Natural Resources Conservation Service July 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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. 2, Fairfax County, Virginia.

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 Marbury Creek Watershed Structure No. 22, Barrow County, Georgia.

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 Sandy Creek Watershed Structure No. 23, Jackson County, Georgia.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) published in the Federal Register of January 16, 2009, an interim final rule with request for comment amending the program regulations for the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) to incorporate programmatic changes authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Act). On March 12, 2009, NRCS corrected language in the interim final rule regarding the erroneous application of the payment limitation to joint operations, and extended the comment period to April 17, 2009. This document amends the interim final rule by expanding the definition of agricultural lands to include areas of a farm or ranch that are not currently under production. NRCS is also using the opportunity presented by this rulemaking to reopen the comment period. Comments are limited to the content of this amendment.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS or the Agency) publishes this interim final rule to request comments on additional categorical exclusions, which are actions that the agency has determined do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and, thus, should not require preparing an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NRCS' categorical exclusion actions promote restoration and conservation activities related to natural or human induced damage, or alteration of floodplain easements and watershed areas. For projects being funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the interim final rule will assist NRCS in meeting mandates set forth in ARRA and NEPA for undertaking actions in the most expeditious manner and in compliance with NEPA.

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 Big Slough Watershed Supplement No.1, Clay County, Arkansas.