Fish and Wildlife Service October 19, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or ``we'') announce the availability of an application for an incidental take permit and the associated habitat conservation plan (HCP) from National Grid (NG), Syracuse, New York, and draft environmental assessment (EA) for public review and comment. We received the permit application from NG for incidental take of federally listed Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) and unlisted frosted elfin (Callophyrs irus) (should this species become listed in the future) over the next 50 years during operations, maintenance, and construction activities associated with electric and natural gas facilities within portions of Albany, Oneida, Schenectady, Saratoga, and Warren Counties, New York. We prepared a draft EA that describes the proposed action and possible alternatives and analyzes the effects of alternatives on the human environment. We provide this notice to: (1) Seek public comments on the proposed HCP; (2) seek public comments on the scope of issues and alternatives considered in the draft EA and our consideration as to whether the draft EA supports a Finding of No Significant Impact under NEPA; and (3) advise other Federal and State agencies, affected Tribes, and the public of our intent to prepare a final EA. The proposed HCP and EA are being made available during a 60-day comment period. To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments by December 19, 2011.