Department of Agriculture October 21, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This rule establishes additional inspection requirements authorized under the California pistachio marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of pistachios grown in California and is administered locally by the Administrative Committee for Pistachios (committee). This rule modifies sampling procedures for dark-stained pistachios which are intended to be dyed or color-coated. It also establishes reinspection requirements for lots of pistachios which are materially changed after meeting initial aflatoxin and quality requirements. This action is expected to assure the quality of pistachios, improve the marketability of pistachios, and provide handlers more marketing flexibility. The benefits of this action are expected to offset the increased inspection costs.

Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to prepare an Environmental Assessment related to possible financial assistance to Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) for the construction of approximately 4.4 miles of 230 kilovolt transmission line, a 230/25 kilovolt transmission substation, and a 230 kilovolt switching station. The proposed 230-kilovolt transmission line and substation projects would be located in Gwinnett County, Georgia. GTC is requesting RUS provide financing for the proposed project. A less than 0.1 acre portion of the project will be located in a wetland. Alternatives, including no action, were considered; however, no practicable alternatives were identified that would avoid having an impact on the wetland. Comments or suggestions for mitigating impacts to the wetland are welcome.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) invites comments from producers, importers, first handlers and other interested persons on a possible change to the definition of ``substantial activity'' under the Hass Avocado Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order). The definition relates to the eligibility of importers to serve on the Hass Avocado Board (Board).

On February 23, 2004 the original Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to ``* * * document and disclose the potential environmental effets of proposed invasive plant treatment activities on the Ochoco and Deshutes National Forests.'' appear in the Federal Register. The original Notice Intent appeared in Federal Register Volume 69, No. 35/February 23, 2004 on page 8174. Due to the extensive length of time between that publication in the Federal Register and the initiation of the analysis for this project, a Revised Notice of Intent is being published. Comments need not be re-submitted if they were submitted in 2004 for this proposed action. The USDA Forest Service will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to document and disclose the potential environmental effects of proposed invasive plant treatment activities on the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest and the Crooked River National Grassland. This project evaluates site-specific treatments of invasive plants; including manual, mechanical, cultural, biological and herbicide treatment methods as well as the use of prescribed fire. Forest Plan direction, including amendments identified in the Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program Environmental Imact Statement, will be incorporated into all alternatives, including the Proposed Action.