81 FR 12932 - Notice of Availability of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Land Use Plan Amendments for Segments 8 and 9 of the Gateway West 500-kV Transmission Line Project, Idaho
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 48 (March 11, 2016)
Bureau of Land Management
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 48 (March 11, 2016)
| Page Range | 12932-12935 | |
| FR Document | 2016-05572 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 48 (Friday, March 11, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 12932-12935] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-05572] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [15XL LLWY9200000.L51010000.ER0000.LVRWK09K0990.241A.00; 4500083323; IDI-35849] Notice of Availability of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Land Use Plan Amendments for Segments 8 and 9 of the Gateway West 500-kV Transmission Line Project, Idaho AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) Amendments for the right-of-way (ROW) application for Segments 8 and 9 of the Gateway West 500-kilovolt (kV) Transmission Line Project in Idaho, and by this notice is announcing the opening of the comment period. DATES: To ensure that comments will be considered, the BLM must receive written comments on the Draft Supplemental EIS and Draft RMP Amendments by June 9, 2016. To provide the public an opportunity to review the proposal and project information, the BLM will hold the following public meetings during the public comment period. Additional announcements about these meetings will be made by news releases to the media, newsletter mailings, and posting on the project Web site listed below. Tuesday, April 19, 2016 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Boise, Best Western Vista Inn at the Airport, 2645 W. Airport Way, Boise, ID 83705 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Kuna, Kuna Senior Center, 229 N. Ave. A, Kuna, ID 83634 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Twin Falls, BLM District Office, 2878 Addison Avenue East, Twin Falls, ID 83301 Thursday, April 21, 2016 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Murphy, Owyhee County Historical Society Museum, 17085 Basey St., Murphy, ID 83650 ADDRESSES: You may submit comments related to the Draft Supplemental EIS and Draft RMP Amendments by any of the following methods:Web site: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/prog/nepa_register/gateway-west.html Email: [email protected] Mail: Bureau of Land Management Idaho State Office, Gateway West Transmission Project, 1387 South Vinnell Way, Boise, ID 83709. Copies of the Draft Supplemental EIS and Draft RMP Amendments are available in the BLM Idaho State Office Public Room, at the above address; the BLM Boise District Office, 3948 Development Avenue, Boise, ID 83705; and the BLM Twin Falls District Office, 2878 Addison Avenue East, Twin Falls, ID 83301. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Heather Feeney, Public Affairs Specialist, telephone 208-373-4060; address 1387 South Vinnell Way, Boise, ID 83709; email [email protected]. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact Mrs. Feeney. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question for Mrs. Feeney. You will receive a reply during normal business hours. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at: Bureau of Land Management, Idaho State Office, Public Room, 1387 South Vinnell Way, Boise, ID 83709, Telephone: 208-373-3863. Bureau of Land Management, Boise District Office, 3948 Development Avenue, Boise, ID 83705, Telephone: 208-384-3300. Online: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/prog/nepa_register/gateway-west.html PacifiCorp, dba Rocky Mountain Power, and Idaho Power (Applicants) have submitted a ROW application to locate 500 kV- electric transmission lines on Federal lands as part of the Gateway West Transmission Line Project. The initial application proposed to construct electric transmission lines from the Windstar Substation near Glenrock, Wyoming, to the Hemingway Substation near Melba, Idaho, approximately 20 miles southwest of Boise, Idaho. The original project comprised 10 [[Page 12933]] transmission line segments with a total length of approximately 1,000 miles and was analyzed in a Final EIS published in April 2013. The BLM issued a Record of Decision in November 2013 which authorized routes on Federal lands for Segments 1 through 7 and Segment 10 but deferred a decision for Segments 8 and 9. In August 2014, the BLM received from the Applicants a revised ROW application for Segments 8 and 9 and a revised Plan of Development (POD) for the project. The BLM determined that new information in the revised ROW application and POD, including revised proposed routes for the transmission lines and several modified design features, would require additional NEPA analysis of potential environmental effects to supplement the analysis in the 2013 Final EIS. A Notice of Intent to prepare a Supplemental EIS was published in the Federal Register on September 19, 2014 (79 FR 56399), initiating a 45-day scoping period which included 4 open-house style public meetings in communities in the project area. The BLM must determine whether to authorize the use of public lands under its management for Segments 8 and 9 of the Gateway West project. The BLM must consider existing RMPs and management framework plans (MFPs) in the decision to issue a ROW grant in accordance with 43 CFR 1610.0-5(b). Portions of the proposed transmission line are not in conformance with several BLM land management plans, and therefore, amendments to these plans are analyzed as part of the Supplemental EIS. In addition, the BLM must ensure that the authorized project would be compatible with the purposes for which the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (SRBOP) is designated in Public Law 103-64 and with current policy for managing units of the National Landscape Conservation System. This notice announces the availability of the Draft Supplemental EIS for Segments 8 and 9 of the Gateway West Transmission Line Project and begins a 90-day public comment period on the range of alternatives, effects analysis and draft RMP/MFP amendments associated with authorizing the project on BLM-managed lands. Analysis in the Supplemental EIS will support a decision on whether to approve, approve with modifications, or deny the revised ROW application for Segments 8 and 9. The BLM is the lead Federal agency for the NEPA analysis process and preparation of the supplemental EIS. The State of Idaho and Federal agencies with specialized expertise and/or jurisdictional responsibilities in the area of Segments 8 and 9 are participating as cooperating agencies. Cooperating agencies include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; National Park Service; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Idaho State Historic Preservation Office; Idaho Department of Fish and Game; and the Idaho Governor's Office of Energy Resources. The BLM is also engaging in government-to-government consultations on the Supplemental EIS with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Fort Hall and the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley, under Federal laws and policies including but not limited to the National Historic Preservation Act, NEPA, Archaeological Resources Protection Act, American Indian Religious Freedom Act, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and Executive Orders 12875, 12898, 13007, 13084, and 13175. Relevant issues and concerns that influenced the scope of the environmental analysis in the Draft but which were not addressed in the original EIS were identified during scoping. Alternatives considered in the Draft Supplemental EIS are analyzed based on all the issues included in the 2013 Final EIS (refer to Section 1.10 of the Final EIS), as well as new issues, direction in agency handbooks, and requirements of Federal and State laws and regulations. The following issue categories were identified from public and internal scoping conducted for the Supplemental EIS: Air quality and greenhouse gas; Agriculture, including effects to farming and dairy operations; Cultural resources and historic trails, including Oregon National Historic Trail, Native American cultural sites, Snake River Canyon cultural sites; Cumulative effects, especially to native vegetation and sage-grouse habitat; Effects on State lands and counties; Wildland fire risks; Safety, electrical environment and noise; Land uses; Plants, including invasive species and noxious weeds; Threatened, endangered and sensitive species (plants and wildlife); Recreation; Scenery and visual resources; Socioeconomic effects; Transportation and travel management; Water and riparian resources; Wild horses and burros; General wildlife and wildlife habitat; and Effects to resources, objects and values which the SRBOP enabling statute directs the BLM to conserve, protect and enhance. The Draft Supplemental EIS analyzes in detail seven pairings of route alternatives for Segments 8 and 9 as Action Alternatives. Analysis of the No Action Alternative, under which the ROW application would be denied and Segments 8 and 9 would not be constructed, is included in the 2013 Final EIS for the original Gateway West project and is incorporated by reference in the Draft Supplemental EIS. In general, routes for Segment 8 are the more northerly of the two. Alternative 1 is the pair of revised proposed routes for Segments 8 and 9, as presented by the Applicants. Alternative 2 pairs the revised proposed route for Segment 8 and the Final EIS proposed route for Segment 9. Alternative 3 is the revised proposed route for Segment 8 and a route designated 9K, which was developed as a result of scoping for the Draft Supplemental EIS. Alternative 4 pairs the Final EIS proposed route for Segment 9 and route designated as 8G, which was developed as a result of scoping for the Draft Supplemental EIS. Alternative 5 pairs routes 8G and 9K. Alternative 6 consists of the Final EIS proposed route for Segment 9 and a Draft Supplemental EIS route 8H. Alternative 7 is routes 8H and 9K. The ROW width requested for all segments is 250 feet, except for Alternative 5, where a 500-foot ROW is required to accommodate two lines at the minimum separation distance. Portions of all route alternatives would cross the SRBOP. Both segments terminate at the Hemingway substation under all action alternatives. Segments are separated at distances of 250 feet to more than 30 miles, varying within routes and/or across alternatives. The Applicants propose wider separation to increase system reliability. Analysis of several other routes for Segments 8 and 9 in the 2013 Final EIS is carried forward by reference into the Draft Supplemental EIS. Alternative 1 This alternative represents the routes the Applicants propose in their revised ROW application. Segment 8 of this pairing is similar to the 2013 Final EIS proposed route except that it would parallel an existing 500-kilovolt (kV) line to the north instead of the south, from the point where it would enter the SRBOP to the Hemingway substation. It would cross 17.6 miles of the SRBOP. Segment 9 of this alternative is proposed to double-circuit the new 500-kV line with existing 138-kV lines for most of the 54.2 miles it would cross the SRBOP. The Draft Supplemental EIS analyzes two variations of the revised proposed route for Segment 9 that were [[Page 12934]] recommended by the BLM Jarbidge Field Office to avoid or minimize impacts to the Toana Freight Wagon Road, a National Register historic site. Alternative 2 Alignment of Segment 8 under this alternative allows separation from populated areas and existing transmission infrastructure outside the SRBOP to the north while minimizing the disturbance footprint for the segment in the SRBOP (17.6 miles crossed) by paralleling an existing 500-kV line. The alignment for Segment 9 in this pairing is the shortest (162.2 miles) analyzed in the Draft Supplemental EIS for this segment and follows the West-wide Energy Corridor (WWEC) south of the SRBOP. It would cross the SRBOP for 13.6 miles. Alternative 3 This alternative would allow Segment 8 to be separated from populated areas and existing transmission infrastructure outside the SRBOP to the north while minimizing the disturbance footprint in the SRBOP (17.6 miles crossed) by paralleling an existing 500-kV line. Segment 9 would be routed to avoid impacts to agricultural operations and would cross the SRBOP for 8.7 miles. Alternative 4 In this pairing, the route for Segment 9 is aligned to the north, while the route for Segment 8 follows the more southerly alignment. Segment 8 is aligned to avoid crossing the northern portion of the SRBOP, the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument and development near the town of Hagerman, Idaho. It crosses the SRBOP for 8.8 miles, at the southeast corner of the area. Segment 9 would be routed to avoid impacts to agricultural operations and would cross the SRBOP for 13.6 miles. Alternative 5 Route 8G is aligned to avoid crossing the northern portion of the SRBOP, the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument and development near the town of Hagerman, Idaho. It would cross the southeast corner of the SRBOP for 8.8 miles, at the southeast corner of the area. Route 9K is also aligned to avoid crossing the SRBOP, especially when paired with 8G, and to minimize direct and indirect impacts to priority Greater sage-grouse habitat. It would cross the southeast corner of the SRBOP for 8.7 miles, at the southeast corner of the area, where it would run parallel to 8G in a 500-foot wide ROW. This alternative makes most use of the reduced mandatory minimum separation distance for transmission lines adopted by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council in 2011 and would involve the shortest crossing of the SRBOP. Alternative 6 This alternative includes a route for Segment 8 (8H) that follows the 8G alignment for the first 44 miles and then follows the alignment of the revised proposed route for Segment 9 for the remainder of the route to the Hemingway substation. The BLM developed this alternative to depict opportunities for compensatory mitigation in the SRBOP. It would cross the SRBOP for a total of 67.8 miles. Alternative 7 This alternative pairs two BLM-developed routes: 8H for Segment 8 and 9K for Segment 9. It would cross the SRBOP for a total of 62.9 miles. Mitigation The Draft Supplemental EIS incorporates by reference the analysis related to Segments 8 and 9 in the Gateway West 2013 Final EIS, including relevant Proposed Environmental Protection Measures identified in Table 2.7-1 of that document. The Draft Supplemental EIS supplements the analysis found in that Final EIS by assessing new information that has become available since the FEIS and ROD were published, including the identification of new routes and route variations for segments 8 and 9. All of those new routes and route variations would have some impact on the SRBOP, a National Conservation Area and unit of the National Landscape Conservation System. The Presidential Memorandum on Mitigation (November 3, 2105) requires that agencies ``[e]stablish a net benefit goal or, at a minimum, a no net loss goal for natural resources the agency manages that are important, scarce, or sensitive. . .''. The Memorandum further provides that: ``[w]hen a resource's value is determined to be irreplaceable, the preferred means of achieving either of these goals is through avoidance, consistent with applicable legal authorities.'' Memorandum at section 3(a). As part of their revised POD, the Applicants have proposed a mitigation and enhancement portfolio (MEP) with design features specific to the SRBOP, aimed at mitigating the effects of project- related impacts within the SRBOP, as well as complying with the SRBOP's enabling statute. The BLM is required under existing policies to determine the measurable environmental impacts of proposed mitigation. The Draft Supplemental EIS analyzes the impacts associated with the MEP, and finds that the MEP does not provide sufficient details or specifics for development of mitigation actions to allow BLM to determine how the MEP goals would be achieved. Thus, in addition to application of the Proposed Environmental Protection Measures identified in Table 2.7-1 of the Final EIS, the BLM will continue to work with all stakeholders to identify any impacts that would remain on the SRBOP after implementation of the MEP, and to design a mitigation plan that addresses those remaining impacts. This plan will ensure that impacts to resources and values on the SRBOP that require mitigation are fully compensated, and that enhancement of these resources is provided in a manner that complies with all existing policies and the enabling statute of the SRBOP. The following mitigation categories are among those being considered to address remaining impacts to vegetation resources within the SRBOP: Habitat and vegetation restoration efforts; Fuels management/fuel breaks Wildfire preparedness and suppression; Applied research and monitoring to inform adaptive management; and Acquisition of private land from willing sellers if found to be appropriate by the Authorizing Officer. The Draft Supplemental EIS also presents a framework the BLM has developed for assessing compensatory mitigation required under FLPMA and for implementing Bureau and Department of the Interior mitigation policies for mitigation and the Presidential Memorandum on landscape- scale mitigation (November 3, 2015) for impacts to National Historic Trails, cultural resources, wetlands, and resources, objects and values in the SRBOP. The framework discusses avoidance, minimization and compensation measures that would be required under each alternative. Impacts to Greater sage-grouse and migratory birds are addressed in the 2013 Final EIS for the entire, 10-segment project and the 2013 Record of Decision. Agency Preferred Alternative In accordance with U.S. Department of the Interior regulations (43 CFR 46.425), the BLM identifies Alternatives 2 and 5 as co-Preferred Alternatives for the purposes of public review and comment. Identification of these alternatives does not represent final agency direction, and the Final Supplemental EIS may reflect changes or adjustments based on information [[Page 12935]] received during public comment on the Draft Supplemental EIS, on new, relevant information acquired after the Draft Supplemental EIS is published, or on changes in BLM policies or priorities. The Final Supplemental EIS may include actions described in the other analyzed alternatives as well. Alternative 2 would require 12 plan amendments to six current land use plans so that the project would conform to the respective plans. The following land use plans would be amended in a decision selecting Alternative 2: Twin Falls MFP Jarbidge RMP (1987, for areas not covered by the 2015 Jarbidge RMP) Snake River Birds of Prey RMP Bennett Hills/Timmerman Hills MFP Kuna MFP Bruneau MFP. In order to authorize Segment 8 in this alternative, four land use plans would need to be amended. The Kuna MFP would need an amendment to add a new major transmission line ROW. The SRBOP RMP would need amendments to allow the project within 0.5 mile of sensitive plant habitat, and to designate an additional corridor to include the Summer Lake 500-kV line and one additional 500-kV line. The 1987 Jarbidge RMP would need amendments to reclassify an avoidance/restricted area to allow an overhead 500-kV powerline, to change the cultural resource direction to allow disturbance within 0.5 mile of National-Historic- Trail ruts where visual resources are already compromised, and to change an area of VRM Class I to VRM Class IV, consistent with new policy guidance. The Bennett Hills/Timmerman Hills MFP would need amendments changing VRM Class II area to VRM Class III and changing management direction regarding archaeological sites. In order to authorize Segment 9 in this alternative, three land use plans would need to be amended. The SRBOP RMP would need an amendment to allow the project within 0.5 mile of sensitive plant habitat (the same amendment as for Segment 8 in this alternative) and to designate an additional corridor to include one additional 500-kV line. The Bruneau MFP would require an amendment to change the classification for a VRM Class II parcel near Castle Creek to VRM Class III. The Twin Falls MFP would need amendments to allow the ROW outside of existing corridors and to reclassify VRM Class I and II areas adjacent to the Roseworth corridor to VRM class III, while allowing a 500-kV line to cross the Salmon Falls Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). Alternative 5 would require five plan amendments to three current land use plans so that the project would conform to the respective plans. The following land use plans would be amended in a decision selecting Alternative 5: Twin Falls MFP Snake River Birds of Prey RMP Bruneau MFP. In order to authorize the Segment 8 alignment in this alternative, two land use plans would need to be amended. The SRBOP RMP would require an amendment to allow an additional ROW and designate an additional corridor for two 500-kV lines, as well as an amendment to allow the project within 0.5 mile of sensitive plant habitat. The Bruneau MFP would also need to be amended to change the classification for a VRM Class II parcel near Castle Creek to VRM Class III. These same amendments to the SRBOP RMP and Bruneau MFP would be needed for Segment 9 in this alternative, as the routes would parallel each other in these planning areas. Authorizing the Segment 9 alignment in this alternative would also require two additional amendments. The Twin Falls MFP would need amendments to allow the ROW outside of existing corridors, and to reclassify VRM Class I and II areas adjacent to the Roseworth corridor to VRM class III, while allowing a 500-kV line to cross the Salmon Falls Creek ACEC. Please note that public comments and information submitted, including names, street addresses, and email addresses of persons who submit comments, will be available for public review and disclosure at the above ADDRESSES during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Monday through Friday, except holidays. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6, 40 CFR 1506.10, 43 CFR 1610.2. Timothy M. Murphy, BLM Idaho State Director. [FR Doc. 2016-05572 Filed 3-10-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-GG-P
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update would be if something has from public review, we cannot Thursday, April 21, 2016
changed in their demographic (email guarantee that it will be done. 4 p.m.–7 p.m. Murphy, Owyhee County
address as an example). Historical Society Museum, 17085
Francis Kelly,
Description of Respondents: Private USGS EROS Center Director. Basey St., Murphy, ID 83650
individuals who have requested USGS ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
[FR Doc. 2016–05550 Filed 3–10–16; 8:45 am]
products from USGS/Earth Explorer related to the Draft Supplemental EIS
BILLING CODE 4338–11–P
application are covered in this system. and Draft RMP Amendments by any of
Estimated Total Number of Annual the following methods:
Responses: Approximately 84,000 on an DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR • Web site: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/
annual basis. en/prog/nepa_register/gateway-
Estimated Time per Response: We Bureau of Land Management west.html
estimate that it will take 2 minutes per • Email: blm_id_gateway_west@
response to submit the requested [15XL LLWY9200000.L51010000.ER0000. blm.gov
information. LVRWK09K0990.241A.00; 4500083323; IDI– • Mail: Bureau of Land Management
Estimated Annual Burden Hours: 35849] Idaho State Office, Gateway West
2,800. Transmission Project, 1387 South
Notice of Availability of the Draft Vinnell Way, Boise, ID 83709.
Estimated Reporting and
Supplemental Environmental Impact Copies of the Draft Supplemental EIS
Recordkeeping ‘‘Non-Hour Cost’’
Statement and Draft Land Use Plan and Draft RMP Amendments are
Burden: There are no ‘‘non-hour cost’’
Amendments for Segments 8 and 9 of available in the BLM Idaho State Office
burdens associated with this collection
the Gateway West 500-kV Public Room, at the above address; the
of information.
Transmission Line Project, Idaho BLM Boise District Office, 3948
Public Disclosure Statement: The PRA
(44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) provides that an AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Development Avenue, Boise, ID 83705;
agency may not conduct or sponsor and Interior. and the BLM Twin Falls District Office,
you are not required to respond to a 2878 Addison Avenue East, Twin Falls,
ACTION: Notice.
collection of information unless it ID 83301.
displays a currently valid OMB control SUMMARY: In accordance with the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
number. Until the OMB approves a National Environmental Policy Act of Heather Feeney, Public Affairs
collection of information, you are not 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Specialist, telephone 208–373–4060;
obliged to respond. Federal Land Policy and Management address 1387 South Vinnell Way, Boise,
Comments: On May 4, 2015, we Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the ID 83709; email hfeeney@blm.gov.
published a Federal Register notice (80 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has Persons who use a telecommunications
FR 25321) announcing that we would prepared a Draft Supplemental device for the deaf (TDD) may call the
submit this ICR to OMB for approval Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Federal Information Relay Service
and soliciting comments. The comment and Draft Resource Management Plan (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 to contact
period closed on Juley 6, 2015. We (RMP) Amendments for the right-of-way Mrs. Feeney. The FIRS is available 24
received no comments. (ROW) application for Segments 8 and hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a
9 of the Gateway West 500-kilovolt (kV) message or question for Mrs. Feeney.
III. Request for Comments You will receive a reply during normal
Transmission Line Project in Idaho, and
We again invite comments concerning by this notice is announcing the business hours.
this ICR as to: (a) Whether the proposed opening of the comment period. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
collection of information is necessary DATES: To ensure that comments will be Documents pertinent to this proposal
for the agency to perform its duties, considered, the BLM must receive may be examined at:
including whether the information is written comments on the Draft • Bureau of Land Management, Idaho
useful; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s Supplemental EIS and Draft RMP State Office, Public Room, 1387 South
estimate of the burden of the proposed Amendments by June 9, 2016. To Vinnell Way, Boise, ID 83709,
collection of information; (c) how to provide the public an opportunity to Telephone: 208–373–3863.
enhance the quality, usefulness, and review the proposal and project • Bureau of Land Management, Boise
clarity of the information to be information, the BLM will hold the District Office, 3948 Development
collected; and (d) how to minimize the following public meetings during the Avenue, Boise, ID 83705, Telephone:
burden on the respondents, including public comment period. Additional 208–384–3300.
the use of automated collection announcements about these meetings • Online: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/
techniques or other forms of information will be made by news releases to the en/prog/nepa_register/gateway-
technology. media, newsletter mailings, and posting west.html
Please note that comments submitted on the project Web site listed below. PacifiCorp, dba Rocky Mountain Power,
in response to this notice are a matter and Idaho Power (Applicants) have
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
of public record. Before including your submitted a ROW application to locate
personal mailing address, phone 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Boise, Best Western 500 kV- electric transmission lines on
number, email address, or other Vista Inn at the Airport, 2645 W. Federal lands as part of the Gateway
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
personally identifiable information in Airport Way, Boise, ID 83705 West Transmission Line Project. The
your comment, you should be aware 4 p.m.–7 p.m. Kuna, Kuna Senior initial application proposed to construct
that your entire comment, including Center, 229 N. Ave. A, Kuna, ID 83634 electric transmission lines from the
your personally identifiable Windstar Substation near Glenrock,
information, may be made publicly Wednesday, April 20, 2016 Wyoming, to the Hemingway Substation
available at any time. While you can ask 4 p.m.–7 p.m. Twin Falls, BLM District near Melba, Idaho, approximately 20
the OMB in your comment to withhold Office, 2878 Addison Avenue East, miles southwest of Boise, Idaho. The
your personal identifying information Twin Falls, ID 83301 original project comprised 10
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:56 Mar 10, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\11MRN1.SGM 11MRN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_12980/page/1.svg)
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recommended by the BLM Jarbidge reduced mandatory minimum determine the measurable
Field Office to avoid or minimize separation distance for transmission environmental impacts of proposed
impacts to the Toana Freight Wagon lines adopted by the Western Electricity mitigation. The Draft Supplemental EIS
Road, a National Register historic site. Coordinating Council in 2011 and analyzes the impacts associated with the
would involve the shortest crossing of MEP, and finds that the MEP does not
Alternative 2
the SRBOP. provide sufficient details or specifics for
Alignment of Segment 8 under this development of mitigation actions to
alternative allows separation from Alternative 6
allow BLM to determine how the MEP
populated areas and existing This alternative includes a route for goals would be achieved.
transmission infrastructure outside the Segment 8 (8H) that follows the 8G Thus, in addition to application of the
SRBOP to the north while minimizing alignment for the first 44 miles and then Proposed Environmental Protection
the disturbance footprint for the follows the alignment of the revised Measures identified in Table 2.7–1 of
segment in the SRBOP (17.6 miles proposed route for Segment 9 for the the Final EIS, the BLM will continue to
crossed) by paralleling an existing 500- remainder of the route to the work with all stakeholders to identify
kV line. The alignment for Segment 9 in Hemingway substation. The BLM any impacts that would remain on the
this pairing is the shortest (162.2 miles) developed this alternative to depict SRBOP after implementation of the
analyzed in the Draft Supplemental EIS opportunities for compensatory MEP, and to design a mitigation plan
for this segment and follows the West- mitigation in the SRBOP. It would cross that addresses those remaining impacts.
wide Energy Corridor (WWEC) south of the SRBOP for a total of 67.8 miles. This plan will ensure that impacts to
the SRBOP. It would cross the SRBOP Alternative 7 resources and values on the SRBOP that
for 13.6 miles. require mitigation are fully
This alternative pairs two BLM- compensated, and that enhancement of
Alternative 3 developed routes: 8H for Segment 8 and these resources is provided in a manner
This alternative would allow Segment 9K for Segment 9. It would cross the that complies with all existing policies
8 to be separated from populated areas SRBOP for a total of 62.9 miles. and the enabling statute of the SRBOP.
and existing transmission infrastructure Mitigation The following mitigation categories
outside the SRBOP to the north while are among those being considered to
minimizing the disturbance footprint in The Draft Supplemental EIS
address remaining impacts to vegetation
the SRBOP (17.6 miles crossed) by incorporates by reference the analysis
resources within the SRBOP:
paralleling an existing 500-kV line. related to Segments 8 and 9 in the
Gateway West 2013 Final EIS, including • Habitat and vegetation restoration efforts;
Segment 9 would be routed to avoid • Fuels management/fuel breaks
impacts to agricultural operations and relevant Proposed Environmental
• Wildfire preparedness and suppression;
would cross the SRBOP for 8.7 miles. Protection Measures identified in Table • Applied research and monitoring to
2.7–1 of that document. The Draft inform adaptive management; and
Alternative 4 Supplemental EIS supplements the • Acquisition of private land from willing
In this pairing, the route for Segment analysis found in that Final EIS by sellers if found to be appropriate by the
9 is aligned to the north, while the route assessing new information that has Authorizing Officer.
for Segment 8 follows the more become available since the FEIS and The Draft Supplemental EIS also
southerly alignment. Segment 8 is ROD were published, including the presents a framework the BLM has
aligned to avoid crossing the northern identification of new routes and route developed for assessing compensatory
portion of the SRBOP, the Hagerman variations for segments 8 and 9. mitigation required under FLPMA and
Fossil Beds National Monument and All of those new routes and route for implementing Bureau and
development near the town of variations would have some impact on Department of the Interior mitigation
Hagerman, Idaho. It crosses the SRBOP the SRBOP, a National Conservation policies for mitigation and the
for 8.8 miles, at the southeast corner of Area and unit of the National Landscape Presidential Memorandum on
the area. Segment 9 would be routed to Conservation System. The Presidential landscape-scale mitigation (November 3,
avoid impacts to agricultural operations Memorandum on Mitigation (November 2015) for impacts to National Historic
and would cross the SRBOP for 13.6 3, 2105) requires that agencies Trails, cultural resources, wetlands, and
miles. ‘‘[e]stablish a net benefit goal or, at a resources, objects and values in the
minimum, a no net loss goal for natural SRBOP. The framework discusses
Alternative 5 resources the agency manages that are avoidance, minimization and
Route 8G is aligned to avoid crossing important, scarce, or sensitive. . .’’. The compensation measures that would be
the northern portion of the SRBOP, the Memorandum further provides that: required under each alternative. Impacts
Hagerman Fossil Beds National ‘‘[w]hen a resource’s value is to Greater sage-grouse and migratory
Monument and development near the determined to be irreplaceable, the birds are addressed in the 2013 Final
town of Hagerman, Idaho. It would cross preferred means of achieving either of EIS for the entire, 10-segment project
the southeast corner of the SRBOP for these goals is through avoidance, and the 2013 Record of Decision.
8.8 miles, at the southeast corner of the consistent with applicable legal
area. authorities.’’ Memorandum at section Agency Preferred Alternative
Route 9K is also aligned to avoid 3(a). In accordance with U.S. Department
crossing the SRBOP, especially when As part of their revised POD, the of the Interior regulations (43 CFR
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
paired with 8G, and to minimize direct Applicants have proposed a mitigation 46.425), the BLM identifies Alternatives
and indirect impacts to priority Greater and enhancement portfolio (MEP) with 2 and 5 as co-Preferred Alternatives for
sage-grouse habitat. It would cross the design features specific to the SRBOP, the purposes of public review and
southeast corner of the SRBOP for 8.7 aimed at mitigating the effects of comment. Identification of these
miles, at the southeast corner of the project-related impacts within the alternatives does not represent final
area, where it would run parallel to 8G SRBOP, as well as complying with the agency direction, and the Final
in a 500-foot wide ROW. This SRBOP’s enabling statute. The BLM is Supplemental EIS may reflect changes
alternative makes most use of the required under existing policies to or adjustments based on information
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 48 / Friday, March 11, 2016 / Notices 12935
received during public comment on the Alternative 5 would require five plan DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Draft Supplemental EIS, on new, amendments to three current land use
relevant information acquired after the plans so that the project would conform Bureau of Land Management
Draft Supplemental EIS is published, or to the respective plans. The following [LLCAC09000 L12100000 MD0000 15X]
on changes in BLM policies or land use plans would be amended in a
priorities. The Final Supplemental EIS decision selecting Alternative 5: Notice of Proposed Supplementary
may include actions described in the Rules for Shooting on Public Lands
Twin Falls MFP
other analyzed alternatives as well. Managed by the BLM Hollister Field
Alternative 2 would require 12 plan Snake River Birds of Prey RMP
Bruneau MFP.
Office, California
amendments to six current land use
plans so that the project would conform In order to authorize the Segment 8 AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management,
to the respective plans. The following Interior.
alignment in this alternative, two land
land use plans would be amended in a use plans would need to be amended. ACTION: Proposed supplementary rules.
decision selecting Alternative 2: The SRBOP RMP would require an SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land
Twin Falls MFP amendment to allow an additional ROW Management (BLM) is proposing
Jarbidge RMP (1987, for areas not covered by and designate an additional corridor for supplementary rules for shooting on
the 2015 Jarbidge RMP) two 500-kV lines, as well as an
Snake River Birds of Prey RMP
public lands administered by the
Bennett Hills/Timmerman Hills MFP amendment to allow the project within Hollister Field Office, California. The
Kuna MFP 0.5 mile of sensitive plant habitat. The proposed supplementary rules would
Bruneau MFP. Bruneau MFP would also need to be help protect public safety, facilitate
In order to authorize Segment 8 in this amended to change the classification for resource protection, and improve
alternative, four land use plans would a VRM Class II parcel near Castle Creek recreation opportunities in the area.
need to be amended. The Kuna MFP to VRM Class III. These same These proposed supplementary rules
would need an amendment to add a amendments to the SRBOP RMP and are intended to allow for enforcement as
new major transmission line ROW. The Bruneau MFP would be needed for a tool in minimizing the adverse effects
SRBOP RMP would need amendments Segment 9 in this alternative, as the of shooting activities. Upon completion,
to allow the project within 0.5 mile of routes would parallel each other in the supplementary rules will be
sensitive plant habitat, and to designate these planning areas. Authorizing the available for inspection in the Hollister
an additional corridor to include the Segment 9 alignment in this alternative Field Office, and they will be
Summer Lake 500-kV line and one announced broadly through the news
would also require two additional
additional 500-kV line. The 1987 media and direct mail to the
amendments. The Twin Falls MFP
Jarbidge RMP would need amendments constituents included on the Hollister
would need amendments to allow the Field Office mail list. BLM personnel
to reclassify an avoidance/restricted ROW outside of existing corridors, and
area to allow an overhead 500-kV will also provide personal briefings with
to reclassify VRM Class I and II areas interested agencies and organizations.
powerline, to change the cultural adjacent to the Roseworth corridor to
resource direction to allow disturbance DATES: Comments on the proposed
VRM class III, while allowing a 500-kV supplementary rules must be received
within 0.5 mile of National-Historic- line to cross the Salmon Falls Creek
Trail ruts where visual resources are or postmarked by May 10, 2016 to be
ACEC. assured of consideration.
already compromised, and to change an
area of VRM Class I to VRM Class IV, Please note that public comments and ADDRESSES: Mail or hand deliver all
consistent with new policy guidance. information submitted, including comments concerning the proposed
The Bennett Hills/Timmerman Hills names, street addresses, and email supplementary rules to the Bureau of
MFP would need amendments changing addresses of persons who submit Land Management, 20 Hamilton Court,
VRM Class II area to VRM Class III and comments, will be available for public Hollister, CA 95023 or email comments
changing management direction review and disclosure at the above to dtmoore@blm.gov.
regarding archaeological sites. ADDRESSES during regular business FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick
In order to authorize Segment 9 in hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Monday Cooper, Hollister Field Manager or
this alternative, three land use plans through Friday, except holidays. Brian Martin, Outdoor Recreation
would need to be amended. The SRBOP Before including your address, phone Planner, BLM Hollister Field Office, 20
RMP would need an amendment to number, email address, or other Hamilton Court, Hollister, CA 95023, or
allow the project within 0.5 mile of personal identifying information in your telephone 831–630–5000.
sensitive plant habitat (the same comment, you should be aware that SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
amendment as for Segment 8 in this
your entire comment—including your I. Public Comment Procedures
alternative) and to designate an
personal identifying information—may
additional corridor to include one The public is now invited to provide
be made publicly available at any time.
additional 500-kV line. The Bruneau comments on the proposed
While you can ask us in your comment
MFP would require an amendment to supplementary rules. See the DATES and
to withhold your personal identifying
change the classification for a VRM ADDRESSES sections for information on
Class II parcel near Castle Creek to VRM information from public review, we
submitting comments. This notice and a
Class III. The Twin Falls MFP would cannot guarantee that we will be able to
map depicting the area that would be
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
need amendments to allow the ROW do so.
affected by the proposed supplementary
outside of existing corridors and to Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6, 40 CFR 1506.10, rules are available for public review at
reclassify VRM Class I and II areas 43 CFR 1610.2. the Hollister Field Office. The affected
adjacent to the Roseworth corridor to area is also shown on a map on the
Timothy M. Murphy,
VRM class III, while allowing a 500-kV Hollister Field Office’s Web site at
line to cross the Salmon Falls Creek BLM Idaho State Director. http://www.blm.gov/ca/hollister.
Area of Critical Environmental Concern [FR Doc. 2016–05572 Filed 3–10–16; 8:45 am] Written comments on the proposed
(ACEC). BILLING CODE 4310–GG–P supplementary rules should be specific,
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Document Created: 2016-03-11 01:51:19
Document Modified: 2016-03-11 01:51:19
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice. | |
| Dates | To ensure that comments will be considered, the BLM must receive written comments on the Draft Supplemental EIS and Draft RMP Amendments by June 9, 2016. To provide the public an opportunity to review the proposal and project information, the BLM will hold the following public meetings during the public comment period. Additional announcements about these meetings will be made by news releases to the media, newsletter mailings, and posting on the project Web site listed below. | |
| Contact | Heather Feeney, Public Affairs | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 12932 |
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