proposed Amended Plan's flexible framework. Nevertheless, Reclamation has made edits to the proposed Amended Plan for clarification purposes.
Walker River Basin Acquisitions Program, Mineral, Lyon, and Douglas Counties, NV
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) proposes to prepare an EIS for the Walker River Basin Acquisitions Program. The primary purpose of the program is to comply with the requirements of Public Law 107-171 (Desert Terminal Lakes Program), which appropriates funds to provide water to at-risk natural desert terminal lakes, and with Public Law 109-103, which allocates funds to the University of Nevada for two specific purposes. The first purpose is to implement a program for environmental restoration to acquire from willing sellers land, water appurtenant to the land, and related interests in the Walker River Basin, Nevada. Acquired water rights would be transferred to provide water to Walker Lake. The second purpose of the University's funding is to establish and operate an agricultural and natural resources center. The actions to be analyzed in this EIS will be the purchase of water rights and related interests from willing sellers in the Walker River Basin, Nevada.
Rio Grande and Low Flow Conveyance Channel Between San Acacia Diversion Dam, New Mexico, and the Narrows of Elephant Butte Reservoir, New Mexico
The Bureau of Reclamation is canceling plans to prepare a final environmental impact statement (EIS) on the environmental impacts of proposed modifications to the main channel of the Rio Grande and Low Flow Conveyance Channel system. The reason for canceling is that seven years have elapsed since publication of the draft EIS and the recently issued final EIS and Record of Decision for the Upper Rio Grande Basin Water Operations Review considers the impacts of continuing the operation of the Low Flow Conveyance Channel as a passive drain with no diversion from the Rio Grande.
Sixth Public Meeting for Reclamation's Managing for Excellence
The Bureau of Reclamation is holding a meeting to inform the public about the Managing for Excellence project. This meeting is the third to be held in 2007 to inform the public about the action items, progress, and results of the Managing for Excellence project and to seek broad public input and feedback. Subsequent meetings are anticipated and will be held in collaboration with the public.
Central Valley Project Improvement Act, Water Management Plans
The following Water Management Plans are available for review: West Stanislaus Irrigation District. Contra Costa Water District. Stockton East Water District. City of Vallejo. Shafter-Wasco Irrigation District. Dunnigan Water District. To meet the requirements of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act of 1992 (CVPIA) and the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) developed and published the Criteria for Evaluating Water Management Plans (Criteria). For the purpose of this announcement, Water Management Plans (Plans) are considered the same as Water Conservation Plans. The above entities have developed a Plan, which Reclamation has evaluated and preliminarily determined to meet the requirements of these Criteria. Reclamation is publishing this notice in order to allow the public to review the plans and comment on the preliminary determinations. Public comment on Reclamation's preliminary (i.e., draft) determination is invited at this time.
Quarterly Status Report of Water Service, Repayment, and Other Water-Related Contract Negotiations
Notice is hereby given of contractual actions that have been proposed to the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and are new, modified, discontinued, or completed since the last publication of this notice on May 15, 2007. This notice is one of a variety of means used to inform the public about proposed contractual actions for capital recovery and management of project resources and facilities consistent with section 9(f) of the Reclamation Project Act of 1939. Additional announcements of individual contract actions may be published in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in the areas determined by Reclamation to be affected by the proposed action.
Resource Management Plan, Newlands Project, Washoe, Lyon, and Churchill Counties, NV
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) proposes to prepare an environmental document for the purpose of evaluating options for management of natural resources within the Newlands Project. The purpose of the action is to prepare a Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the lands managed in association with the Newlands Project. The RMP will be used to foster proper stewardship of public lands. The goal of Reclamation's RMP is to create a balance of resource development, recreation, and protection of natural and cultural resources for the lands and waters being managed. The plan will outline Reclamation management actions that will be implemented over a 10-year planning span.
Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Work Group (AMWG)
The Adaptive Management Program (AMP) was implemented as a result of the Record of Decision on the Operation of Glen Canyon Dam Final Environmental Impact Statement to comply with consultation requirements of the Grand Canyon Protection Act (Pub. L. 102-575) of 1992. The AMP includes a federal advisory committee (AMWG), a technical work group (TWG), a monitoring and research center, and independent review panels. The AMWG makes recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior concerning Glen Canyon Dam operations and other management actions to protect resources downstream of Glen Canyon Dam consistent with the Grand Canyon Protection Act. The TWG is a subcommittee of the AMWG and provides technical advice and recommendations to the AMWG. Dates and Addresses: The AMWG will conduct the following public meeting: Flagstaff, ArizonaAugust 29-30, 2007. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 5:30 p.m. on the first day and begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. on the second day. The meeting will be held at the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center, 2255 N. Gemini Drive, Building 3 Main Conference Room, Flagstaff, Arizona. Agenda: The purpose of the meeting will be to (1) Review and develop a recommendation to the Secretary of the Interior for the fiscal year 2008 Budget, Workplan, and hydrograph; (2) receive updates on the Monitoring and Research Plan, the Beach/Habitat Building Flow Science Plan, public outreach efforts, Long-Term Experimental Plan Environmental Impact Study, and Humpback Chub Recovery Implementation Plan; (3) review fiscal year 2007 mid-year program expenditures; (4) discuss the Roles Ad Hoc Group Report; and (5) discuss basin hydrology/ climate changes, and other administrative and resource issues pertaining to the AMP. To view a copy of the draft agenda, please visit Reclamation's Web site at: https://www.usbr.gov/uc/rm/amp/amwg/mtgs/ 07aug29/.
San Joaquin River Restoration Program
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) propose to prepare a PEIS/EIR for the San Joaquin River Restoration Program (Program). The proposed Program is expected to be implemented by Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), and the DWR.
Use of Bureau of Reclamation Land, Facilities, and Waterbodies
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) proposes a rule on the use of Reclamation land, facilities, and waterbodies. When finalized, the proposed rule will supersede the current rule which was originally published in 1983 and partially revised in April 2006.
Proposed Lower Yuba River Accord, Yuba County, CA
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Yuba County Water Agency (YCWA) have made available for public review and comment the Draft EIR/EIS for the Proposed Lower Yuba River Accord (Yuba Accord). Two public hearings will be held to provide interested individuals and organizations with an opportunity to comment verbally and in writing on the Draft EIR/EIS. The purpose of the Yuba Accord is to resolve instream flow issues associated with operation of the Yuba River Development Project (Yuba Project) in a way that protects and enhances lower Yuba River fisheries and local water-supply reliability. At the same time, it would provide revenues for local flood control and water supply projects, water for the CALFED Program to use for protection and restoration of Sacramento- San Joaquin Delta (Delta) fisheries, and improvements in statewide water supply management, including supplemental water for the Central Valley Project (CVP) and the State Water Project (SWP).
Agency Information Collection; Activities Under OMB Review; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces the Bureau of Reclamation (we, our, or us) has forwarded the following Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval: Individual Landholder's and Farm Operator's Certification and Reporting Forms for Acreage Limitation, 43 CFR part 426 and 43 CFR part 428, OMB Control Number: 1006-0005. This ICR is required under the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (RRA), Acreage Limitation Rules and Regulations, 43 CFR part 426, and Information Requirements for Certain Farm Operations In Excess of 960 Acres and the Eligibility of Certain Formerly Excess Land, 43 CFR part 428. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden.
Agency Information Collection; Activities Under OMB Review; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces the Bureau of Reclamation (we, our, or us) has forwarded the following Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval: Certification Summary Form, Reporting Summary Form for Acreage Limitation, 43 CFR part 426 and 43 CFR part 428, OMB Control Number: 1006-0006. This information collection is required under the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (RRA), Acreage Limitation Rules and Regulations, 43 CFR part 426, and Information Requirements for Certain Farm Operations In Excess of 960 Acres and the Eligibility of Certain Formerly Excess Land, 43 CFR part 428. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden.
Agency Information Collection; Activities Under OMB Review; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces the Bureau of Reclamation (we, our, or us) has forwarded the following Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval: Forms to Determine Compliance by Certain Landholders, 43 CFR part 426, OMB Control Number: 1006-0023. As a result of the regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with Federal reclamation law and assessment of the appropriate water rate [43 CFR 426.6(b)(2) and 43 CFR 426.9(b)], a new ``Religious or Charitable Organization Identification Sheet'' (Form 7-2578) has been developed for approval as part of this information collection. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden.
Notice of Charter Renewal; California Bay-Delta Public Advisory Committee Charter Renewal
This notice is published in accordance with Section 9(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (Pub. L. 92-463). Following consultation with the General Services Administration, notice is hereby given that the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) is renewing the charter for the California Bay-Delta Public Advisory Committee (Committee). The purpose of the Committee is to provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary on implementation of the CALFED Bay- Delta Program (Program) as described in the Programmatic Record of Decision which outlines the long-term comprehensive solution for addressing the problems affecting the San Francisco Bay-Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary, Public Law 108-361, and other applicable law. Specific responsibilities of the Committee include: (1) Making recommendations on annual priorities and coordination of Program actions to achieve balanced implementation of the Program elements; (2) providing recommendations on effective integration of Program elements to provide continuous, balanced improvement of each of the Program objectives (ecosystem restoration, water quality, levee system integrity, and water supply reliability); (3) evaluating implementation of Program actions, including assessment of Program area performance; (4) reviewing and making recommendations on Program Plans and Annual Reports describing implementation of Program elements as set forth in the ROD to the Secretary; (5) recommending Program actions taking into account recommendations from the Committee's subcommittees; and (6) liaison between the Committee's subcommittees, the State and Federal agencies, the Secretary and the Governor. The Committee consists of 20 to 30 members who are appointed by the Secretary, in consultation with the Governor.
Regional Water Management Plan for the Sacramento River Contractors
The Regional Water Management Plan for the Sacramento River Contractors (Regional Plan) is available for review. Participating Contractors include: Anderson-Cottonwood Irrigation District Meridian Farms Water Company Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District Sutter Mutual Water Company Provident Irrigation District Pelger Mutual Water Company Princeton-Codora-Glenn Irrigation District Natomas Central Mutual Water Company Reclamation District No. 108 Reclamation District No. 1004 Under the authority of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act of 1992 (CVPIA) and the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) developed and published the Regional Criteria for Evaluating Water Management Plans for the Sacramento River Contractors (Regional Criteria) in 2004. The development and implementation of the Regional Criteria for the Sacramento Valley was an alternative pilot program to the current Standard Criteria for Evaluating Water Management Plans (Standard Criteria), as stated in the Water Conservation Administrative Proposal dated March 20, 1997. If the Contracting Officer deems this pilot program to be unsuccessful, the Regional Criteria will be discontinued. All subsequent Plans would then be evaluated under the current Standard Criteria. The above entities have developed the Regional Plan, which Reclamation has evaluated and preliminarily determined to meet the requirements of the Regional Criteria.
Public Conduct on Bureau of Reclamation Facilities, Lands, and Waterbodies; Inclusion of Hoover Dam
This rule makes public conduct at Hoover Dam subject to the same rules governing public conduct at other Bureau of Reclamation facilities. In order to do this, Reclamation is removing from the Code of Federal Regulations the existing 43 CFR part 421 (Rules of Conduct at Hoover Dam) and making public conduct on all Reclamation projects subject to 43 CFR part 423 (Public Conduct on Bureau of Reclamation Facilities, Lands, and Waterbodies).
California Bay-Delta Public Advisory Committee Public Meeting
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the California Bay-Delta Public Advisory Committee (Committee) will meet on June 20, 2007. The agenda for the Committee meeting will include discussions with State and Federal agency representatives on the CALFED Bay-Delta Program Draft End of Stage 1 Report and a recommendation from the Program Performance and Financing Subcommittee to include their Draft Performance Assessment in that Report; presentations from the agencies on long-term performance measures; and approval of the 207-08 Program Plans. The meeting will also include reports from the Lead Scientist and the Independent Science Board, Subcommittees, and updates on the status of the Environmental Justice Framework Proposal and Delta Vision initiatives underway.
Quarterly Status Report of Water Service, Repayment, and Other Water-Related Contract Negotiations
Notice is hereby given of contractual actions that have been proposed to the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and are new, modified, discontinued, or completed since the last publication of this notice on February 27, 2007. This notice is one of a variety of means used to inform the public about proposed contractual actions for capital recovery and management of project resources and facilities consistent with section 9(f) of the Reclamation Project Act of 1939. Additional announcements of individual contract actions may be published in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in the areas determined by Reclamation to be affected by the proposed action.
Fifth Public Meeting for Reclamation's Managing for Excellence Project
The Bureau of Reclamation is holding a meeting to inform the public about the Managing for Excellence project. This meeting is the second to be held in 2007 to inform the public about the action items, progress, and results of the Managing for Excellence project and to seek broad public input and feedback. Subsequent meetings in 2007 are anticipated but not yet scheduled.
Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Work Group (AMWG)
The Adaptive Management Program (AMP) was implemented as a result of the Record of Decision on the Operation of Glen Canyon Dam Final Environmental Impact Statement to comply with consultation requirements of the Grand Canyon Protection Act (Pub. L. 102-575) of 1992. The AMP includes a federal advisory committee (AMWG), a technical work group (TWG), a monitoring and research center, and independent review panels. The AMWG makes recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior concerning Glen Canyon Dam operations and other management actions to protect resources downstream of Glen Canyon Dam consistent with the Grand Canyon Protection Act. The TWG is a subcommittee of the AMWG and provides technical advice and recommendations to the AMWG. Dates and Addresses: The AMWG will conduct the following conference call: Date: Tuesday, May 22, 2007. The call will begin at 12 noon (EDT), 10 a.m. (MDT) and 9 a.m. (PDT and Arizona) and conclude three (3) hours later in the respective time zones. The telephone numbers are: 1-801- 524-3860 for Federal participants and 1-888-264-8816 for non-Federal participants and members of the public. Agenda: The purpose of the meeting will be for the AMWG to receive updates and discuss the following items: (1) Roles Ad Hoc Group Report and recommendations; (2) the Beach/Habitat Building Flow Science Plan; (3) Draft Fiscal Year 2008 budget; (4) the Long-Term Experimental Plan Environmental Impact Statement; and (5) the Monitoring and Research Plan. The AMWG also will consider a motion by the TWG that recommends the Secretary of the Interior secure resources to direct the development and prompt implementation of risk assessment, education, prevention/containment, and science elements in order to limit the wide-ranging damages that may be caused by quagga mussel invasion of the Colorado River system. To view a copy of the draft agenda, please visit Reclamation's Web site at: https://www.usbr.gov/uc/rm/amp/amwg/ mtgs/06may22/. Time will be allowed for any individual or organization wishing to make formal oral comments on the call. To allow for full consideration of information by the AMWG members, written notice must be provided to Dennis Kubly, Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Regional Office, 125 South State Street, Room 6107, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84138; telephone 801-524-3715; facsimile 801-524-3858; e-mail at dkubly@uc.usbr.gov at least five (5) days prior to the call. Any written comments received will be provided to the AMWG members.
Meeting of the Yakima River Basin Conservation Advisory Group, Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project, Yakima, WA
As required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, notice is hereby given that the Yakima River Basin Conservation Advisory Group, Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project, Yakima, Washington, established by the Secretary of the Interior, will hold a public meeting. The purpose of the Conservation Advisory Group is to provide technical advice and counsel to the Secretary of the Interior and Washington State on the structure, implementation, and oversight of the Yakima River Basin Water Conservation Program.
Upper Rio Grande Basin Water Operations Review
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (as amended), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), with and on behalf of other joint-lead agencies [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Department of Defense; and the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (Commission), State of New Mexico], has prepared and made available to the public a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) to assess the consequences of proposed changes to water operations in the Rio Grande basin above Fort Quitman, Texas. The FEIS is programmatic and is not intended to authorize specific projects in the upper Rio Grande system. It is anticipated that a plan for water operations at existing Reclamation and Corps facilities will be developed. The FEIS presents alternatives with respect to water operations and evaluates the potential effects of each alternative on environmental, hydrologic, cultural, and socioeconomic resources, and Indian Trust Assets, including any potential disproportionate effects on minority or low income communities (environmental justice). The FEIS also evaluates the effects of alternatives on the State of New Mexico's ability to meet its obligations associated with the Rio Grande Compact. Some of the alternatives considered include changing the channel capacity criteria at Albuquerque, storage or non-storage of Rio Grande water in authorized San Juan-Chama space in Abiquiu Reservoir, and possible future resumption of operations of the currently unfunctional Low Flow Conveyance Channel. A draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) was filed with the Environmental Protection Agency on January 20, 2006, and a Notice of Availability for the DEIS was published in the Federal Register on that same date. The original 60-day review and comment period for the DEIS was extended an additional 30 days to April 20, 2006, with publication of a Notice of Extension in the Federal Register on March 24, 2006. During the comment period, one public meeting was held in Colorado, one public meeting was held in Texas, and six public meetings were held in New Mexico. All comments received on the DEIS were carefully reviewed and considered in preparing the FEIS. Where appropriate, revisions were made to the document in response to specific comments. The comments and responses, together with the FEIS, will be considered in determining whether or not to implement the proposed action.
Account for Central Valley Project (CVP) Water Transfers Under Mid-Pacific Region Business Practice Guidelines (Guidelines)
The Mid-Pacific Regional Office of the Bureau of Reclamation is proposing guidelines to provide Mid-Pacific Region field, area, and Regional Office employees with the information necessary to consistently and accurately account for water transfers between all contractors who receive CVP water under water service, repayment, settlement, or exchange contracts. Comments on the guidelines are being requested.
South Coast Conduit Secondary Pipeline, Santa Barbara County, California
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Cachuma Operation and Maintenance Board (COMB) are planning to prepare a combined EIS/EIR for the proposed construction of a second pipeline adjacent to the South Coast Conduit (SCC) between the South Portal of the Tecolote Tunnel (SPTT) and the Corona Del Mar Water Treatment Plant (CDMWTP) for the purposes of increasing the operational flexibility, reliability, and the conveyance capacity of the SCC, accommodating peak demand levels, and allowing maintenance of the pipeline. The project site is located in Glen Annie Canyon, north of the City of Goleta, in Santa Barbara County, California. The project site encompasses the area surrounding the existing SCC between the SPTT and the CDMWTP.
Red River Valley Water Supply Project, ND
The Bureau of Reclamation is announcing an extension of the public comment period for the Red River Valley Water Supply Project SDEIS. The previously announced comment period for the SDEIS was published in the Federal Register on February 9, 2007 (72 FR, 6285- 6286) informing the public that the comment period would end on March 26, 2007. We are now notifying the public that Reclamation and the State of North Dakota are extending the comment period for an additional 30 days. Accordingly, the public comment period is extended to April 25, 2007.
Delta-Mendota Canal Recirculation Project, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Fresno, Kings, Merced, San Benito, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Counties, CA
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) intend to prepare an EIS/EIR for the Delta-Mendota Canal (DMC) Recirculation Project. Reclamation is the Federal lead agency for NEPA and DWR is the State lead agency for CEQA. The purpose of the project is to prepare a feasibility study of the DMC Recirculation Project that will evaluate the costs, benefits, feasibility, and impacts of possibly recirculating water from the DMC Canal for release to the San Joaquin River. Recirculation may provide additional flows for fishery objectives and may help to meet San Joaquin River water quality objectives, while reducing the reliance on the New Melones Reservoir for water releases. As part of the feasibility study process, a Draft EIS/EIR is expected to be available in 2008.
Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (as amended) and the general authority to conduct water resources planning under the Reclamation Act of 1902 and all acts amendatory thereof and supplementary thereto, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) has prepared a Planning Report and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (PR/DEIS). This document was undertaken to provide a discussion for the (1) various ways to provide a municipal and industrial (M&I) water supply to the Navajo Nation; City of Gallup, New Mexico; and Jicarilla Apache Nation; (2) identification of a preferred alternative; and (3) associated environmental impacts and costs of such an endeavor, should it be undertaken. The PR/DEIS presents alternatives for providing an anticipated year 2040 M&I water supply for the project area. Alternatives considered include diverting and distributing water from the San Juan River using various configurations, water conservation using existing groundwater supplies, and no action.
North Sonoma County Agricultural Reuse Project (NSCARP)-Sonoma County, CA
Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), and Public Resources Code, sections 21000- 21177 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), the lead Federal agency, and the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA), the local sponsor and CEQA lead agency, have made available for public review and comment a Draft EIS/EIR for the NSCARP. The NSCARP Draft EIS/EIR describes a no action alternative (Alternative 1) and three action alternatives (Alternative 2, Alternative 3, and Alternative 4) that include numerous features that would create an agricultural irrigation system comprised of 19 recycled water storage reservoirs totaling about 11,200 acre-feet in storage capacity. In addition, NSCARP would involve the design and construction of approximately 112 miles of transmission pipeline and numerous pumping stations for conveying water from the Geysers Pipeline to the storage reservoirs, and for distribution of the storage recycled water from the reservoirs to approximately 21,500 acres of agricultural lands. As part of the NEPA/CEQA process, one public hearing will be held to provide interested individuals and organizations with an opportunity to comment verbally and in writing on the NSCARP Draft EIS/EIR.
Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction (DS/FDR) Action-Sacramento, El Dorado, and Placer Counties, CA
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), the lead Federal agency; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), a cooperating Federal agency; the Reclamation Board, the lead State agency; and the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA), the local sponsor, have prepared a Final EIS/EIR for the Folsom DS/FDR Action. The Folsom DS/ FDR proposed action includes features that address Reclamation's DS objectives and the Corps' FDR objectives jointly as well as features or increments that exclusively address DS, security, or FDR objectives and would be constructed by the respective agencies. The Final EIS/EIR contains responses to comments received on the Draft EIS/EIR. The Corps intends to adopt the Final EIS/EIR to satisfy the requirements of National Environmental Policy Act for the Joint Federal Project (JFP) component and other FDR features as appropriate. The Corps has prepared a Post Authorization Change (PAC) Report which documents recommended changes to the authorized Folsom Modifications and Folsom Dam Raise projects. A Notice of Availability of the Draft EIS/EIR was published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 (71 FR 68837). The public review period on the Draft EIS/EIR ended on January 22, 2006. The public review period was extended via a press release to January 26, 2007.
List of Program Eligible for Inclusion in Fiscal Year 2007 Funding Agreements To Be Negotiated With Self-Governance Tribes
This notice lists program or portions of programs that are eligible for inclusion in Fiscal Year 2007 funding agreements with self-governance tribes and lists programmatic targets pursuant to section 405(c)(4) of the Tribal Self-Governance Act.
Agency Information Collection Activities Under OMB Review; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces the following Information Collection Request (ICR) has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval: Recreation Survey, New Melones Lake Project, Sonora, CA. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and hour burden.
New Melones Lake Project Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (RMP/EIS), Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties, CA
The Bureau of Reclamation is extending the scoping period for the RMP/EIS to March 19, 2007. The notice of intent for the RMP/EIS was published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2006 (71 FR 75769). The scoping period was originally to end on February 16, 2007. During the scoping process, several individuals and organizations have indicated that submission of scoping comments by the February 16, 2007 would be a difficult deadline to meet. To encourage additional public input, the public comment period has been extended.
Final Environmental Impact Statement for Clean Water Coalition Systems Conveyance and Operations Program Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Clark County, NV; Notice of Availability
Pursuant to Sec. 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the corresponding Council of Environmental Quality implementing regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), the National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation, as lead agencies for the Department of Interior, announce the availability of the Clean Water Coalition Systems Conveyance and Operations Program (SCOP) Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS). The SCOP Final EIS completes the evaluation of potential environmental impacts associated with a proposed pipeline alternative, two additional pipeline alternatives, and the baseline No Action alternative (and also presents a Process Improvements option derived from the No Action Alternative). The purpose of implementing the proposal is to put into operation a treatment and conveyance system that will allow for flexible management of wastewater flow in the Las Vegas Valley, while maintaining water quality standards. Clark County, Nevada is one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S., with a projected population in the area of approximately 3,130,000 by 2035. The quantity of effluent treated and discharged in the Las Vegas Valley will increase with the Valley populations. The treatment and conveyance facilities must accommodate the additional flows while continuing to meet current or future water quality standards for Las Vegas Wash and Bay, and Lake Mead. The Final EIS evaluates effects of the alternatives on both visitor experience and park resources including: surface water hydrology, groundwater, water quality, biological resources/endangered species, cultural resources, recreation, land use, air quality, noise, socioeconomics, and other appropriate resource issues identified during the public scoping phase. An impairment analysis was also completed by the National Park Service (NPS) for the portion of the proposed actions that would impinge upon this unit of the National Park System.
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