82_FR_16258 82 FR 16196 - TransWest Express Transmission Project Environmental Impact Statement (DOE/EIS-0450)

82 FR 16196 - TransWest Express Transmission Project Environmental Impact Statement (DOE/EIS-0450)

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Western Area Power Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 62 (April 3, 2017)

Page Range16196-16203
FR Document2017-06479

The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), acting as joint lead agencies, issued the proposed TransWest Express Transmission Project (Project) Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (DOE/EIS-0450) on May 1, 2015. The Agency Preferred Alternative developed by WAPA and the BLM through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and described in the Final EIS is summarized in this Record of Decision (ROD). Because the BLM and WAPA were joint lead agencies in the preparation of the EIS, each agency will issue its own ROD(s) addressing the overall Project and the specific matters within its jurisdiction and authority. This ROD constitutes WAPA's decision with respect to the alternatives considered in the Final EIS. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), and Utah Reclamation Mitigation Conservation Commission (URMCC) are cooperating agencies in the proposed Project based on their potential Federal action to issue use permits across lands under their respective management. These agencies also will issue their own decisions regarding their specific agency actions. Additional cooperating agencies include Federal, state, tribal, and local agencies. WAPA has selected the Agency Preferred Alternative identified in the Final EIS as the route for the Project. This decision on the route will enable design and engineering activities to proceed and help inform WAPA's Federal action(s) to consider any received or anticipated loan application permitted under its borrowing authority and/or exercise its options for participation in the Project. These considerations are contingent on the successful development of participation agreements as well as any and all documentation and commitments needed to satisfy financial underwriting standards.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 62 (Monday, April 3, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 62 (Monday, April 3, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16196-16203]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-06479]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Western Area Power Administration


TransWest Express Transmission Project Environmental Impact 
Statement (DOE/EIS-0450)

AGENCY: Western Area Power Administration, DOE.

ACTION: Record of decision.

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SUMMARY: The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and the U.S. 
Bureau of Land Management (BLM), acting as joint lead agencies, issued 
the proposed TransWest Express Transmission Project (Project) Final 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (DOE/EIS-0450) on May 1, 2015. The 
Agency Preferred Alternative developed by WAPA and the BLM through the 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and described in the 
Final EIS is summarized in this Record of Decision (ROD).
    Because the BLM and WAPA were joint lead agencies in the 
preparation of the EIS, each agency will issue its own ROD(s) 
addressing the overall Project and the specific matters within its 
jurisdiction and authority. This ROD constitutes WAPA's decision with 
respect to the alternatives considered in the Final EIS. The U.S. 
Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), and Utah 
Reclamation Mitigation Conservation Commission (URMCC) are cooperating 
agencies in the proposed Project based on their potential Federal 
action to issue use permits across lands under their respective 
management. These agencies also will issue their own decisions 
regarding their specific agency actions. Additional cooperating 
agencies include Federal, state, tribal, and local agencies.
    WAPA has selected the Agency Preferred Alternative identified in 
the Final EIS as the route for the Project. This decision on the route 
will enable design and engineering activities to proceed and help 
inform WAPA's Federal action(s) to consider any received or anticipated 
loan application permitted under its borrowing authority and/or 
exercise its options for participation in the Project. These 
considerations are contingent on the successful development of 
participation agreements as well as any and all documentation and 
commitments needed to satisfy financial underwriting standards.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information on WAPA's 
participation in the Project contact Stacey Harris, Public Utilities 
Specialist, Transmission Infrastructure Program (TIP) Office

[[Page 16197]]

A0700, Headquarters Office, Western Area Power Administration, P.O. Box 
281213, Lakewood, CO 80228-8213, telephone (720) 962-7714, facsimile 
(720) 962-7083, email [email protected]. For information about the 
Project EIS process or to request a CD of the document, contact Steve 
Blazek, NEPA Document Manager, Natural Resources Office A7400, 
Headquarters Office, Western Area Power Administration, P.O. Box 
281213, Lakewood, CO 80228-8213, telephone (720) 962-7265, facsimile 
(720) 962-7263, email [email protected]. The Final EIS and this ROD are 
also available at http://energy.gov/nepa/downloads/eis-0450-final-environmental-impact-statement.
    For general information on the Department of Energy (DOE) NEPA 
process, please contact Carol M. Borgstrom, Director, Office of NEPA 
Policy and Compliance (GC-54), U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585, telephone (202) 586-4600 
or (800) 472-2756.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: TransWest Express LLC (TransWest) is the 
TransWest Express (TWE) Transmission Project (Project) proponent. The 
Project is proposed as an extra high voltage, direct current (DC) 
transmission system extending from south-central Wyoming to southern 
Nevada. The proposed transmission line (and alternatives) would cross 
four states (Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada) encompassing lands 
owned or administered by the BLM, USFS, BOR, URMCC, National Park 
Service, various state agencies, Native American tribes, 
municipalities, and private parties. The Project would provide the 
transmission infrastructure and capacity necessary to deliver 
approximately 3,000 megawatts (MW) of electric power from renewable 
and/or non-renewable energy resources in south-central Wyoming to 
southern Nevada. The TransWest proposed action would consist of an 
approximately 725-mile-long, 600-kilovolt (kV), DC transmission line 
and two terminals, each containing a converter station that converts 
alternating current (AC) to DC or vice-versa. The northern AC/DC 
converter station would be located near Sinclair, Wyoming, and the 
southern AC/DC station near the Marketplace Hub in the Eldorado Valley, 
approximately 25 miles south of Las Vegas, Nevada. The Project would 
retain an option for a future interconnection with the existing 
Intermountain Power Project (IPP) transmission system in Millard 
County, Utah.
    In April 2009, TransWest submitted a Statement of Interest (SOI) to 
WAPA for consideration of its Project under the authority provided to 
WAPA under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 amendment 
of the Hoover Power Plant Act of 1984. WAPA is considering whether to 
use its borrowing authority, if a loan application is submitted and 
successfully underwritten, to finance and/or exercise its options for 
partial ownership in the proposed Project. TransWest's SOI prompted 
WAPA to initiate a request to the BLM to become a joint lead agency for 
the development of the EIS to determine the environmental impacts of 
the Project.
    TransWest also filed a Right-Of-Way (ROW) application with the BLM 
pursuant to Title V of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 
1976, as amended, proposing to construct, operate, maintain, and 
eventually decommission a high-voltage electric transmission line on 
land managed by the BLM. The BLM initiated its own NEPA process to 
address whether to grant a ROW permit. Because both agencies had NEPA 
decisions to consider, WAPA and the BLM agreed to be joint lead 
agencies in accordance with NEPA, 40 CFR 1501.5(b), for the purpose of 
preparing the EIS for the Project. The agencies issued the Final EIS 
for the Project on November May 1, 2015.
    Each agency will issue its own ROD(s) addressing the overall 
Project and the specific matters within its jurisdiction and authority. 
While WAPA's potential involvement relates to use of its borrowing 
authority, the decision at hand is a selection of project route.

Project Description

    TransWest's Proposed Action would include:
     A 600-kV DC line, approximately 725 miles in length, 
extending across public and private lands in Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, 
and Nevada. The transmission line ROW would be approximately 250 feet 
wide;
     Two terminal stations located at either end of the 
transmission line; the Northern Terminal located near Sinclair, 
Wyoming, and the Southern Terminal at the Marketplace Hub in the 
Eldorado Valley, within Boulder City, Nevada. Terminal facilities would 
include converter stations and related substation facilities necessary 
for interconnections to existing and planned regional AC transmission 
systems;
     Access routes, including improvements to existing roads, 
new overland access, and new unpaved roads to access the proposed 
Project facilities and work areas during the construction, operation, 
and maintenance Project phases;
     Ancillary facilities including a network of 15 to 20 fiber 
optic communication regeneration sites and two ground electrode 
facilities; and
     Temporary construction sites that would include wire 
pulling/fly yards, material storage and concrete batch plant sites.
    TransWest also identified and retained two design options to 
provide the Project with flexibility to adapt to potential regional 
transmission changes. The design options do not currently meet the 
interests and objectives of the Project; however, they could be 
considered if/when capacity becomes available on the Southern 
Transmission Systems.

Alternatives

    An iterative, adaptive process was used for this Project to 
identify an adequate range of alternative transmission corridors that 
directly respond to addressing potential resource or siting constraints 
and help inform decision-makers. Due to the length of the transmission 
line, the alternative transmission routes were split into four distinct 
regions for the purpose of presenting clear impact comparisons between 
alternative segments:
     Region I: Sinclair, Wyoming, to Northwest Colorado near 
Rangely, Colorado;
     Region II: Northwest Colorado to IPP near Delta, Utah;
     Region III: IPP to North Las Vegas, Nevada; and
     Region IV: North Las Vegas to Marketplace Hub in Boulder 
City, Nevada.
    One alternative within each of these regions is combined with the 
others to define a distinct end-to-end route from Wyoming to Nevada. A 
depiction of the four regions and the alternatives can be found as 
Figures 2-22 through 2-25 in Chapter 2 of the Final EIS.

Alternatives Facilities and Transmission Line Routes for Four Regions

Region I

Northern Terminal
    The Northern Terminal would be located approximately three miles 
southwest of Sinclair, Wyoming (Carbon County) on private lands. The 
terminal would include an AC/DC converter station and adjacent AC 
substation. The AC/DC converter station would include a 600-kV DC 
switchyard; AC/DC conversion equipment; transformers;

[[Page 16198]]

and multiple equipment, control, maintenance, and administrative 
buildings. Two buildings would house the AC/DC conversion equipment; 
smaller buildings would house the control room, control and protection 
equipment, auxiliary equipment; and cooling equipment. Connections to 
the existing transmission infrastructure also would be constructed. The 
three major components (AC/DC converter station, 500/230-kV AC 
substation, and 230-kV AC substation) are planned to be co-located and 
contiguous.
Alternative I-A Transmission Line Route (Proposed Action)
    TransWest's proposed alignment would begin in Sinclair, Wyoming, 
and would travel west just south of the Interstate 80 (I-80) corridor 
to Wamsutter. At Wamsutter, it would turn south and generally follow 
the Carbon-Sweetwater county line along a corridor preferred by the 
Wyoming Governor's Office and Carbon and Sweetwater counties. It then 
would continue south-southwest across the Wyoming-Colorado state line 
and south along a corridor preferred by Moffat County and coordinated 
with the BLM Northwest Colorado District Office's ongoing greater sage-
grouse planning effort. It would then intersect with U.S. Highway 40 
(U.S.-40) just west of Maybell, Colorado. The alignment would then 
generally parallel U.S.-40, turning southwest toward the Colorado-Utah 
border.
    Alternative I-A is approximately 156 miles in length, 66 percent of 
which would be located on BLM lands. There would be 24 miles would be 
in BLM Resource Management Plan (RMP) utility corridors and 25 miles 
would be in West Wide Energy Corridors (WWECs). There would be 
approximately 201 miles of access roads associated with this 
alternative.
Alternative I-B Transmission Line Route (Final EIS Agency Preferred 
Alternative)
    Alternative I-B as considered in the Final EIS would be the same as 
Alternative I-A for nearly its entire length, with one exception just 
north of the Wyoming-Colorado state line. A length of approximately 8 
miles of Alternative I-B diverges to the southeast from Alternative I-A 
in this area to minimize potential impacts to areas eligible for 
historic trail designation.
    Alternative I-B includes is approximately 158 miles in length, 67 
percent of which would be located on BLM lands. There would be 24 miles 
would be in BLM RMP utility corridors and 25 miles would be in WWECs. 
There would be approximately 204 miles of access roads associated with 
this alternative.
Alternative I-C Transmission Line Route
    This alternative was developed to reduce the overall proliferation 
of utility corridors and associated impacts by following existing 
designated utility corridors. Alternative I-C would begin by following 
Alternative I-A to near Creston, Wyoming, where Alternative I-C would 
turn south and parallel Wyoming State Highway 789 (SH-789) toward 
Baggs, Wyoming. From there, Alternative I-C would continue south, 
deviating from SH-789 to the east and passing east of Baggs. After 
crossing into Colorado, this alternative would parallel Colorado State 
Highway 13 into Craig, Colorado. Alternative I-C would pass east and 
south of Craig, turning to the west after crossing U.S.-40, generally 
paralleling the highway and joining with Alternative I-A to the end of 
Region I.
    Alternative I-C is approximately 186 miles in length, 44 percent of 
which would be located on BLM lands. There would be 53 miles would be 
in BLM RMP utility corridors and 60 miles would be in WWECs. There 
would be 237 miles of access roads associated with this alternative.
Alternative I-D Transmission Line Route
    Alternative I-D was developed to reduce multiple resource concerns, 
including impacts to visual resources and greater sage-grouse. It would 
follow the route of Alternative I-A, going west from Sinclair, Wyoming 
(Carbon County, Wyoming), basically paralleling I-80 in a designated 
WWEC, until turning south near Wamsutter. It would follow Alternative 
I-A south for approximately 15 miles. Alternative I-D then would 
diverge to the east, where it generally would parallel SH-789 at an 
offset distance of 2 to 5 miles to the west. Before reaching the Baggs 
area, Alternative I-D would turn west and follow the Shell Creek Stock 
Trail road for approximately 20 miles, where it would cross into 
Sweetwater County and again join Alternative I-A while turning south 
into Colorado (Moffat County).
    Alternative I-D is approximately 168 miles in length, 70 percent of 
which would be located on BLM lands. There would be 24 miles would be 
in BLM RMP utility corridors and 25 miles would be in WWECs. There 
would be 213 miles of access roads associated with this alternative.
Alternative Variations, Connectors, and Micro-Siting Options
    There are no alternative variations within Region I. The Region I 
alternative connectors were removed from further consideration at the 
request of the lead agencies in response to public comments received on 
the Draft EIS.
    Two micro-siting options have been developed to address specific 
land use concerns in all Region I alternative routes related to the 
Tuttle Ranch Conservation Easement and the Cross Mountain Ranch 
proposed conservation easement:
     Tuttle Ranch Micro-siting Option 3; and
     Tuttle Ranch Micro-siting Option 4.
    Tuttle Ranch Micro-siting Option 3 would avoid the Tuttle Ranch 
Conservation Easement, but would cross the NPS Deerlodge Road west of 
U.S.-40 and would cross the largest portion of the Cross Mountain Ranch 
property. Tuttle Ranch Micro-siting Option 4 would avoid the Tuttle 
Ranch Conservation Easement and the NPS Deerlodge Road, and would cross 
the least amount of the Cross Mountain Ranch property.
Ground Electrode Locations
    One ground electrode system would be required within approximately 
100 miles of the Northern Terminal to establish and maintain electrical 
current continuity during normal operations, and any unexpected outage 
of one of the two poles (or circuits) of the 600-kV DC terminal or 
converter station equipment. The ground electrode facility would 
consist of a network of approximately 60 deep earth electrode wells 
arranged along the perimeter of a circle expected to be about 3,000 
feet in diameter. All wells at a site would be electrically 
interconnected and wired via approximately 10 low-voltage underground 
cable ``spokes'' to a small control building. A low voltage electrode 
line would connect the ground electrode facilities to the AC/DC 
converter stations. General siting areas and conceptual alternative 
site locations have been identified in Regions I; selection of specific 
location of the ground electrode systems would be identified during 
final engineering and design stages.
    There are four potential locations for ground electrode systems in 
Region I (Bolten Ranch, Separation Flat, Separation Creek, and Eight 
Mile Basin). All locations would apply to all alternatives.

[[Page 16199]]

Region II

Alternative II-A Transmission Line Route (Proposed Action)
    The TransWest proposed alignment would continue into Utah in a 
westerly direction, and then deviate south from U.S.-40 toward 
Roosevelt, Utah. From Roosevelt, it would pass north of Duchesne, again 
paralleling U.S.-40 for several miles, then turn southwest and cross 
the Uinta National Forest Planning Area \1\ generally within a 
designated WWEC, then turn west along U.S. Highway 6 (U.S.-6) and 
Soldier Creek. At the junction with U.S. Highway 89 (U.S.-89), 
Alternative II-A would then turn south generally along U.S.-89 where it 
would cross a portion of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The 
alignment would pass through Salt Creek Canyon then north around Nephi. 
It would continue west and then turn southwest following a path north 
of and adjacent to IPP. Portions of this corridor have been identified 
as preferred in a joint resolution by representatives of Juab and 
Millard counties.
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    \1\ In March 2008, the Uinta National Forest and the Wasatch-
Cache National Forest were combined into one administrative unit 
(Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest). Each of these forests 
continues to operate under individual forest plans approved in 2003. 
The term Uinta National Forest Planning Area is used to refer to 
that portion of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest managed 
under the Uinta National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan.
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    Alternative II-A would be approximately 258 miles in length, 45 
percent of which would be located on BLM/USFS lands. There would be 
approximately 34 miles in BLM RMP utility corridors and 63 miles would 
be in WWECs. There would be approximately 395 miles of access roads 
associated with this alternative.
Alternative II-B Transmission Line Route
    Alternative II-B was developed to address impacts to private lands 
and to generally follow established utility corridors. These corridors 
are designated for underground utilities only and use of the corridor 
for the transmission line would require a plan amendment. The route 
would travel southwest in Colorado from the beginning of Region II, 
cross the Yampa River, and pass east of Rangely, Colorado. It would 
continue southwest where it would cross the Colorado-Utah state line 
and turn generally south, crossing back into Colorado in the Baxter 
Pass area. At that location, it would intersect the Interstate 70 (I-
70) corridor, turning in a southwesterly and westerly direction, 
paralleling I-70. After passing south of Green River, Utah, Alternative 
II-B would diverge from I-70 and turn to the north along U.S. Highway 
191 (U.S.-191). This highway generally would be followed until just 
south of the Emery-Carbon county line, where Alternative II-B would 
turn west and pass near the county line for approximately 25 miles. 
Then it would generally would turn south, pass west of Huntington, 
Utah, turn northwest, cross a portion of the Manti-La Sal National 
Forest, and pass northeast of Mount Pleasant, Utah. From there, it 
would pass through Salt Creek Canyon to Nephi, and then south around 
Nephi. It then would turn southwest and west adjacent to IPP, following 
a path south of Alternative II-A across a portion of the Fishlake 
National Forest.
    Alternative II-A would be approximately 346 miles in length, 65 
percent of which would be located on BLM/USFS lands. There would be 
approximately 136 miles would be in BLM RMP utility corridors and 33 
miles would be in WWECs. There would be 492 miles of access roads 
associated with this alternative.
Alternative II-C Transmission Line Route
    Alternative II-C also would decrease impacts to private lands and 
generally would follow established utility corridors as well as avoid 
USFS IRAs. Alternative II-C would follow Alternative II-B through 
Colorado, along I-70 into Utah, and north at US-191. Approximately 15 
miles north on US-191, Alternative II-C would diverge from Alternative 
II-B and turn in a general westerly direction toward Castle Dale. 
Approximately 3 miles east of Castle Dale, this alternative would turn 
south and roughly parallel Utah State Highway 10 at a distance of 
approximately 3 miles to the east. The alternative would cross Utah 
State Route 10 near the Emery-Sevier county line and turn west, again 
generally following the I-70 corridor across a portion of the Fishlake 
National Forest into the Salina, Utah, area. Alternative II-C would 
pass south of Salina, turn north, and parallel U.S. Highway 50 toward 
Scipio, Utah. The alternative would turn west and pass Scipio on the 
south, again crossing a portion of the Fishlake National Forest, then 
turn north, passing east of Delta, Utah, continuing into IPP.
    Alternative II-C would be approximately 365 miles in length, 67 
percent of which would be located on BLM/USFS lands. Approximately 146 
miles would be in BLM RMP utility corridors and 17 miles would be in 
WWECs. There would be 488 miles of access roads associated with this 
alternative.
Alternative II-D Transmission Line Route
    This alternative was developed to avoid USFS IRAs and to provide 
additional northern route options to avoid impacts to historic trails 
and areas designated for special resource management along the southern 
routes (Alternatives II-B and II-C). It would begin along the same 
route as Alternative II-A. However, as it would enter Utah, it would 
diverge briefly to follow a designated utility corridor, causing it to 
zigzag once across Alternative II-A. It then would diverge to the south 
of the designated utility corridor and turn west-southwest, skirting 
the edge of the Ashley National Forest. Alternative II-D would cross 
into Carbon County northwest of Price, and then turn southwest in the 
Emma Park area along US-191. It would follow this highway west of 
Helper, across a portion of the Manti-La Sal National Forest and then 
turn west toward Salt Creek Canyon where it would join and follow 
Alternative II-B, skirt the edge of the Uinta National Forest Planning 
Area, then join and follow Alternative II-A into IPP.
    Alternative II-D is approximately 259 miles in length, 57 percent 
of which would be located on BLM/USFS lands. Approximately 71 miles 
would be in BLM RMP utility corridors and 46 miles would be in WWECs. 
There would be 422 miles of access roads associated with this 
alternative.
Alternative II-E Transmission Line Route
    Alternative II-E also was developed to provide additional northern 
route options to address the previously mentioned resource impacts from 
the southern routes. This alternative would follow Alternative II-D 
into Utah and along the designated utility corridor, zigzagging across 
Alternative II-A. It then would rejoin Alternative II-A to continue 
west across the Uintah/Duchesne county line. Approximately 10 miles 
east of Duchesne, Alternative II-E would turn southwest and generally 
parallel SH-191, offset by 1 to 6 miles, through a utility window of 
the Ashley National Forest. At the Utah-Carbon county line, this 
alternative would turn west through the Emma Park area, then northwest 
along US-6 through a utility window of the Uinta National Forest 
Planning Area until rejoining Alternative II-A and following its siting 
through the Manti-La Sal National Forest to Salt Creek Canyon. At this 
canyon, Alternative II-E would

[[Page 16200]]

begin to follow the alignment of Alternative II-B south of Nephi, then 
join and follow Alternative II-A adjacent and into IPP.
    Alternative II-E is approximately 268 miles in length, 44 percent 
of which would be located on BLM/USFS lands. Approximately 40 miles 
would be in BLM RMP utility corridors and 66 miles would be in WWECs. 
There would be approximately 412 miles of access roads associated with 
this alternative.
Alternative II-F Transmission Line Route
    Alternative II-F was adjusted in the Final EIS at the request of 
the lead agencies in response to public comments on the Draft EIS. This 
alternative combines portions of other alternatives in the region and 
contains unique segments in the Emma Park area that together would 
minimize impacts to USFS IRAs, Tribal and private lands, greater sage-
grouse habitat, and avoid impacts to National Historic Trails (NHT). It 
would begin in southwest Moffat County (Colorado) by following 
Alternative II-A in designated WWEC and BLM utility corridors. As it 
enters Utah (Uintah County), it would separate from Alternative II-A to 
the northwest and follow the designated utility corridors, which then 
turn southwest and cross Alternative II-A. It then would diverge to the 
south off of the designated WWEC (still following the BLM-designated 
corridor) and turn west-southwest, crossing the Uintah and Ouray Indian 
Reservation. It then would cross into Duchesne County, where it would 
turn west-southwest out of the BLM utility corridor, skirt the Ashley 
National Forest and generally follow the southern county line. The 
alternative would follow Argyle Ridge west and US-191 to the southwest 
for a short distance and then would turn west and follow the base of 
Reservation Ridge. It would then turn northwest and cross US-6 at 
Soldier Summit where it would turn west-northwest and follow US-6 to 
Thistle (Utah County) through a portion of designated WWEC and BLM 
utility corridors and a utility window of the Uinta National Forest 
Planning Area. It then would turn south, following US-89 for about 10 
miles and through a portion of the Manti-La Sal National Forest before 
cutting south-southwest (Sanpete County) to Utah State Route 132. At 
this highway, it would turn west into Nephi (Juab County) and follow a 
path south around the community and continue west until turning 
southwest where it would parallel US-6 north of Lynndyl for a short 
distance, then diverging west, southwest and finally west along the 
southern edge of the Millard-Juab county line into IPP north of Delta 
(Millard County); the end of Region II.
    Alternative II-F is approximately 265 miles in length, 55 percent 
of which would be located on BLM/USFS lands. Approximately 72 miles 
would be in BLM RMP utility corridors and 31 miles would be in WWECs. 
There would be approximately 455 miles of access roads associated with 
this alternative.
Alternative II-G Transmission Line Route (Final EIS Agency Preferred 
Alternative)
    Alternative II-G is a reconfiguration of segments that are also 
included in multiple other alternatives, mainly Alternatives II-A and 
II-F. This specific alternative configuration was not included in the 
Draft EIS, but was added to the Final EIS to reflect the Agency 
Preferred Alternative in Region II. This alternative avoids crossing 
Tribal trust lands of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation, while 
also avoiding NHT, maximizing avoidance of potential habitat of 
Federally protected plant species, and maximizing co-location with 
existing above-ground utilities. It would begin in southwest Moffat 
County (Colorado) by following the other alternatives in designated 
WWEC and BLM utility corridors. After entering Utah, this alternative 
would follow Alternatives II-F, II-D, and II-E and continue along the 
designated utility corridor, zigzagging across Alternative II-A. At 
this point, it would follow Alternative II-E to the northwest, and 
rejoin Alternative II-A to continue west across the Uintah/Duchesne 
county line. Alternative II-G would continue to follow Alternative II-A 
to near Fruitland. East of Fruitland it would diverge from Alternative 
II-A, but parallel closely to the south for several miles avoiding a 
conservation easement, and then rejoin Alternative II-A. The alignment 
would then turn southwest and cross portions of the Uinta National 
Forest Planning Area, then turn west along US-6 and Soldier Creek, 
rejoining Alternative II-F. At the junction with US-89, Alternative II-
G would then turn south generally along US-89 where it would cross a 
portion of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The alignment would pass 
through Salt Creek Canyon. Here Alternative II-G would again diverge 
from Alternative II-A and pass south around Nephi. It would continue 
west and then turn southwest following a path north of and adjacent to 
IPP. Portions of this corridor have been identified as preferred in a 
joint resolution by representatives of Juab and Millard counties.
    Alternative II-G is approximately 252 miles in length, 45 percent 
of which would be located on BLM/USFS lands. Approximately 32 miles 
would be in BLM RMP utility corridors and 63 miles would be in WWECs. 
There would be approximately 395 miles of access roads associated with 
this alternative.
Alternative Variations, Connectors, and Micro-Siting Options
    One alternative variation (Reservation Ridge Alternative Variation) 
was developed to address potential impacts to greater sage-grouse 
issues along comparable portions of Alternative II-F.
    Micro-siting options for Alternative II A and Alternative II-G have 
been developed to address concerns with construction in Uinta National 
Forest Planning Area IRAs at a location where the designated WWEC 
offsets from a continual corridor: Strawberry IRA Micro-siting Option 2 
and Strawberry IRA Micro-siting Option 3.
    Three micro-siting options for Alternative II-A and Alternative II-
G were also developed and to address conflicts with siting through the 
Town of Fruitland, a Utah Division of Wildlife Resources conservation 
easement, and greater sage-grouse habitat:
     Fruitland Micro-siting Option 1;
     Fruitland Micro-siting Option 2; and
     Fruitland Micro-siting Option 3.
    Five alternative connectors were developed in Region II to provide 
the flexibility to combine alternative segments to address resource 
conflicts. One connector could be used with Alternative II-B, two 
connectors could be used with Alternative II-C and one could be used 
with Alternative II-E.

Region III

Alternative III-A Transmission Line Route (Proposed Action)
    The TransWest proposed alignment would leave IPP to the west and 
turn south toward Milford, Utah, following the WWEC. For the remainder 
of Utah, the alignment roughly would parallel Interstate 15 (I-15) 
approximately 20 miles west of the highway. The alignment would pass 
west of Milford, then generally trend south-southwest, passing east of 
Enterprise, Utah, across a portion of the Dixie National Forest, and 
directly west of Central, Utah; exiting Utah just north of the 
southwest corner of the state. In Nevada, the alignment would cross I-
15 west of Mesquite, Nevada, and remain on the south side of I-15 until 
reaching the North Las Vegas area northeast of Nellis Air Force Base.
    Alternative III-A is approximately 276 miles in length, 84 percent 
of which would be located on BLM/USFS lands.

[[Page 16201]]

Approximately 67 percent of the route would be within a designated RMP 
or WWEC (107 miles and 158 miles, respectively). There would be 
approximately 335 miles of access roads associated with this 
alternative.
Alternative III-B Transmission Line Route
    Alternative III-B was developed to decrease resource impacts in 
southwestern Utah (including potential impacts to the Mountain Meadows 
National Historic Landmark and Site and IRAs in the Dixie National 
Forest). It would begin following Alternative III-A through Millard and 
Beaver counties. Near the Beaver-Iron county line, it would diverge 
toward the west. Alternative III-B would follow a west-southwest 
course, crossing into Lincoln County, Nevada, near Uvada, Utah, where 
it would turn to a general southerly direction, rejoining Alternative 
III-A to the northwest of Mesquite. It then would diverge to the west 
from Alternative III-A approximately 16 miles west of Mesquite, cross 
into Clark County, pass southeast of Moapa, Nevada, pass through the 
designated utility corridor on the Moapa Reservation, and rejoin 
Alternative III-A approximately 4 miles north of the end of Region III.
    Alternative III-B is approximately 284 miles in length, 74 percent 
of which would be located on BLM lands. Approximately 54 percent of the 
route would be within a designated RMP or WWEC (103 miles and 80 miles, 
respectively). There would be approximately 320 miles of access roads 
associated with this alternative.
Alternative III-C Transmission Line Route
    Alternative III-C also was developed to address the same resource 
impacts as Alternative III-B and to take advantage of an existing 
corridor with existing transmission line development, thereby 
potentially consolidating cumulative transmission line impacts. This 
alternative would follow Alternatives III-A and III-B before diverging 
from them shortly after traveling west out of IPP, where it would 
follow the existing IPP power line to the south for approximately 30 
miles and then rejoin Alternative III-B to the Utah-Nevada state line. 
After passing into Nevada at Uvada, Alternative III-C would turn west 
away from Alternative III-B, passing north of Caliente, Nevada; turning 
south approximately 15 miles west of Caliente. This alternative would 
follow that southern course, intersecting with U.S. Highway 93 and 
paralleling the highway for all but the last 15 miles into North Las 
Vegas. Alternative III-C would rejoin Alternative III-A northeast of 
Nellis Air Force Base at the end of Region III.
    Alternative III-C is approximately 308 miles in length, 83 percent 
of which would be located on BLM lands. Approximately 63 percent of the 
route would be within a designated RMP or WWEC (160 miles and 121 
miles, respectively). There would be approximately 338 miles of access 
roads associated with this alternative.
Alternative III-D Transmission Line Route (Final EIS Agency Preferred 
Alternative)
    Alternative III-D was developed as a minor reconfiguration to 
Alternative III-B for the purpose of decreased resource impacts in 
southwestern Utah (including potential impacts to the Mountain Meadows 
NHL and Site and IRAs in the Dixie National Forest) as well as 
addressing concerns raised by the DOD. Alternative III-D would begin 
following Alternative III-B, and then diverge through Millard County to 
maintain co-location with the existing IPP power line to the south for 
approximately 30 miles, and then rejoin Alternative III-B through the 
remainder to the Region III.
    Alternative III-D is approximately 281 miles in length, 75 percent 
of which would be located on BLM/USFS lands. Approximately 55 percent 
of the route would be within a designated RMP or WWEC (137 miles and 50 
miles, respectively). There would be approximately 303 miles of access 
roads associated with this alternative.
Alternative Variations, Connectors, and Micro-Siting Options
    Three alternative variations were developed to address potential 
impacts to the Mountain Meadows National Historic Landmark resulting 
from Alternative III-A: The Ox Valley East Variation, the Ox Valley 
West and the Pinto Alternative Variation.
    Three alternative connectors were also developed in Region III to 
provide the flexibility to combine alternative segments to address 
resource conflicts. One connector could be used with Alternative III-A, 
two connectors could be used with Alternative III-B and III-D and one 
could be used with Alternative III-C.
Ground Electrode Locations
    There are eight potential locations for ground electrode systems in 
Region III. Three of the locations would only apply to Alternative III-
A (Mormon Mesa-Carp Elgin Rd, Halfway Wash-Virgin River, and Halfway 
Wash East); three would apply only to Alternative III-B or Alternative 
III-D (Mormon Mesa-Carp Elgin Rd, Halfway Wash-Virgin River, and 
Halfway Wash East), one would apply only to Alternative III-C (Meadow 
Valley 2) and one would apply only to Design Option 2 as discussed in 
the Final EIS.

Region IV

Southern Terminal
    The Southern Terminal facilities would be located in the Eldorado 
Valley on private land, within the city limits of Boulder City, in 
Clark County, Nevada. The Southern Terminal would include an AC/DC 
converter station and adjacent AC substation. The AC/DC converter 
station would include a 600-kV DC switchyard and a converter building 
containing power electronics and control equipment.) The Southern 
Terminal would connect to all four of the existing 500-kV substations 
(Eldorado, Marketplace, Mead, and McCullough) located at the 
Marketplace Hub. Connections to the existing transmission 
infrastructure at the Mead and Marketplace substations would be via the 
existing Mead-Marketplace 500-kV transmission line, and connections to 
the Eldorado and McCullough substations also would be constructed. The 
three major components (AC/DC converter station, 500/230-kV AC 
substation, and 230-kV AC substation) are planned to be co-located and 
contiguous.
Alternative IV-A Transmission Line Route (Proposed Action and Final EIS 
Agency Preferred Alternative)
    The TransWest proposed action would follow a designated WWEC 
following existing transmission lines running to the south, passing 
North Las Vegas to the east, and through the Rainbow Gardens area. It 
would run between Whitney, Nevada, and the Lake Las Vegas development 
skirting the edge of Henderson, Nevada. It would then turn in a general 
southwest direction at Railroad Pass, and then in a southern direction 
to the Marketplace endpoint.
    Alternative IV-A is approximately 37 miles in length, 92 percent of 
which would be located on Federally managed lands. There would be 11 
miles of BLM RMP corridors and 14 miles of designated WWEC. There would 
be 49 miles of access roads associated with this alternative.
Alternative IV-B Transmission Line Route
    Alternative IV-B would follow the proposed alternative for 
approximately seven miles, diverge to the southeast as

[[Page 16202]]

it passed directly east of Nellis Air Force Base and travel south 
through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA), passing between 
the Lake Las Vegas development and Lake Mead. Along the south edge of 
Lake Las Vegas, it would turn southwest, north of the Boulder City, 
Nevada, then turn west and join with Alternative IV-A west of Henderson 
to the Marketplace endpoint. This alternative was originally developed 
to provide an alternative that did not require crossing the recent 
congressionally released Sunrise Mountain Instant Study Area (ISA).
    Alternative IV-B is approximately 40 miles in length, 55 percent of 
which would be located on Federally managed lands. There would be 5 
miles of BLM RMP corridors and 5 miles of designated WWEC. There would 
be 51 miles of access roads associated with this alternative.
Alternative IV-C Transmission Line Route
    Alternative IV-C would decrease impacts to populated areas. This 
alternative would follow Alternative IV-B through the Lake Mead NRA and 
between the Lake Las Vegas development and Lake Mead to north of the 
Boulder City. It would then continue south before it turned southwest 
around the southeast edge of the metropolitan area of Boulder City, and 
into the Marketplace endpoint. It also was originally developed to 
provide an alternative that did not require crossing the recent 
congressionally released Sunrise Mountain ISA. Alternative IV-C is 
approximately 44 miles in length, 55 percent of which would be located 
on Federally managed lands. There would be 5 miles of BLM RMP corridors 
and 5 miles of designated WWEC. There would be 54 miles of access roads 
associated with this alternative.
Alternative Variations, Connectors, and Micro-Siting Options
    One alternative variation (the Marketplace Variation) was developed 
to address impacts to private lands located on Alternative IV-B.
    Five alternative connectors were developed in Region IV to provide 
the flexibility to combine alternative segments to address resource 
conflicts. Each of the five connectors could be used with Alternative 
IV-B and four would be used with Alternative IV-C.

No Action Alternative

    Under the No Action Alternative, the BLM and USFS would not issue 
ROW grants or special use permits and the Project would not be 
constructed. Under the No Action Alternative, WAPA would not assume 
ownership interest or provide funding to the Project. No RMPs or Forest 
Plans would need to be amended if the No Action Alternative were 
selected.

Environmentally Preferable Alternative

    The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations (40 CFR 
1505.2(b)) require the ROD to identify one or more environmentally 
preferred alternatives. An environmentally preferred alternative is an 
alternative that causes the least damage to the biological and physical 
environment and best protects, preserves, and enhances historic, 
cultural, and natural resources.
    Because it would cause the least damage to the biological and 
physical environment, WAPA has determined that the No Action 
Alternative is the environmentally preferable alternative.
    However, the No Action Alternative would not allow development of a 
project that would potentially transmit renewable and conventional 
energy, and would not meet WAPA's purpose and need, including the 
facilitation of delivery of renewable energy. For these reasons WAPA 
has not selected the No Action Alternative.
    Identification of the environmentally preferable alternative among 
the action alternatives involves some difficult judgments regarding 
tradeoffs between different natural and cultural impacts and values. 
After considering these tradeoffs, WAPA has determined that the Agency 
Preferred Alternative is the environmentally preferable action 
alternative. Among other things, WAPA selected the Agency Preferred 
Alternative because it:
     Maximizes use of existing utility corridors and co-
location with existing transmission to the extent practicable;
     Avoids or minimizes impacts to physical, biological, and 
cultural resource that are regulated by law (Endangered Species Act, 
Clean Water Act, etc.);
     Minimizes impacts to sage-grouse habitat;
     Minimizes impacts to big game crucial winter range;
     Avoids desert tortoise habitat in Utah, and minimizes 
impacts to desert tortoise in Nevada;
     Avoids potential habitat for threatened and endangered 
plant species, including Uintah Basin hookless cactus;
     Minimizes impacts to modeled potentially suitable clay 
phacelia habitat;
     Minimizes impacts to the Overland Trail and Cherokee trail 
by crossing the trails at segments that are not eligible for the 
National Register of Historic Places (NRHP);
     Minimizes impacts to important and sensitive cultural and 
historic resources in southwestern Utah by avoiding the crossings in 
and near the Dixie National Forest, which has the highest known and 
expected density of archaeological sites among the alternatives. These 
resources include three sites of particular cultural importance: 
Yellow-Springs cultural complex, Mountain Meadows National Historic 
Landmark, and the Old Spanish NHT; and
     Avoids the Old Spanish NHT in the Moab and Price BLM Field 
Office areas.

Section 7 and Section 106 Consultation

    The BLM, as the main affected Federal land management agency, 
retained the lead role for Section 7 and Section 106 consultation. 
Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resulted in the 
issuance of a final Biological Opinion on November 10, 2015. The 
requirements of the Biological Opinion will apply to the entire 
Project. The Biological Opinion is provided as Appendix C of the BLM 
ROD. WAPA executed the Project Programmatic Agreement as an invited 
signatory to the Section 106 process. The Programmatic Agreement will 
govern Section 106 actions as they apply to the entire Project and is 
provided as Appendix E of the BLM ROD.

Mitigation Measures

    Minimization of environmental impacts was an integral part of 
Project design, routing, and planning. Appendix C to the Final EIS was 
a compilation of all involved Federal agencies' best management 
practices, design features, specific stipulations, standards, and 
guidelines to minimize Project impacts that were considered by the 
appropriate agencies. Informed by Appendix C to the Final EIS, 
TransWest and the BLM have developed an extensive Plan of Development 
(POD) (Appendix B to the BLM ROD). All practicable means have been 
adopted to avoid or minimize environmental harm. WAPA may implement 
applicable provisions of the POD and its attached framework plans on 
State and private lands as appropriate.

WAPA's Decision

    Informed by the analyses and environmental impacts documented in 
the Final EIS, WAPA has selected \2\ the

[[Page 16203]]

Agency Preferred Alternative identified in the Final EIS as the route 
for the Project. The Agency Preferred Alternative route will be the 
basis for design and engineering activities that will finalize the 
centerline, ROW, and access road locations. Additionally, this ROD 
commits WAPA and TransWest to implement mitigation measures committed 
to in the project POD, as practicable, to minimize environmental 
impacts. WAPA will continue coordination of the detailed POD with 
TransWest, the BLM and other applicable land-managing agencies. 
Selection of the Agency Preferred Alternative will help inform WAPA's 
Federal action(s) to consider any received or anticipated loan 
application permitted under its borrowing authority and/or exercise its 
options for participation in the Project. These considerations are 
contingent on the successful development of participation agreements as 
well as any and all documentation and commitments needed to satisfy 
customary financial underwriting standards. This ROD was prepared in 
accordance with the requirements of the CEQ regulations for 
implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508) and DOE NEPA regulations (10 
CFR part 1021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ On November 16, 2011, DOE's Acting General Counsel restated 
the delegation to WAPA's Administrator all the authorities of the 
General Counsel respecting environmental impact statements.

    Dated: January 12, 2017.
Mark A. Gabriel,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2017-06479 Filed 3-31-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P



                                                  16196                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices

                                                     Filed Date: 3/28/17.                                    Filed Date: 3/28/17.                               DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
                                                     Accession Number: 20170328–5051.                        Accession Number: 20170328–5000.
                                                     Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/18/17.                        Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/18/17.                   Western Area Power Administration
                                                     Docket Numbers: ER17–1307–000.                          Docket Numbers: ER17–1314–000.
                                                     Applicants: Wisconsin River Power                                                                          TransWest Express Transmission
                                                                                                             Applicants: Arkwright Summit Wind                  Project Environmental Impact
                                                  Company.                                                Farm LLC.
                                                     Description: Tariff Cancellation:                                                                          Statement (DOE/EIS–0450)
                                                                                                             Description: Baseline eTariff Filing:
                                                  Cancellation—Combustion Turbine                         MBR Application to be effective 5/28/                 AGENCY:  Western Area Power
                                                  Power Purchase Contract to be effective                 2017.                                                 Administration, DOE.
                                                  3/1/2017.                                                  Filed Date: 3/28/17.                               ACTION: Record of decision.
                                                     Filed Date: 3/27/17.
                                                     Accession Number: 20170327–5136.                        Accession Number: 20170328–5070.
                                                                                                             Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/18/17.                   SUMMARY:   The Western Area Power
                                                     Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/17/17.                                                                           Administration (WAPA) and the U.S.
                                                     Docket Numbers: ER17–1308–000.                          Docket Numbers: ER17–1315–000.
                                                                                                                                                                Bureau of Land Management (BLM),
                                                     Applicants: Wabash Valley Power                         Applicants: Meadow Lake Wind Farm
                                                                                                                                                                acting as joint lead agencies, issued the
                                                  Association, Inc.                                       V LLC.
                                                                                                                                                                proposed TransWest Express
                                                     Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing:                      Description: Baseline eTariff Filing:
                                                                                                                                                                Transmission Project (Project) Final
                                                  Amendment to Formulary Rate Tariff—                     MBR Application to be effective 5/28/
                                                                                                                                                                Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
                                                  Optional Coop Solar Energy Rider to be                  2017.
                                                                                                                                                                (DOE/EIS–0450) on May 1, 2015. The
                                                  effective 6/1/2017.                                        Filed Date: 3/28/17.
                                                                                                                                                                Agency Preferred Alternative developed
                                                     Filed Date: 3/27/17.                                    Accession Number: 20170328–5072.
                                                                                                                                                                by WAPA and the BLM through the
                                                     Accession Number: 20170327–5200.                        Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/18/17.
                                                     Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/17/17.                                                                           National Environmental Policy Act
                                                                                                             Docket Numbers: ER17–1316–000.                     (NEPA) process and described in the
                                                     Docket Numbers: ER17–1309–000.                          Applicants: Quilt Block Wind Farm                  Final EIS is summarized in this Record
                                                     Applicants: Midcontinent                             LLC.                                                  of Decision (ROD).
                                                  Independent System Operator, Inc.,                         Description: Baseline eTariff Filing:                Because the BLM and WAPA were
                                                  Ameren Illinois Company.                                MBR Application to be effective 5/28/                 joint lead agencies in the preparation of
                                                     Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing:                   2017.                                                 the EIS, each agency will issue its own
                                                  2017–03–27_SA 2765 MidAmerican                             Filed Date: 3/28/17.                               ROD(s) addressing the overall Project
                                                  Energy Company-Ameren Illinois TIA to                      Accession Number: 20170328–5073.                   and the specific matters within its
                                                  be effective 3/28/2017.                                    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/18/17.                   jurisdiction and authority. This ROD
                                                     Filed Date: 3/27/17.
                                                     Accession Number: 20170327–5211.                        Docket Numbers: ER17–1317–000.                     constitutes WAPA’s decision with
                                                     Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/17/17.                        Applicants: Duke Energy Progress,                  respect to the alternatives considered in
                                                                                                          LLC, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC.                      the Final EIS. The U.S. Forest Service
                                                     Docket Numbers: ER17–1310–000.
                                                                                                             Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing:                 (USFS), Bureau of Reclamation (BOR),
                                                     Applicants: New York Independent
                                                                                                          DEC–DEP PBOP Filing to be effective 1/                and Utah Reclamation Mitigation
                                                  System Operator, Inc.
                                                     Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing:                   1/2015.                                               Conservation Commission (URMCC) are
                                                  NYDPS section 205—cost allocation for                      Filed Date: 3/28/17.                               cooperating agencies in the proposed
                                                  PPTPP to be effective 5/26/2017.                           Accession Number: 20170328–5075.                   Project based on their potential Federal
                                                     Filed Date: 3/27/17.                                    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/18/17.                   action to issue use permits across lands
                                                     Accession Number: 20170327–5213.                        The filings are accessible in the                  under their respective management.
                                                     Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/17/17.                     Commission’s eLibrary system by                       These agencies also will issue their own
                                                     Docket Numbers: ER17–1311–000.                       clicking on the links or querying the                 decisions regarding their specific agency
                                                     Applicants: Midcontinent                             docket number.                                        actions. Additional cooperating agencies
                                                  Independent System Operator, Inc.                          Any person desiring to intervene or                include Federal, state, tribal, and local
                                                     Description: Tariff Cancellation:                    protest in any of the above proceedings               agencies.
                                                  2017–03–27_SA 2884 Cancellation of                                                                              WAPA has selected the Agency
                                                                                                          must file in accordance with Rules 211
                                                  Amended G736 v32 to be effective 1/7/                                                                         Preferred Alternative identified in the
                                                                                                          and 214 of the Commission’s
                                                  2017.                                                                                                         Final EIS as the route for the Project.
                                                                                                          Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and
                                                     Filed Date: 3/27/17.                                                                                       This decision on the route will enable
                                                                                                          385.214) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern
                                                     Accession Number: 20170327–5270.                                                                           design and engineering activities to
                                                                                                          time on the specified comment date.
                                                     Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/17/17.                                                                           proceed and help inform WAPA’s
                                                                                                          Protests may be considered, but
                                                     Docket Numbers: ER17–1312–000.                                                                             Federal action(s) to consider any
                                                                                                          intervention is necessary to become a
                                                     Applicants: California Independent                                                                         received or anticipated loan application
                                                                                                          party to the proceeding.
                                                  System Operator Corporation.                                                                                  permitted under its borrowing authority
                                                                                                             eFiling is encouraged. More detailed
                                                     Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing:                                                                         and/or exercise its options for
                                                                                                          information relating to filing
                                                  2017–03–27 Department of Market                                                                               participation in the Project. These
                                                                                                          requirements, interventions, protests,
                                                  Monitoring Oversight Committee                                                                                considerations are contingent on the
                                                                                                          service, and qualifying facilities filings
                                                  Amendment to be effective 4/1/2017.                                                                           successful development of participation
                                                                                                          can be found at: http://www.ferc.gov/
                                                     Filed Date: 3/27/17.                                                                                       agreements as well as any and all
                                                                                                          docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For
                                                     Accession Number: 20170327–5272.                                                                           documentation and commitments
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                          other information, call (866) 208–3676
                                                     Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/17/17.                                                                           needed to satisfy financial underwriting
                                                                                                          (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502–8659.
                                                     Docket Numbers: ER17–1313–000.                                                                             standards.
                                                                                                            Dated: March 28, 2017.                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
                                                     Applicants: NorthWestern
                                                  Corporation.                                            Kimberly D. Bose,                                     information on WAPA’s participation in
                                                     Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: SA                Secretary.                                            the Project contact Stacey Harris, Public
                                                  808—LGIA with Orion Wind Resources,                     [FR Doc. 2017–06470 Filed 3–31–17; 8:45 am]           Utilities Specialist, Transmission
                                                  LLC to be effective 3/31/2017.                          BILLING CODE 6717–01–P                                Infrastructure Program (TIP) Office


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:32 Mar 31, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00041   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\03APN1.SGM   03APN1


                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices                                           16197

                                                  A0700, Headquarters Office, Western                        In April 2009, TransWest submitted a               roads to access the proposed Project
                                                  Area Power Administration, P.O. Box                     Statement of Interest (SOI) to WAPA for               facilities and work areas during the
                                                  281213, Lakewood, CO 80228–8213,                        consideration of its Project under the                construction, operation, and
                                                  telephone (720) 962–7714, facsimile                     authority provided to WAPA under the                  maintenance Project phases;
                                                  (720) 962–7083, email sharris@                          American Recovery and Reinvestment                      • Ancillary facilities including a
                                                  wapa.gov. For information about the                     Act of 2009 amendment of the Hoover                   network of 15 to 20 fiber optic
                                                  Project EIS process or to request a CD                  Power Plant Act of 1984. WAPA is                      communication regeneration sites and
                                                  of the document, contact Steve Blazek,                  considering whether to use its                        two ground electrode facilities; and
                                                  NEPA Document Manager, Natural                          borrowing authority, if a loan                          • Temporary construction sites that
                                                  Resources Office A7400, Headquarters                    application is submitted and                          would include wire pulling/fly yards,
                                                  Office, Western Area Power                              successfully underwritten, to finance                 material storage and concrete batch
                                                  Administration, P.O. Box 281213,                        and/or exercise its options for partial               plant sites.
                                                  Lakewood, CO 80228–8213, telephone                      ownership in the proposed Project.                      TransWest also identified and
                                                  (720) 962–7265, facsimile (720) 962–                    TransWest’s SOI prompted WAPA to                      retained two design options to provide
                                                  7263, email sblazek@wapa.gov. The                       initiate a request to the BLM to become               the Project with flexibility to adapt to
                                                  Final EIS and this ROD are also                         a joint lead agency for the development               potential regional transmission changes.
                                                  available at http://energy.gov/nepa/                    of the EIS to determine the                           The design options do not currently
                                                  downloads/eis-0450-final-                               environmental impacts of the Project.                 meet the interests and objectives of the
                                                  environmental-impact-statement.                            TransWest also filed a Right-Of-Way                Project; however, they could be
                                                                                                          (ROW) application with the BLM                        considered if/when capacity becomes
                                                     For general information on the                       pursuant to Title V of the Federal Land               available on the Southern Transmission
                                                  Department of Energy (DOE) NEPA                         Policy and Management Act of 1976, as                 Systems.
                                                  process, please contact Carol M.                        amended, proposing to construct,
                                                  Borgstrom, Director, Office of NEPA                     operate, maintain, and eventually                     Alternatives
                                                  Policy and Compliance (GC–54), U.S.                     decommission a high-voltage electric                     An iterative, adaptive process was
                                                  Department of Energy, 1000                              transmission line on land managed by                  used for this Project to identify an
                                                  Independence Avenue SW.,                                the BLM. The BLM initiated its own                    adequate range of alternative
                                                  Washington, DC 20585, telephone (202)                   NEPA process to address whether to                    transmission corridors that directly
                                                  586–4600 or (800) 472–2756.                             grant a ROW permit. Because both                      respond to addressing potential resource
                                                                                                          agencies had NEPA decisions to                        or siting constraints and help inform
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:     TransWest
                                                                                                          consider, WAPA and the BLM agreed to                  decision-makers. Due to the length of
                                                  Express LLC (TransWest) is the
                                                                                                          be joint lead agencies in accordance                  the transmission line, the alternative
                                                  TransWest Express (TWE) Transmission
                                                                                                          with NEPA, 40 CFR 1501.5(b), for the                  transmission routes were split into four
                                                  Project (Project) proponent. The Project
                                                                                                          purpose of preparing the EIS for the                  distinct regions for the purpose of
                                                  is proposed as an extra high voltage,
                                                                                                          Project. The agencies issued the Final                presenting clear impact comparisons
                                                  direct current (DC) transmission system
                                                                                                          EIS for the Project on November May 1,                between alternative segments:
                                                  extending from south-central Wyoming                                                                             • Region I: Sinclair, Wyoming, to
                                                                                                          2015.
                                                  to southern Nevada. The proposed                                                                              Northwest Colorado near Rangely,
                                                                                                             Each agency will issue its own ROD(s)
                                                  transmission line (and alternatives)                                                                          Colorado;
                                                                                                          addressing the overall Project and the
                                                  would cross four states (Wyoming,                       specific matters within its jurisdiction                 • Region II: Northwest Colorado to
                                                  Colorado, Utah, and Nevada)                             and authority. While WAPA’s potential                 IPP near Delta, Utah;
                                                  encompassing lands owned or                             involvement relates to use of its                        • Region III: IPP to North Las Vegas,
                                                  administered by the BLM, USFS, BOR,                     borrowing authority, the decision at                  Nevada; and
                                                  URMCC, National Park Service, various                   hand is a selection of project route.                    • Region IV: North Las Vegas to
                                                  state agencies, Native American tribes,                                                                       Marketplace Hub in Boulder City,
                                                  municipalities, and private parties. The                Project Description                                   Nevada.
                                                  Project would provide the transmission                     TransWest’s Proposed Action would                     One alternative within each of these
                                                  infrastructure and capacity necessary to                include:                                              regions is combined with the others to
                                                  deliver approximately 3,000 megawatts                      • A 600-kV DC line, approximately                  define a distinct end-to-end route from
                                                  (MW) of electric power from renewable                   725 miles in length, extending across                 Wyoming to Nevada. A depiction of the
                                                  and/or non-renewable energy resources                   public and private lands in Wyoming,                  four regions and the alternatives can be
                                                  in south-central Wyoming to southern                    Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. The                       found as Figures 2–22 through 2–25 in
                                                  Nevada. The TransWest proposed action                   transmission line ROW would be                        Chapter 2 of the Final EIS.
                                                  would consist of an approximately 725-                  approximately 250 feet wide;
                                                  mile-long, 600–kilovolt (kV), DC                           • Two terminal stations located at                 Alternatives Facilities and
                                                  transmission line and two terminals,                    either end of the transmission line; the              Transmission Line Routes for Four
                                                  each containing a converter station that                Northern Terminal located near                        Regions
                                                  converts alternating current (AC) to DC                 Sinclair, Wyoming, and the Southern                   Region I
                                                  or vice-versa. The northern AC/DC                       Terminal at the Marketplace Hub in the
                                                  converter station would be located near                 Eldorado Valley, within Boulder City,                 Northern Terminal
                                                  Sinclair, Wyoming, and the southern                     Nevada. Terminal facilities would                       The Northern Terminal would be
                                                  AC/DC station near the Marketplace                      include converter stations and related                located approximately three miles
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                                                  Hub in the Eldorado Valley,                             substation facilities necessary for                   southwest of Sinclair, Wyoming (Carbon
                                                  approximately 25 miles south of Las                     interconnections to existing and                      County) on private lands. The terminal
                                                  Vegas, Nevada. The Project would retain                 planned regional AC transmission                      would include an AC/DC converter
                                                  an option for a future interconnection                  systems;                                              station and adjacent AC substation. The
                                                  with the existing Intermountain Power                      • Access routes, including                         AC/DC converter station would include
                                                  Project (IPP) transmission system in                    improvements to existing roads, new                   a 600–kV DC switchyard; AC/DC
                                                  Millard County, Utah.                                   overland access, and new unpaved                      conversion equipment; transformers;


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                                                  16198                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices

                                                  and multiple equipment, control,                        There would be approximately 204                      Alternative Variations, Connectors, and
                                                  maintenance, and administrative                         miles of access roads associated with                 Micro-Siting Options
                                                  buildings. Two buildings would house                    this alternative.
                                                  the AC/DC conversion equipment;                                                                                 There are no alternative variations
                                                                                                          Alternative I–C Transmission Line                     within Region I. The Region I alternative
                                                  smaller buildings would house the
                                                                                                          Route                                                 connectors were removed from further
                                                  control room, control and protection
                                                  equipment, auxiliary equipment; and                       This alternative was developed to                   consideration at the request of the lead
                                                  cooling equipment. Connections to the                   reduce the overall proliferation of utility           agencies in response to public
                                                  existing transmission infrastructure also               corridors and associated impacts by                   comments received on the Draft EIS.
                                                  would be constructed. The three major                   following existing designated utility                   Two micro-siting options have been
                                                  components (AC/DC converter station,                    corridors. Alternative I–C would begin                developed to address specific land use
                                                  500/230–kV AC substation, and 230–kV                    by following Alternative I–A to near                  concerns in all Region I alternative
                                                  AC substation) are planned to be co-                    Creston, Wyoming, where Alternative I–                routes related to the Tuttle Ranch
                                                  located and contiguous.                                 C would turn south and parallel                       Conservation Easement and the Cross
                                                  Alternative I–A Transmission Line                       Wyoming State Highway 789 (SH–789)                    Mountain Ranch proposed conservation
                                                  Route (Proposed Action)                                 toward Baggs, Wyoming. From there,                    easement:
                                                                                                          Alternative I–C would continue south,
                                                    TransWest’s proposed alignment                                                                                • Tuttle Ranch Micro-siting Option 3;
                                                                                                          deviating from SH–789 to the east and
                                                  would begin in Sinclair, Wyoming, and                                                                         and
                                                                                                          passing east of Baggs. After crossing into
                                                  would travel west just south of the                     Colorado, this alternative would parallel               • Tuttle Ranch Micro-siting Option 4.
                                                  Interstate 80 (I–80) corridor to                        Colorado State Highway 13 into Craig,                   Tuttle Ranch Micro-siting Option 3
                                                  Wamsutter. At Wamsutter, it would turn                  Colorado. Alternative I–C would pass                  would avoid the Tuttle Ranch
                                                  south and generally follow the Carbon-                  east and south of Craig, turning to the
                                                  Sweetwater county line along a corridor                                                                       Conservation Easement, but would cross
                                                                                                          west after crossing U.S.–40, generally                the NPS Deerlodge Road west of U.S.–
                                                  preferred by the Wyoming Governor’s                     paralleling the highway and joining
                                                  Office and Carbon and Sweetwater                                                                              40 and would cross the largest portion
                                                                                                          with Alternative I–A to the end of                    of the Cross Mountain Ranch property.
                                                  counties. It then would continue south-                 Region I.
                                                  southwest across the Wyoming-                                                                                 Tuttle Ranch Micro-siting Option 4
                                                                                                            Alternative I–C is approximately 186                would avoid the Tuttle Ranch
                                                  Colorado state line and south along a
                                                                                                          miles in length, 44 percent of which                  Conservation Easement and the NPS
                                                  corridor preferred by Moffat County and
                                                                                                          would be located on BLM lands. There                  Deerlodge Road, and would cross the
                                                  coordinated with the BLM Northwest
                                                                                                          would be 53 miles would be in BLM                     least amount of the Cross Mountain
                                                  Colorado District Office’s ongoing
                                                                                                          RMP utility corridors and 60 miles                    Ranch property.
                                                  greater sage-grouse planning effort. It
                                                                                                          would be in WWECs. There would be
                                                  would then intersect with U.S. Highway                                                                        Ground Electrode Locations
                                                                                                          237 miles of access roads associated
                                                  40 (U.S.–40) just west of Maybell,
                                                                                                          with this alternative.
                                                  Colorado. The alignment would then                                                                               One ground electrode system would
                                                  generally parallel U.S.–40, turning                     Alternative I–D Transmission Line                     be required within approximately 100
                                                  southwest toward the Colorado-Utah                      Route                                                 miles of the Northern Terminal to
                                                  border.                                                                                                       establish and maintain electrical current
                                                    Alternative I–A is approximately 156                    Alternative I–D was developed to
                                                                                                                                                                continuity during normal operations,
                                                  miles in length, 66 percent of which                    reduce multiple resource concerns,
                                                                                                                                                                and any unexpected outage of one of the
                                                  would be located on BLM lands. There                    including impacts to visual resources
                                                                                                                                                                two poles (or circuits) of the 600–kV DC
                                                  would be 24 miles would be in BLM                       and greater sage-grouse. It would follow
                                                                                                                                                                terminal or converter station equipment.
                                                  Resource Management Plan (RMP)                          the route of Alternative I–A, going west
                                                                                                                                                                The ground electrode facility would
                                                  utility corridors and 25 miles would be                 from Sinclair, Wyoming (Carbon
                                                                                                          County, Wyoming), basically paralleling               consist of a network of approximately
                                                  in West Wide Energy Corridors                                                                                 60 deep earth electrode wells arranged
                                                  (WWECs). There would be                                 I–80 in a designated WWEC, until
                                                                                                          turning south near Wamsutter. It would                along the perimeter of a circle expected
                                                  approximately 201 miles of access roads                                                                       to be about 3,000 feet in diameter. All
                                                  associated with this alternative.                       follow Alternative I–A south for
                                                                                                          approximately 15 miles. Alternative I–D               wells at a site would be electrically
                                                  Alternative I–B Transmission Line                       then would diverge to the east, where it              interconnected and wired via
                                                  Route (Final EIS Agency Preferred                       generally would parallel SH–789 at an                 approximately 10 low-voltage
                                                  Alternative)                                            offset distance of 2 to 5 miles to the                underground cable ‘‘spokes’’ to a small
                                                                                                          west. Before reaching the Baggs area,                 control building. A low voltage
                                                     Alternative I–B as considered in the
                                                                                                          Alternative I–D would turn west and                   electrode line would connect the ground
                                                  Final EIS would be the same as
                                                                                                          follow the Shell Creek Stock Trail road               electrode facilities to the AC/DC
                                                  Alternative I–A for nearly its entire
                                                                                                          for approximately 20 miles, where it                  converter stations. General siting areas
                                                  length, with one exception just north of
                                                                                                          would cross into Sweetwater County                    and conceptual alternative site locations
                                                  the Wyoming-Colorado state line. A
                                                                                                          and again join Alternative I–A while                  have been identified in Regions I;
                                                  length of approximately 8 miles of
                                                                                                          turning south into Colorado (Moffat                   selection of specific location of the
                                                  Alternative I–B diverges to the southeast
                                                                                                          County).                                              ground electrode systems would be
                                                  from Alternative I–A in this area to
                                                                                                            Alternative I–D is approximately 168                identified during final engineering and
                                                  minimize potential impacts to areas
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                                                                                                          miles in length, 70 percent of which                  design stages.
                                                  eligible for historic trail designation.
                                                     Alternative I–B includes is                          would be located on BLM lands. There                     There are four potential locations for
                                                  approximately 158 miles in length, 67                   would be 24 miles would be in BLM                     ground electrode systems in Region I
                                                  percent of which would be located on                    RMP utility corridors and 25 miles                    (Bolten Ranch, Separation Flat,
                                                  BLM lands. There would be 24 miles                      would be in WWECs. There would be                     Separation Creek, and Eight Mile Basin).
                                                  would be in BLM RMP utility corridors                   213 miles of access roads associated                  All locations would apply to all
                                                  and 25 miles would be in WWECs.                         with this alternative.                                alternatives.


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                                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices                                             16199

                                                  Region II                                                Utah, Alternative II–B would diverge                 access roads associated with this
                                                                                                           from I–70 and turn to the north along                alternative.
                                                  Alternative II–A Transmission Line
                                                                                                           U.S. Highway 191 (U.S.–191). This
                                                  Route (Proposed Action)                                                                                       Alternative II–D Transmission Line
                                                                                                           highway generally would be followed
                                                     The TransWest proposed alignment                                                                           Route
                                                                                                           until just south of the Emery-Carbon
                                                  would continue into Utah in a westerly                   county line, where Alternative II–B                     This alternative was developed to
                                                  direction, and then deviate south from                   would turn west and pass near the                    avoid USFS IRAs and to provide
                                                  U.S.–40 toward Roosevelt, Utah. From                     county line for approximately 25 miles.              additional northern route options to
                                                  Roosevelt, it would pass north of                        Then it would generally would turn                   avoid impacts to historic trails and areas
                                                  Duchesne, again paralleling U.S.–40 for                  south, pass west of Huntington, Utah,                designated for special resource
                                                  several miles, then turn southwest and                   turn northwest, cross a portion of the               management along the southern routes
                                                  cross the Uinta National Forest Planning                 Manti-La Sal National Forest, and pass               (Alternatives II–B and II–C). It would
                                                  Area 1 generally within a designated                     northeast of Mount Pleasant, Utah. From              begin along the same route as
                                                  WWEC, then turn west along U.S.                          there, it would pass through Salt Creek              Alternative II–A. However, as it would
                                                  Highway 6 (U.S.–6) and Soldier Creek.                    Canyon to Nephi, and then south                      enter Utah, it would diverge briefly to
                                                  At the junction with U.S. Highway 89                     around Nephi. It then would turn                     follow a designated utility corridor,
                                                  (U.S.–89), Alternative II–A would then                   southwest and west adjacent to IPP,                  causing it to zigzag once across
                                                  turn south generally along U.S.–89                       following a path south of Alternative II–            Alternative II–A. It then would diverge
                                                  where it would cross a portion of the                    A across a portion of the Fishlake                   to the south of the designated utility
                                                  Manti-La Sal National Forest. The                        National Forest.                                     corridor and turn west-southwest,
                                                  alignment would pass through Salt                           Alternative II–A would be                         skirting the edge of the Ashley National
                                                  Creek Canyon then north around Nephi.                    approximately 346 miles in length, 65                Forest. Alternative II–D would cross
                                                  It would continue west and then turn                     percent of which would be located on                 into Carbon County northwest of Price,
                                                  southwest following a path north of and                  BLM/USFS lands. There would be                       and then turn southwest in the Emma
                                                  adjacent to IPP. Portions of this corridor               approximately 136 miles would be in                  Park area along US–191. It would follow
                                                  have been identified as preferred in a                   BLM RMP utility corridors and 33 miles               this highway west of Helper, across a
                                                  joint resolution by representatives of                   would be in WWECs. There would be                    portion of the Manti-La Sal National
                                                  Juab and Millard counties.                               492 miles of access roads associated                 Forest and then turn west toward Salt
                                                     Alternative II–A would be                             with this alternative.                               Creek Canyon where it would join and
                                                  approximately 258 miles in length, 45                                                                         follow Alternative II–B, skirt the edge of
                                                  percent of which would be located on                     Alternative II–C Transmission Line                   the Uinta National Forest Planning
                                                  BLM/USFS lands. There would be                           Route                                                Area, then join and follow Alternative
                                                  approximately 34 miles in BLM RMP                           Alternative II–C also would decrease              II–A into IPP.
                                                  utility corridors and 63 miles would be                  impacts to private lands and generally                  Alternative II–D is approximately 259
                                                  in WWECs. There would be                                 would follow established utility                     miles in length, 57 percent of which
                                                  approximately 395 miles of access roads                  corridors as well as avoid USFS IRAs.                would be located on BLM/USFS lands.
                                                  associated with this alternative.                        Alternative II–C would follow                        Approximately 71 miles would be in
                                                                                                           Alternative II–B through Colorado,                   BLM RMP utility corridors and 46 miles
                                                  Alternative II–B Transmission Line
                                                                                                           along I–70 into Utah, and north at US–               would be in WWECs. There would be
                                                  Route
                                                                                                           191. Approximately 15 miles north on                 422 miles of access roads associated
                                                     Alternative II–B was developed to                     US–191, Alternative II–C would diverge               with this alternative.
                                                  address impacts to private lands and to                  from Alternative II–B and turn in a
                                                  generally follow established utility                                                                          Alternative II–E Transmission Line
                                                                                                           general westerly direction toward Castle
                                                  corridors. These corridors are                                                                                Route
                                                                                                           Dale. Approximately 3 miles east of
                                                  designated for underground utilities                     Castle Dale, this alternative would turn                Alternative II–E also was developed to
                                                  only and use of the corridor for the                     south and roughly parallel Utah State                provide additional northern route
                                                  transmission line would require a plan                   Highway 10 at a distance of                          options to address the previously
                                                  amendment. The route would travel                        approximately 3 miles to the east. The               mentioned resource impacts from the
                                                  southwest in Colorado from the                           alternative would cross Utah State                   southern routes. This alternative would
                                                  beginning of Region II, cross the Yampa                  Route 10 near the Emery-Sevier county                follow Alternative II–D into Utah and
                                                  River, and pass east of Rangely,                         line and turn west, again generally                  along the designated utility corridor,
                                                  Colorado. It would continue southwest                    following the I–70 corridor across a                 zigzagging across Alternative II–A. It
                                                  where it would cross the Colorado-Utah                   portion of the Fishlake National Forest              then would rejoin Alternative II–A to
                                                  state line and turn generally south,                     into the Salina, Utah, area. Alternative             continue west across the Uintah/
                                                  crossing back into Colorado in the                       II–C would pass south of Salina, turn                Duchesne county line. Approximately
                                                  Baxter Pass area. At that location, it                   north, and parallel U.S. Highway 50                  10 miles east of Duchesne, Alternative
                                                  would intersect the Interstate 70 (I–70)                 toward Scipio, Utah. The alternative                 II–E would turn southwest and
                                                  corridor, turning in a southwesterly and                 would turn west and pass Scipio on the               generally parallel SH–191, offset by 1 to
                                                  westerly direction, paralleling I–70.                    south, again crossing a portion of the               6 miles, through a utility window of the
                                                  After passing south of Green River,                      Fishlake National Forest, then turn                  Ashley National Forest. At the Utah-
                                                                                                           north, passing east of Delta, Utah,                  Carbon county line, this alternative
                                                     1 In March 2008, the Uinta National Forest and
                                                                                                           continuing into IPP.                                 would turn west through the Emma Park
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                                                  the Wasatch-Cache National Forest were combined
                                                  into one administrative unit (Uinta-Wasatch-Cache
                                                                                                              Alternative II–C would be                         area, then northwest along US–6
                                                  National Forest). Each of these forests continues to     approximately 365 miles in length, 67                through a utility window of the Uinta
                                                  operate under individual forest plans approved in        percent of which would be located on                 National Forest Planning Area until
                                                  2003. The term Uinta National Forest Planning Area       BLM/USFS lands. Approximately 146                    rejoining Alternative II–A and following
                                                  is used to refer to that portion of the Uinta-Wasatch-
                                                  Cache National Forest managed under the Uinta
                                                                                                           miles would be in BLM RMP utility                    its siting through the Manti-La Sal
                                                  National Forest Land and Resource Management             corridors and 17 miles would be in                   National Forest to Salt Creek Canyon. At
                                                  Plan.                                                    WWECs. There would be 488 miles of                   this canyon, Alternative II–E would


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                                                  16200                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices

                                                  begin to follow the alignment of                        county line into IPP north of Delta                   would be located on BLM/USFS lands.
                                                  Alternative II–B south of Nephi, then                   (Millard County); the end of Region II.               Approximately 32 miles would be in
                                                  join and follow Alternative II–A                          Alternative II–F is approximately 265               BLM RMP utility corridors and 63 miles
                                                  adjacent and into IPP.                                  miles in length, 55 percent of which                  would be in WWECs. There would be
                                                    Alternative II–E is approximately 268                 would be located on BLM/USFS lands.                   approximately 395 miles of access roads
                                                  miles in length, 44 percent of which                    Approximately 72 miles would be in                    associated with this alternative.
                                                  would be located on BLM/USFS lands.                     BLM RMP utility corridors and 31 miles
                                                  Approximately 40 miles would be in                      would be in WWECs. There would be                     Alternative Variations, Connectors, and
                                                  BLM RMP utility corridors and 66 miles                  approximately 455 miles of access roads               Micro-Siting Options
                                                  would be in WWECs. There would be                       associated with this alternative.                        One alternative variation (Reservation
                                                  approximately 412 miles of access roads                                                                       Ridge Alternative Variation) was
                                                                                                          Alternative II–G Transmission Line
                                                  associated with this alternative.                                                                             developed to address potential impacts
                                                                                                          Route (Final EIS Agency Preferred
                                                  Alternative II–F Transmission Line                      Alternative)                                          to greater sage-grouse issues along
                                                  Route                                                                                                         comparable portions of Alternative II–F.
                                                                                                             Alternative II–G is a reconfiguration                 Micro-siting options for Alternative II
                                                     Alternative II–F was adjusted in the                 of segments that are also included in                 A and Alternative II–G have been
                                                  Final EIS at the request of the lead                    multiple other alternatives, mainly                   developed to address concerns with
                                                  agencies in response to public                          Alternatives II–A and II–F. This specific             construction in Uinta National Forest
                                                  comments on the Draft EIS. This                         alternative configuration was not                     Planning Area IRAs at a location where
                                                  alternative combines portions of other                  included in the Draft EIS, but was added              the designated WWEC offsets from a
                                                  alternatives in the region and contains                 to the Final EIS to reflect the Agency                continual corridor: Strawberry IRA
                                                  unique segments in the Emma Park area                   Preferred Alternative in Region II. This              Micro-siting Option 2 and Strawberry
                                                  that together would minimize impacts                    alternative avoids crossing Tribal trust              IRA Micro-siting Option 3.
                                                  to USFS IRAs, Tribal and private lands,                 lands of the Uintah and Ouray Indian                     Three micro-siting options for
                                                  greater sage-grouse habitat, and avoid                  Reservation, while also avoiding NHT,                 Alternative II–A and Alternative II–G
                                                  impacts to National Historic Trails                     maximizing avoidance of potential                     were also developed and to address
                                                  (NHT). It would begin in southwest                      habitat of Federally protected plant                  conflicts with siting through the Town
                                                  Moffat County (Colorado) by following                   species, and maximizing co-location                   of Fruitland, a Utah Division of Wildlife
                                                  Alternative II–A in designated WWEC                     with existing above-ground utilities. It              Resources conservation easement, and
                                                  and BLM utility corridors. As it enters                 would begin in southwest Moffat                       greater sage-grouse habitat:
                                                  Utah (Uintah County), it would separate                 County (Colorado) by following the                       • Fruitland Micro-siting Option 1;
                                                  from Alternative II–A to the northwest                  other alternatives in designated WWEC                    • Fruitland Micro-siting Option 2;
                                                  and follow the designated utility                       and BLM utility corridors. After                      and
                                                  corridors, which then turn southwest                    entering Utah, this alternative would                    • Fruitland Micro-siting Option 3.
                                                  and cross Alternative II–A. It then                     follow Alternatives II–F, II–D, and II–E                 Five alternative connectors were
                                                  would diverge to the south off of the                   and continue along the designated                     developed in Region II to provide the
                                                  designated WWEC (still following the                    utility corridor, zigzagging across                   flexibility to combine alternative
                                                  BLM-designated corridor) and turn                       Alternative II–A. At this point, it would             segments to address resource conflicts.
                                                  west-southwest, crossing the Uintah and                 follow Alternative II–E to the northwest,             One connector could be used with
                                                  Ouray Indian Reservation. It then would                 and rejoin Alternative II–A to continue               Alternative II–B, two connectors could
                                                  cross into Duchesne County, where it                    west across the Uintah/Duchesne
                                                                                                                                                                be used with Alternative II–C and one
                                                  would turn west-southwest out of the                    county line. Alternative II–G would
                                                                                                                                                                could be used with Alternative II–E.
                                                  BLM utility corridor, skirt the Ashley                  continue to follow Alternative II–A to
                                                  National Forest and generally follow the                near Fruitland. East of Fruitland it                  Region III
                                                  southern county line. The alternative                   would diverge from Alternative II–A,
                                                                                                                                                                Alternative III–A Transmission Line
                                                  would follow Argyle Ridge west and                      but parallel closely to the south for
                                                                                                                                                                Route (Proposed Action)
                                                  US–191 to the southwest for a short                     several miles avoiding a conservation
                                                  distance and then would turn west and                   easement, and then rejoin Alternative                    The TransWest proposed alignment
                                                  follow the base of Reservation Ridge. It                II–A. The alignment would then turn                   would leave IPP to the west and turn
                                                  would then turn northwest and cross                     southwest and cross portions of the                   south toward Milford, Utah, following
                                                  US–6 at Soldier Summit where it would                   Uinta National Forest Planning Area,                  the WWEC. For the remainder of Utah,
                                                  turn west-northwest and follow US–6 to                  then turn west along US–6 and Soldier                 the alignment roughly would parallel
                                                  Thistle (Utah County) through a portion                 Creek, rejoining Alternative II–F. At the             Interstate 15 (I–15) approximately 20
                                                  of designated WWEC and BLM utility                      junction with US–89, Alternative II–G                 miles west of the highway. The
                                                  corridors and a utility window of the                   would then turn south generally along                 alignment would pass west of Milford,
                                                  Uinta National Forest Planning Area. It                 US–89 where it would cross a portion                  then generally trend south-southwest,
                                                  then would turn south, following US–89                  of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The              passing east of Enterprise, Utah, across
                                                  for about 10 miles and through a portion                alignment would pass through Salt                     a portion of the Dixie National Forest,
                                                  of the Manti-La Sal National Forest                     Creek Canyon. Here Alternative II–G                   and directly west of Central, Utah;
                                                  before cutting south-southwest (Sanpete                 would again diverge from Alternative                  exiting Utah just north of the southwest
                                                  County) to Utah State Route 132. At this                II–A and pass south around Nephi. It                  corner of the state. In Nevada, the
                                                  highway, it would turn west into Nephi                  would continue west and then turn                     alignment would cross I–15 west of
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                                                  (Juab County) and follow a path south                   southwest following a path north of and               Mesquite, Nevada, and remain on the
                                                  around the community and continue                       adjacent to IPP. Portions of this corridor            south side of I–15 until reaching the
                                                  west until turning southwest where it                   have been identified as preferred in a                North Las Vegas area northeast of Nellis
                                                  would parallel US–6 north of Lynndyl                    joint resolution by representatives of                Air Force Base.
                                                  for a short distance, then diverging west,              Juab and Millard counties.                               Alternative III–A is approximately
                                                  southwest and finally west along the                       Alternative II–G is approximately 252              276 miles in length, 84 percent of which
                                                  southern edge of the Millard-Juab                       miles in length, 45 percent of which                  would be located on BLM/USFS lands.


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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices                                            16201

                                                  Approximately 67 percent of the route                   into North Las Vegas. Alternative III–C               apply only to Alternative III–B or
                                                  would be within a designated RMP or                     would rejoin Alternative III–A northeast              Alternative III–D (Mormon Mesa-Carp
                                                  WWEC (107 miles and 158 miles,                          of Nellis Air Force Base at the end of                Elgin Rd, Halfway Wash-Virgin River,
                                                  respectively). There would be                           Region III.                                           and Halfway Wash East), one would
                                                  approximately 335 miles of access roads                   Alternative III–C is approximately 308              apply only to Alternative III–C (Meadow
                                                  associated with this alternative.                       miles in length, 83 percent of which                  Valley 2) and one would apply only to
                                                                                                          would be located on BLM lands.                        Design Option 2 as discussed in the
                                                  Alternative III–B Transmission Line
                                                                                                          Approximately 63 percent of the route                 Final EIS.
                                                  Route
                                                                                                          would be within a designated RMP or
                                                     Alternative III–B was developed to                   WWEC (160 miles and 121 miles,                        Region IV
                                                  decrease resource impacts in                            respectively). There would be                         Southern Terminal
                                                  southwestern Utah (including potential                  approximately 338 miles of access roads
                                                  impacts to the Mountain Meadows                                                                                  The Southern Terminal facilities
                                                                                                          associated with this alternative.
                                                  National Historic Landmark and Site                                                                           would be located in the Eldorado Valley
                                                  and IRAs in the Dixie National Forest).                 Alternative III–D Transmission Line                   on private land, within the city limits of
                                                  It would begin following Alternative III–               Route (Final EIS Agency Preferred                     Boulder City, in Clark County, Nevada.
                                                  A through Millard and Beaver counties.                  Alternative)                                          The Southern Terminal would include
                                                  Near the Beaver-Iron county line, it                       Alternative III–D was developed as a               an AC/DC converter station and
                                                  would diverge toward the west.                          minor reconfiguration to Alternative III–             adjacent AC substation. The AC/DC
                                                  Alternative III–B would follow a west-                  B for the purpose of decreased resource               converter station would include a 600–
                                                  southwest course, crossing into Lincoln                 impacts in southwestern Utah                          kV DC switchyard and a converter
                                                  County, Nevada, near Uvada, Utah,                       (including potential impacts to the                   building containing power electronics
                                                  where it would turn to a general                        Mountain Meadows NHL and Site and                     and control equipment.) The Southern
                                                  southerly direction, rejoining                          IRAs in the Dixie National Forest) as                 Terminal would connect to all four of
                                                  Alternative III–A to the northwest of                   well as addressing concerns raised by                 the existing 500–kV substations
                                                  Mesquite. It then would diverge to the                  the DOD. Alternative III–D would begin                (Eldorado, Marketplace, Mead, and
                                                  west from Alternative III–A                             following Alternative III–B, and then                 McCullough) located at the Marketplace
                                                  approximately 16 miles west of                          diverge through Millard County to                     Hub. Connections to the existing
                                                  Mesquite, cross into Clark County, pass                 maintain co-location with the existing                transmission infrastructure at the Mead
                                                  southeast of Moapa, Nevada, pass                        IPP power line to the south for                       and Marketplace substations would be
                                                  through the designated utility corridor                 approximately 30 miles, and then rejoin               via the existing Mead–Marketplace 500–
                                                  on the Moapa Reservation, and rejoin                    Alternative III–B through the remainder               kV transmission line, and connections
                                                  Alternative III–A approximately 4 miles                 to the Region III.                                    to the Eldorado and McCullough
                                                  north of the end of Region III.                            Alternative III–D is approximately 281             substations also would be constructed.
                                                     Alternative III–B is approximately 284               miles in length, 75 percent of which                  The three major components (AC/DC
                                                  miles in length, 74 percent of which                    would be located on BLM/USFS lands.                   converter station, 500/230–kV AC
                                                  would be located on BLM lands.                          Approximately 55 percent of the route                 substation, and 230–kV AC substation)
                                                  Approximately 54 percent of the route                   would be within a designated RMP or                   are planned to be co-located and
                                                  would be within a designated RMP or                     WWEC (137 miles and 50 miles,                         contiguous.
                                                  WWEC (103 miles and 80 miles,                           respectively). There would be                         Alternative IV–A Transmission Line
                                                  respectively). There would be                           approximately 303 miles of access roads               Route (Proposed Action and Final EIS
                                                  approximately 320 miles of access roads                 associated with this alternative.                     Agency Preferred Alternative)
                                                  associated with this alternative.
                                                                                                          Alternative Variations, Connectors, and                 The TransWest proposed action
                                                  Alternative III–C Transmission Line                     Micro-Siting Options                                  would follow a designated WWEC
                                                  Route                                                                                                         following existing transmission lines
                                                                                                            Three alternative variations were
                                                     Alternative III–C also was developed                 developed to address potential impacts                running to the south, passing North Las
                                                  to address the same resource impacts as                 to the Mountain Meadows National                      Vegas to the east, and through the
                                                  Alternative III–B and to take advantage                 Historic Landmark resulting from                      Rainbow Gardens area. It would run
                                                  of an existing corridor with existing                   Alternative III–A: The Ox Valley East                 between Whitney, Nevada, and the Lake
                                                  transmission line development, thereby                  Variation, the Ox Valley West and the                 Las Vegas development skirting the edge
                                                  potentially consolidating cumulative                    Pinto Alternative Variation.                          of Henderson, Nevada. It would then
                                                  transmission line impacts. This                           Three alternative connectors were                   turn in a general southwest direction at
                                                  alternative would follow Alternatives                   also developed in Region III to provide               Railroad Pass, and then in a southern
                                                  III–A and III–B before diverging from                   the flexibility to combine alternative                direction to the Marketplace endpoint.
                                                  them shortly after traveling west out of                segments to address resource conflicts.                 Alternative IV–A is approximately 37
                                                  IPP, where it would follow the existing                 One connector could be used with                      miles in length, 92 percent of which
                                                  IPP power line to the south for                         Alternative III–A, two connectors could               would be located on Federally managed
                                                  approximately 30 miles and then rejoin                  be used with Alternative III–B and III–               lands. There would be 11 miles of BLM
                                                  Alternative III–B to the Utah-Nevada                    D and one could be used with                          RMP corridors and 14 miles of
                                                  state line. After passing into Nevada at                Alternative III–C.                                    designated WWEC. There would be 49
                                                  Uvada, Alternative III–C would turn
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                                                                                                                                                                miles of access roads associated with
                                                  west away from Alternative III–B,                       Ground Electrode Locations                            this alternative.
                                                  passing north of Caliente, Nevada;                        There are eight potential locations for
                                                  turning south approximately 15 miles                    ground electrode systems in Region III.               Alternative IV–B Transmission Line
                                                  west of Caliente. This alternative would                Three of the locations would only apply               Route
                                                  follow that southern course, intersecting               to Alternative III–A (Mormon Mesa-Carp                  Alternative IV–B would follow the
                                                  with U.S. Highway 93 and paralleling                    Elgin Rd, Halfway Wash-Virgin River,                  proposed alternative for approximately
                                                  the highway for all but the last 15 miles               and Halfway Wash East); three would                   seven miles, diverge to the southeast as


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                                                  16202                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices

                                                  it passed directly east of Nellis Air                   would not assume ownership interest or                the National Register of Historic Places
                                                  Force Base and travel south through the                 provide funding to the Project. No RMPs               (NRHP);
                                                  Lake Mead National Recreation Area                      or Forest Plans would need to be                         • Minimizes impacts to important
                                                  (NRA), passing between the Lake Las                     amended if the No Action Alternative                  and sensitive cultural and historic
                                                  Vegas development and Lake Mead.                        were selected.                                        resources in southwestern Utah by
                                                  Along the south edge of Lake Las Vegas,                                                                       avoiding the crossings in and near the
                                                                                                          Environmentally Preferable Alternative                Dixie National Forest, which has the
                                                  it would turn southwest, north of the
                                                  Boulder City, Nevada, then turn west                       The Council on Environmental                       highest known and expected density of
                                                  and join with Alternative IV–A west of                  Quality (CEQ) regulations (40 CFR                     archaeological sites among the
                                                  Henderson to the Marketplace endpoint.                  1505.2(b)) require the ROD to identify                alternatives. These resources include
                                                  This alternative was originally                         one or more environmentally preferred                 three sites of particular cultural
                                                  developed to provide an alternative that                alternatives. An environmentally                      importance: Yellow-Springs cultural
                                                  did not require crossing the recent                     preferred alternative is an alternative               complex, Mountain Meadows National
                                                  congressionally released Sunrise                        that causes the least damage to the                   Historic Landmark, and the Old Spanish
                                                  Mountain Instant Study Area (ISA).                      biological and physical environment                   NHT; and
                                                     Alternative IV–B is approximately 40                 and best protects, preserves, and                        • Avoids the Old Spanish NHT in the
                                                  miles in length, 55 percent of which                    enhances historic, cultural, and natural              Moab and Price BLM Field Office areas.
                                                  would be located on Federally managed                   resources.                                            Section 7 and Section 106 Consultation
                                                  lands. There would be 5 miles of BLM                       Because it would cause the least
                                                  RMP corridors and 5 miles of designated                 damage to the biological and physical                   The BLM, as the main affected
                                                  WWEC. There would be 51 miles of                        environment, WAPA has determined                      Federal land management agency,
                                                  access roads associated with this                       that the No Action Alternative is the                 retained the lead role for Section 7 and
                                                  alternative.                                            environmentally preferable alternative.               Section 106 consultation. Consultation
                                                                                                             However, the No Action Alternative                 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
                                                  Alternative IV–C Transmission Line                      would not allow development of a                      resulted in the issuance of a final
                                                  Route                                                   project that would potentially transmit               Biological Opinion on November 10,
                                                     Alternative IV–C would decrease                      renewable and conventional energy, and                2015. The requirements of the Biological
                                                  impacts to populated areas. This                        would not meet WAPA’s purpose and                     Opinion will apply to the entire Project.
                                                  alternative would follow Alternative IV–                need, including the facilitation of                   The Biological Opinion is provided as
                                                  B through the Lake Mead NRA and                         delivery of renewable energy. For these               Appendix C of the BLM ROD. WAPA
                                                  between the Lake Las Vegas                              reasons WAPA has not selected the No                  executed the Project Programmatic
                                                  development and Lake Mead to north of                   Action Alternative.                                   Agreement as an invited signatory to the
                                                  the Boulder City. It would then continue                   Identification of the environmentally              Section 106 process. The Programmatic
                                                  south before it turned southwest around                 preferable alternative among the action               Agreement will govern Section 106
                                                  the southeast edge of the metropolitan                  alternatives involves some difficult                  actions as they apply to the entire
                                                  area of Boulder City, and into the                      judgments regarding tradeoffs between                 Project and is provided as Appendix E
                                                  Marketplace endpoint. It also was                       different natural and cultural impacts                of the BLM ROD.
                                                  originally developed to provide an                      and values. After considering these                   Mitigation Measures
                                                  alternative that did not require crossing               tradeoffs, WAPA has determined that
                                                  the recent congressionally released                     the Agency Preferred Alternative is the                  Minimization of environmental
                                                  Sunrise Mountain ISA. Alternative IV–                   environmentally preferable action                     impacts was an integral part of Project
                                                  C is approximately 44 miles in length,                  alternative. Among other things, WAPA                 design, routing, and planning.
                                                  55 percent of which would be located                    selected the Agency Preferred                         Appendix C to the Final EIS was a
                                                  on Federally managed lands. There                       Alternative because it:                               compilation of all involved Federal
                                                  would be 5 miles of BLM RMP corridors                      • Maximizes use of existing utility                agencies’ best management practices,
                                                  and 5 miles of designated WWEC. There                   corridors and co-location with existing               design features, specific stipulations,
                                                  would be 54 miles of access roads                       transmission to the extent practicable;               standards, and guidelines to minimize
                                                  associated with this alternative.                          • Avoids or minimizes impacts to                   Project impacts that were considered by
                                                                                                          physical, biological, and cultural                    the appropriate agencies. Informed by
                                                  Alternative Variations, Connectors, and                 resource that are regulated by law                    Appendix C to the Final EIS, TransWest
                                                  Micro-Siting Options                                    (Endangered Species Act, Clean Water                  and the BLM have developed an
                                                     One alternative variation (the                       Act, etc.);                                           extensive Plan of Development (POD)
                                                  Marketplace Variation) was developed                       • Minimizes impacts to sage-grouse                 (Appendix B to the BLM ROD). All
                                                  to address impacts to private lands                     habitat;                                              practicable means have been adopted to
                                                  located on Alternative IV–B.                               • Minimizes impacts to big game                    avoid or minimize environmental harm.
                                                     Five alternative connectors were                     crucial winter range;                                 WAPA may implement applicable
                                                  developed in Region IV to provide the                      • Avoids desert tortoise habitat in                provisions of the POD and its attached
                                                  flexibility to combine alternative                      Utah, and minimizes impacts to desert                 framework plans on State and private
                                                  segments to address resource conflicts.                 tortoise in Nevada;                                   lands as appropriate.
                                                  Each of the five connectors could be                       • Avoids potential habitat for                     WAPA’s Decision
                                                  used with Alternative IV–B and four                     threatened and endangered plant
                                                                                                                                                                  Informed by the analyses and
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                                                  would be used with Alternative IV–C.                    species, including Uintah Basin
                                                                                                          hookless cactus;                                      environmental impacts documented in
                                                  No Action Alternative                                      • Minimizes impacts to modeled                     the Final EIS, WAPA has selected 2 the
                                                    Under the No Action Alternative, the                  potentially suitable clay phacelia
                                                                                                                                                                  2 On November 16, 2011, DOE’s Acting General
                                                  BLM and USFS would not issue ROW                        habitat;
                                                                                                                                                                Counsel restated the delegation to WAPA’s
                                                  grants or special use permits and the                      • Minimizes impacts to the Overland                Administrator all the authorities of the General
                                                  Project would not be constructed. Under                 Trail and Cherokee trail by crossing the              Counsel respecting environmental impact
                                                  the No Action Alternative, WAPA                         trails at segments that are not eligible for          statements.



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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices                                           16203

                                                  Agency Preferred Alternative identified                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. Due to a                   pubic meeting teleconference option
                                                  in the Final EIS as the route for the                   limited space, seating at the NEJAC                   will be processed at https://nejac-
                                                  Project. The Agency Preferred                           meeting will be on a first-come, first                spring-public-teleconference-april-
                                                  Alternative route will be the basis for                 served basis. Pre-registration is highly              2017.eventbrite.com. Pre-registration is
                                                  design and engineering activities that                  suggested.                                            required. Registration for the April 26–
                                                  will finalize the centerline, ROW, and                  DATES: The NEJAC will convene                         27, 2017, meeting closes at 11:59 p.m.,
                                                  access road locations. Additionally, this               Tuesday, April 25, 2017, through                      Central Time on Monday, April 17,
                                                  ROD commits WAPA and TransWest to                       Thursday, April 27, 2017, starting at                 2017. The deadline to sign up to speak
                                                  implement mitigation measures                           6:00 p.m., Central Time Tuesday, April                during the public comment period, or to
                                                  committed to in the project POD, as                     25, 2017. The meeting will convene                    submit written public comments, is
                                                  practicable, to minimize environmental                  April 26–27, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. until               11:59 p.m., Central Time on Monday,
                                                  impacts. WAPA will continue                             5:00 p.m., Central Time.                              April 17, 2017. When registering, please
                                                  coordination of the detailed POD with                      One public comment period relevant                 provide your name, organization, city
                                                  TransWest, the BLM and other                            to the specific issues being considered               and state, email address, and telephone
                                                  applicable land-managing agencies.                      by the NEJAC (see SUPPLEMENTARY                       number for follow up. Please also
                                                  Selection of the Agency Preferred                       INFORMATION) is scheduled for Tuesday,                indicate whether you would like to
                                                  Alternative will help inform WAPA’s                     April 25, 2017, starting at 6:00 p.m.,                provide public comment during the
                                                  Federal action(s) to consider any                       Central Time. Members of the public                   meeting, and whether you are
                                                  received or anticipated loan application                who wish to participate during the
                                                                                                                                                                submitting written comments before the
                                                  permitted under its borrowing authority                 public comment period are highly
                                                  and/or exercise its options for                                                                               Monday, April 17, 2017, deadline.
                                                                                                          encouraged to pre-register by 11:59
                                                  participation in the Project. These                     p.m., Central Time on Monday, April                   A. Public Comment
                                                  considerations are contingent on the                    17, 2017.
                                                  successful development of participation                 ADDRESSES: The NEJAC meeting will be                    Individuals or groups making remarks
                                                  agreements as well as any and all                       held at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis                  during the public comment period will
                                                  documentation and commitments                           Northstar Downtown, 618 Second                        be limited to seven (7) minutes. To
                                                  needed to satisfy customary financial                   Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55402.                        accommodate the number of people
                                                  underwriting standards. This ROD was                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      who want to address the NEJAC, only
                                                  prepared in accordance with the                         Questions or correspondence                           one representative of a particular
                                                  requirements of the CEQ regulations for                 concerning the public meeting should                  community, organization, or group will
                                                  implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts                         be directed to Karen L. Martin, U.S.                  be allowed to speak. Written comments
                                                  1500–1508) and DOE NEPA regulations                     Environmental Protection Agency, by                   can also be submitted for the record.
                                                  (10 CFR part 1021).                                     mail at 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.                  The suggested format for individuals
                                                   Dated: January 12, 2017.                               (MC2201A), Washington, DC 20460; by                   providing public comments is as
                                                  Mark A. Gabriel,                                        telephone at 202–564–0203; via email at               follows: Name of speaker; name of
                                                  Administrator.                                          martin.karenl@epa.gov; or by fax at                   organization/community; city and state;
                                                  [FR Doc. 2017–06479 Filed 3–31–17; 8:45 am]             202–564–1624. Additional information                  and email address; brief description of
                                                  BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
                                                                                                          about the NEJAC is available at https://              the concern, and what you want the
                                                                                                          www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/                     NEJAC to advise EPA to do. Written
                                                                                                          national-environmental-justice-                       comments received by registration
                                                  ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                                advisory-council.                                     deadline, will be included in the
                                                  AGENCY                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The                        materials distributed to the NEJAC prior
                                                                                                          Charter of the NEJAC states that the                  to the teleconference. Written comments
                                                  [FRL–9959–98–OECA]                                      advisory committee ‘‘will provide                     received after that time will be provided
                                                                                                          independent advice and                                to the NEJAC as time allows. All written
                                                  National Environmental Justice
                                                                                                          recommendations to the Administrator                  comments should be sent to Karen L.
                                                  Advisory Council; Notification of
                                                                                                          about broad, crosscutting issues related              Martin, EPA, via email at
                                                  Public Meeting, Public Teleconference
                                                                                                          to environmental justice. The NEJAC’s                 martin.karenl@epa.gov.
                                                  and Public Comment
                                                                                                          efforts will include evaluation of a
                                                  AGENCY: Environmental Protection                        broad range of strategic, scientific,                 B. Information About Services for
                                                  Agency (EPA).                                           technological, regulatory, community                  Individuals With Disabilities or
                                                  ACTION: Notification of public meeting.                 engagement and economic issues related                Requiring English Language Translation
                                                                                                          to environmental justice.’’ The meeting               Assistance
                                                  SUMMARY:   Pursuant to the Federal                      discussion will focus on several topics
                                                  Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the                                                                               For information about access or
                                                                                                          including, but not limited to,
                                                  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency                                                                          services for individuals requiring
                                                                                                          environmental justice concerns of
                                                  (EPA) hereby provides notice that the                   communities in Minneapolis, MN and                    assistance, please contact Karen L.
                                                  National Environmental Justice                          surrounding areas and proactive efforts               Martin, at (202) 564–0203 or via email
                                                  Advisory Council (NEJAC) will meet on                   of states to advance environmental                    at martin.karenl@epa.gov. To request
                                                  the dates and times described below. All                justice.                                              special accommodations for a disability
                                                  meetings are open to the public.                                                                              or other assistance, please submit your
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                                                  Members of the public are encouraged                    Registration                                          request at least fourteen (14) working
                                                  to provide comments relevant to the                       Registration for the April 25–27, 2017,             days prior to the meeting, to give EPA
                                                  specific issues being considered by the                 pubic face-to-face meeting will be                    sufficient time to process your request.
                                                  NEJAC. For additional information                       processed at https://nejac-spring-public-             All requests should be sent to the
                                                  about registering to attend the meeting                 meeting-april-2017.eventbrite.com. Pre-               address, email, or phone/fax number
                                                  or to provide public comment, please                    registration is highly suggested.                     listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
                                                  see ‘‘Registration’’ under                              Registration for the April 26–27, 2017,               CONTACT section.



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Document Created: 2017-04-01 09:35:57
Document Modified: 2017-04-01 09:35:57
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
ActionRecord of decision.
ContactFor information on WAPA's participation in the Project contact Stacey Harris, Public Utilities Specialist, Transmission Infrastructure Program (TIP) Office A0700, Headquarters Office, Western Area Power Administration, P.O. Box 281213, Lakewood, CO 80228-8213, telephone (720) 962-7714, facsimile (720) 962-7083, email [email protected] For information about the Project EIS process or to request a CD of the document, contact Steve Blazek, NEPA Document Manager, Natural Resources Office A7400, Headquarters Office, Western Area Power Administration, P.O. Box 281213, Lakewood, CO 80228-8213, telephone (720) 962-7265, facsimile (720) 962-7263, email [email protected] The Final EIS and this ROD are also available at http://energy.gov/nepa/downloads/eis-0450-final- environmental-impact-statement.
FR Citation82 FR 16196 

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