Natural Resources Conservation Service August 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice announces the intention of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to request comments on a currently approved information collection for which approval will expire, 0578-0030, Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program. Public Participation: NRCS invites public participation to promote open communication and better decisionmaking. All persons and organizations that have an interest in the EWP program are urged to provide comments. Scoping Process: Public participation is requested throughout the scoping process. NRCS is soliciting comments from the public indicating what issues and impacts the public believes should be encompassed within the scope of the EWP program. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility, (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used, (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, such as through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technologic collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

It has been determined by the NRCS State Conservationist for Virginia that changes must be made in the NRCS State Technical Guide specifically in the following practice standards: 328, Conservation Crop Rotation, 329, Residue and Tillage Management No Till/Strip Till/Direct Seed, 344, Residue Management, Seasonal, 345, Residue and Tillage Management Mulch Till, 346, Residue Management, Ridge Till, 391, Riparian Forest Buffer, 422, Hedgerow Planting, 472, Access Control, 595, Integrated Pest Management, 612, Tree/Shrub Establishment, and 666, Forest Stand Improvement. These practices will be used to plan and install conservation practices.

Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4370d (NEPA), as implemented by the Council of Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces their intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Henrys Fork Salinity Control Project Plan (SCPP). The NRCS will be the lead agency. A public and agency scoping meeting to discuss issues, actions, alternatives and impacts as well as to solicit input verbally and in writing will be conducted. The lead and cooperating agencies invite and encourage agencies and the public to provide written comments on the proposed SCPP throughout the scoping process to ensure that all relevant environmental issues are considered.

Pursuant to Section 102[2][c] of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations [40 CFR part 1500]; and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Regulations [7 CFR part 650]; the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, gives notice that an environmental impact statement is not being prepared for the rehabilitation of Pohick Creek Watershed Dam No. 8, Fairfax County, Virginia.