81 FR 30300 - National Wetland Condition Assessment 2011 Final Report

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 94 (May 16, 2016)

Page Range		30300-30301
FR Document		2016-11508

This notice announces the availability of EPA's report on the National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA) 2011. The NWCA describes the results of the nationwide probabilistic survey that was conducted in the spring and summer of 2011 by EPA and its state and tribal partners. The NWCA 2011 report includes information on how the survey was implemented, what the findings are on a national and ecoregional scale, and future actions.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 94 (Monday, May 16, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 94 (Monday, May 16, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30300-30301]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11508]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-9946-42-OW]


National Wetland Condition Assessment 2011 Final Report

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of EPA's report on the 
National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA) 2011. The NWCA describes 
the results of the nationwide probabilistic survey that was conducted 
in the spring and summer of 2011 by EPA and its state and tribal 
partners. The NWCA 2011 report includes information on how the survey 
was implemented, what the findings are on a national and ecoregional 
scale, and future actions.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregg Serenbetz, Office of Wetlands, 
Oceans and Watersheds, Office of Water (4502T), Washington, DC. Phone: 
202-566-1253; email: [email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. General Information

    The National Wetland Condition Assessment 2011: A Collaborative 
Survey of the Nation's Wetlands is the first report to use a 
statistically-valid random design to assess the condition of the 
nation's wetlands. It is one of a series of National Aquatic Resource 
Surveys (NARS), a national-scale monitoring program designed to produce 
statistically-valid assessments that answer critical questions about 
the condition of waters in the United States.
    The key goals of the NWCA are to: (1) Describe the ecological 
condition of the nation's wetlands and stressors commonly associated 
with poor condition; (2) collaborate with states and tribes in 
developing complementary monitoring tools, analytical approaches, and 
data management technology to aid wetland protection and restoration 
program, and (3) advance the science of wetland monitoring and 
assessment to support wetland management needs. Using a statistical 
survey design, 967 sites were selected at random to represent the 
condition of wetlands across the lower 48 states. Both tidal and 
nontidal wetlands were targeted for sampling.
    The NWCA finds less than half of wetland area nationally (48%) is 
in good condition; 32% is in poor condition and

[[Page 30301]]

the remaining 20% is in fair condition based on assessments of the 
plant community. Physical disturbances to wetlands and their 
surrounding habitat such as compacted soil, ditching, or removal of 
plants, are the most widespread problems across the country. 
Approximately a quarter of wetland area nationally has high stress 
levels for surface hardening, vegetation removal, and ditching. The 
report has undergone public, peer, state/tribal, and EPA review.

A. How can I get copies of the NWCA 2011 report and other related 
information?

    You may view and download the final report from EPA's Web site at: 
http://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/nwca.

    Dated: May 8, 2016.
Joel Beauvais,
Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Water.
[FR Doc. 2016-11508 Filed 5-13-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

30300 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 94 / Monday, May 16, 2016 / Notices

QF11–424–002
Gregory and Beverly Swecker v. Midland Power Cooperative and Central Iowa Power Cooperative ........... Docket No. EL14–18–000
Interconnect Solar Development LLC ................................................................................................................. Docket Nos. EL16–55–000
QF11–204–002
QF11–205–002
SunE B9 Holdings, LLC ........................................................................................................................................ Docket Nos. EL16–58–000
QF15–793–001
QF15–794–001
QF15–795–001
Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, Inc. ........................................................................................................... Docket No. QM16–3–000
Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, Inc. ........................................................................................................... Docket No. EL16–62–000
Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority ............................................................................................................... Docket No. EL16–67–000

For more information about the 75-foot-long transmission line; and (7) ACTION: Notice of availability.
technical conference, please contact: appurtenant facilities.
Technical Information, Adam Pursuant to section 16.19(b) of the SUMMARY: This notice announces the
Alvarez, Office of Energy Market Commission’s regulations, an existing availability of EPA’s report on the
Regulation, Federal Energy Regulatory licensee with a minor license or a National Wetland Condition Assessment
Commission, 888 First Street NE., license for a minor part of a (NWCA) 2011. The NWCA describes the
Washington, DC 20426, (202) 502–6734, hydroelectric project must file a notice results of the nationwide probabilistic
Adam.Alvarez@ferc.gov. of intent pursuant to section 16.6(b). survey that was conducted in the spring
Legal Information, Loni Silva, Office Pursuant to section 16.6(b) of the and summer of 2011 by EPA and its
of the General Counsel, Federal Energy Commission’s regulations, in order to state and tribal partners. The NWCA
Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street notify the Commission whether or not a 2011 report includes information on
NE., Washington, DC 20426, (202) 502– licensee intends to file an application how the survey was implemented, what
6233, Loni.Silva@ferc.gov. for new license, the licensee must file the findings are on a national and
Logistical Information, Sarah with the Commission a letter that ecoregional scale, and future actions.
McKinley, Office of External Affairs, contains an unequivocal statement of FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the licensee’s intention to file or not to Gregg Serenbetz, Office of Wetlands,
888 First Street NE., Washington, DC file an application for a new license. Oceans and Watersheds, Office of Water
20426, (202) 502–8368, William B. Ruger, Jr. has not filed a (4502T), Washington, DC. Phone: 202–
Sarah.Mckinley@ferc.gov. notice of intent to file an application for 566–1253; email: serenbetz.gregg@
a subsequent license for this project. epa.gov
Dated: May 9, 2016. Pursuant to section 16.23(b) of the
Kimberly D. Bose, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Commission’s regulations, an existing
Secretary. licensee of a water power project that I. General Information
[FR Doc. 2016–11435 Filed 5–13–16; 8:45 am] fails to file a notice of intent pursuant The National Wetland Condition
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P to section 16.6(b) shall be deemed to Assessment 2011: A Collaborative
have filed a notice of intent indicating Survey of the Nation’s Wetlands is the
that it does not intend to file an first report to use a statistically-valid
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY application for subsequent license. random design to assess the condition of
Pursuant to section 16.20 of the
the nation’s wetlands. It is one of a
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s regulations, applications
series of National Aquatic Resource
Commission for subsequent license (except from the
Surveys (NARS), a national-scale
existing licensee which is prohibited
monitoring program designed to
[Project No. 10934–000] from filing) must be filed with the
produce statistically-valid assessments
Commission at least 24 months prior to
William B. Ruger, Jr.; Notice of the expiration of the existing license. that answer critical questions about the
Existing Licensee’s Failure To File Applications for license for this project condition of waters in the United States.
Notice of Intent To File a Subsequent The key goals of the NWCA are to: (1)
must be filed by April 30, 2019.
License Application Describe the ecological condition of the
Questions concerning this notice should
nation’s wetlands and stressors
By April 30, 2016, William B. Ruger, be directed to Steve Kartalia at (202)
commonly associated with poor
Jr., the existing licensee for the Sugar 502–6131 or Stephen.Kartalia@ferc.gov.
condition; (2) collaborate with states
River II Project No. 10934 was required Dated: May 9, 2016. and tribes in developing complementary
to file a notice of intent to file an Kimberly D. Bose, monitoring tools, analytical approaches,
application for a subsequent license. Secretary. and data management technology to aid
The existing license for Project No. [FR Doc. 2016–11437 Filed 5–13–16; 8:45 am] wetland protection and restoration
10934 expires on April 30, 2021. BILLING CODE 6717–01–P program, and (3) advance the science of
The 200-kilowatt (kW) project is wetland monitoring and assessment to
located on the Sugar River in Sullivan support wetland management needs.
County, New Hampshire. No federal Using a statistical survey design, 967
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
lands are affected. AGENCY sites were selected at random to
The principal project works consist represent the condition of wetlands
of: (1) A 44-foot-long, 10-foot-high [FRL–9946–42–OW] across the lower 48 states. Both tidal
concrete dam; (2) a 1.4-acre and nontidal wetlands were targeted for
National Wetland Condition
impoundment; (3) a rectangular intake; sampling.
Assessment 2011 Final Report
(4) a 650-foot-long, 7-foot diameter steel The NWCA finds less than half of
penstock; (5) a powerhouse containing AGENCY: Environmental Protection wetland area nationally (48%) is in good
one 200-kW turbine-generator unit; (6) a Agency. condition; 32% is in poor condition and

VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:07 May 13, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16MYN1.SGM 16MYN1

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 94 / Monday, May 16, 2016 / Notices 30301

the remaining 20% is in fair condition ADDRESSES: The draft IRIS Toxicological Center, EPA West Building, Room 3334,
based on assessments of the plant Review of tert-Butyl Alcohol will be 1301 Constitution Avenue NW.,
community. Physical disturbances to available via the Internet on IRIS’ Washington, DC.
wetlands and their surrounding habitat Recent Additions at http:// The EPA Docket Center Public
such as compacted soil, ditching, or www.epa.gov/iris/iris-recent-additions Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to
removal of plants, are the most or the public docket at http:// 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday,
widespread problems across the www.regulations.gov, Docket ID: EPA– excluding legal holidays. The telephone
country. Approximately a quarter of HQ–ORD–2013–0111. number for the Public Reading Room is
wetland area nationally has high stress FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For 202–566–1744. Deliveries are only
levels for surface hardening, vegetation information on the public comment accepted during the docket’s normal
removal, and ditching. The report has period, contact the ORD Docket at the hours of operation, and special
undergone public, peer, state/tribal, and EPA Headquarters Docket Center; arrangements should be made for
EPA review. telephone: 202–566–1752; facsimile: deliveries of boxed information. If you
202–566–9744; or email: Docket_ORD@ provide comments by mail or hand
A. How can I get copies of the NWCA delivery, please submit three copies of
epa.gov.
2011 report and other related For technical information on the draft the comments. For attachments, provide
information? IRIS assessment of tert-Butyl Alcohol, an index, number pages consecutively
You may view and download the final contact Dr. Janice Lee, NCEA; with the comments, and submit an
report from EPA’s Web site at: http:// telephone: 919–541–9458; or email: unbound original and three copies.
www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource- lee.janiceS@epa.gov. Instructions: Direct your comments to
surveys/nwca. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–ORD–2013–
0111. Please ensure that your comments
Dated: May 8, 2016. I. Information About IRIS are submitted within the specified
Joel Beauvais, comment period. Comments received
EPA’s IRIS Program is a human health
Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of after the closing date will be marked
assessment program that evaluates
Water. ‘‘late,’’ and may only be considered if
quantitative and qualitative risk
[FR Doc. 2016–11508 Filed 5–13–16; 8:45 am] time permits. It is EPA’s policy to
information on effects that may result
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
from exposure to chemicals found in the include all comments it receives in the
environment. Through the IRIS public docket without change and to
Program, EPA provides the highest make the comments available online at
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION www.regulations.gov, including any
quality science-based human health
AGENCY personal information provided, unless a
assessments to support the Agency’s
[FRL–9945–56–ORD; Docket ID No. EPA– regulatory activities and decisions to comment includes information claimed
HQ–ORD–2013–0111] protect public health. The IRIS database to be Confidential Business Information
contains information on chemicals that (CBI) or other information whose
Public Comment Draft for the can be used to support the first two disclosure is restricted by statute. Do
Integrated Risk Information System steps (hazard identification and dose- not submit information through
(IRIS) Assessment of tert-Butyl Alcohol response evaluation) of the human www.regulations.gov or email that you
health risk assessment process. When consider to be CBI or otherwise
AGENCY: Environmental Protection
supported by available data, IRIS protected. The www.regulations.gov
Agency (EPA).
provides health effects information and Web site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’
ACTION: Notice; of public comment system, which means EPA will not
period. toxicity values for health effects
(including cancer and effects other than know your identity or contact
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection cancer). Government and others information unless you provide it in the
Agency (EPA) is announcing a 60-day combine IRIS toxicity values with body of your comment. If you send an
exposure information to characterize email comment directly to EPA without
public comment period for the draft
public health risks of chemicals; this going through www.regulations.gov,
IRIS Toxicological Review of tert-Butyl
information is then used to support risk your email address will be
Alcohol. The draft document was
management decisions designed to automatically captured and included as
prepared by the National Center for
protect public health. part of the comment that is placed in the
Environmental Assessment (NCEA)
public docket and made available on the
within EPA’s Office of Research and II. How To Submit Technical Comments Internet. If you submit an electronic
Development (ORD). to the Docket at www.regulations.gov comment, EPA recommends that you
EPA is releasing this draft IRIS
Submit your comments, identified by include your name and other contact
assessment for public comment and
Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–ORD–2013– information in the body of your
discussion during the June 29–30, 2016
0111, by one of the following methods: comment and with any disk or CD–ROM
IRIS Public Science Meeting. This draft
assessment is not final, as described in • www.regulations.gov: Follow the you submit. If EPA cannot read your
on-line instructions for submitting comment due to technical difficulties
EPA’s information quality guidelines, and cannot contact you for clarification,
and it does not represent, and should comments.
not be construed to represent Agency • Email: Docket_ORD@epa.gov. EPA may not be able to consider your
• Fax: 202–566–9744. comment. Electronic files should avoid
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

policy or views. EPA will consider all • Mail: U.S. Environmental the use of special characters, any form
public comments submitted in response Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center of encryption, and be free of any defects
to this notice when revising this (ORD Docket), Mail Code: 28221T, 1200 or viruses. For additional information
document. Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, about EPA’s public docket visit the EPA
DATES: The 60-day public comment DC 20460. The phone number is 202– Docket Center homepage at
period begins May 16, 2016, and ends 566–1752. www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
July 15, 2016. Comments must be • Hand Delivery: The ORD Docket is Docket: Documents in the docket are
received on or before July 15, 2016. located in the EPA Headquarters Docket listed in the www.regulations.gov index.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:48 May 13, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16MYN1.SGM 16MYN1

Document Created: 2016-05-14 01:17:36
Document Modified: 2016-05-14 01:17:36

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 of availability.
Contact		Gregg Serenbetz, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, Office of Water (4502T), Washington, DC. Phone: 202-566-1253; email: [email protected]
FR Citation		81 FR 30300