81_FR_62934 81 FR 62758 - Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for the American Burying Beetle, From American Electric Power, and Availability of Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma

81 FR 62758 - Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for the American Burying Beetle, From American Electric Power, and Availability of Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 176 (September 12, 2016)

Page Range62758-62759
FR Document2016-21412

Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), we, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application for an incidental take permit (ITP) and a proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP) from American Electric Power in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma. Our low-effect screening form (LESF), which supports a categorical exclusion for the HCP under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), is also available for review. The requested permit, which would be in effect for a period of 3 years, if granted, would authorize incidental take of the American burying beetle resulting from the construction of two segments of the Talawanda to McAlester electric transmission line.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 176 (Monday, September 12, 2016) 
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 176 (Monday, September 12, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62758-62759]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21412]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R2-ES-2016-N129; FXES11120200000-167-FF02ENEH00]


Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for the 
American Burying Beetle, From American Electric Power, and Availability 
of Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for public comments.

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SUMMARY: Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), 
we, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an 
application for an incidental take permit (ITP) and a proposed habitat 
conservation plan (HCP) from American Electric Power in Pittsburg 
County, Oklahoma. Our low-effect screening form (LESF), which supports 
a categorical exclusion for the HCP under the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA), is also available for review. The requested permit, 
which would be in effect for a period of 3 years, if granted, would 
authorize incidental take of the American burying beetle resulting from 
the construction of two segments of the Talawanda to McAlester electric 
transmission line.

DATES: Comments: To ensure consideration, please send your written 
comments by October 12, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Obtaining Documents:
     Internet: You may obtain copies of the draft low-effect 
screening form and draft HCP on the Service's Web site at http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/Oklahoma/.
     U.S. Mail: Field Supervisor, Oklahoma Ecological Services 
Field Office, 9014 East 21st Street, Tulsa, OK 74129; telephone 918-
382-4500. Please note that your request is in reference to the American 
Electric Power (AEP) LEHCP (TE01909C).
     In-Person: Copies of the draft low-effect screening form 
and draft HCP are also available for public inspection and review at 
the following locations, by appointment and written request only, 8 
a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:
    [cir] Department of the Interior, Natural Resources Library, 1849 C 
St. NW., Washington, DC 20240.
    [cir] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 500 Gold Avenue SW., Room 
6034, Albuquerque, NM 87201.
    [cir] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 9014 East 21st St., Tulsa, OK 
74129; 918-382-4500 (phone); or 918-581-7467 (fax).
    Persons wishing to review the application may obtain a copy by 
writing to the Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. 
Box 1306, Room 4102, Albuquerque, NM 87103, Attention: Branch Chief, 
Environmental Review.
    Comment submission: You may submit written comments by one of the 
following methods:
     Electronically: [email protected].
     By hard copy: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 9014 East 
21st St., Tulsa, OK 74129; calling 918-382-4500; or faxing 918-581-
7467.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonna Polk, Field Supervisor, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, 9014 East 21st St., Tulsa, OK 74129; or by 
telephone at 918-382-4500.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), we 
have received an application for an ITP and a proposed HCP from AEP in 
Pittsburg County, Oklahoma. Our LESF, which supports a categorical 
exclusion for the HCP under NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.), is also 
available for review. The requested permit, which would be in effect 
for a period of 3 years, if granted, would authorize incidental take of 
the American burying beetle resulting from the construction of two 
segments of the Talawanda to McAlester electric transmission line.
    Under NEPA, we advise the public that we have gathered the 
information necessary to determine impacts related to potential 
issuance of an ITP and have determined that the proposed action 
qualifies as a low-effect HCP and is categorically excluded from the 
NEPA process; and
    In addition, the applicant has developed and proposes to implement

[[Page 62759]]

its draft HCP, as part of the application for an ITP, which describes 
the measures the applicant has agreed to take to avoid, minimize, and 
mitigate the effects of the incidental take of American burying beetles 
(Nicrophorus americanus; ABB; covered species) to the maximum extent 
practicable pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act.
    The requested permit would authorize incidental take of the ABB as 
a result of the construction of two segments along 2.11 miles of the 
Talawanda to McAlester transmission line in Pittsburg County, OK 
(Permit Area), as a result of activities associated with the 
applicant's construction and maintenance activities (covered 
activities). Such actions may require disturbance within potential 
American burying beetle habitat. American Electric Power has proposed 
to mitigate the impacts to 13.07 acres of suitable habitat for the 
American burying beetle, including 10.42 acres of temporary impacts, 
2.65 acres of permanent cover change (changing of vegetative 
successional stage, but remaining as suitable ABB habitat), and 0.006 
acres of permanent change (changing of ABB habitat from suitable to 
non-suitable). These habitat acres will be mitigated in perpetuity 
according to Service-approved mitigation ratios through the purchase of 
credits at an approved conservation bank for ABB. Additionally, 
avoidance and minimization measures will be implemented including 
limiting clearing in temporary work areas, relief of soil compaction, 
and revegetation of temporary and permanent cover change impacts with 
native vegetation after construction is completed.
    Section 9 of the Act and its implementing regulations prohibit 
``take'' of fish and wildlife species listed as threatened or 
endangered under section 4 of the Act. However, section 10(a) of the 
Act authorizes us to issue permits to take listed wildlife species 
where such take is incidental to, and not the purpose of, otherwise 
lawful activities and where the applicant meets certain statutory 
requirements.

Public Availability of Comments

    Written comments we receive become part of the public record 
associated with this action. 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 request in your comment that we withhold 
your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot 
guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will not consider anonymous 
comments. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from 
individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of 
organizations or businesses, will be made available for public 
disclosure in their entirety.

Authority

    We provide this notice under section 10(c) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.22) and NEPA 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (40 CFR 
1506.6).

Joy E. Nicholopoulos,
Regional Director, Southwest Region, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 2016-21412 Filed 9-9-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

62758 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 176 / Monday, September 12, 2016 / Notices to complete its contract of participation due Granted By: Lourdes Castro Ramı́rez, • U.S. Mail: Field Supervisor, to being absorbed into the HCV program of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oklahoma Ecological Services Field a PHA that did not administer an FSS Public and Indian Housing. Office, 9014 East 21st Street, Tulsa, OK program. Date Granted: April 8, 2016. 74129; telephone 918–382–4500. Please Nature of Requirement: This regulation Reason Waived: This waiver was granted states the FSS escrow shall be paid to the because for the WHHA’s fiscal year ending note that your request is in reference to participant when the contract of participation September 30, 2015. The waiver was the American Electric Power (AEP) has been completed and at the time of approved because of circumstances beyond LEHCP (TE01909C). contract completion the head of the FSS the PHA’s control and to prevent additional • In-Person: Copies of the draft low- family submits to the PHA a certification that administrative burdens for the PHA and field effect screening form and draft HCP are to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, office. also available for public inspection and no member of the FSS family is a recipient Contact: Becky Primeaux, Housing review at the following locations, by of welfare assistance. Voucher Management and Operations appointment and written request only, Granted By: Lourdes Castro Ramı́rez, Division, Office of Public Housing and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Voucher Programs, Office of Public and Æ Department of the Interior, Natural Public and Indian Housing. Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Date Granted: June 29, 2016. Resources Library, 1849 C St. NW., Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Reason Waived: Although the FSS Washington, DC 20240. Room 4216, Washington, DC 20410, participant in question was unable to Æ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 500 telephone (202) 708–0477. complete its contract of participation prior to Gold Avenue SW., Room 6034, being absorbed into the HCV program of the [FR Doc. 2016–21867 Filed 9–9–16; 8:45 am] Albuquerque, NM 87201. receiving PHA, the family was in compliance BILLING CODE 4210–67–P Æ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with the contract of participation and the 9014 East 21st St., Tulsa, OK 74129; move to the receiving PHA’s jurisdiction was 918–382–4500 (phone); or 918–581– for good cause. In consideration of these circumstances, the waiver was granted so DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 7467 (fax). that escrow could be disbursed to the family Persons wishing to review the without completing the contract of Fish and Wildlife Service application may obtain a copy by participation. [FWS–R2–ES–2016–N129; writing to the Regional Director, U.S. Contact: Becky Primeaux, Housing FXES11120200000–167–FF02ENEH00] Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box Voucher Management and Operations 1306, Room 4102, Albuquerque, NM Division, Office of Public Housing and Receipt of an Application for an 87103, Attention: Branch Chief, Voucher Programs, Office of Public and Incidental Take Permit for the Environmental Review. Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Comment submission: You may Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., American Burying Beetle, From Room 4216, Washington, DC 20410, American Electric Power, and submit written comments by one of the telephone (202) 708–0477. Availability of Proposed Habitat following methods: Conservation Plan, Pittsburg County, • Electronically: fw2_hcp_permits@ • Regulation: 24 CFR 985.101(a). Project/Activity: Loveland Housing Oklahoma fws.gov. Authority (LHA) in Loveland, Colorado, • By hard copy: U.S. Fish and requested a waiver of 24 CFR 985.101(a) so AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Service, 9014 East 21st St., that it could submit its Section Eight Interior. Tulsa, OK 74129; calling 918–382–4500; Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) ACTION: Notice of availability; request or faxing 918–581–7467. certification after the deadline. for public comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nature of Requirement: Section 985.101(a) Jonna Polk, Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish states a PHA must submit the HUD-required SUMMARY: Under the Endangered SEMAP certification form within 60 calendar and Wildlife Service, 9014 East 21st St., Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), Tulsa, OK 74129; or by telephone at days after the end of its fiscal year. we, the Fish and Wildlife Service 918–382–4500. Granted By: Lourdes Castro Ramı́rez, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for (Service), have received an application SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Public and Indian Housing. for an incidental take permit (ITP) and Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), we have Date Granted: May 13, 2016. a proposed habitat conservation plan received an application for an ITP and Reason Waived: This waiver was granted (HCP) from American Electric Power in for the LHA’s fiscal year ending December a proposed HCP from AEP in Pittsburg Pittsburg County, Oklahoma. Our low- 31, 2015. The waiver was approved because County, Oklahoma. Our LESF, which effect screening form (LESF), which of circumstances beyond the PHA’s control supports a categorical exclusion for the supports a categorical exclusion for the and to prevent additional administrative HCP under NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321, et burdens for the PHA and field office. HCP under the National Environmental seq.), is also available for review. The Contact: Becky Primeaux, Housing Policy Act (NEPA), is also available for requested permit, which would be in Voucher Management and Operations review. The requested permit, which effect for a period of 3 years, if granted, Division, Office of Public Housing and would be in effect for a period of 3 Voucher Programs, Office of Public and would authorize incidental take of the years, if granted, would authorize Indian Housing, Department of Housing and American burying beetle resulting from incidental take of the American burying Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., the construction of two segments of the beetle resulting from the construction of Room 4216, Washington, DC 20410, Talawanda to McAlester electric two segments of the Talawanda to telephone (202) 708–0477. transmission line. McAlester electric transmission line. • Regulation: 24 CFR 985.101(a). Under NEPA, we advise the public Project/Activity: Winter Haven Housing DATES: Comments: To ensure that we have gathered the information Authority (WHHA) in Winter Haven, Florida, consideration, please send your written sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES necessary to determine impacts related requested a waiver of 24 CFR 985.101(a) so comments by October 12, 2016. to potential issuance of an ITP and have that it could submit its Section Eight ADDRESSES: Obtaining Documents: determined that the proposed action Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) • Internet: You may obtain copies of qualifies as a low-effect HCP and is certification after the deadline. Nature of Requirement: Section 985.101(a) the draft low-effect screening form and categorically excluded from the NEPA states a PHA must submit the HUD-required draft HCP on the Service’s Web site at process; and SEMAP certification form within 60 calendar http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/ In addition, the applicant has days after the end of its fiscal year. Oklahoma/. developed and proposes to implement VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:40 Sep 09, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\12SEN1.SGM 12SEN1

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 176 / Monday, September 12, 2016 / Notices 62759 its draft HCP, as part of the application information from public review, we Northwest Oregon RAC, 1717 Fabry for an ITP, which describes the cannot guarantee that we will be able to Road SE., Salem, OR 97306, (541) 222– measures the applicant has agreed to do so. We will not consider anonymous 9241, jvelez@blm.gov. Persons who use take to avoid, minimize, and mitigate comments. All submissions from a telecommunications device for the the effects of the incidental take of organizations or businesses, and from deaf (TDD) may call the Federal American burying beetles (Nicrophorus individuals identifying themselves as Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1 americanus; ABB; covered species) to representatives or officials of (800) 877–8339 to contact the above the maximum extent practicable organizations or businesses, will be individuals during normal business pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the made available for public disclosure in hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a Act. their entirety. day, 7 days a week, to leave a message The requested permit would authorize or question with the above individuals. incidental take of the ABB as a result of Authority You will receive a reply during normal the construction of two segments along We provide this notice under section business hours. 2.11 miles of the Talawanda to 10(c) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The McAlester transmission line in Pittsburg and its implementing regulations (50 fifteen-member Northwest Oregon RAC County, OK (Permit Area), as a result of CFR 17.22) and NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 was chartered to serve in an advisory activities associated with the applicant’s et seq.) and its implementing capacity concerning the planning and construction and maintenance activities regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). management of the public land (covered activities). Such actions may Joy E. Nicholopoulos, resources located within the BLM’s require disturbance within potential Salem and Eugene Districts. Members Regional Director, Southwest Region, American burying beetle habitat. Albuquerque, New Mexico. represent an array of stakeholder American Electric Power has proposed interests in the land and resources from [FR Doc. 2016–21412 Filed 9–9–16; 8:45 am] to mitigate the impacts to 13.07 acres of BILLING CODE 4333–15–P within the local area and statewide. suitable habitat for the American Planned agenda items include reviewing burying beetle, including 10.42 acres of and voting on Secure Rural Schools temporary impacts, 2.65 acres of DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR project submissions for each county in permanent cover change (changing of Northwest Oregon. On each day of the vegetative successional stage, but Bureau of Land Management three day meeting, members of the remaining as suitable ABB habitat), and [LLORE00000.L63340000.AL0000. public will have the opportunity to 0.006 acres of permanent change 16XL1109AF. HAG 16–0214] make comments to the RAC during a (changing of ABB habitat from suitable public comment period. All advisory to non-suitable). These habitat acres will Notice of Public Meeting for the be mitigated in perpetuity according to committee meetings are open to the Northwest Oregon Resource Advisory public. Persons wishing to make Service-approved mitigation ratios Council through the purchase of credits at an comments during the public comment approved conservation bank for ABB. AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, period should register in person with Additionally, avoidance and Interior. the BLM, at the meeting location, minimization measures will be ACTION: Notice of public meeting. preceding that meeting day’s comment implemented including limiting period. Depending on the number of clearing in temporary work areas, relief SUMMARY: In accordance with the persons wishing to comment, the length of soil compaction, and revegetation of Federal Land Policy and Management of comments may be limited. The public temporary and permanent cover change Act and the Federal Advisory may send written comments to the RAC impacts with native vegetation after Committee Act, the Bureau of Land at the Salem District office, 1717 Fabry construction is completed. Management’s (BLM) Northwest Oregon Road SE., Salem, OR 97306. The BLM Section 9 of the Act and its Resource Advisory Council (RAC) will appreciates all comments. implementing regulations prohibit meet as indicated below. Kim Titus, ‘‘take’’ of fish and wildlife species listed DATES: The RAC will meet on Thursday Salem District Manager. as threatened or endangered under through Friday, October 13–14, 2016, [FR Doc. 2016–21821 Filed 9–9–16; 8:45 am] section 4 of the Act. However, section from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday, October 20, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. BILLING CODE 4310–33–P 10(a) of the Act authorizes us to issue permits to take listed wildlife species The RAC members will review and where such take is incidental to, and not select Secure Rural Schools Title II project proposals for the counties in DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR the purpose of, otherwise lawful activities and where the applicant meets Northwest Oregon. They will also Bureau of Land Management certain statutory requirements. receive an overview of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Western Oregon [LLORM00000.L63100000.HD0000. Public Availability of Comments Resource Management Plans (RMP) and 16XL1116AF; HAG 16–0210] Written comments we receive become consider recreation subcommittee work. The October 14 and 20 meetings will be Notice of Public Meeting for the part of the public record associated with held at the BLM Salem District Office, Southwest Oregon Resource Advisory this action. Before including your 1717 Fabry Rd SE., Salem, OR 97306. Council address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying The October 13 meeting will be held at sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, information in your comment, you the BLM Eugene District Office, 3106 Interior. should be aware that your entire Pierce Parkway Suite E, Springfield, OR ACTION: Notice of public meeting. comment—including your personal 97477. The public comment period will identifying information—may be made occur from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. each SUMMARY: In accordance with the publicly available at any time. While meeting day. Federal Land Policy and Management you can request in your comment that FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Act and the Federal Advisory we withhold your personal identifying Jennifer Velez, Coordinator for the Committee Act of 1972, and the U.S. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:40 Sep 09, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\12SEN1.SGM 12SEN1


Document Created: 2016-09-10 00:56:35
Document Modified: 2016-09-10 00:56:35
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of availability; request for public comments.
DatesComments: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by October 12, 2016.
ContactJonna Polk, Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 9014 East 21st St., Tulsa, OK 74129; or by telephone at 918-382-4500.
FR Citation81 FR 62758 
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