Natural Resources Conservation Service – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

It is the intention of NRCS to issue one revised conservation practice standard in its National Handbook of Conservation Practices. This standard is: Wastewater Treatment Strip (NY635).

Pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines (40 CFR part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) Guidelines (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 North Fork Cowanesque River Watershed, Potter County, Pennsylvania.

The Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF) meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, September 22-23, 2005, in Ithaca, New York, has been cancelled. The original meeting notice can be found in the Federal Register, Volume 70, Number 151, pages 45649-45650, published on Monday, August 8, 2005.

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 Chiwapa Creek Watershed, Pontotoc, Lee, and Monroe Counties, Mississippi.

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 Indian Creek Watershed Supplemental Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment Number 1, Pottawattamie County, Iowa.

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 Caney-Coon Creek Watershed Site No. 2, Coal County, Oklahoma.

Pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines (40 CFR part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Guidelines (7 CFR part 650); the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, gives notice of a Finding of No Significant Impact according to the Environmental Assessment of the Big Delta State Historical Park Streambank Protection Project.

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), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, gives notice that an environmental impact statement is not being prepared for the rehabilitation of Lake Prairie Grove, Multiple Purpose Structure No. 4, Muddy Fork of the Illinois River Watershed, Washington County, Arkansas.

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 Rules (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 Caballo Arroyos Site 4 (Wardy-Hedgecock Dam) in Do[ntilde]a Ana County, New Mexico.

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 Rules (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 Hatch Valley Arroyos Site 6 (Garfield Dam) in Do[ntilde]a Ana County, New Mexico.

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 Floodwater Retarding Structure (FRS) Nos. 1A, 2B, 4, and 17 of the East Fork Above Lavon Watershed of the Trinity River Watershed, Collin County, Texas.

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, Haynes CreekBrushy Fork Creek Watershed Structure No. 3: Gwinnett County, Georgia.

Pursuant to section 102(2) (C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines (40 CFR part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Guidelines (7 CFR part 650); the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, gives notice that an environmental impact statement is being prepared for the South Kona Watershed, Hawaii County, Hawaii.

The Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF) will meet to continue discussions on critical air quality issues in relation to agriculture. Special emphasis will be placed on obtaining a greater understanding about the relationship between agricultural production and air quality.

It is the intention of NRCS to issue one revised conservation practice standard in its National Handbook of Conservation Practices. This standard is: Feed Management (NY592).

Notice is hereby given of the intention of NRCS to issue 11 new or revised conservation practice standards in its National Handbook of Conservation Practices. These standards include: Alley Cropping (Code 311), Prescribed Burning (Code 338), Multistory Cropping (Code 379), Windbreak-Shelterbelt Establishment (Code 380), Riparian Forest Buffer (Code 391), Tree-Shrub Site Preparation (Code 490), Tree-Shrub Establishment (Code 612), Windbreak-Shelterbelt Renovation (Code 650), Forest Trails and Landings (Code 655), Tree-Shrub Pruning (Code 660), and Forest Stand Improvement (Code 666). NRCS State Conservationists who choose to adopt these practices for use within their States will incorporate them into Section IV of their respective electronic Field Office Technical Guides. These practices may be used in conservation systems that treat highly erodible land or on land determined to be wetland.

Pursuant to the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, Pub. L. 83-566, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Guidelines (7 CFR 622), the Natural Resources Conservation Service gives notice of the deauthorization of Federal funding for the White Tank Mountains Watershed, Maricopa County, Arizona effective on March 9, 2005.

It has been determined by the NRCS State Conservationist for Tennessee that changes must be made in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide, specifically in practice standard Critical Area Planting (342) to account for improved technology. This practice standard can be used in conservation systems designed to treat highly erodible cropland.

This notice presents the Record of Decision (ROD) regarding the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) implementation of revisions to the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program to allow NRCS to more effectively and efficiently meet EWP statutory requirements and improve the effectiveness of agency responses to sudden watershed impairments caused by natural disasters. NRCS prepared a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (FPEIS) for EWP Program changes and published the FPEIS on the NRCS Web site. A Notice of Availability (NOA) of the EWP FPEIS was published in the Federal Register on December 30, 2004 and all agencies and persons on the FPEIS distribution list were notified individually as well. Printed and CD- ROM versions of the FPEIS were made available and delivered to all those who requested. This Decision Notice summarizes the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the EWP Program alternatives identified in the FPEIS that were considered in making this decision, and explains why NRCS selected the Preferred AlternativeEWP Program Improvement and Expansion (Alternative 4) for improving the EWP Program. The public may access the NRCS responses to substantive comments on the FPEIS at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ewp/.

Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines (40 CFR, part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) Guidelines (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 Tanana River Floodplain Acquisition Project at Salcha, Alaska.

This document announces the sign-up CSP-05-01 for the Conservation Security Program (CSP). This sign-up will be open from March 28, 2005, through May 27, 2005, in selected 8-digit watersheds in all 50 States and the Caribbean.

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 Rules (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 Sandia Mountain Tributaries Site 1 (Piedra Liza Dam) in Sandoval County, New Mexico.

It has been determined by the NRCS State Conservationist for Virginia that changes must be made in the NRCS State Technical Guide specifically in practice standards: 386, Field Border; 393, Riparian Herbaceous Cover; and 393, Filter Strip Facility. These practices will be used to plan and install conservation practices on cropland, pastureland, woodland, and wildlife land.

It is the intention of NRCS in Indiana to issue one new and four revised conservation practice standards in Section IV of the FOTG. The new standard is Salinity and Sodic Management (610). The revised standards are: Dry Hydrant (432), Forage Harvest Management (511), Access Road (560) and Spoil Spreading (572). These practices may be used in conservation systems that treat highly erodible land and/or wetlands.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Utah State Office, announces its intention to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to evaluate the impacts of floodplain and stream channel modifications in the Coal Creek Watershed. A plan would be developed to reduce safety risks and property damage caused by flooding of Cedar City and agricultural lands, improve water quality, and address related resource and amenity issues for the community. The EIS will analyze the potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts of alternatives to the human environment, as identified in the NEPA planning process, including any structural and non-structural measures that would address resource concerns in Coal Creek floodplain. The purpose of this notice is to request participation and invite comments from all those individuals and organizations interested in the development of the EIS. Proposed Action: The section of Coal Creek that traverses through Cedar City, Utah has channel stability and capacity deficiencies that pose a threat to existing infrastructure and development. Typical summer, fall, and winter discharges through this section of Coal Creek range from 5 to 15 cubic feet per second (cfs). However, intense summer cloudburst events centered in the upper Coal Creek watershed during the past 100 years have resulted in several flood events with peak discharges of between 4,000 and 5,000 cfs. The peak snowmelt event on record is approximately 1,800 cfs. The NRCS, in cooperation with Cedar City, proposes to modify portions of the Coal Creek channel that are located east of Interstate 15 within the corporate limits of Cedar City. Channel modifications are needed to protect existing infrastructure and development from damage or loss caused by bank erosion or flood water from a 100-year flood event and to eliminate the portion of the 100-year floodplain located outside the stream channel, as defined on existing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood hazard boundary maps. In conjunction with needed channel improvements, one or more irrigation diversion structures on Coal Creek may have to be relocated upstream from their current locations to eliminate existing flooding hazards. It is an NRCS goal to construct new diversion facilities that will improve irrigation water quality by removing sediment from irrigation water after it is diverted from Coal Creek. NRCS will also consider the option of locating the new diversion facilities to allow a pressurized irrigation system to be constructed in the future. New pipeline facilities would need to be constructed as part of this project from any new diversion facilities to the heads of the existing canals where the existing diversions are located. In addition to the flood control and irrigation system improvements, NRCS and Cedar City propose to design and construct a trail system and other Parkway improvements adjacent to the Coal Creek Channel that would enhance aesthetic values and provide recreational opportunities for community residents and visitors. Public Participation: The NRCS invites full public participation to promote open communication and better decision-making. All persons and organizations that have an interest in the Coal Creek watershed and floodplain as it impacts Cedar City are urged to participate in the NEPA environmental analysis process. Assistance will be provided as necessary to anyone having difficulty in determining how to participate. A Public Involvement Plan (PIP) has been developed and will be followed. Public comments are welcomed throughout the NEPA process. Opportunities for public participation include: (1) The EIS scoping period when comments on the NRCS proposal will be solicited through various media and at a public meeting to be held in Cedar City, Utah, March 10, 2005; (2) the 45-day review and comment period for the published Draft EIS; and (3) for 30 days after publication of the Final EIS. Scoping Process: Public participation is requested throughout the scoping process. The NRCS is soliciting comments from the public indicating what issues and impacts the public believes should be encompassed within the scope of the EIS analysis, voicing any concerns they might have about the identified resource protection measures, and submitting any ideas they might have for addressing risks to life and property in the Coal Creek floodplain. Other opportunities for public input include: (1) Once the Notice of Availability (NOA) of the Draft EIS is published in the Federal Register, comments will be accepted on the Draft EIS for a period of not less than 45 days, and (2) once the Final EIS is published in the Federal Register; comments will be accepted for a period of not less than 30 days. The NRCS will provide a written response to all comments received and will consider the issues presented for study and possible inclusion in the EIS. The public participation plan describes responsibilities and outreach opportunities in this process. Date Scoping Comments are Due: Comments may be submitted by regular mail, facsimile, or E-mail until 5 p.m. MST, March 21, 2005. Written comments submitted by regular mail should be postmarked by March 21, 2005, to ensure full consideration. (Note: The scoping period will continue for a period of 30 calendar days after the issuance date of this NOI.) Comments postmarked after this date will be considered to the extent practicable. Scoping Meeting: A public scoping meeting/open house will be held Thursday, March 10, 2005, to provide information on Coal Creek planning activities conducted to date, give the opportunity to discuss the issues and alternatives that should be covered in the Draft EIS, and to receive oral and written comments. The open house will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Cedar City Public Library, 303 North 100 East, Cedar City, Utah.