83_FR_12771 83 FR 12714 - Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Oregon; Powder River Watershed Mining Plans

83 FR 12714 - Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Oregon; Powder River Watershed Mining Plans

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 57 (March 23, 2018)

Page Range12714-12715
FR Document2018-06002

The USDA Forest Service will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to process and respond to the mining Plans of Operations within the Powder River Watershed submitted to the Whitman Ranger District of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 57 (Friday, March 23, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 57 (Friday, March 23, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12714-12715]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06002]


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Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 57 / Friday, March 23, 2018 / 
Notices

[[Page 12714]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Oregon; Powder River Watershed 
Mining Plans

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement.

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SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service will prepare an Environmental Impact 
Statement (EIS) to process and respond to the mining Plans of 
Operations within the Powder River Watershed submitted to the Whitman 
Ranger District of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

DATES: Written comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be 
received by April 23, 2018. The draft EIS is expected July 2018, and 
the final EIS is expected December 2018.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments and suggestions to Jeff Tomac, Whitman 
District Ranger, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, 1550 Dewey Ave., 
Suite A, Baker City, OR 97814. Comments may also be sent via email to 
comments-pacificnorthwest-wallowa-whitman-whitmanunit@fs.fed.us.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sophia Millar, Interdisciplinary Team 
Leader, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Whitman Ranger District, 1550 
Dewey Ave., Suite A, Baker City, OR 97814, Phone: (541) 263-1735.
    Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Per the General Mining Law of 1872, the 
miner is entitled to conduct operations that are reasonably incident to 
exploration and development of mineral deposits on its mining claims 
pursuant to applicable U.S. laws and regulations and is asserting its 
right under the General Mining Law to develop, mine, and remove the 
mineral deposit subject to regulatory laws.

Purpose and Need

    The purpose and need for action is to (1) respond to the proposed 
Plans of Operations (Plans) to conduct mining activities within the 
Powder River watershed; (2) ensure that the selected alternative, where 
feasible, would minimize adverse environmental impacts on National 
Forest System (NFS) surface resources; and (3) ensure that measures 
would be included that provide for reclamation of the surface 
disturbance.

Proposed Action

    The Powder River Watershed Mining Plans analysis area is located on 
the Whitman Ranger District of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, 
approximately 14 miles southwest of Baker City, Oregon. The decision 
area will cover 22 proposed mining Plans within the Powder River 
Watershed, an analysis area encompassing approximately 126,831 acres of 
NFS lands in Baker County. Typically, each project would disturb and 
reclaim an area of approximately 1-10 acres annually.
    This EIS will evaluate each of the 22 Plans and propose additional 
operational requirements for some or all of the Plans. The final Record 
of Decision (ROD) would identify which Plans will be approved, and any 
specific Plans that require further action prior to Plan approval.
    Once the ROD is signed and issued, reclamation bonds and any 401 
certifications deemed necessary to be consistent with the Clean Water 
Act would be presented to the Forest Service before the Plans are 
approved. PACFISH (which amended the WWNF Forest Plan in 1995) Minerals 
Management standard #1 requires a reclamation plan and reclamation bond 
for mineral operations in riparian habitat conservation areas (RHCAs).

Responsible Official

    The Whitman District Ranger, Jeff Tomac, will be the responsible 
official for making the decision and providing direction for the 
analysis.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    The responsible official will decide whether or not to move forward 
with approving specific mining Plans within the Powder River Watershed 
Mining Plans analysis area. The responsible official will also decide 
whether or not to select the proposed action as stated or modified, or 
to select an alternative to it; any mitigation measures needed; and any 
monitoring that may be required.

Preliminary Issues

    The interdisciplinary team has conducted field surveys and data 
research to identify preliminary issues of concern with this proposal. 
The primary concern is the potential for sediment or heavy metal 
discharges into streams from mining operations, potentially impacting 
water quality, and Endangered Species Act-listed bull trout and bull 
trout habitat (pools and temperature). Based on these preliminary 
issues and the level of activity proposed at some sites, there is the 
potential for significant impacts to some resources, therefore an EIS 
fits the scope of this analysis rather than an Environmental 
Assessment.

Scoping Process

    This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides 
the development of the EIS. Public participation is especially 
important at several points during the development of the EIS. The 
Forest Service is seeking information, comments, and coordination with 
Federal, State, and local agencies, and tribal governments, individuals 
or organizations who may be interested in or affected by the proposed 
action. The most useful comments to developing or refining the proposed 
action would be site-specific concerns and those that pertain to 
authorizing mining activities within the Powder River Watershed Mining 
Plans analysis area that meet the purpose of and need for action.
    It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times 
and in such manner that they are useful to the agency's preparation of 
the EIS. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of 
the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer's 
concerns and contentions.

[[Page 12715]]

    Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names 
and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record 
for this proposed action and will be available for public inspection.

    Authority:  40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; Forest Service Handbook 
1909.15, Section 21).

    Dated: February 16, 2018.
Glenn P. Casamassa,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2018-06002 Filed 3-22-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3411-15-P

12714 Notices Federal Register Vol. 83, No. 57 Friday, March 23, 2018 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER asserting its right under the General Nature of Decision To Be Made contains documents other than rules or Mining Law to develop, mine, and proposed rules that are applicable to the remove the mineral deposit subject to The responsible official will decide public. Notices of hearings and investigations, regulatory laws. whether or not to move forward with committee meetings, agency decisions and approving specific mining Plans within rulings, delegations of authority, filing of Purpose and Need the Powder River Watershed Mining petitions and applications and agency Plans analysis area. The responsible statements of organization and functions are The purpose and need for action is to official will also decide whether or not examples of documents appearing in this (1) respond to the proposed Plans of to select the proposed action as stated section. Operations (Plans) to conduct mining or modified, or to select an alternative activities within the Powder River to it; any mitigation measures needed; watershed; (2) ensure that the selected and any monitoring that may be DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE alternative, where feasible, would required. Forest Service minimize adverse environmental impacts on National Forest System Preliminary Issues Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, (NFS) surface resources; and (3) ensure The interdisciplinary team has Oregon; Powder River Watershed that measures would be included that conducted field surveys and data Mining Plans provide for reclamation of the surface research to identify preliminary issues disturbance. of concern with this proposal. The AGENCY:Forest Service, USDA. Proposed Action primary concern is the potential for ACTION:Notice of intent to prepare an sediment or heavy metal discharges into Environmental Impact Statement. The Powder River Watershed Mining streams from mining operations, SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service will Plans analysis area is located on the potentially impacting water quality, and prepare an Environmental Impact Whitman Ranger District of the Endangered Species Act-listed bull trout Statement (EIS) to process and respond Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, and bull trout habitat (pools and to the mining Plans of Operations approximately 14 miles southwest of temperature). Based on these within the Powder River Watershed Baker City, Oregon. The decision area preliminary issues and the level of submitted to the Whitman Ranger will cover 22 proposed mining Plans activity proposed at some sites, there is District of the Wallowa-Whitman within the Powder River Watershed, an the potential for significant impacts to National Forest. analysis area encompassing some resources, therefore an EIS fits the DATES: Written comments concerning approximately 126,831 acres of NFS scope of this analysis rather than an the scope of the analysis must be lands in Baker County. Typically, each Environmental Assessment. received by April 23, 2018. The draft project would disturb and reclaim an Scoping Process EIS is expected July 2018, and the final area of approximately 1–10 acres EIS is expected December 2018. annually. This notice of intent initiates the ADDRESSES: Send written comments and This EIS will evaluate each of the 22 scoping process, which guides the suggestions to Jeff Tomac, Whitman Plans and propose additional development of the EIS. Public District Ranger, Wallowa-Whitman operational requirements for some or all participation is especially important at National Forest, 1550 Dewey Ave., Suite of the Plans. The final Record of several points during the development A, Baker City, OR 97814. Comments Decision (ROD) would identify which of the EIS. The Forest Service is seeking may also be sent via email to comments- Plans will be approved, and any specific information, comments, and pacificnorthwest-wallowa-whitman- coordination with Federal, State, and Plans that require further action prior to whitmanunit@fs.fed.us. local agencies, and tribal governments, Plan approval. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: individuals or organizations who may Sophia Millar, Interdisciplinary Team Once the ROD is signed and issued, be interested in or affected by the Leader, Wallowa-Whitman National reclamation bonds and any 401 proposed action. The most useful Forest, Whitman Ranger District, 1550 certifications deemed necessary to be comments to developing or refining the Dewey Ave., Suite A, Baker City, OR consistent with the Clean Water Act proposed action would be site-specific 97814, Phone: (541) 263–1735. would be presented to the Forest concerns and those that pertain to Individuals who use Service before the Plans are approved. authorizing mining activities within the telecommunication devices for the deaf PACFISH (which amended the WWNF Powder River Watershed Mining Plans (TDD) may call the Federal Information Forest Plan in 1995) Minerals analysis area that meet the purpose of Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 Management standard #1 requires a and need for action. between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern reclamation plan and reclamation bond It is important that reviewers provide Time, Monday through Friday. for mineral operations in riparian their comments at such times and in habitat conservation areas (RHCAs). amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Per the such manner that they are useful to the General Mining Law of 1872, the miner Responsible Official agency’s preparation of the EIS. is entitled to conduct operations that are Therefore, comments should be reasonably incident to exploration and The Whitman District Ranger, Jeff provided prior to the close of the development of mineral deposits on its Tomac, will be the responsible official comment period and should clearly mining claims pursuant to applicable for making the decision and providing articulate the reviewer’s concerns and U.S. laws and regulations and is direction for the analysis. contentions. VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:54 Mar 22, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\23MRN1.SGM 23MRN1

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 57 / Friday, March 23, 2018 / Notices 12715 Comments received in response to notwithstanding the inclusion of the be recognized and built on to full this solicitation, including names and routine notice. advantage. In addition, stewards addresses of those who comment, will The public may inspect the comments themselves may not be aware of others be part of the public record for this received at USDA Forest Service, USDA doing similar work in their area so there proposed action and will be available Forest Service, NYC Urban Field may be lost opportunities for for public inspection. Station, 431 Walter Reed Rd., Bayside, collaboration between groups. Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; NY 11359 during normal business The purpose of this research is to Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Section hours. Visitors are encouraged to call gather information on civic stewardship 21). ahead to 718–225–3061 to facilitate groups and their efforts such as where entry to the building. The public may they work, the types of projects they Dated: February 16, 2018. request an electronic copy of the draft focus on, and how they are organize. Glenn P. Casamassa, This information will be summarized supporting statement and/or any Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest comments received be sent via return and made publicly available online for System. use by policy makers, land managers, email. Requests should be emailed to [FR Doc. 2018–06002 Filed 3–22–18; 8:45 am] environmental professionals, the general esvendsen@fs.fed.us. BILLING CODE 3411–15–P FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: public, stewards themselves, and other Erika Svendsen at 718–225–3061 x301. natural resource management Individuals who use telecommunication stakeholders. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE There are three phases to a STEW– devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the MAP project: Forest Service Federal Information Relay Service • Phase One (Census) is a census of (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 twenty-four stewardship groups in the target region, Information Collection: Stewardship hours a day, every day of the year, generating a master list of known Mapping and Assessment Project including holidays. stewardship groups and their contact (STEW–MAP) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: information. AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. Title: Information Collection • Phase Two (Survey) is a survey Clearance for the Stewardship Mapping which is distributed to all of the ACTION: Notice; request for comment. and Assessment Project (STEW–MAP). organizations identified in Phase One to SUMMARY: In accordance with the OMB Number: 0596–0240. collect information about what they Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Type of Request: Renewal. work on, how their group is structured, Forest Service is seeking comments Abstract: Local environmental where they work, and what other groups from all interested individuals and stewardship groups are essential for they collaborate with. organizations on the renewal of the ensuring the vibrancy of natural areas in • Phase Three (Follow-Up Interviews) Stewardship Mapping and Assessment cities, suburbs, towns, and rural areas, is follow-up interviews with key Project (STEW–MAP) information including National Forest lands and the responding organizations identified collection. surrounding areas. Natural areas during Phase Two to collect more provide a range of benefits and services detailed information about the DATES: Comments must be received in including storm water management, air organizations and their histories. writing on or before May 22, 2018 to be pollution removal, urban heat island A primary goal of STEW–MAP is to assured of consideration. Comments mitigation, carbon storage, wildlife visualize stewardship activities, which received after that date will be habitat, recreation opportunities, stress can span across the urban to rural considered to the extent practicable. reduction, aesthetic beauty, noise landscape. The geographic information ADDRESSES: Comments concerning this reduction, increased property values, provided by stewardship groups on the notice should be addressed to Erika and reduced energy use. The work of survey (Phase Two) will allow the Svendsen, USDA Forest Service, NYC civic environmental stewards leverages researchers to do a spatial analysis of Urban Field Station, 431 Walter Reed the efforts of local government officials where stewardship groups are working, Rd., Bayside, NY 11359. Comments also in maintaining these resources, identify ‘‘gaps’’ where little to no may be submitted by email to especially in lean budget times. Civic stewardship is being done, and provide esvendsen@fs.fed.us. Please put stewardship organizations, including locally relevant geographic information ‘‘Comments re: STEW–MAP’’ in the nonprofits, faith-based groups, formal like what kinds of stewardship groups subject line. Comments submitted in and informal community groups, and are working in particular places. This response to this notice may be made coalitions, are often involved in, for geographic information will be available to the public through relevant example, planting trees, organizing displayed on maps to show stewards, websites and upon request. For this community gardens, offering local land managers, policy makers, and reason, please do not include in your environment-themed classes, engaging other interested stakeholders how comments information of a confidential with local officials on behalf of the stewardship work is distributed across nature, such as sensitive personal environment, monitoring plants or the region with the goal of encouraging information or proprietary information. animals, and cleaning up nearby parks collaboration, building innovative If you send an email comment, your or natural areas. People who do this partnerships, increasing organizational email address will be automatically work are stewards of their local capacities, and generally making captured and included as part of the environments, even if they do not stewardship efforts more effective. comment that is placed in the public normally use the word ‘‘steward’’ or Information from STEW–MAP will amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES docket and made available on the think of what they do as ‘‘stewardship.’’ help planners, natural resource decision internet. Please note that responses to The roles of civic environmental makers, land managers, and the general this public comment request containing stewards and their levels of engagement public work across property any routine notice about the and commitment are often not jurisdictions, management regimes and confidentiality of the communication understood by land managers and other political boundaries to conserve, will be treated as public comments that decision makers. This means that the protect, and manage natural resources may be made available to the public valuable services they provide may not effectively. It will also be used to VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:54 Mar 22, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\23MRN1.SGM 23MRN1


Document Created: 2018-11-01 08:53:57
Document Modified: 2018-11-01 08:53:57
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
ActionNotice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement.
DatesWritten comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by April 23, 2018. The draft EIS is expected July 2018, and the final EIS is expected December 2018.
ContactSophia Millar, Interdisciplinary Team Leader, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Whitman Ranger District, 1550 Dewey Ave., Suite A, Baker City, OR 97814, Phone: (541) 263-1735.
FR Citation83 FR 12714 
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