82 FR 28469 - Notice of Availability of Proposed Revisions to Section I of the Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota State Technical Guides for Public Review and Comment
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Natural Resources Conservation Service Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 119 (June 22, 2017)
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 119 (June 22, 2017)
| Page Range | 28469-28470 | |
| FR Document | 2017-13061 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 119 (Thursday, June 22, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 28469-28470] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-13061] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Natural Resources Conservation Service [Docket No. NRCS-2016-0012] Notice of Availability of Proposed Revisions to Section I of the Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota State Technical Guides for Public Review and Comment AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). ACTION: Notice of availability of proposed revisions to Section I of the Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota State Technical Guides for public review and comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the intention of NRCS to issue revisions to the State Offsite Methods (SOSM) for use in Iowa, North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota. The SOSM is used in completing wetland determinations for USDA program eligibility purposes. The existing SOSM's have been in use since July 2015, NRCS is seeking comments only on the proposed revisions to these documents. The revisions are needed to clarify procedures and improve consistency in application. NRCS State Conservationists in each of these States will incorporate their revised SOSM into Section I of their respective electronic Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG). As identified in the National Food Security Act Manual these revised methods may be used for completion of wetland determinations. Section 343 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 requires NRCS to make available for public review and comment all proposed revisions to methods and procedures used to carry out the Highly Erodible Land and wetland compliance provisions of the 1985 Food Security Act (as amended). DATES: Effective Date: This is effective June 22, 2017. Comment Date: Submit comments on or before June 22, 2017. Final versions of these revised State Offsite Methods will be adopted after the close of the 30-day period and after consideration of all comments. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by Docket Number NRCS- 2016-0012, using any of the following methods:Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attention: [[Page 28470]] Regulatory and Agency Policy Team, Strategic Planning and Accountability, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Building 1-1112D, Beltsville, Maryland 20705. Email: [email protected]. Include Docket Number NRCS-2016-0012 or ``comment on proposed revisions to Section I'' in the subject line of the email message. NRCS will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov. In general, personal information provided with comments will be posted. If your comment includes your address, phone number, email, or other personal identifying information, your comments, including personal information, may be available to the public. You may ask in your comment that your personal identifying information be withheld from public view, but this cannot be guaranteed. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The appropriate NRCS State Conservationist as listed below; Kurt Simon, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 210 Walnut Street, Room 693, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2180, (515) 284-4769, [email protected], NRCS Iowa Web site: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/ia/home/. Mary Podoll, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 220 E. Rosser Ave., Room 278, Bismarck, North Dakota 58502- 1458, (701) 530-2003, [email protected], NRCS North Dakota Web site http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/nd/home/. Cathee Pullman, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 375 Jackson Street, Suite 600, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-1854, (651) 602-7854, [email protected], NRCS Minnesota Web site: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/mn/home/. Jeff Zimprich, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Federal Building, Room 203, 200 Fourth Street SW., Huron, South Dakota 57350-2475, (605) 352-1200, [email protected], NRCS South Dakota Web site: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/sd/home/. Electronic copies of the proposed revised SOSMs are available in the docket information section of this notice. There are separate SOSM documents for each state. In general, all documents have similar language with the exception that the South Dakota and North Dakota SOSM contains procedures for playa wetlands. Playa wetlands do not exist in either Minnesota or Iowa. NRCS is seeking comments on the revisions to these documents. Each document's revisions (deletions, additions, and strike-throughs) can be viewed in a ``track changes'' format. Requests for paper versions or inquiries may be directed to Paul Flynn, Wetland Project Manager, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 375 Jackson Street, Suite 600, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To fully understand the proposed revisions, individuals are encouraged to compare these changes with each State's current version as shown on each State's Web site. To aid in this comparison, following are highlights of the proposed revisions to each State's SOSM by section: 2.1 Develop a Base Map Clarifies that sampling unit boundaries as viewed on aerial imagery can be adjusted using other references including Light Detection and Ranging data. Reinforces that for sites without pre-1985 manipulation sampling units can be identified using references other than aerial imagery. Provides clarification that all sampling units recorded on the Base Map reflect consideration of Normal Environmental Conditions and sites with pre-1985 drainage also accurately reflect the condition of the drainage. Provides direction that drainage manipulations and their approximate year of installation will be identified on the base map or another reference. 2.2.1 and 2.3.1 Hydrophytic Vegetation Clarifies how the Official Soil Description (OSD) section titled ``Use and Vegetation'' can be used in verifying hydrophytic vegetation. 2.2.3, 2.3.3, and 2.4.2 Wetland Hydrology Clarifies that wetland hydrology for sites without pre- 1985 drainage is determined to be present when wetness signatures are found on 50 percent or more of imagery reviewed. Explains that the wetland hydrology review for sites without pre-1985 drainage consists of all available normal years starting with the 2014 image year and going back to 1980. Clarifies how wetness signatures are defined and annotated on the data sheet. Allows that when a normal year image is of poor quality such that wetness signatures are not discernable, those image years can be excluded from the imagery review. Defines the term ``all available'' when used with aerial images or photography. 2.4.3 Wetland Hydrology (With Pre-1985 Drainage) Explains how the agency expert determines the best drainage condition of the sampling unit. Explains how, after determining the best drained condition, the agency expert uses aerial imagery to determine when wetland hydrology is positive or negative. 3.1 Verification of Pre-1985 Cropping History Allows verification based on person provided records that document cropping history. 3.2 Verification of Pre-December 23, 1985, Manipulation(s) Adds additional references that can be used to make this determination. 3.3 Verification of Post-1985 Potential Conversion Provides that verification will include review of the most recent year of aerial photography available. 3.5.1 Verification of Presence of Woody Vegetation as of December 23, 1985 Adds this verification as an independent determination. 3.6 Determination of the Required Conditions for the Following WC Labels Deletes this entire Section including Table 1. Guidance in the National Food Security Act Manual will be followed to apply USDA wetland labels. Dated: May 22, 2017. Kevin Wickey Regional Conservationist, Central Region, Natural Resources Conservation Service. [FR Doc. 2017-13061 Filed 6-21-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-16-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 119 / Thursday, June 22, 2017 / Notices 28469
or prohibit activities under the 1872 A USFS approved re-vegetation plan DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
General Mining Law that are otherwise would be developed and implemented.
lawful. Therefore it is the intent of the The plan specifies site-specific locally Natural Resources Conservation
Sierra National Forest to conduct an native species sown from seed, or Service
environmental analysis of the Torosian’s propagated from cuttings or other [Docket No. NRCS–2016–0012]
proposal, determine the impacts to the vegetative methods to be planted.
environment, identify appropriate Introduction prevention and spread of Notice of Availability of Proposed
mitigation measures, establish a invasive non-native plants would be Revisions to Section I of the Iowa,
reclamation plan, and issue an approved built into all stages of the project. Minnesota, North Dakota, and South
plan of operation to authorize the Dakota State Technical Guides for
proposal. Responsible Official Public Review and Comment
Purpose and Need for Action Sierra National Forest Supervisor, AGENCY: Natural Resources
The purpose of the project from the Dean A. Gould. Conservation Service (NRCS).
USFS perspective is to comply with the Nature of Decision To Be Made ACTION: Notice of availability of
agency responsibility to comply with proposed revisions to Section I of the
the 1872 Mining Act and the 36 Code of The decision to be made is whether or Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and
Federal Regulations (CFR) 228 requiring not to approve and authorize the South Dakota State Technical Guides for
the USFS to authorize a proposed PoO proposed mining PoO submitted by public review and comment.
submitted by Dave and Steve Torosian, Dave and Steve Torosian.
with the appropriate mitigation SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the
measures and to reclaim the mining Preliminary Issues intention of NRCS to issue revisions to
disturbance to pre-existing conditions. the State Offsite Methods (SOSM) for
Preliminary issues include diversion use in Iowa, North Dakota, Minnesota,
The purpose of the project from the of water from the small tributary where
proponent’s perspective is to mine gold and South Dakota. The SOSM is used in
mining is proposed and stream bed completing wetland determinations for
bearing gravels along 1350 feet of
alteration of a perennial stream channel USDA program eligibility purposes. The
channel, as a pilot project to determine
where mining will occur; management existing SOSM’s have been in use since
the most practical, economically
efficient and viable future mining of invasive weeds; impacts to riparian July 2015, NRCS is seeking comments
method. habitat; and soil and vegetation only on the proposed revisions to these
disruption resulting in habitat documents. The revisions are needed to
Proposed Action disturbance and erosion. clarify procedures and improve
The mining PoO proposes to excavate consistency in application.
Permits or Licenses Required
alluvial gold bearing gravels along the NRCS State Conservationists in each
stream channel in three locations. Several permits will be required of these States will incorporate their
Mining activity would consist of including (1) permit from California revised SOSM into Section I of their
excavating the entire width of the Fish and Game (401) and possible respective electronic Field Office
stream channel and floodplain down to Migratory Bird Take Permit; (2) Technical Guide (FOTG). As identified
a depth of approximately 5 feet. Each discharge permit from California Water in the National Food Security Act
excavation would be 200 to 300 feet Quality Control Board; (3) stream Manual these revised methods may be
long with the total volume of excavated alteration permit (404) from the Army used for completion of wetland
stream channel estimated to be 4,000– determinations. Section 343 of the
Corp of Engineers; and (4) reclamation
5,000 cubic yards. Design criteria set Federal Agriculture Improvement and
permit from the California Department
forth in the California Storm Water Best Reform Act of 1996 requires NRCS to
of Mines. make available for public review and
Management Practices handbook and be
approved by a Qualified Storm Water Scoping Process comment all proposed revisions to
Pollution Prevention Plan Designer methods and procedures used to carry
would be implemented as part of the This notice of intent initiates the out the Highly Erodible Land and
project. scoping process, which guides the wetland compliance provisions of the
Other activities associated with the development of the environmental 1985 Food Security Act (as amended).
mining operation include setting up a impact statement. It is important that DATES:
camp, adjacent to the West Fork reviewers provide their comments at Effective Date: This is effective June
Chiquito Creek and moving in a small such times and in such manner that 22, 2017.
storage container to store equipment they are useful to the agency’s Comment Date: Submit comments on
and supplies. Shallow samples of soil preparation of the environmental impact or before June 22, 2017.
would be collected throughout the 120 statement. Therefore, comments should Final versions of these revised State
acres of the Try Me Claims. Samples be provided prior to the close of the Offsite Methods will be adopted after
would be taken in a grid pattern for comment period and should clearly the close of the 30-day period and after
assay and geochemical assessment of articulate the reviewer’s concerns and consideration of all comments.
the area. contentions. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
All lands disturbed by this proposal identified by Docket Number NRCS–
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
Cynthia D. West,
would be reclaimed and restored to a 2016–0012, using any of the following
condition that is consistent with the Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National methods:
Sierra National Forest Land Forest System. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://
Management Plan, as amended, USFS [FR Doc. 2017–13036 Filed 6–21–17; 8:45 am] www.regulations.gov. Follow the
Region 5 and national USFS native BILLING CODE 3411–15–P instructions for submitting comments.
plant policy as well as applicable State • Mail or hand-delivery: Public
air and water quality requirements. Comments Processing, Attention:
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![28470 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 119 / Thursday, June 22, 2017 / Notices
Regulatory and Agency Policy Team, wetlands do not exist in either those image years can be excluded from
Strategic Planning and Accountability, Minnesota or Iowa. NRCS is seeking the imagery review.
Natural Resources Conservation Service, comments on the revisions to these • Defines the term ‘‘all available’’
5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Building 1– documents. Each document’s revisions when used with aerial images or
1112D, Beltsville, Maryland 20705. (deletions, additions, and strike- photography.
• Email: Verna.Howell@ throughs) can be viewed in a ‘‘track
2.4.3 Wetland Hydrology (With Pre-
wdc.usda.gov. Include Docket Number changes’’ format. Requests for paper
1985 Drainage)
NRCS–2016–0012 or ‘‘comment on versions or inquiries may be directed to
proposed revisions to Section I’’ in the Paul Flynn, Wetland Project Manager, • Explains how the agency expert
subject line of the email message. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural determines the best drainage condition
NRCS will post all comments on Resources Conservation Service, 375 of the sampling unit.
http://www.regulations.gov. In general, Jackson Street, Suite 600, St. Paul, • Explains how, after determining the
personal information provided with Minnesota 55101. best drained condition, the agency
comments will be posted. If your SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To fully
expert uses aerial imagery to determine
comment includes your address, phone understand the proposed revisions, when wetland hydrology is positive or
number, email, or other personal individuals are encouraged to compare negative.
identifying information, your these changes with each State’s current 3.1 Verification of Pre–1985 Cropping
comments, including personal version as shown on each State’s Web History
information, may be available to the site. To aid in this comparison,
public. You may ask in your comment • Allows verification based on person
following are highlights of the proposed
that your personal identifying provided records that document
revisions to each State’s SOSM by
information be withheld from public cropping history.
section:
view, but this cannot be guaranteed. 3.2 Verification of Pre–December 23,
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The
2.1 Develop a Base Map
1985, Manipulation(s)
appropriate NRCS State Conservationist • Clarifies that sampling unit • Adds additional references that can
as listed below; boundaries as viewed on aerial imagery be used to make this determination.
Kurt Simon, State Conservationist, can be adjusted using other references
Natural Resources Conservation including Light Detection and Ranging 3.3 Verification of Post–1985 Potential
Service, 210 Walnut Street, Room 693, data. Conversion
Des Moines, Iowa 50309–2180, (515) • Reinforces that for sites without • Provides that verification will
284–4769, Kurt.simon@ia.usda.gov, pre-1985 manipulation sampling units include review of the most recent year
NRCS Iowa Web site: http:// can be identified using references other of aerial photography available.
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ than aerial imagery.
site/ia/home/. • Provides clarification that all 3.5.1 Verification of Presence of
Mary Podoll, State Conservationist, sampling units recorded on the Base Woody Vegetation as of December 23,
Natural Resources Conservation Map reflect consideration of Normal 1985
Service, 220 E. Rosser Ave., Room Environmental Conditions and sites • Adds this verification as an
278, Bismarck, North Dakota 58502– with pre-1985 drainage also accurately independent determination.
1458, (701) 530–2003, Mary.podoll@ reflect the condition of the drainage.
nd.usda.gov, NRCS North Dakota Web • Provides direction that drainage 3.6 Determination of the Required
site http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/ manipulations and their approximate Conditions for the Following WC Labels
portal/nrcs/site/nd/home/. year of installation will be identified on • Deletes this entire Section
Cathee Pullman, State Conservationist, the base map or another reference. including Table 1. Guidance in the
Natural Resources Conservation National Food Security Act Manual will
2.2.1 and 2.3.1 Hydrophytic
Service, 375 Jackson Street, Suite 600, be followed to apply USDA wetland
Vegetation
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101–1854, (651) labels.
602–7854, Cathee.pullman@ • Clarifies how the Official Soil Dated: May 22, 2017.
mn.usda.gov, NRCS Minnesota Web Description (OSD) section titled ‘‘Use
Kevin Wickey
site: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/ and Vegetation’’ can be used in
Regional Conservationist, Central Region,
portal/nrcs/site/mn/home/. verifying hydrophytic vegetation.
Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Jeff Zimprich, State Conservationist,
2.2.3, 2.3.3, and 2.4.2 Wetland [FR Doc. 2017–13061 Filed 6–21–17; 8:45 am]
Natural Resources Conservation
Hydrology BILLING CODE 3410–16–P
Service, Federal Building, Room 203,
200 Fourth Street SW., Huron, South • Clarifies that wetland hydrology for
Dakota 57350–2475, (605) 352–1200, sites without pre-1985 drainage is
Jeff.zimprich@sd.usda.gov, NRCS determined to be present when wetness COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS
South Dakota Web site: http:// signatures are found on 50 percent or
more of imagery reviewed. Notice of Public Meeting of the
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/
• Explains that the wetland Minnesota Advisory Committee To
site/sd/home/.
hydrology review for sites without pre- Review and Discuss a Draft Report
Electronic copies of the proposed
1985 drainage consists of all available Regarding Civil Rights and Policing
revised SOSMs are available in the
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
normal years starting with the 2014 Practices in Minnesota
docket information section of this
notice. There are separate SOSM image year and going back to 1980. AGENCY: U.S. Commission on Civil
documents for each state. In general, all • Clarifies how wetness signatures are Rights.
documents have similar language with defined and annotated on the data sheet. ACTION: Announcement of meeting.
the exception that the South Dakota and • Allows that when a normal year
North Dakota SOSM contains image is of poor quality such that SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given,
procedures for playa wetlands. Playa wetness signatures are not discernable, pursuant to the provisions of the rules
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Document Created: 2017-06-21 23:55:35
Document Modified: 2017-06-21 23:55:35
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of availability of proposed revisions to Section I of the Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota State Technical Guides for public review and comment. | |
| Dates | Effective Date: This is effective June 22, 2017. | |
| Contact | The appropriate NRCS State Conservationist as listed below; | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 28469 |
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