[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 184 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58570-58575]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-23206]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
[LLOR9300000.5100000.ER0000.LVRWH09H03200.HAG12-0267]
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for
the Proposed Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline Right-of-Way Grant in
Oregon and Possible Land Use Plan Amendments
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior; Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (NEPA), as amended; the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of
1976 (FLPMA), as amended; and the National Forest Management Act of
1976 (NFMA), as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Coos Bay,
[[Page 58571]]
Roseburg, and Medford Districts and the Klamath Falls Resource Area of
the Lakeview District in Oregon and the Forest Service Umpqua, Rogue
River, and Winema National Forests, Oregon, propose to amend their land
management plans to make provision for the proposed Pacific Connector
Gas Pipeline (Project) if the Project is authorized by the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or the Commission). The BLM also
proposes to respond to Pacific Connector LP's application for a right-
of-way grant for the Project to occupy Federal lands. The FERC is the
lead agency for preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
for the proposed Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline (FERC Docket PF12-17),
which includes the analysis for possible land use plan amendments.
DATES: This notice announces the opening of the scoping process the BLM
and the Forest Service will use to gather input from the public and
interested agencies concerning amendment of BLM and Forest Service land
management plans and possible issuance of the right-of-way grant by the
BLM. Your input will help the BLM, the Forest Service, and Commission
staffs determine what issues to evaluate in the EIS that FERC is
preparing for the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. Please note that your
comments must be received by October 29, 2012, to receive full
consideration in the preparation of the EIS.
You may submit comments either in written form or orally or both.
You may submit your comments orally or in writing at public scoping
meetings announced in the FERC's Notice of Intent published on August
13, 2012 (77 FR 48138), or at three additional public scoping meetings
scheduled by the FERC as lead agency, in cooperation with the BLM and
the Forest Service at the following times and locations:
October 9, 2012, 6:30 p.m., Mill Casino-Hotel, 3201 Tremont Ave., North
Bend, OR 97459.
October 10, 2012, 6:30 p.m., Seven Feathers Casino Resort, 146 Chief
Miwaleta Lane, Canyonville, OR 97417.
October 11, 2012, 6:30 p.m., Malin Community Park Hall, 2307 Front St.,
Malin, OR 97632.
ADDRESSES: The FERC is the lead agency for preparation of the EIS for
the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline so written comments on actions by
the BLM or the Forest Service must be submitted through the FERC's
comment process and within the timelines described in this notice so
that they may be considered in preparation of the EIS.
There are three methods you can use to submit your comments to the
FERC. In all instances, please reference the docket number for the
Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline (PF12-17-000) with your submission. The
Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and has expert
staff available to assist you at (202) 502-8258 or [email protected].
Web site: www.ferc.gov. Use the eComment feature under the
Documents & Filings link for brief, text-only comments on actions
proposed by the BLM and the Forest Service. Use the eFiling feature
under the Documents and Filings link for providing comments in a
variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your submission.
New eFiling users must create an account by clicking on ``eRegister.''
You must select the type of filing you are making. If you are filing a
comment on a particular project, please select, ``Comment on a
Filing.''
Mail: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Room 1A, Washington DC
20426.
Any comments submitted directly to the BLM and the Forest Service
will be forwarded to the FERC for inclusion in the public record.
Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other
personal identifying information in your comments, you should be aware
that the entire text of your comments--including your personal
identifying information--would be publicly available through the FERC
elibrary system.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Holly Orr, BLM National Project
Manager, 28910 Hwy 20 West, Hines, OR 97738; telephone: 541-573-4501;
fax: 541-573-4411; email: [email protected]. Wes Yamamoto, Forest Service
Project Manager, Umpqua National Forest, Tiller Ranger Station, 27812
Tiller Trail Highway, Tiller, OR 97484; telephone: 541-825-3100; fax:
541-825-3110; email: [email protected]. Persons who use a
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact the above
individual during normal business hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the above
individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 313 of the 2005 Energy Policy Act
requires the Forest Service and the BLM to cooperate with the
Commission when considering aspects of an application for Federal
authorization of natural gas pipelines. Section 372 of the 2005 Energy
Policy Act directed the Secretary of Energy in consultation with the
Secretaries of Agriculture, Interior, and Defense to coordinate all
applicable Federal authorizations and environmental reviews relating to
a proposed or existing utility facility, including an agreement to
prepare a single environmental review document to be used as the basis
for all Federal authorization decisions.
On Monday, August 13, 2012, the FERC published a Notice of Intent
to prepare an EIS for the planned Jordan Cove Liquefaction and Pacific
Connector Gas Pipeline projects in the Federal Register (77 FR 48138).
The BLM and the Forest Service are cooperating agencies for preparation
of this EIS. The EIS prepared by the FERC will address impacts of the
Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline that occur on lands administered by the
BLM and the Forest Service, including those associated with proposed
land management plan amendments and possible issuance of the right-of-
way grant.
The BLM and the Forest Service will consider the FERC EIS in their
evaluation of proposed land management plan amendments. The BLM will
also consider adoption of the FERC EIS in its evaluation of, and
response to, the application for a right-of-way grant by Pacific
Connector Gas Pipeline LP.
The BLM and the Forest Service have identified possible land
management plan amendments that may be necessary to make provision for
the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. The BLM and the Forest Service have
jurisdiction by law for amendment of their land management plans.
Unless otherwise noted in the description of the Proposed Action, these
amendments would only apply to the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline, and
they would be implemented only if FERC authorizes the construction of
the Project. The BLM has jurisdiction by law for response to the
application by the proponents of the proposed Pacific Connector Gas
Pipeline for a right-of-way grant to occupy Federal lands if the
Commission authorizes the Project.
The Federal Land Policy and Management Act and National Forest
Management Act require that actions on these Federal lands be
consistent with the land management plans for the administrative units
where the action would occur. In order for the Pacific Connector Gas
Pipeline to proceed, the BLM must issue a right-of-way grant for
occupancy of Federal lands by the
[[Page 58572]]
Project. The Forest Service must concur with issuance of the right-of-
way grant for areas where the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline crosses
National Forest System lands. Proposed amendments of BLM and Forest
Service land management plans would be implemented only if the
Commission authorizes the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline.
Additional information about the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline is
available from the Commission's Office of External Affairs, at 866-208-
FERC, or on the FERC Web site (www.ferc.gov). On the FERC Web page, go
to Documents & Filings and click on the eLibrary link. Then click on
General Search, and enter the docket number, excluding the last three
digits in the Docket Number field (i.e., PF12-17). Be sure you have
selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC
Online Support at [email protected] or toll free at 866-208-
3676, or for TTY, contact 202-502-8659. The eLibrary link also provides
access to the texts of formal documents issued by the Commission, such
as orders, notices, and rulemakings.
In addition, the Commission offers a free service called
eSubscription which allows you to keep track of all formal issuances
and submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time
you spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with
notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to
the documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/esubscribenow.htm.
Finally, public meetings or site visits hosted by the Commission
will be posted on the Commission's calendar located at www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx along with other related information.
Purpose and Need for Action by the BLM and the Forest Service
The purpose of and need for the proposed action by the BLM is to
respond to a right-of way grant application originally submitted by
Pacific Connector on April 17, 2006, to construct, operate, maintain,
and eventually decommission a natural gas pipeline that crosses lands
and facilities administered by the BLM, the Bureau of Reclamation, and
the Forest Service. In addition, there is a need for the BLM and the
Forest Service to consider amending affected district and forest land
management plans to make provision for the Pacific Connector right-of-
way.
Proposed Actions of the BLM and the Forest Service
The proposed action of the BLM and the Forest Service has two
components. First, the BLM would amend its Resource Management Plans
(RMP) for the Coos Bay, Roseburg, and Medford Districts, and Klamath
Falls Resource Area of the Lakeview District, while the Forest Service
would amend its Land and Resource Management Plans (LRMP) for the
Umpqua, Rogue River, and Winema National Forests to make provisions for
the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. Second, in accordance with 43 CFR
2884.26, the BLM would issue a right-of-way grant in response to
Pacific Connector's application for the Project to occupy Federal
lands, with the written concurrence of the Forest Service and the
Bureau of Reclamation. Each agency may submit specific stipulations,
including mitigations, for inclusion in the right-of-way grant related
to lands, facilities, and easements within their respective
jurisdictions.
Amendment of Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service Land
Management Plans
BLM/FS-1, Site-Specific Waiver of Management Recommendations for
Survey and Manage Species on the BLM Coos Bay District, Roseburg
District, Medford District, and Klamath Falls Resource Area of the
Lakeview District RMPs, and the Umpqua National Forest, Rogue River
National Forest, and Winema National Forest LRMPs: Applicable BLM
district RMPs and Forest Service national forest LRMPs would be amended
to exempt certain known sites within the area of the proposed Pacific
Connector right-of-way grant from the Management Recommendations
required by the 2001 ``Record of Decision and Standards and Guidelines
for Amendments to the Survey and Manage, Protection Buffer, and other
Mitigation Measures Standards and Guidelines,'' as modified in July
2011. For known sites within the proposed right-of-way that cannot be
avoided, the amendment would specify that the 2001 Management
Recommendations for protection of known sites of Survey and Manage
species would not apply. For known sites located outside the proposed
right-of-way but with an overlapping protection buffer, only that
portion of the buffer within the right-of-way would be exempt from the
protection requirements of the Management Recommendations under the
amendment. The Management Recommendations would remain in effect for
that portion of the protection buffer that is outside of the right-of-
way. The proposed amendment would not exempt the BLM or the Forest
Service from the requirements of the 2001 Survey and Manage Record of
Decision, as modified, to maintain species persistence for affected
Survey and Manage species within the range of the northern spotted owl.
This is a site-specific amendment applicable only to the Pacific
Connector right-of-way and would not change future management direction
at any other location.
Amendments of BLM Resource Management Plans
BLM-1, Site-Specific Exemption of Requirement to Protect Marbled
Murrelet Habitat on the BLM Coos Bay and Roseburg Districts: The Coos
Bay District and Roseburg District RMPs would be amended to waive the
requirements to protect contiguous existing and recruitment habitat for
marbled murrelets within the Pacific Connector right-of-way that is
within 0.5 miles of occupied marbled murrelet sites, as mapped by the
BLM. This is a site-specific amendment applicable only to the Pacific
Connector right-of-way and would not change future management direction
at any other location.
BLM-2, Site Specific Exemption of Requirement To Retain Habitat in
Known Owl Activity Centers on the BLM Roseburg District: The RMP for
the Roseburg District would be amended to exempt the Pacific Connector
pipeline project from the requirement to retain habitat in Known Owl
Activity Centers at three locations. This is a site-specific amendment
applicable only to the Pacific Connector right-of-way and would not
change future management direction at any other location.
BLM-3, Reallocation of Matrix Lands to Late Successional Reserves:
The Roseburg District RMP would be amended to change the designation of
approximately 409 acres from the Matrix land allocations to the Late
Successional Reserves (LSR) land allocation in Sections 32 and 34,
Township (T.) 29 [frac12] South (S.), Range (R.) 7 West (W.); and
Section 1, T. 30 S., R. 7 W.,Willamette Meridian (W.M.), Oregon. This
change in land allocation is proposed to mitigate the potential adverse
impact of the Pacific Connector pipeline project on LSRs in the
Roseburg District. The amendment would change future management
direction for the lands reallocated from matrix lands to LSR.
BLM-4, Reallocation of Matrix Lands to Late Successional Reserves:
The Coos Bay District RMP would be amended to
[[Page 58573]]
change the designation of approximately 454 acres from the matrix land
allocations to the LSR land allocation in Sections 19 and 29 of T. 28
S., R. 10 W., W. M., Oregon. This change in land allocation is proposed
to mitigate the potential adverse impact of the Pacific Connector
pipeline project on LSRs in the Coos Bay District. The amendment would
change future management direction for the lands reallocated from
matrix lands to LSR.
Amendment of the Umpqua National Forest LRMP
NF-1, Site-Specific Amendment To Allow Removal of Effective Shade
on Perennial Streams: The Umpqua National Forest LRMP would be amended
to change the Standards and Guidelines for Fisheries (Umpqua National
Forest LRMP, page IV-33, Forest-Wide) to allow the removal of effective
shading vegetation where perennial streams are crossed by the Pacific
Connector right-of-way. This change would potentially affect an
estimated total of 3 acres of effective shading vegetation at
approximately five perennial stream crossings in the East Fork of Cow
Creek subwatershed from pipeline mileposts (MP) 109 to 110 in Sections
16 and 21, T. 32 S., R. 2 W., W. M., Oregon. This is a site-specific
amendment that would apply only to the Pacific Connector right-of-way
and would not change future management direction at any other location.
UNF-2, Site-Specific Amendment To Allow Utility Corridors in
Riparian Areas: The Umpqua National Forest LRMP would be amended to
change prescriptions C2-II (LRMP IV-173) and C2-IV (LRMP IV-177) to
allow the Pacific Connector pipeline route to run parallel to the East
Fork of Cow Creek for approximately 0.1 mile between about pipeline MPs
109.5 and 109.6 in Section 21, T. 32 S., R. 2 W., W. M., Oregon. This
change would potentially affect approximately 1 acre of riparian
vegetation along the East Fork of Cow Creek. This is a site-specific
amendment that would apply only to the Pacific Connector right-of-way
and would not change future management direction at any other location.
UNF-3, Site-Specific Amendment To Waive Limitations on Detrimental
Soil Conditions within the Pacific Connector Right-of-Way in All
Management Areas: The Umpqua National Forest LRMP would be amended to
waive limitations on the area affected by detrimental soil conditions
from displacement and compaction within the Pacific Connector right-of-
way. Standards and Guidelines for Soils (LRMP page IV-67) requires that
not more than 20 percent of the project area have detrimental
compaction, displacement, or puddling after completion of a project.
This is a site-specific amendment that would apply only to the Pacific
Connector right-of-way and would not change future management direction
at any other location.
UNF-4, Reallocation of Matrix Lands to Late Successional Reserves:
The Umpqua National Forest LRMP would be amended to change the
designation of approximately 588 acres from the matrix land allocation
to the LSR land allocation in Sections 7, 18, and 19, T. 32 S., R. 2
W., W. M., Oregon; and Sections 13 and 24, T. 32 S., R. 3 W., W. M.,
Oregon. This change in land allocation is proposed to partially
mitigate the potential adverse impact of the Pacific Connector pipeline
project on LSR 223 on the Umpqua National Forest. This amendment would
change future management direction for the lands reallocated from
matrix to LSR.
Amendment of the Rogue River National Forest LRMP
RRNF-1, Amendment to Provide for Energy Transmission: The Rogue
River National Forest LRMP would be amended to establish a Forest Plan
objective that states: ``While considering other multiple use values,
the Forest shall facilitate and make provision for energy transmission
via the Pacific Connector consistent with the Energy Policy Act of
2005, the Mineral Leasing Act, the Natural Gas Act, the Multiple Use
Sustained Yield Act, and the National Forest Management Act.''
RRNF-2, Site-Specific Amendment of Visual Quality Objectives on the
Big Elk Road: The Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be amended to
change the Visual Quality Objective (VQO) where the Pacific Connector
pipeline route crosses the Big Elk Road at about pipeline MP 161.4 in
Section 16, T. 37 S., R. 4 E., W. M., Oregon, from Foreground Retention
(Management Strategy 6, LRMP page 4-72) to Foreground Partial Retention
(Management Strategy 7, LRMP page 4-86) and allow 10-15 years for
amended visual quality objectives to be attained. The existing
Standards and Guidelines for VQO in Foreground Retention where the
Pacific Connector pipeline route crosses the Big Elk Road require that
VQOs be met within 1 year of completion of the project and that
management activities not be visually evident. This amendment would
apply only to the Pacific Connector pipeline project in the vicinity of
Big Elk Road and would not change future management direction for any
other project.
RRNF-3, Site-Specific Amendment of Visual Quality Objectives on the
Pacific Crest Trail: The Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be
amended to change the VQO where the Pacific Connector pipeline route
crosses the Pacific Crest Trail at about pipeline MP 168 in Section 32,
T. 37 S., R. 5 E., W. M., Oregon, from Foreground Partial Retention
(Management Strategy 7, LRMP page 4-86) to Modification (USDA Forest
Service Agricultural Handbook 478) and to allow 15-20 years for amended
VQOs to be attained. The existing Standards and Guidelines for VQOs in
Foreground Partial Retention in the area where the Pacific Connector
pipeline route crosses the Pacific Crest Trail require that visual
mitigation measures meet the stated VQO within 3 years of the
completion of the project and that management activities be visually
subordinate to the landscape. This amendment would apply only to the
Pacific Connector pipeline project in the vicinity of the Pacific Crest
Trail and would not change future management direction for any other
project.
RRNF-4, Site-Specific Amendment of Visual Quality Objectives
Adjacent to Highway 140: The Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be
amended to allow 10-15 years to meet the VQO of Middleground Partial
Retention between Pacific Connector pipeline MPs 156.3 to 156.8 and
157.2 to 157.5 in Sections 11 and 12, T. 37 S., R. 3 E., W. M., Oregon.
Standards and Guidelines for Middleground Partial Retention (Management
Strategy 9, LRMP Page 4-112) require that VQOs for a given location be
achieved within 3 years of completion of the project. Approximately 0.8
miles or 9 acres of the Pacific Connector right-of-way in the
Middleground Partial Retention VQO visible at distances of 0.75 to 5
miles from State Highway 140 would be affected by this amendment. This
amendment would apply only to the Pacific Connector pipeline project in
Sections 11 and 12, T .37 S., R. 3 E., W. M., Oregon, and would not
change future management direction for any other project.
RRNF-5, Site-Specific Amendment to Allow Utility Transmission
Corridors in Management Strategy 26, Restricted Riparian Areas: The
Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be amended to allow the Pacific
Connector right-of-way to cross the Restricted Riparian land
allocation. This would potentially affect approximately 2.5 acres of
the Restricted Riparian Management Strategy at one perennial stream
crossing on the South Fork of Little Butte Creek at about pipeline MP
[[Page 58574]]
162.45 in Section 15, T. 37 S., R. 4 E., W. M., Oregon. Standards and
Guidelines for the Restricted Riparian land allocation prescribe
locating transmission corridors outside of this land allocation
(Management Strategy 26, LRMP page 4-308,). This amendment would apply
only to the Pacific Connector pipeline right-of-way and would not
change future management direction at any other location.
RRNF-6, Site-Specific Amendment To Waive Limitations on Detrimental
Soil Conditions Within the Pacific Connector Right-of-Way in All
Management Areas: The Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be amended
to waive limitations on areas affected by detrimental soil conditions
from displacement and compaction within the Pacific Connector right-of-
way in all affected Management Strategies. Standards and Guidelines for
detrimental soil impacts in affected Management Strategies require that
no more than 10 percent of an activity area should be compacted,
puddled, or displaced upon completion of project (not including
permanent roads or landings). No more than 20 percent of the area
should be displaced or compacted under circumstances resulting from
previous management practices including roads and landings. Permanent
recreation facilities or other permanent facilities are exempt (RRNF
LRMP 4-41, 4-83, 4-97, 4-123, 4-177, 4-307). This is a site-specific
amendment applicable only to the Pacific Connector right-of-way and
would not change future management direction for at any other location.
RRNF-7, Reallocation of Matrix Lands to Late Successional Reserves:
The Rogue River National Forest LRMP would be amended to change the
designation of approximately 512 acres from the matrix land allocation
to the LSR land allocation in Section 32, T. 36 S., R. 4 E., W. M.,
Oregon. This change in land allocation is proposed to partially
mitigate the potential adverse impact of the Pacific Connector pipeline
project on LSR 227 on the Rogue River National Forest. This amendment
would change future management direction for the lands reallocated from
Matrix to LSR.
Amendment of the Winema National Forest LRMP
WNF-1, Site-Specific Amendment To Allow Utility Corridors in
Management Area 3: The Winema National Forest LRMP would be amended to
change the Standards and Guidelines for Management Area 3 (MA-3) (LRMP
page 4-103-4, Lands) to allow the 95-foot-wide Pacific Connector
pipeline corridor in MA-3 from the Forest Boundary in Section 32, T. 37
S., R. 5 E., W. M., Oregon, to the Clover Creek Road corridor in
Section 4, T. 38 S., R. 5 E., W. M., Oregon. Standards and Guidelines
for MA-3 state that the area is currently an avoidance area for new
utility corridors. This proposed new utility corridor is approximately
1.5 miles long and occupies approximately 17 acres. This is a site-
specific amendment that would apply only to the Pacific Connector
right-of-way and would not change future management direction at any
other location.
WNF-2, Site-Specific Amendment of Visual Quality Objectives on the
Dead Indian Memorial Highway: The Winema National Forest LRMP would be
amended to allow 10-15 years to achieve the VQO of Foreground Retention
where the Pacific Connector right-of-way crosses the Dead Indian
Memorial Highway at approximately pipeline MP 168.8 in Section 33, T.
37 S., R. 5 E., W. M., Oregon. Standards and Guidelines for Scenic
Management, Foreground Retention (LRMP 4-103, MA 3A, Foreground
Retention) requires VQOs for a given location be achieved within 1 year
of completion of the project. The Forest Service proposes to allow 10-
15 years to meet the specified VQO at this location. This is a site-
specific amendment that would apply only to the Pacific Connector
pipeline project in the vicinity of the Dead Indian Memorial Highway
and would not change future management direction for any other project.
WNF-3, Site-Specific Amendment of Visual Quality Objectives
Adjacent to the Clover Creek Road: The Winema National Forest LRMP
would be amended to allow 10-15 years to meet the VQO for Scenic
Management, Foreground Partial Retention, where the Pacific Connector
right-of-way is adjacent to the Clover Creek Road from approximately
pipeline MP 170 to 175 in Sections 2, 3, 4, 11, and 12, T. 38 S., R. 5
E., and Sections 7 and 18, T. 38 S., R. 6 E., W. M., Oregon. This
change would potentially affect approximately 50 acres. Standards and
Guidelines for Foreground Partial Retention (LRMP, page 4-107, MA 3B)
require that VQOs be met within 3 years of completion of a project.
This is a site-specific amendment that would apply only to the Pacific
Connector pipeline project in the vicinity of Clover Creek road and
would not change future management direction for any other project.
WNF-4, Site-Specific Amendment To Waive Limitations on Detrimental
Soil Conditions within the Pacific Connector Right-of-Way in All
Management Areas: The Winema National Forest LRMP would be amended to
waive restrictions on detrimental soil conditions from displacement and
compaction within the Pacific Connector right-of-way in all affected
management areas. Standards and Guidelines for detrimental soil impacts
in all affected management areas require that no more than 20 percent
of the activity area be detrimentally compacted, puddled, or displaced
upon completion of a project (LRMP page 4-73, 12-5). This is a site-
specific amendment applicable only to the Pacific Connector right-of-
way and would not change future management direction at any other
location.
WNF-5, Site-Specific Amendment To Waive Limitations on Detrimental
Soil Conditions within the Pacific Connector Right-of-Way in Management
Area 8: The Winema National Forest LRMP would be amended to waive
restrictions on detrimental soil conditions from displacement and
compaction within the Pacific Connector right-of-way within the
Management Area 8, Riparian Area (MA-8). This change would potentially
affect approximately 0.5 mile or an estimated 9.6 acres of MA-8.
Standards and Guidelines for Soil and Water, MA-8 require that not more
than 10 percent of the total riparian zone in an activity area be in a
detrimental soil condition upon the completion of a project (LRMP page
4-137, 2). This is a site-specific amendment applicable only to the
Pacific Connector right-of-way and would not change future management
direction at any other location.
Lead Agency
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is the lead agency for
preparation of an EIS for the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline.
Responsible Officials
The Secretary of the Interior has delegated authority to the BLM to
potentially grant a right-of-way in response to Pacific Connector's
application for natural gas transmission on Federal lands under the
Mineral Leasing Act of 1920. The Responsible Official for the proposed
amendments of the BLM RMPs and potential issuance of the right-of-way
grant is the BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. The Responsible
Official for the proposed amendment of Forest Service LRMPs is the
Forest Supervisor of the Umpqua National Forest. In accordance with 36
CFR 219.17(b)(2), the Deciding Official for the Forest Service has
elected to use the 1982 planning rule procedures to amend Forest
Service LRMPs as provided in the transition procedures of the 2000
planning rule.
[[Page 58575]]
Nature of Decision To Be Made
If the BLM adopts the new FERC EIS for the Pacific Connector
pipeline project (in Docket No. PF12-17-000), the BLM Oregon/Washington
State Director will make the following decisions and determinations:
Determine whether to amend the RMPs for the BLM Coos Bay,
Roseburg, and Medford Districts and the Klamath Falls Resource Area of
the Lakeview District as proposed or as described in an alternative to
the Proposed Action; and
Respond to the Pacific Connector application with
concurrence of the Bureau of Reclamation and the Forest Service by
issuing a right-of-way grant, granting the right-of-way with
conditions, or denying the application.
If the Forest Service adopts the new FERC EIS for the Pacific
Connector pipeline project (in Docket No. PF12-17-000), the Forest
Supervisor of the Umpqua National Forest will make the following
decisions and determinations:
Decide whether to amend the LRMPs of the Umpqua, Rogue
River, and Winema National Forests as proposed or as described in an
alternative; and
Determine the significance of the proposed amendments or
alternatives in accordance with national forest planning regulation 36
CFR 219.10(f) (1982 procedures) using criteria in Forest Service Manual
1926.5.
Scoping Process: The BLM and the Forest Service seek public input
on issues and planning criteria related to issuance of the Right-of-Way
Grant. The BLM and the Forest Service seek public input on issues and
planning criteria related to amendment of their district and forest
land management plans related to the Pacific Connector pipeline
project. All comments received related to actions of the BLM and the
Forest Service will be considered in the preparation of land management
plan amendments and issuance of a right-of-way grant for the Project.
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 environmental impact statement. Therefore, comments should be
provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly
articulate the reviewer's concerns and contentions. Your comments
should focus on the potential changes in the goods and services that
are provided by affected BLM districts and National Forests, reasonable
alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen any adverse changes in
the goods and services produced. The more specific your comments, the
more useful they will be.
Currently Identified Issues Specific to Proposed BLM and Forest Service
Land Management Plan Amendments
The purpose of the public scoping process is to determine relevant
issues that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis,
including alternatives, and guide the plan amendment process.
Preliminary issues for the plan amendments have been identified by BLM
and Forest Service personnel, Federal, State, and local agencies, and
other stakeholders. The issues include:
Effects of proposed amendments on Survey and Manage
species and their habitat;
Effects of proposed amendments on contiguous existing or
recruitment habitat for marbled murrelets within 0.5 mile of occupied
marbled murrelet sites;
Effects of proposed amendments on habitat in Known Owl
Activity Centers, and
Effects of the proposed amendments on Late Successional
Reserves.
Preliminary BLM and Forest Service planning criteria include:
Evaluation of significance of proposed amendments to
Forest Service LRMPs in the context of LRMP goals and objectives.
Whether a plan amendment is significant is guided by several factors,
including the timing and duration of the proposed change, the location
and size of the project, and how the proposed change could alter
multiple-use goals and objectives for long-term land and resource
management.
Likelihood of persistence of affected Survey and Manage
species within the range of the northern spotted owl.
Amount and quality of marbled murrelet habitat affected by
construction and operation of the Pacific Connector pipeline project.
Amount and quality of habitat in Known Owl Activity
Centers affected by construction and operation of the Pacific Connector
pipeline project.
Functionality of LSRs.
Impacts on Connectivity and Diversity Blocks on BLM lands.
Administrative Review of Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service
Decisions To Amend Land Management Plans and Appeal of BLM Response to
Right-of-Way Grant Application
Decisions by the BLM and the Forest Service to amend land
management plans are subject to administrative review. In accordance
with 36 CFR 219.59, the Forest Service has elected to use the
administrative review procedures (otherwise known as protest
procedures) of the BLM. Administrative objections to Forest Service
land management plan amendment decisions and protests of BLM land
management plan amendment decisions may be filed under the provisions
of 43 CFR 1610.5-2. The BLM's decision on the application for a right-
of-way grant may be appealed to the Interior Board of Land Appeals in
accordance with 43 CFR part 4.
The submission of timely and specific comments can affect a
reviewer's ability to participate in subsequent administrative appeal
or judicial review. 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. Comments submitted anonymously
will be accepted and considered; however, anonymous comments will not
provide the respondent with standing to object to the subsequent
decision.
Michael S. Mottice,
Acting BLM State Director, Oregon/Washington.
Alice B. Carlton,
FS Forest Supervisor, Umpqua National Forest.
[FR Doc. 2012-23206 Filed 9-20-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-33-P