82_FR_40962 82 FR 40797 - Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment To Reconsider the January 19, 2017, Record of Decision Approving Segments 8 and 9 for the Gateway West Transmission Line Project, Idaho

82 FR 40797 - Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment To Reconsider the January 19, 2017, Record of Decision Approving Segments 8 and 9 for the Gateway West Transmission Line Project, Idaho

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 165 (August 28, 2017)

Page Range40797-40799
FR Document2017-18181

In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), and the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) Boundary Modification Act of 2017 (Modification Act), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is reconsidering the decision to approve a Right-of-Way (ROW) application for Segments 8 and 9 of the Gateway West 500-kilovolt (kV) Transmission Line Project (Project). By this Notice the BLM announces the beginning of scoping to solicit public comments and identify issues associated with such reconsideration, including the potential amendment of several Resource Management Plans (RMPs) and Management Framework Plans (MFPs) in the project area. The BLM analyzed the impacts of the alternative that it is reconsidering in the 2016 Gateway West Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The BLM will prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) to reconsider the January 19, 2017 Decision, including the land use plan amendments associated with a specific action alternative identified in the Supplemental EIS.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 165 (Monday, August 28, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 165 (Monday, August 28, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40797-40799]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-18181]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[16XL LLWY9200000.L51010000.ER0000.LVRWK09K0990.241A.0 4500106832]


Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment To 
Reconsider the January 19, 2017, Record of Decision Approving Segments 
8 and 9 for the Gateway West Transmission Line Project, Idaho

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act 
of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), and the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of 
Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) Boundary Modification Act of 2017 
(Modification Act), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is 
reconsidering the decision to approve a Right-of-Way (ROW) application 
for Segments 8 and 9 of the Gateway West 500-kilovolt (kV) Transmission 
Line Project (Project). By this Notice the BLM announces the beginning 
of scoping to solicit public comments and identify issues associated 
with such reconsideration, including the potential amendment of several 
Resource Management Plans (RMPs) and Management Framework Plans (MFPs) 
in the project area. The BLM analyzed the impacts of the alternative 
that it is reconsidering in the 2016 Gateway West Final Supplemental 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The BLM will prepare an 
Environmental Assessment (EA) to reconsider the January 19, 2017 
Decision, including the land use plan amendments associated with a 
specific action alternative identified in the Supplemental EIS.

DATES: Comments on issues may be submitted in writing until September 
27, 2017. In order to be included in the analysis, all comments must be 
postmarked prior to the close of the 30-day scoping period.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on issues and planning criteria 
related to this EA by any of the following methods:

 Web site: https://www.blm.gov/gatewaywest
 Email: [email protected]
 Fax: 208-384-3326
 Mail: BLM Boise District Office, 3948 Development Ave., Boise, 
ID 83705

    Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the BLM 
Boise District Office, 3948 Development Ave,, Boise, ID 83705.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Contact Courtney Busse by calling 208-373-3872 
or emailing at [email protected]. You can also contact Ms. Busse to have 
your name added to the BLM mailing list for the Project. Persons who 
use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal 
Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact Ms. Busse. The FRS is 
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question 
with Ms. Busse. You will receive a reply during normal business hours.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PacifiCorp, dba Rocky Mountain Power, and 
Idaho Power (Proponents) submitted an initial ROW application under 
FLPMA in 2007 to locate 500-kV electric transmission lines on Federal 
lands as part of the Project. The original Project comprised 10 
transmission line segments originating at the Windstar Substation near 
Glenrock, Wyoming, and terminating at the Hemingway Substation near 
Melba, Idaho.
    After completing NEPA analysis in an EIS, the BLM issued a Record 
of Decision (ROD) in November 2013 that authorized routes and 
associated land use plan amendments on Federal lands for Segments 1 
through 7, and Segment 10, but the BLM deferred a Decision for Segments 
8 and 9 in southwestern Idaho.
    In August 2014, the BLM received from the Proponents a revised ROW 
application for Segments 8 and 9 and a revised Plan of Development for 
the Project, which the BLM determined required additional NEPA analysis 
through a Supplemental EIS. On October 7, 2016, the BLM released a 
Final Supplemental EIS that analyzed seven alternative ROW routes for 
Segments 8 and 9 and the land use plan amendments needed to accommodate 
each alternative route pair. The BLM issued a ROD on January 19, 2017, 
selecting the route described as Alternative 5 in the Final 
Supplemental EIS.
    Following the Decision, several environmental organizations, the 
State of Idaho, and Owyhee County, Idaho, appealed the ROW Decision to 
the Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA). In a letter to the Secretary 
of the Interior, the Governor of Idaho requested that the BLM 
reconsider the January 19, 2017, Decision and select an alternative 
with fewer impacts to State and county resources and communities. The 
Proponents also requested that the BLM reconsider the January Decision 
and possibly select the alternative proposed in their revised 
application, as more cost-effective and providing greater system 
reliability. On April 18, 2017, the IBLA granted BLM's Motion to Remand 
the January 19, 2017, Decision for reconsideration. The BLM's Motion 
was unopposed.
    On May 4, 2017, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2017 (H.R. 244), which incorporated the Morley Nelson Snake River 
Birds of Prey NCA Boundary Modification Act (Modification Act) by 
reference (Division G, Title IV, Sec. 431(a)).
    The President signed the Appropriations Act into law on May 5, 
2017. The Modification Act directed the BLM to issue a ROW grant for 
the lands described in Sec. (b)(2) of the Modification Act for portions 
of Gateway West Segments 8 and 9, which represent the portions of 
Alternative 1 from the Final Supplemental EIS within the boundaries of 
the NCA. The Modification Act also removed the lands for this ROW from 
NCA status and stipulated that the mitigation framework presented in 
the Final Supplemental EIS will apply to the authorized segments. The 
Modification Act (Sec. (c)(1)) requires the BLM to issue the ROW (that 
portion in the NCA) within 90 days of the enactment of the 
Appropriations Act, or by August 2, 2017.
    In light of the Modification Act's non-discretionary direction to 
issue the statutory ROW, the BLM's reconsideration of the January 19, 
2017, Decision will consider the alternative(s) from the Supplemental 
EIS that align with the statutory ROW, so as to meet the agency's 
purpose and need for action, i.e., to respond to the Proponents' ROW 
application and the direction of the Modification Act, and the no-
action alternative.
    Because the route pairing described as Alternative 1 (routes 
described as Revised Proposed 8 and Revised Proposed 9) in the 
Supplemental EIS is the only alternative that meets these criteria, it 
will be analyzed as the action alternative for reconsideration.
    Furthermore, because the statutory ROW directed the BLM to issue a 
ROW grant for certain portions of the routes within the NCA boundaries 
previously analyzed in Alternative 1 in the Supplemental EIS, the EA 
and

[[Page 40798]]

subsequent decision will address only public lands identified with 
Alternative 1 which lie outside the NCA boundaries that existed when 
the Final Supplemental EIS was published (October 7, 2016, 81 FR 
69845). In the EA, the BLM plans to rely on the Supplemental EIS and 
the 2013 Final EIS for both the ROW alternatives for Segments 8 and 9 
and the corresponding land use plan amendments necessary to support the 
alternative.
    Because the potential selection of a different ROW alternative 
would require a new decision for corresponding land use plan 
amendments, the BLM must ensure that it is satisfying the land use plan 
amendment requirements set forth in 43 CFR part 1600. The BLM is 
preparing an EA to inform reconsideration of the January 19, 2017, 
Decision and meet the regulatory requirements for amending land use 
plans, including public participation opportunities, and to ensure that 
any new information regarding the alternatives presented in the 
Supplemental EIS and 2013 Final EIS are analyzed. This Notice announces 
the beginning of scoping to seek public input on issues and planning 
criteria.
    The purpose of public scoping is to determine relevant issues that 
will influence the scope of the EA. The BLM invites public 
participation and comment on those issues, potential impacts, and 
mitigation measures associated with granting ROWs on public lands for 
Segments 8 and 9 that may not have been addressed in the Final 
Supplemental EIS.
    The BLM identified and analyzed the following issues and concerns 
in the Final Supplemental EIS for Segments 8 and 9 of the Project:
     Effects to the objects and values for which the Morley 
Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) was 
designated;
     Land use conflicts and inconsistency with land use plans;
     Effects of the project on local and regional socioeconomic 
conditions;
     Effects on wildlife habitat, plants, and animals, 
including threatened, endangered, and sensitive species;
     Effects to visual resources and existing view-sheds;
     Effects to historic and cultural resources;
     Effects to Indian trust assets;
     Opportunities to apply mitigation strategies for on-site, 
regional, and compensatory mitigation; and
     Siting on private lands versus public lands.
    Planning criteria considered for the plan amendments associated 
with each action alternative in the Supplemental EIS include the 
following:
     NEPA;
     Existing laws, regulations, and BLM policies;
     Plans, programs and policies of other Federal, State, and 
local governments, and Indian tribes;
     Public input;
     Future needs and demands for existing or potential 
resource commodities and values;
     Past and present use of public and adjacent lands;
     Environmental impacts;
     Social and economic values;
     Public welfare and safety; and
     National energy policies and plans.

Land Use Plan Amendments

    The Supplemental EIS identified 17 amendments to BLM land use plans 
needed to authorize Alternative 1. The January 2017 Decision approved 
two amendments to the Twin Falls MFP and one amendment to the Snake 
River Birds of Prey RMP that would also be necessary to authorize 
Alternative 1. The January Decision set aside and, remand 
notwithstanding, these approved plan amendments remain in effect. In 
addition, the Modification Act superseded the need for seven plan 
amendments to the Snake River Birds of Prey RMP associated with 
Alternative 1 analyzed in the Supplemental EIS. As a result, selecting 
Alternative 1 in a Decision on reconsideration would require seven plan 
amendments to three current BLM land use plans, as follows:
     Kuna MFP;
     Bennett Hills/Timmerman Hills MFP; and
     Jarbidge RMP (1987, for areas not covered by the 2015 
Jarbidge RMP).
    In order to authorize Segment 8 in Alternative 1, the Kuna MFP 
would need an amendment to allow the transmission line outside of 
existing corridors. An amendment to the Bennett Hills/Timmerman Hills 
MFP would be needed to allow the route near archeological sites and to 
change Visual Resource Management (VRM) classes. The 1987 Jarbidge RMP 
would need amendments to change VRM Classes, allow crossing of the 
Oregon National Historic Trail, and change a utility avoidance/
restricted area designation.
    In order to authorize Segment 9 in this alternative, the 1987 
Jarbidge RMP would need an amendment to change VRM Class II to VRM 
Class III for areas still managed under that plan.
    The route pairing identified in the Supplemental EIS as Alternative 
5 (Route 8G and Route 9K) was selected in the January Decision. The 
January 19, 2017, ROD approved one amendment to the Bruneau MFP, two 
amendments to the Twin Falls MFP, and one amendment to the Snake River 
Birds of Prey RMP needed to grant a ROW for Alternative 5. These plan 
amendments remain in effect. The alignment pairing in this alternative 
does not connect with the ROW the BLM plans to issue pursuant to the 
Modification Act.

Mitigation

    The Final Supplemental EIS presents a framework the BLM has 
developed in cooperation with the Proponents for assessing compensatory 
mitigation under FLPMA and for implementing NEPA regulations on 
mitigating project-related impacts to National Historic Trails; 
cultural resources; wetlands; and resources, objects, and values in the 
NCA. The framework discusses avoidance, minimization, and compensation 
measures that would be required under each alternative analyzed in the 
Supplemental EIS. The Modification Act directs implementation of this 
framework during construction of each respective project segment (Sec. 
2(c)(A)). Impacts to Greater sage-grouse and migratory birds are 
addressed in the 2013 Final EIS for the entire, 10-segment project and 
in the corresponding 2013 ROD. The Supplemental EIS develops further 
mitigation measures for indirect effects to Greater sage-grouse.
    You may submit comments in writing to the BLM using one of the 
methods listed in the ADDRESSES section above, according to the time 
frame named in the DATES section above. We will provide additional 
opportunities for public participation as appropriate.
    During the Supplemental EIS process, the BLM coordinated through 
the NEPA scoping process and comment period to help fulfill the public 
involvement requirements under the National Historic Preservation Act 
(54 U.S.C. 306108) as provided in 36 CFR 800.2(d)(3). Any additional 
information about historic and cultural resources within the area 
potentially affected by the proposed action, but not available during 
preparation of the Supplemental EIS, will assist the BLM in identifying 
and evaluating impacts to such resources during preparation of the EA.
    During preparation of the Supplemental EIS, the BLM consulted with 
Indian tribes on a Government-to-Government basis in accordance with 
Executive Order 13175 and other policies, and will continue such 
consultations during preparation of the EA. Tribal concerns, including 
impacts on Indian trust assets and potential impacts to cultural 
resources, will be given due consideration. Federal, State,

[[Page 40799]]

and local agencies, along with Tribes and other stakeholders who may be 
interested in or affected by the proposed action that the BLM is 
evaluating, are invited to participate in the scoping process and, if 
eligible, may request or be requested by the BLM to participate in the 
development of the EA as a Cooperating Agency.
    The BLM will provide a public comment period for the Draft RMP 
Amendment(s)/EA. The BLM will continue to work collaboratively with 
interested parties to identify the amendments and selected route that 
are best suited to local, regional, and national needs and concerns.
    The BLM used an interdisciplinary approach to select an alternative 
from the Supplemental EIS to respond to the ROW application, and will 
continue this approach in reconsidering the January 19, 2017, Decision.
    Before including your address, phone number, email address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

    Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 43 CFR 1610.2.

Timothy M. Murphy,
BLM Idaho State Director.
[FR Doc. 2017-18181 Filed 8-25-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-GG-P



                                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 165 / Monday, August 28, 2017 / Notices                                             40797

                                                      Authority: We issue this notice under the             to this EA by any of the following                    Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA).
                                                    authority of the ESA, as amended (16 U.S.C.             methods:                                              In a letter to the Secretary of the
                                                    1531 et seq.), and the MMPA, as amended (16
                                                    U.S.C. 1361 et seq.).
                                                                                                            • Web site: https://www.blm.gov/                      Interior, the Governor of Idaho
                                                                                                               gatewaywest                                        requested that the BLM reconsider the
                                                    Joyce Russell,                                          • Email: blm_id_gateway_west@blm.gov                  January 19, 2017, Decision and select an
                                                    Government Information Specialist, Branch               • Fax: 208–384–3326                                   alternative with fewer impacts to State
                                                    of Permits, Division of Management                      • Mail: BLM Boise District Office, 3948               and county resources and communities.
                                                    Authority.                                                 Development Ave., Boise, ID 83705                  The Proponents also requested that the
                                                    [FR Doc. 2017–18209 Filed 8–25–17; 8:45 am]                Documents pertinent to this proposal               BLM reconsider the January Decision
                                                    BILLING CODE 4333–15–P                                  may be examined at the BLM Boise                      and possibly select the alternative
                                                                                                            District Office, 3948 Development Ave,,               proposed in their revised application, as
                                                                                                            Boise, ID 83705.                                      more cost-effective and providing
                                                    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Contact                      greater system reliability. On April 18,
                                                                                                            Courtney Busse by calling 208–373–                    2017, the IBLA granted BLM’s Motion to
                                                    Bureau of Land Management                                                                                     Remand the January 19, 2017, Decision
                                                                                                            3872 or emailing at cbusse@blm.gov.
                                                    [16XL LLWY9200000.L51010000.ER0000.                     You can also contact Ms. Busse to have                for reconsideration. The BLM’s Motion
                                                    LVRWK09K0990.241A.0 4500106832]                         your name added to the BLM mailing                    was unopposed.
                                                                                                                                                                     On May 4, 2017, Congress passed the
                                                                                                            list for the Project. Persons who use a
                                                    Notice of Intent To Prepare an                                                                                Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017
                                                                                                            telecommunications device for the deaf
                                                    Environmental Assessment To                                                                                   (H.R. 244), which incorporated the
                                                                                                            (TDD) may call the Federal Relay
                                                    Reconsider the January 19, 2017,                                                                              Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of
                                                                                                            Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339 to
                                                    Record of Decision Approving                                                                                  Prey NCA Boundary Modification Act
                                                                                                            contact Ms. Busse. The FRS is available
                                                    Segments 8 and 9 for the Gateway                                                                              (Modification Act) by reference
                                                                                                            24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave
                                                    West Transmission Line Project, Idaho                                                                         (Division G, Title IV, Sec. 431(a)).
                                                                                                            a message or question with Ms. Busse.                    The President signed the
                                                    AGENCY:   Bureau of Land Management,                    You will receive a reply during normal                Appropriations Act into law on May 5,
                                                    Interior.                                               business hours.                                       2017. The Modification Act directed the
                                                    ACTION: Notice.                                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            BLM to issue a ROW grant for the lands
                                                                                                            PacifiCorp, dba Rocky Mountain Power,                 described in Sec. (b)(2) of the
                                                    SUMMARY:     In compliance with the                     and Idaho Power (Proponents)
                                                    National Environmental Policy Act of                                                                          Modification Act for portions of
                                                                                                            submitted an initial ROW application                  Gateway West Segments 8 and 9, which
                                                    1969, as amended (NEPA), and the                        under FLPMA in 2007 to locate 500-kV
                                                    Federal Land Policy and Management                                                                            represent the portions of Alternative 1
                                                                                                            electric transmission lines on Federal                from the Final Supplemental EIS within
                                                    Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), and                    lands as part of the Project. The original
                                                    the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of                                                                        the boundaries of the NCA. The
                                                                                                            Project comprised 10 transmission line                Modification Act also removed the
                                                    Prey National Conservation Area (NCA)                   segments originating at the Windstar                  lands for this ROW from NCA status and
                                                    Boundary Modification Act of 2017                       Substation near Glenrock, Wyoming,                    stipulated that the mitigation framework
                                                    (Modification Act), the Bureau of Land                  and terminating at the Hemingway                      presented in the Final Supplemental EIS
                                                    Management (BLM) is reconsidering the                   Substation near Melba, Idaho.                         will apply to the authorized segments.
                                                    decision to approve a Right-of-Way                         After completing NEPA analysis in an               The Modification Act (Sec. (c)(1))
                                                    (ROW) application for Segments 8 and                    EIS, the BLM issued a Record of                       requires the BLM to issue the ROW (that
                                                    9 of the Gateway West 500-kilovolt (kV)                 Decision (ROD) in November 2013 that                  portion in the NCA) within 90 days of
                                                    Transmission Line Project (Project). By                 authorized routes and associated land                 the enactment of the Appropriations
                                                    this Notice the BLM announces the                       use plan amendments on Federal lands                  Act, or by August 2, 2017.
                                                    beginning of scoping to solicit public                  for Segments 1 through 7, and Segment                    In light of the Modification Act’s non-
                                                    comments and identify issues associated                 10, but the BLM deferred a Decision for               discretionary direction to issue the
                                                    with such reconsideration, including                    Segments 8 and 9 in southwestern                      statutory ROW, the BLM’s
                                                    the potential amendment of several                      Idaho.                                                reconsideration of the January 19, 2017,
                                                    Resource Management Plans (RMPs)                           In August 2014, the BLM received                   Decision will consider the alternative(s)
                                                    and Management Framework Plans                          from the Proponents a revised ROW                     from the Supplemental EIS that align
                                                    (MFPs) in the project area. The BLM                     application for Segments 8 and 9 and a                with the statutory ROW, so as to meet
                                                    analyzed the impacts of the alternative                 revised Plan of Development for the                   the agency’s purpose and need for
                                                    that it is reconsidering in the 2016                    Project, which the BLM determined                     action, i.e., to respond to the
                                                    Gateway West Final Supplemental                         required additional NEPA analysis                     Proponents’ ROW application and the
                                                    Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).                   through a Supplemental EIS. On                        direction of the Modification Act, and
                                                    The BLM will prepare an Environmental                   October 7, 2016, the BLM released a                   the no-action alternative.
                                                    Assessment (EA) to reconsider the                       Final Supplemental EIS that analyzed                     Because the route pairing described as
                                                    January 19, 2017 Decision, including the                seven alternative ROW routes for                      Alternative 1 (routes described as
                                                    land use plan amendments associated                     Segments 8 and 9 and the land use plan                Revised Proposed 8 and Revised
                                                    with a specific action alternative                      amendments needed to accommodate                      Proposed 9) in the Supplemental EIS is
                                                    identified in the Supplemental EIS.
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                            each alternative route pair. The BLM                  the only alternative that meets these
                                                    DATES: Comments on issues may be                        issued a ROD on January 19, 2017,                     criteria, it will be analyzed as the action
                                                    submitted in writing until September                    selecting the route described as                      alternative for reconsideration.
                                                    27, 2017. In order to be included in the                Alternative 5 in the Final Supplemental                  Furthermore, because the statutory
                                                    analysis, all comments must be                          EIS.                                                  ROW directed the BLM to issue a ROW
                                                    postmarked prior to the close of the 30-                   Following the Decision, several                    grant for certain portions of the routes
                                                    day scoping period.                                     environmental organizations, the State                within the NCA boundaries previously
                                                    ADDRESSES: You may submit comments                      of Idaho, and Owyhee County, Idaho,                   analyzed in Alternative 1 in the
                                                    on issues and planning criteria related                 appealed the ROW Decision to the                      Supplemental EIS, the EA and


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                                                    40798                        Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 165 / Monday, August 28, 2017 / Notices

                                                    subsequent decision will address only                   action alternative in the Supplemental                the Bruneau MFP, two amendments to
                                                    public lands identified with Alternative                EIS include the following:                            the Twin Falls MFP, and one
                                                    1 which lie outside the NCA boundaries                    • NEPA;                                             amendment to the Snake River Birds of
                                                    that existed when the Final                               • Existing laws, regulations, and BLM               Prey RMP needed to grant a ROW for
                                                    Supplemental EIS was published                          policies;                                             Alternative 5. These plan amendments
                                                    (October 7, 2016, 81 FR 69845). In the                    • Plans, programs and policies of                   remain in effect. The alignment pairing
                                                    EA, the BLM plans to rely on the                        other Federal, State, and local                       in this alternative does not connect with
                                                    Supplemental EIS and the 2013 Final                     governments, and Indian tribes;                       the ROW the BLM plans to issue
                                                    EIS for both the ROW alternatives for                     • Public input;                                     pursuant to the Modification Act.
                                                    Segments 8 and 9 and the corresponding                    • Future needs and demands for
                                                                                                            existing or potential resource                        Mitigation
                                                    land use plan amendments necessary to
                                                    support the alternative.                                commodities and values;                                  The Final Supplemental EIS presents
                                                       Because the potential selection of a                   • Past and present use of public and                a framework the BLM has developed in
                                                    different ROW alternative would require                 adjacent lands;                                       cooperation with the Proponents for
                                                    a new decision for corresponding land                     • Environmental impacts;                            assessing compensatory mitigation
                                                    use plan amendments, the BLM must                         • Social and economic values;                       under FLPMA and for implementing
                                                    ensure that it is satisfying the land use                 • Public welfare and safety; and                    NEPA regulations on mitigating project-
                                                    plan amendment requirements set forth                     • National energy policies and plans.               related impacts to National Historic
                                                    in 43 CFR part 1600. The BLM is                         Land Use Plan Amendments                              Trails; cultural resources; wetlands; and
                                                    preparing an EA to inform                                                                                     resources, objects, and values in the
                                                                                                               The Supplemental EIS identified 17                 NCA. The framework discusses
                                                    reconsideration of the January 19, 2017,                amendments to BLM land use plans
                                                    Decision and meet the regulatory                                                                              avoidance, minimization, and
                                                                                                            needed to authorize Alternative 1. The                compensation measures that would be
                                                    requirements for amending land use                      January 2017 Decision approved two
                                                    plans, including public participation                                                                         required under each alternative
                                                                                                            amendments to the Twin Falls MFP and                  analyzed in the Supplemental EIS. The
                                                    opportunities, and to ensure that any                   one amendment to the Snake River
                                                    new information regarding the                                                                                 Modification Act directs
                                                                                                            Birds of Prey RMP that would also be                  implementation of this framework
                                                    alternatives presented in the                           necessary to authorize Alternative 1.                 during construction of each respective
                                                    Supplemental EIS and 2013 Final EIS                     The January Decision set aside and,                   project segment (Sec. 2(c)(A)). Impacts
                                                    are analyzed. This Notice announces the                 remand notwithstanding, these                         to Greater sage-grouse and migratory
                                                    beginning of scoping to seek public                     approved plan amendments remain in                    birds are addressed in the 2013 Final
                                                    input on issues and planning criteria.                  effect. In addition, the Modification Act             EIS for the entire, 10-segment project
                                                       The purpose of public scoping is to                  superseded the need for seven plan                    and in the corresponding 2013 ROD.
                                                    determine relevant issues that will                     amendments to the Snake River Birds of                The Supplemental EIS develops further
                                                    influence the scope of the EA. The BLM                  Prey RMP associated with Alternative 1                mitigation measures for indirect effects
                                                    invites public participation and                        analyzed in the Supplemental EIS. As a                to Greater sage-grouse.
                                                    comment on those issues, potential                      result, selecting Alternative 1 in a                     You may submit comments in writing
                                                    impacts, and mitigation measures                        Decision on reconsideration would                     to the BLM using one of the methods
                                                    associated with granting ROWs on                        require seven plan amendments to three                listed in the ADDRESSES section above,
                                                    public lands for Segments 8 and 9 that                  current BLM land use plans, as follows:               according to the time frame named in
                                                    may not have been addressed in the                         • Kuna MFP;                                        the DATES section above. We will
                                                    Final Supplemental EIS.                                    • Bennett Hills/Timmerman Hills                    provide additional opportunities for
                                                       The BLM identified and analyzed the                  MFP; and                                              public participation as appropriate.
                                                    following issues and concerns in the                       • Jarbidge RMP (1987, for areas not                   During the Supplemental EIS process,
                                                    Final Supplemental EIS for Segments 8                   covered by the 2015 Jarbidge RMP).                    the BLM coordinated through the NEPA
                                                    and 9 of the Project:                                      In order to authorize Segment 8 in                 scoping process and comment period to
                                                       • Effects to the objects and values for              Alternative 1, the Kuna MFP would                     help fulfill the public involvement
                                                    which the Morley Nelson Snake River                     need an amendment to allow the                        requirements under the National
                                                    Birds of Prey National Conservation                     transmission line outside of existing                 Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C.
                                                    Area (NCA) was designated;                              corridors. An amendment to the Bennett                306108) as provided in 36 CFR
                                                       • Land use conflicts and                             Hills/Timmerman Hills MFP would be                    800.2(d)(3). Any additional information
                                                    inconsistency with land use plans;                      needed to allow the route near                        about historic and cultural resources
                                                       • Effects of the project on local and                archeological sites and to change Visual              within the area potentially affected by
                                                    regional socioeconomic conditions;                      Resource Management (VRM) classes.                    the proposed action, but not available
                                                       • Effects on wildlife habitat, plants,               The 1987 Jarbidge RMP would need                      during preparation of the Supplemental
                                                    and animals, including threatened,                      amendments to change VRM Classes,                     EIS, will assist the BLM in identifying
                                                    endangered, and sensitive species;                      allow crossing of the Oregon National                 and evaluating impacts to such
                                                       • Effects to visual resources and                    Historic Trail, and change a utility                  resources during preparation of the EA.
                                                    existing view-sheds;                                    avoidance/restricted area designation.                   During preparation of the
                                                       • Effects to historic and cultural                      In order to authorize Segment 9 in                 Supplemental EIS, the BLM consulted
                                                    resources;
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                            this alternative, the 1987 Jarbidge RMP               with Indian tribes on a Government-to-
                                                       • Effects to Indian trust assets;                    would need an amendment to change                     Government basis in accordance with
                                                       • Opportunities to apply mitigation                  VRM Class II to VRM Class III for areas               Executive Order 13175 and other
                                                    strategies for on-site, regional, and                   still managed under that plan.                        policies, and will continue such
                                                    compensatory mitigation; and                               The route pairing identified in the                consultations during preparation of the
                                                       • Siting on private lands versus                     Supplemental EIS as Alternative 5                     EA. Tribal concerns, including impacts
                                                    public lands.                                           (Route 8G and Route 9K) was selected                  on Indian trust assets and potential
                                                       Planning criteria considered for the                 in the January Decision. The January 19,              impacts to cultural resources, will be
                                                    plan amendments associated with each                    2017, ROD approved one amendment to                   given due consideration. Federal, State,


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                                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 165 / Monday, August 28, 2017 / Notices                                           40799

                                                    and local agencies, along with Tribes                   control of the cultural item to the Indian            identification that relates to the Wiyot
                                                    and other stakeholders who may be                       Tribe stated in this notice may proceed.              story of Abalone Woman, whose drops
                                                    interested in or affected by the proposed               DATES: Lineal descendants or                          of blood created the red-shelled abalone.
                                                    action that the BLM is evaluating, are                  representatives of any Indian Tribe not               The story explains why red abalone is
                                                    invited to participate in the scoping                   identified in this notice that wish to                only found along the shores of Wiyot
                                                    process and, if eligible, may request or                claim this cultural item should submit                territory, and therefore is used in the
                                                    be requested by the BLM to participate                  a written request with information in                 making of Wiyot regalia.
                                                    in the development of the EA as a                       support of the claim to the Brooklyn                     Tribal representatives also identified
                                                    Cooperating Agency.                                     Museum at the address in this notice by               the skirt as a ceremonial garment worn
                                                      The BLM will provide a public                         September 27, 2017.                                   by Wiyot women during the Brush
                                                    comment period for the Draft RMP                                                                              Dance, which is held during the annual
                                                                                                            ADDRESSES: Nancy Rosoff, Andrew W.
                                                    Amendment(s)/EA. The BLM will                                                                                 World Renewal Ceremony in winter or
                                                                                                            Mellon Senior Curator, Arts of the
                                                    continue to work collaboratively with                                                                         early spring. As such, it is considered
                                                                                                            Americas, Brooklyn Museum, 200
                                                    interested parties to identify the                                                                            sacred, and an inalienable ceremonial
                                                                                                            Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11238,
                                                    amendments and selected route that are                                                                        object, which was obtained without the
                                                                                                            telephone (718) 501–6283,
                                                    best suited to local, regional, and                                                                           consent of an appropriate Wiyot
                                                                                                            nancy.rosoff@brooklynmuseum.org.
                                                    national needs and concerns.                                                                                  authority. The Wiyot maintain that
                                                                                                            SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is                  Brouse Brizard was not the rightful
                                                      The BLM used an interdisciplinary
                                                                                                            here given in accordance with the                     owner of the garment because Wiyot law
                                                    approach to select an alternative from
                                                                                                            Native American Graves Protection and                 prohibits the sale of ceremonial items.
                                                    the Supplemental EIS to respond to the
                                                                                                            Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C.                     The circumstances in which sacred
                                                    ROW application, and will continue this
                                                                                                            3005, of the intent to repatriate a                   and ceremonial objects were separated
                                                    approach in reconsidering the January
                                                                                                            cultural item under the control of the                from the Wiyot people can be explained
                                                    19, 2017, Decision.
                                                                                                            Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, NY, that                   by their history. In 1860, Wiyot life in
                                                      Before including your address, phone
                                                                                                            meets the definition of sacred object and             their traditional homeland was violently
                                                    number, email address, or other
                                                                                                            object of cultural patrimony under 25                 interrupted by the nighttime massacre of
                                                    personal identifying information in your
                                                                                                            U.S.C. 3001.                                          as many as 250 women, children and
                                                    comment, you should be aware that
                                                                                                               This notice is published as part of the            elders, probably by gold prospectors.
                                                    your entire comment—including your
                                                                                                            National Park Service’s administrative                The massacre resulted in survivors
                                                    personal identifying information—may
                                                                                                            responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25                     fleeing Wiyot territory and ultimately
                                                    be made publicly available at any time.
                                                                                                            U.S.C. 3003(d)(3). The determinations in              seeking protection among their Hupa
                                                    While you can ask us in your comment
                                                                                                            this notice are the sole responsibility of            and Yurok neighbors. During a lengthy
                                                    to withhold your personal identifying
                                                                                                            the museum that has control of the                    period when the Wiyot were refugees,
                                                    information from public review, we
                                                                                                            Native American cultural item. The                    ceremonial life was curtailed. In 1981,
                                                    cannot guarantee that we will be able to
                                                                                                            National Park Service is not responsible              the Wiyot Tribe received federal
                                                    do so.
                                                                                                            for the determinations in this notice.                recognition and, in 1991, they were
                                                      Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 43 CFR                                                                         moved to the Table Bluff Reservation.
                                                    1610.2.                                                 History and Description of the Cultural
                                                                                                            Item                                                  Slowly they have been buying back
                                                    Timothy M. Murphy,                                                                                            lands that were originally part of their
                                                                                                               On August 7, 1905, Stewart Culin, the              traditional territory. Today the Wiyot
                                                    BLM Idaho State Director.
                                                                                                            Brooklyn Museum’s Curator of                          Tribe has approximately 650 enrolled
                                                    [FR Doc. 2017–18181 Filed 8–25–17; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                            Ethnology (1903–1929) purchased a                     members. It has a language
                                                    BILLING CODE 4310–GG–P
                                                                                                            woman’s dance skirt from Brouse                       revitalization program, and an active
                                                                                                            Brizard in Arcata, Humboldt County,                   repatriation program to bring cultural
                                                                                                            CA. Culin purchased the skirt at                      heritage objects back home. In 2014,
                                                    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
                                                                                                            Brizard’s home, not in his Arcata store.              after the industrial contamination of
                                                    National Park Service                                   Following Culin’s purchase of the skirt,              their sacred site on Indian Island was
                                                                                                            it was brought to the Brooklyn Museum                 cleaned up, the Wiyot held their first
                                                    [NPS–WASO–NAGPRA–NPS0023877;                            where it was accessioned as Hupa and
                                                    PPWOCRADN0–PCU00RP14.R50000]                                                                                  World Renewal Ceremonial in over 150
                                                                                                            given the accession number                            years.
                                                                                                            06.331.7923. This woman’s dance skirt
                                                    Notice of Intent to Repatriate Cultural                                                                       Determinations Made by the Brooklyn
                                                                                                            has been identified as Wiyot and as a
                                                    Items: Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn,                                                                             Museum
                                                                                                            sacred object and object of cultural
                                                    NY
                                                                                                            patrimony.                                               Officials of the Brooklyn Museum
                                                    AGENCY:   National Park Service, Interior.                 Museum records and information                     have determined that:
                                                    ACTION:   Notice.                                       provided during consultation with                        • Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(3)(C),
                                                                                                            Wiyot representatives indicate that the               the one cultural item described above is
                                                    SUMMARY:   The Brooklyn Museum, in                      skirt is culturally affiliated with the               a specific ceremonial object needed by
                                                    consultation with the appropriate                       Wiyot Tribe of northwestern California.               traditional Native American religious
                                                    Indian Tribe, has determined that the                   The skirt is identified as Wiyot based                leaders for the practice of traditional
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES




                                                    cultural item listed in this notice meets               upon its physical appearance and                      Native American religions by their
                                                    the definition of sacred object and object              construction. It is made of deer hide and             present-day adherents.
                                                    of cultural patrimony. Lineal                           adorned with abalone shell, clam shell,                  • Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(3)(D),
                                                    descendants or representatives of any                   copper, bear grass, maidenhair fern, iris             the one cultural item described above
                                                    Indian Tribe not identified in this notice              fibers, and glass beads. While most                   has ongoing historical, traditional, or
                                                    that wish to claim this cultural item                   abalone shell is a dull grey or white on              cultural importance central to the
                                                    should submit a written request to the                  the outside, the cut shell pieces on the              Native American group or culture itself,
                                                    Brooklyn Museum. If no additional                       Brooklyn Museum skirt are red, which                  rather than property owned by an
                                                    claimants come forward, transfer of                     means that they are from red abalone, an              individual.


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Document Created: 2017-08-28 11:30:14
Document Modified: 2017-08-28 11:30:14
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice.
DatesComments on issues may be submitted in writing until September 27, 2017. In order to be included in the analysis, all comments must be postmarked prior to the close of the 30-day scoping period.
FR Citation82 FR 40797 

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