Notices. Notice of request for expressions of interest
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BILLING CODE 4000-01-M DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Notice of Request for Expressions of Interest in an Advanced Burner Reactor To Support the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership AGENCY: Office of Nuclear Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of request for expressions of interest. SUMMARY: Based upon feedback since the President of the United States announced the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership
(GNEP)in February 2006, the U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE)is seeking Expressions of Interest
(EOI)from domestic and international industry in building an Advanced Burner Reactor (ABR). An ABR in the United States would establish a fast reactor capability to be used to transmute fuel and consume transuranic elements within the fuel, generate electricity, and support implementation of GNEP. DOE is also seeking to define the interest of industry to build upon their proven capabilities and participate in demonstrating spent nuclear fuel
(SNF)recycling technologies that meet GNEP goals. This EOI will help inform DOE's GNEP Program as to those issues that industry and potential host sites consider important to the construction of sustainable, commercial-scale SNF recycling technologies that meet GNEP objectives. The information gained from this EOI will be used to create Requests for Proposals
(RFP)for the proposed ABR. DATES: Interested parties wishing to submit an EOI should do so in writing by September 8, 2006, to ensure their input is considered. A briefing for respondents to learn about DOE's baseline plan and answer EOI-related questions will be held on August 14, 2006, 8 am-12 pm, in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The specific meeting location will be announced on the GNEP Web site, * http://www.gnep.energy.gov.* Please indicate your interest in attending the briefing by sending an e-mail indicating your intent to attend to *GNEP_EOI_RSVP@nuclear.energy.gov* . It is recognized that GNEP is moving forward on an aggressive schedule that will task all of the responders' abilities to provide quality information in a short period of time. DOE believes that GNEP can help to revitalize the U.S. nuclear industry and improve its global competitive position. Early participation by industry in this effort will greatly maximize GNEP's success. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: By postal mail, Mr. John F. Gross, Mail Stop: NE-2.4/Germantown, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington DC 20585-0119; by phone on 301-903-3918; by e-mail at *GNEP_EOI_RSVP@nuclear.energy.gov* . ADDRESSES: Please send all hardcopy Expressions of Interest to Mr. John F. Gross, Mail Stop: NE-2.4/Germantown, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0119. Electronic versions of the Expressions of Interest may be submitted in pdf (portable document format) format by e-mail to *GNEP_EOI_RSVP@nuclear.energy.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background As part of President Bush's Advanced Energy Initiative, DOE has launched the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP). The broad goals of GNEP are described in the Report to Congress—Spent Nuclear Fuel Recycling Program Plan issued May 2006, *http://www.gnep.energy.gov/pdfs/snfRecyclingProgframPanMay2006.pdf.* A major element of GNEP is the development and deployment of advanced nuclear fuel recycling technologies. In general, advanced recycling technologies focus on three operations:
(1)Separate commercial LWR SNF into its usable and waste components. Spent nuclear fuel contains uranium, transuranics (plutonium and other long-lived radioactive elements), and fission products. The fission products are waste and make up less than five percent of the used fuel. Buildup of fission products within the fuel inhibits nuclear fission reactions so the spent fuel must be replaced with fresh fuel for continued operation of a nuclear reactor. The transuranics and uranium in SNF would be separated from the fission products and then fabricated into new fuel for a fast reactor to consume the transuranics and uranium while simultaneously recovering their energy content. The SNF recycling program would use advanced separation processes ( *e.g.,* Uranium Extraction Plus or other comparable processes).
(2)Fabricate and recycle fast reactor fuel containing transuranic elements. Fabricating, testing, and qualifying fast reactor fuel containing transuranic and actinide elements ( *i.e.,* transmutation fuel), obtained from recycled spent fast reactor fuel, is required to provide fresh fuel for the reactor. After the qualification of transmutation fuel, the GNEP facilities would demonstrate recycle of fast reactor transmutation fuel and eventually could include the construction of a separate transmutation fuel separations and fabrication facility.
(3)Convert transuranics into shorter-lived radioisotopes while producing electricity. Fast reactors produce high-energy neutrons that can fission long-lived transuranics, thus converting the transuranics into shorter-lived radioisotopes. As the transuranics are consumed, significant energy is released that can be used to produce electricity from material that would otherwise be considered waste and potentially require disposal in a geologic repository. The Department initially announced an approach that would demonstrate technologies from the laboratory at engineering scale, prior to a second phase of commercialization. This approach is described in the Report to Congress—Spent Nuclear Fuel Recycling Program Plan issued May 2006, *http://www.gnep.energy.gov/pdfs/snfRecyclingProgframPanMay2006.pdf. * Following the announcement of the GNEP Program by the President, a number of foreign governments and private companies expressed interest in cooperating in the near-term with the Department in the development and deployment of advanced recycling technologies. Some of these entities indicated they are pursuing similar technologies and, in some cases, these technologies may be ready for deployment prior to those currently under development by the Department. In light of this information, DOE seeks to determine the feasibility of accelerating the development and deployment of advanced recycling technologies that would enable commercial scale demonstrations that meet GNEP objectives. These demonstrations would utilize industry expertise to build the well-understood stages of advanced technology for the separation of LWR SNF, and the construction and operation of a fast reactor, while designing in the modules for incorporating group separation of actinides, transmutation fuel production, burning, and recycling operations. This approach would involve two simultaneous tracks:
(1)Deployment of commercial scale facilities for which advanced technologies are available now or in the near future and
(2)further research and development on transmutation fuels technologies. This two-track approach could result in two commercial scale facilities, one of which is the subject of this EOI. These facilities are: • Consolidated Fuel Treatment Center (CFTC)—a facility to separate the usable uranium and transuranics from spent light-water reactor fuel for use in fabricating fast reactor fuel. During the second track the CFTC would be augmented or a separate transmutation fuel separations and fabrication facility would be constructed to separate and fabricate fast reactor transmutation fuel. • Advanced Burner Reactor (ABR; subject of this EOI)—fast reactor to use transmutation fuel and consume transuranic elements within the fuel and generate electricity. The ABR is expected to be qualified with conventional fast reactor fuel. Subsequently, the ABR would be used to demonstrate the feasibility of recycling fast reactor transmutation fuel. A third facility, the Advanced Fuel Cycle Facility (AFCF), will be designed and directed through DOE's national laboratories and will support development of the technologies required to separate and fabricate fast reactor transmutation fuel. The AFCF is not currently a subject of a Request for Expressions of Interest. ABR Characteristics DOE prefers to constrain as little as possible this EOI on the fuel cycle pathway to meet GNEP goals. Industry's input is valuable in considering the ultimate technical and pragmatic configuration of GNEP's closed fuel cycle. Some rough parameters for considering the ultimate characteristics of an ABR for the GNEP Technology Demonstration Program are set out below. They simply illustrate the type of information DOE is requesting in this EOI and respondents should not interpret the following information as a final decision from DOE on the ABR's characteristics or the overall demonstration program. The responses to this EOI may significantly influence subsequent RFPs. Desired ABR General Characteristics The ABR is essential to perform key functions in support of GNEP technology development objectives, including: • Providing a fast neutron reactor necessary to consume the transuranic and actinide elements contained in transmutation fuel, i.e., fuel that is fabricated from uranium, plutonium, and other transuranics found in light water reactor
(LWR)spent fuel. • Generating and providing electricity to a power grid and contribute to commercial sustainability. Thus, the ABR would consume transuranic elements in fuel made possible by other key elements of the technology program: separation of LWR and fast reactor SNF into their usable components and the fabrication of transmutation fuel from those components. • Consuming transuranic elements separated from LWR SNF. See the Consolidated Fuel Treatment Center
(CFTC)EOI for a discussion of that element. • Ensuring that facility designs meet U.S. standards for safeguards and security. Developing this complete system to support GNEP remains the central objective, drawing upon the expertise and capabilities of industry and international partners to achieve it. Further, The ABR shall safely and reliably perform its power generation and transmutation functions. The ABR shall be capable of being licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC)and operated in accordance with NRC regulations. The ABR shall incorporate design features and technologies to promote reliable system performance during normal operations and in response to postulated accident scenarios. • The ABR shall be designed such that the future cost of electrical power generation using ABRs can be shown to be economical, with a goal of being competitive with Advanced Light Water Reactors, reasonably accounting for any externalities. • ABRs shall be capable of generating power through the net destruction of transuranic material. • The strategy for potential development of ABRs shall be made to be as affordable as possible without introducing undue risk into the development effort so as to place in serious jeopardy the potential to successfully achieve the ABR mission. • To support timely implementation supportive of GNEP goals, the ABR system shall be capable of commercial deployment as early as possible. Example Technical Characteristics of the ABR • *Reactor neutron energy spectrum:* Fast. • *Reactor technology:* Pool-type sodium cooled. • *Power conversion technology:* Steam-Rankine or Super-critical CO <sup>2</sup> Brayton Cycle. • *Reactor fuel type:* Oxide or metal based. • *Reactor unit thermal power:* 500 MWt-2000 MWt. • *Electrical power from reactor unit:* 200 MWe-800 MWe, generated electricity can be provided to a commercial power grid. • For modular approach, technology for reactor unit should be scalable to higher power levels up to at least 1 GWe. • The ABR would have the capability of being started on conventional fast reactor driver fuel, transitioned to full core operation on transmutation fuel, and provide a capability for transmuting minor actinide targets prior to this transition. • Process storage capacity: Sufficient process storage capacity should be included to support full-scale plant operations, including storage of spent fuel prior to recycling. Geographic • The reactor may be collocated with the SNF processing and fuel fabrication operations. This is not a requirement but rather a possibility. Regulatory • Must comply with all environmental protection laws and regulations. • Must be capable of being licensed under NRC regulations applicable to demonstration operations on privately owned land regardless of where the demonstration is sited. Content of EOI The following items identify the information that DOE is requesting in this EOI. All respondents are encouraged to provide information beyond that requested if it is believed to be beneficial to their responses. 1. Level of Interest and Proposed Scope of Interest Please describe how you believe DOE could accelerate successful demonstration of SNF integrated recycling technologies to advance the goals of GNEP. Describe the approach that you believe should be taken to accomplish this goal, including its benefits and risks, and describe your level of interest or potential participation. Also, provide a description of what you believe your approach does to advance the broad goals of GNEP (as described, for example, in the Background section). In particular, for the ABR, DOE is interested in: a. What reactor unit size
(MWt)would be proposed by industry to achieve the ABR mission, and what reactor size would be proposed for the demonstration program ( *e.g.* , sub-scale, full-size module)? b. What set of reactor system technologies ( *e.g.* , basic type of fuel, reactor and power conversion technologies) is proposed to achieve the ABR mission? c. What would the general fuel qualification approach and schedule be for initial driver fuel and transmutation fuel? Identify the basic in-reactor tests and facilities that would be used to support fuel qualification. d. In addition to advanced reactor systems, what research and development (R&D) on near-term water-cooled reactor approaches could be pursued to support transmutation of transuranics consistent with the goals of GNEP? 2. Proposed Roles of Parties Involved Please identify who you believe the parties to such a venture should include and the role of each party. Parties could include U.S. Government and foreign government agencies, state and local government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, domestic and foreign commercial firms ( *e.g.* , Architect & Engineering (A&E) firms, component manufacturers, electric utility companies, etc.) or any other entity you may identify that fits into your proposed solution. Your statement should clearly identify the role each party would play in ensuring the success of your proposition, whether direct or indirect. Examples of roles include, but are not limited to, providing financing, guaranteeing financing, A&E services, construction, facility operations, program or project management, regulatory compliance support, and hardware vendor. Provide an assessment of the benefit to the U.S. Government and GNEP of your proposed parties and their roles. Also, provide a description of the benefits that would accrue to each of the parties in this venture. Benefits could include, but are not limited to, financial gain, intellectual property, market position, facilities, education, and advancing policy goals. 3. Resources For each entity you have identified in Item 2 above, provide specifics describing the resources each party could provide to ensure the program's success. These resources may include, but are not limited to, financial, existing or new facilities, personnel (include a description of the type of personnel, *e.g.* , technical, management, regulatory, financial, etc.), intellectual property, and leased equipment. 4. Proposed Contractual Vehicle Please provide a description of the contractual vehicle(s) you feel should be employed in furtherance of your approach. Examples may include, but are not limited to, contracts, financial assistance, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements, loan guarantees, other transactional arrangements. Please limit your suggestions to those contractual authorities already granted to DOE or other government agencies you identify. 5. Areas of Technology Development Required for Potential Commercialization Please identify what technical areas associated with your approach would benefit from additional research, development or demonstration (RD&D) activities, how and to what extent this RD&D would mitigate technical or technology risk, estimated timeframes to accomplish this RD&D, parties performing the activities, and other technical issues that need to be addressed. 6. Government Furnished Data/Technology/Equipment Describe what, if any, government furnished data, technology, or equipment you would require to accomplish your defined approach. State whether you have any existing rights or license for the use of the data or technology, and if not, how you would pursue acquiring such rights. Confidentiality Confidential or business sensitive information contained in the submission must be identified and marked accordingly. DOE will protect this information from public disclosure to the extent permitted by law. This EOI is not a formal solicitation requesting proposals and does not represent a commitment by the Government to award a contract. The Government does not intend to formally respond to information submitted in response to this EOI. The Government is not responsible for costs incurred to submit a response to this EOI, conducting other activities associated with pre-solicitation planning, or submitting a proposal in response to a solicitation, if issued. Issued in Washington, DC, on July 31, 2006. Dennis R. Spurgeon, Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy. [FR Doc. E6-12747 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Notice of Request for Expressions of Interest in a Consolidated Fuel Treatment Center To Support the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership AGENCY: Office of Nuclear Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of request for expressions of interest. SUMMARY: Based upon feedback since the President of the United States announced the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership
(GNEP)in February 2006, the U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE)is seeking Expressions of Interest
(EOI)from domestic and international industry in building spent nuclear fuel recycling and transmutation fuel fabrication capabilities. DOE contemplates locating these capabilities together in a Consolidated Fuel Treatment Center
(CFTC)and seeks expressions of interest from potential domestic host sites. DOE is also seeking to define the interest of industry to build upon their proven capabilities and participate in demonstrating spent nuclear fuel
(SNF)recycling technologies that meet GNEP goals. This EOI will help inform DOE's GNEP Program as to those issues that industry and potential host sites consider important to the ultimate construction of sustainable, commercial-scale SNF recycling technologies that meet GNEP objectives. The information gained from this EOI will be used to create Requests for Proposals
(RFP)for the proposed CFTC. DATES: Interested parties wishing to submit an EOI should do so in writing by September 8, 2006, to ensure their input is considered. A briefing for respondents to learn about DOE's baseline plan and answer EOI-related questions will be held on August 14, 2006, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The specific meeting location will be announced on the GNEP Web site, *http://www.gnep.energy.gov.* Please indicate your interest in attending the briefing by sending an e-mail indicating your intent to attend to *GNEP_EOI_RSVP@nuclear.energy.gov.* It is recognized that GNEP is moving forward on an aggressive schedule that will task all of the responders' abilities to provide quality information in a short period of time. DOE believes that GNEP can help to revitalize the U.S. nuclear industry and improve its global competitive position. Early participation by industry in this effort will greatly maximize GNEP's success. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: By postal mail, Mr. John F. Gross, Mail Stop: NE-2.4/Germantown, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0119; by phone on 301-903-3918; by e-mail at *GNEP_EOI_RSVP@nuclear.energy.gov.* ADDRESSES: Please send all hardcopy Expressions of Interest to Mr. John F. Gross, Mail Stop: NE-2.4/Germantown, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0119. Electronic versions of the Expressions of Interest may be submitted in pdf (portable document format) format by e-mail to *GNEP_EOI_RSVP@nuclear.energy.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background As part of President Bush's Advanced Energy Initiative, DOE has launched the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP). The broad goals of GNEP are described in the Report to Congress—Spent Nuclear Fuel Recycling Program Plan issued May 2006, *http://www.gnep.energy.gov/pdfs/snfRecyclingProgframPanMay2006.pdf.* A major element of GNEP is the development and deployment of advanced nuclear fuel recycling technologies. In general, advanced recycling technologies focus on three operations:
(1)Separate commercial LWR SNF into its usable and waste components. Spent nuclear fuel contains uranium, transuranics (plutonium and other long-lived radioactive elements), and fission products. The fission products are waste and make up less than five percent of the used fuel. Buildup of fission products within the fuel inhibits nuclear fission reactions so the spent fuel must be replaced with fresh fuel for continued operation of a nuclear reactor. The transuranics and uranium in SNF would be separated from the fission products and then fabricated into new fuel for a fast reactor to consume the transuranics and uranium while simultaneously recovering their energy content. The SNF recycling program would use advanced separation processes (e.g., Uranium Extraction Plus or other comparable processes).
(2)Fabricate and recycle fast reactor fuel containing transuranic elements. Fabricating, testing, and qualifying fast reactor fuel containing transuranic and actinide elements (i.e., transmutation fuel), obtained from recycled spent fast reactor fuel, is required to provide fresh fuel for the reactor. After the qualification of transmutation fuel, the GNEP facilities would demonstrate recycle of fast reactor transmutation fuel and eventually could include the construction of a separate transmutation fuel separations and fabrication facility.
(3)Convert transuranics into shorter-lived radioisotopes while producing electricity. Fast reactors produce high-energy neutrons that can fission long-lived transuranics, thus converting the transuranics into shorter-lived radioisotopes. As the transuranics are consumed, significant energy is released that can be used to produce electricity from material that would otherwise be considered waste and potentially require disposal in a geologic repository. The Department initially announced an approach that would demonstrate technologies from the laboratory at engineering scale, prior to a second phase of commercialization. This initial approach is described in the Report to Congress—Spent Nuclear Fuel Recycling Program Plan issued May 2006, *http://www.gnep.energy.gov/pdfs/snfRecyclingProgframPanMay2006.pdf.* Following the announcement of the GNEP Program by the President, a number of foreign governments and private companies expressed interest in cooperating in the near-term with the Department in the development and deployment of advanced recycling technologies. Some of these entities indicated they are pursuing similar technologies and, in some cases, these technologies may be ready for deployment prior to those currently under development by the Department. In light of this information, DOE seeks to determine the feasibility of accelerating the development and deployment of advanced recycling technologies that would enable commercial scale demonstrations that meet GNEP objectives. These demonstrations would utilize industry expertise to build the well-understood stages of advanced technology for the separation of LWR SNF, and the construction and operation of a fast reactor, while designing in the modules for incorporating group separation of actinides, transmutation fuel production, burning, and recycling operations. This approach would involve two simultaneous tracks:
(1)Deployment of commercial scale facilities for which advanced technologies are available now or in the near future and
(2)further research and development on transmutation fuels technologies. This two-track approach could result in two commercial scale facilities, one of which is the subject of this EOI. These facilities are: • Consolidated Fuel Treatment Center (CFTC; subject of this EOI)—a facility to separate the usable uranium and transuranics from spent light-water reactor fuel for use in fabricating fast reactor fuel. During the second track the CFTC would be augmented or a separate transmutation fuel separations and fabrication facility would be constructed to separate and fabricate fast reactor transmutation fuel. • Advanced Burner Reactor (ABR)—fast reactor to use transmutation fuel and consume transuranic elements within the fuel and generate electricity. The ABR is expected to be qualified with conventional fast reactor fuel. Subsequently, the ABR would be used to demonstrate the feasibility of recycling fast reactor transmutation fuel. A third facility, the Advanced Fuel Cycle Facility (AFCF), will be designed and directed through DOE's national laboratories and will support development of the technologies required to separate and fabricate fast reactor transmutation fuel. The AFCF is not currently a subject of a Request for Expressions of Interest. CFTC Characteristics DOE prefers to constrain as little as possible this EOI on the fuel cycle pathway to meet GNEP goals. Industry's input is valuable in considering the ultimate technical and pragmatic configuration of GNEP's closed fuel cycle. Some rough parameters for considering the ultimate characteristics of a CFTC facility for the GNEP Technology Demonstration Program are set out below. They simply illustrate the type of information DOE is requesting in this EOI and respondents should not interpret the following information as a final decision from DOE on the CFTC's characteristics or the overall demonstration program. The responses to this EOI may significantly influence subsequent RFPs. Desired CFTC General Characteristics The complete CFTC would be designed to perform several key functions in support of GNEP technology development objectives, including: • Separating reusable uranium and transuranics from spent light water reactor
(LWR)fuel for use in fabricating fast reactor driver fuel. (An additional facility designed and directed through a DOE national laboratory will support development of the technologies required to separate and fabricate fast reactor transmutation fuel, i.e., fuel that is fabricated from uranium, plutonium, and other transuranics found in LWR spent fuel.) • Demonstrating the separation of LWR and fast reactor SNF into their usable components and the fabrication of transmutation fuel from those components. • Consuming transuranic elements in a fast reactor. See the Advanced Burner Reactor
(ABR)EOI for a discussion of that element. • Ensuring that facility designs meet U.S. standards for safeguards and security. Developing this complete system to support GNEP remains the central objective, drawing upon the expertise and capabilities of industry and international partners to achieve it. Further, • The CFTC shall safely and reliably perform its LWR spent fuel process storage and separations functions as well as providing safe and reliable ABR driver fuel fabrication capabilities. The CFTC shall be capable of being licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC)and operated in accordance with NRC regulations. The CFTC shall incorporate design features and technologies to promote reliable system performance during normal operations and in response to postulated accident scenarios. • The CFTC shall demonstrate improved spent fuel separations technologies. This shall be accomplished in a process whose end products are not pure plutonium or other weapons-grade fissile material. The spent fuel separations technology will be further enhanced by advanced safeguards and security monitoring technology. • The CFTC will produce, through spent fuel separations, high-purity uranium for reuse as reactor fuel or disposal as low-level waste, transuranic fuel feed material for transmutation in a fast reactor, and fission products with reduced heat generation and radiotoxicity for long-term geologic disposal. • The CFTC shall be designed such that the future cost of spent fuel receipt, separations process, product management, and fuel fabrication capabilities can be shown as an efficient component of an economical fuel cycle. It is desirable that the material remain throughout in as low a category as possible for attractiveness for use in a nuclear weapon and for safeguarding purposes. • The CFTC shall fabricate the driver fuel (i.e., fuel for the initial startup core and subsequent refueling of the core in advance of the availability of transmutation fuel) for the ABR to initially generate power. • CFTC technologies shall be capable of commercial deployment. Example of Technical Characteristics of the CFTC • Process storage capacity: Sufficient storage capacity should be included to support full-scale plant operation, including storage of spent fuel prior to separations as well as storage of the resulting separated material. • Spent fuel separations throughput: Able to be increased to approximately 2,000 to 3,000 metric tons per year to support commercial operation. • Separations technology: UREX+1a where major products include high-purity uranium, cesium and strontium, transuranics, spent fuel cladding hulls, and fission products. Alternative separation technologies with different product streams (e.g., different actinide separation efficiencies or distributions) may be proposed. • Waste disposition strategies: Waste minimization is a priority and should focus on reducing radiotoxicity, half-life, heat generation, and minimize criticality concerns. • Fast reactor driver fuel type: Oxide or metal based (depends on fuel type selected in related GNEP ABR EOI). Geographic • The SNF processing and fuel fabrication operations may be collocated with ABR. • Existing DOE or commercial facilities or new facilities may be addressed in the response. Regulatory • Must comply with all environmental protection laws and regulations. • Must be capable of being licensed under NRC regulations applicable to demonstration operations on privately owned land regardless of where the demonstration is sited. Content of EOI The following items identify the information that DOE is requesting in this EOI. All respondents are encouraged to provide information beyond that requested if it is believed to be beneficial to their responses. 1. Level of Interest and Proposed Scope of Interest Please describe how you believe DOE could accelerate successful demonstration of SNF integrated recycling technologies to advance the goals of GNEP. Describe the approach that you believe should be taken to accomplish this goal, including its benefits and risks, and describe your level of interest or potential participation. Also, provide a description of what you believe your approach does to advance the broad goals of GNEP (as described, for example, in the Background section). In particular, for the CFTC, DOE is interested in: a. What LWR spent fuel process storage capabilities, separations technology and throughput (initial and final), and fast sodium reactor driver fuel fabrication system characteristics would be proposed to achieve the CFTC mission? b. What set of separations process technologies are sufficiently mature to implement immediately and what proposed technologies or components require additional developmental work (e.g., advanced centrifugal contactors, advanced monitoring instrumentation) to achieve the CFTC mission? c. What are the key elements of the proposal's product and waste management strategies? Are there near-term strategies using existing technology as well as long-term strategies for improved waste minimization and product form as well as storage and disposition technologies envisioned? If so, specify the key elements of future improvements, their relative costs and their benefits. d. In addition to advanced separation processes, what technology development could be pursued to support spent fuel recycling consistent with the goals of GNEP? 2. Proposed Roles of Parties Involved Please identify who you believe the parties to such a venture should include and the role of each party. Parties could include U.S. Government and foreign government agencies, state and local government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, domestic and foreign commercial firms (e.g., Architect & Engineering (A&E) firms, component manufacturers, electric utility companies, etc.) or any other entity you may identify that fits into your proposed solution. Your statement should clearly identify the role each party would play in ensuring the success of your proposition, whether direct or indirect. Examples of roles include, but are not limited to, providing financing, guaranteeing financing, A&E services, construction, facility operations, program or project management, regulatory compliance support, and hardware vendor. Provide an assessment of the benefit to the U.S. Government and GNEP of your proposed parties and their roles. Also, provide a description of the benefits that would accrue to each of the parties in this venture. Benefits could include, but are not limited to, financial gain, intellectual property, market position, facilities, education, and advancing policy goals. 3. Resources For each entity you have identified in Item 2 above, provide specifics describing the resources each party could provide to ensure the program's success. These resources may include, but are not limited to, financial, existing or new facilities, personnel (include a description of the type of personnel, e.g., technical, management, regulatory, financial, etc.), intellectual property, and leased equipment. 4. Proposed Contractual Vehicle Please provide a description of the contractual vehicle(s) you feel should be employed in furtherance of your approach. Examples may include, but are not limited to, contracts, financial assistance, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements, loan guarantees, other transactional arrangements. Please limit your suggestions to those contractual authorities already granted to DOE or other government agencies you identify. 5. Areas of Technology Development Required for Potential Commercialization Please identify what technical areas associated with your approach would benefit from additional research, development or demonstration activities, how and to what extent this research and development (R&D) would mitigate technical or technology risk, estimated timeframes to accomplish this R&D, parties performing the activities, and other technical issues that need to be addressed. 6. Government Furnished Data/Technology/Equipment Describe what, if any, government furnished data, technology, or equipment you would require to accomplish your defined approach. State whether you have any existing rights or license for the use of the data or technology, and if not, how you would pursue acquiring such rights. Confidentiality Confidential or business sensitive information contained in the submission must be identified and marked accordingly. DOE will protect this information from public disclosure to the extent permitted by law. This EOI is not a formal solicitation requesting proposals and does not represent a commitment by the Government to award a contract. The Government does not intend to formally respond to information submitted in response to this EOI. The Government is not responsible for costs incurred to submit a response to this EOI, conducting other activities associated with pre-solicitation planning, or submitting a proposal in response to a solicitation, if issued. Issued in Washington, DC, on July 31, 2006. Dennis R. Spurgeon, Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy. [FR Doc. E6-12646 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Biological and Environmental Research (BER); Federal Interagency Steering Committee on Multimedia Environmental Modeling AGENCY: Office of Science; Biological and Environmental Research (BER), Department of Energy, (DOE). ACTION: Notice of open meeting. SUMMARY: The annual public meeting of the Federal Interagency Steering Committee on Multimedia Environmental Modeling (ISCMEM) will convene to discuss new operational initiatives for FY 2007 as a result of the revised Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU)among the participating agencies. DATES: August 24, 2006. Time: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ADDRESSES: The American Geophysical Union
(AGU)headquarters building, 2000 Florida Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20009. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Inquiries and notice of intent to attend the meeting may be faxed or E-mailed to: Dr. Robert T. Anderson, ISCMEM Chair, Office of Biological and Environmental Research SC-23.4 / Germantown Building, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-1290. Tel: 301-903-5549. Fax: 301-903-4154. *Todd.Anderson@science.doe.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Background:* Nine Federal agencies have been cooperating under a MOU on the research and development of multimedia environmental models for the last 5 years. The MOU establishes a framework for facilitating cooperation and coordination among the following agencies (the specific research organization within the agency is in parenthesis): U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Engineer Research and Development Center): U.S. Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Research Service); U.S. Department of Agriculture (Natural Resources Conservation Service); U.S. Department of Energy (Office of Biological and Environmental Research); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Geological Survey; U.S. National Oceanographic and Atmosphere Administration; and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research); U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. These agencies are cooperating and coordinating in the research and development (R&D) of multimedia environmental models, software and related databases, including development, enhancements, applications and assessments of site specific, generic, and process-oriented multimedia environmental models as they pertain to human and environmental health risk assessment. Multimedia model development and simulation supports interagency interests in risk assessment, uncertainty analyses, water supply issues and contaminant transport. This MOU was just renewed by member agencies ensuring another 5 years of continuing collaboration and cooperation among the participating agencies in these areas. *Purpose of the Public Meeting:* The annual public meeting provides an opportunity for the scientific community, other Federal and State agencies, and the public to be briefed on ISCMEM activities and their initiatives for the upcoming year, and to discuss technological advancements in multimedia environmental modeling. *Proposed Agenda:* The ISCMEM Chair will open the meeting with a brief overview of the goals of the MOU, the activities of ISCMEM and changes in organizational operations as a result of the revised and renewed ISCMEM MOU. This introduction will be followed by series of invited presentations throughout the morning session focusing on topics of mutual interest to ISCMEM participants. The afternoon session will be largely devoted to discussing future goals and projects that will set the stage for collaborative interactions among ISCMEM participating agencies for the next 5 years. A detailed agenda with presentation titles and speakers will be posted on the MOU public Web site: *http://www.ISCMEM.org.* *Meeting Access:* The headquarters of the American Geophysical Union
(AGU)is located at 2000 Florida Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20009. The most convenient transportation to the meeting venue is via Metro. Please take Metro to the Dupont Circle Metro stop on the Red Line. Take the “Q” Street exit of the Dupont Circle station. Upon exiting the Metro station proceed North on Connecticut Avenue for about 3 blocks. Turn right onto Florida Avenue for about one-half block. AGU building is on the right. Please inform the security personnel upon entering the building that you are attending the public meeting on multimedia environmental modeling. The meeting room is on the ground floor to your left as you enter the building. Robert T. Anderson, Chair, Federal Interagency Steering Committee on Multimedia Environmental Modeling. [FR Doc. E6-12748 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Energy Information Administration Continuation of Forms EIA-182, “Domestic Crude Oil First Purchase Report,” and EIA-856, “Monthly Foreign Crude Oil Acquisition Report” AGENCY: Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of Continuation of Forms EIA-182, “Domestic Crude Oil First Purchase Report,” and EIA-856, “Monthly Foreign Crude Oil Acquisition Report.” SUMMARY: The Energy Information Administration
(EIA)will continue the monthly collection of data on the Forms EIA-182, “Domestic Crude Oil First Purchase Report,” and EIA-856, “Monthly Foreign Crude Oil Acquisition Report,” through the reporting of October 2006 data that is due to EIA by November 30, 2006. DATES: Data collection on Forms EIA-182 and EIA-856 will continue though November 30, 2006. ADDRESSES: Inquiries about the continuation of Forms EIA-182 and EIA-856 should be directed to Susan Harris at the Energy Information Administration, EI-42, Forrestal Building, Mail Stop: 2E-050, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585, telephone:
(202)586-8384, E-mail address: *susan.harris@eia.doe.gov* or fax number:
(202)586-1076. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to Susan Harris at the address listed above. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background II. Current Actions I. Background In order to fulfill its responsibilities under the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-275) and the Department of Energy Organization Act (Pub. L. 95-91), the Energy Information Administration
(EIA)is obliged to carry out a central, comprehensive, and unified energy data and information program. As part of this program, EIA collects, evaluates, assembles, analyzes, and disseminates data and information related to energy resource reserves, production, demand, and technology, and related economic and statistical information relevant to the adequacy of energy resources to meet demands in the near and longer term future for the Nation's economic and social needs. In the March 23, 2006, **Federal Register** (71 FR 14690), EIA announced its plan to discontinue the collection of Forms EIA-182 and EIA-856 after the data for July 2006 were collected. Given that no final decision has yet been made by the Congress regarding EIA's Fiscal Year 2007 budget, EIA has decided to continue collecting both forms monthly through the reporting of October 2006 data that is due to EIA by November 30, 2006, when the current Office of Management and Budget approval of all EIA petroleum marketing surveys is scheduled to expire. II. Current Actions EIA will continue collecting the Forms EIA-182, “Domestic Crude Oil First Purchase Report,” and EIA-856, “Monthly Foreign Crude Oil Acquisition Report,” though November 30, 2006. Statutory Authority: Section 3507(h)(1) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Issued in Washington, DC, August 1, 2006. Jay H. Casselberry, Agency Clearance Officer, Energy Information Administration. [FR Doc. E6-12746 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP06-422-000] Cameron LNG, LLC, Notice of Application July 28, 2006. Take notice that on July 18, 2006, as supplemented on July 27, 2006, Cameron LNG, LLC (Cameron LNG) filed an application pursuant to section 3 of the Natural Gas Act
(NGA)and Part 153 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations for approval of proposed expansion and modifications of its liquefied natural gas
(LNG)import terminal. The Commission has previously granted approvals for Cameron LNG's import terminal, which is now under construction. 1 1 See Hackberry LNG Terminal, L.L.C., 101 FERC 61,294
(2002)and Cameron LNG, LLC; 104 FERC 61,269 (2003); 111 FERC 61,018 (2005), and 115 FERC 61,229 (2006). This filing is available for review at the Commission in the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* using the “eLibrary link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance please contact FERC Online Support at *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* or toll free at
(866)208-3676, or for TTY, contact
(202)502-8659. Any questions regarding the application may be directed to Stacy Van Goor, Director, Federal Regulatory Affairs, Sempra Global, 101 Ash Street HQ08C, San Diego, California 92101. Telephone number is 619-696-2264. Facsimile number is 619-696-2500. E-mail address is *svangoor@sempraglobal.com.* The application seeks authority to expand the LNG terminal facilities previously approved and, in particular:
(i)To increase the sendout rate of the terminal to 2,650,000 Mcf/d from the previously authorized send out rate of 1,500,000 Dth/d;
(ii)to increase LNG storage tank capacity from 480,000 m 3 to 640,000 m 3 through the addition of a fourth storage tank;
(iii)to increase the LNG unloading rate at each ship berth;
(iv)to increase the send out rate to 1,800,000 Mcf/d from the previously certificated send out rate of 1,500,000 Dth/d, on an interim basis, while the proposed expansion facilities are being constructed, and
(v)to modify the Btu control unit to include an option for diluting the send out gas with an inert gas stream composed of nitrogen and oxygen in addition to, or as an alternative to the liquids-stripping facility previously identified by Cameron LNG in earlier applications. There are two ways to become involved in the Commission's review of this project. First, any person wishing to obtain legal status by becoming a party to the proceedings for this project should, on or before the below listed comment date, file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.214 or 385.211) and the Regulations under the NGA (18 CFR 157.10). A person obtaining party status will be placed on the service list maintained by the Secretary of the Commission and will receive copies of all documents filed by the applicant and by all other parties. A party must submit 14 copies of filings made with the Commission and must mail a copy to the applicant and to every other party in the proceeding. Only parties to the proceeding can ask for court review of Commission orders in the proceeding. However, a person does not have to intervene in order to have comments considered. The second way to participate is by filing with the Secretary of the Commission, as soon as possible, an original and two copies of comments in support of or in opposition to this project. The Commission will consider these comments in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but the filing of a comment alone will not serve to make the filer a party to the proceeding. The Commission's rules require that persons filing comments in opposition to the project provide copies of their protests only to the party or parties directly involved in the protest. Persons who wish to comment only on the environmental review of this project should submit an original and two copies of their comments to the Secretary of the Commission. Environmental commenters will be placed on the Commission's environmental mailing list, will receive copies of the environmental documents, and will be notified of meetings associated with the Commission's environmental review process. Environmental commenters will not be required to serve copies of filed documents on all other parties. However, the non-party commenters will not receive copies of all documents filed by other parties or issued by the Commission (except for the mailing of environmental documents issued by the Commission) and will not have the right to seek court review of the Commission's final order. Please note that on February 10, 2006, the Commission issued a Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Assessment for Cameron LNG's above proposed LNG terminal expansion project in Docket No. PF06-10-000. The environmental pre-filing review of Cameron LNG's proposal has been underway since December 2005 in that docket. However, Docket No. PF06-10-000 is now closed and all further environmental comments should reference the pending application in Docket No. CP06-422-000. Motions to intervene, protests and comments may be filed electronically via the internet in lieu of paper; see, 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site under the “e-Filing” link. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings. *Comment Date:* August 21, 2006. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-12711 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP06-444-000] Egan Hub Storage, LLC; Notice of Proposed Changes in FERC Gas Tariff July 28, 2006. Take notice that on July 25, 2006, Egan Hub Storage, LLC (Egan Hub) tendered for filing as part of its FERC Gas Tariff, First Revised Volume No. 1, the tariff sheets listed in Appendix A to the filing to be effective August 25, 2006. Egan Hub states that copies of its filing have been mailed to all affected customers and interested state commissions. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 154.210 of the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 154.210). Anyone filing an intervention or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant. Anyone filing an intervention or protest on or before the intervention or protest date need not serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov* . Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov* , using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , or call
(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call
(202)502-8659. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-12710 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP06-435-000] Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Petition for Limited Waiver of Tariff Provisions July 28, 2006. Take notice that on July 14, 2006, Northern Natural Gas Company (Northern) filed a Petition for Limited Waiver of Tariff Provisions. Northern states that it seeks to waive section 32(f) of its general terms and conditions in order to allow Northern to resolve a 17,771 Dt. imbalance cash-out transaction for Aquila, Inc., which was intended to be resolved through imbalance-to-storage but never communicated. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed on or before the date as indicated below. Anyone filing an intervention or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant. Anyone filing an intervention or protest on or before the intervention or protest date need not serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov* . Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov* , using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , or call
(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call
(202)502-8659. *Comment Date:* 5 p.m. Eastern Time August 4, 2006. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-12721 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP06-64-000] Central New York Oil and Gas Company, L.L.C; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Stagecoach Phase II Expansion Project July 28, 2006. The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) has prepared an environmental assessment
(EA)on the natural gas pipeline facilities proposed by Central New York Oil and Gas Company, L.L.C. (CNYOG) in the above-referenced dockets. The EA was prepared to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. The staff concludes that approval of the proposed project, with appropriate mitigating measures, would not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. The EA assesses the potential environmental effects of the construction and operation of CNYOG's proposed underground gas storage facilities and associated pipeline facilities. The proposed project is associated with CNYOG's existing Stagecoach Storage Project which has been in operation since 2002 and has a working storage capacity of 13.25 billion cubic feet (Bcf). The Stagecoach Phase II Expansion Project would convert four existing natural gas production fields that are nearly depleted into storage reservoirs in Bradford County, Pennsylvania and Tioga County, New York. The facilities required by the project would include: An additional 12,000-horsepower electric-drive centrifugal compressor unit; eight storage injection/withdrawal wells; approximately 6.7 miles of 6-inch- and 20-inch-diameter gathering pipeline and associated rights-of-way; eight wellhead meter stations and other appurtenant facilities, including isolation valves, separators, measurement and communication equipment; about 4.4 miles of access roads not contained within pipeline or well easements; and a 9.3-mile-long, 20-inch-diameter lateral (North Lateral) from the existing compressor station to the proposed Millennium Pipeline located north of the town of Owego, New York. 1 1 The Millennium Pipeline Project was approved by the Commission on September 19, 2002 in Docket Nos. CP98-150-000. Construction of the Millennium Pipeline has not commenced to date, and Millennium Piepline L.P. is currently seeking Commission approval for design and route changes to its project in Docket Nos. CP98-150-006 and CP98-150-007. The purpose of the project is to support increased demand for natural gas service in the northeast United States. The connection and integration of the additional reservoirs would essentially double the working storage capacity of the Stagecoach Facility from 13.25 Bcf to about 26.25 Bcf. The increase in storage capacity is expected to extend the facility's capability to handle withdrawals at a maximum rate of 500,000 million cubic feet (Mcf)/day from the existing level of 12 consecutive days to 20 consecutive days. The EA has been placed in the public files of the FERC. A limited number of copies of the EA are available for distribution and public inspection at: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Public Reference Room, 888 First Street, NE., Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426,
(202)502-8371. Copies of the EA have been mailed to Federal, State and local agencies, public interest groups, interested individuals, newspapers, and parties to this proceeding. Any person wishing to comment on the EA may do so. To ensure consideration prior to a Commission decision on the proposal, it is important that we receive your comments before the date specified below. Please carefully follow these instructions to ensure that your comments are received in time and properly recorded: • Send an original and two copies of your comments to: Magalie R. Salas, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First St., NE., Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426; • Reference Docket No. CP06-64-000; • Label one copy of the comments for the attention of the Gas Branch 1, PJ-11.1; and • Mail your comments so that they will be received in Washington, DC on or before August 28, 2006. Please note that the Commission strongly encourages electronic filing of any comments or interventions or protests to this proceeding. See 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* under the “e-Filing” link and the link to the User's Guide. Before you can file comments you will need to create an account which can be created on-line. Comments will be considered by the Commission but will not serve to make the commentor a party to the proceeding. Any person seeking to become a party to the proceeding must file a motion to intervene pursuant to Rule 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedures (18 CFR 385.214). 2 Only intervenors have the right to seek rehearing of the Commission's decision. 2 Interventions may also be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper. See the previous discussion on filing comments electronically. Affected landowners and parties with environmental concerns may be granted intervenor status upon showing good cause by stating that they have a clear and direct interest in this proceeding which would not be adequately represented by any other parties. You do not need intervenor status to have your comments considered. Additional information about the project is available from the Commission's Office of External Affairs, at 1-866-208-FERC or on the FERC Internet Web site ( *www.ferc.gov* ) using the eLibrary link. Click on the eLibrary link, click on “General Search” and enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the Docket Number field. Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at *FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* or toll free at 1-866-208-3676, 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 now 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.* Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-12712 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 1971-079] Idaho Power Company; Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Hells Canyon Hydroelectric Project July 28, 2006. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (Commission) regulations, 18 CFR part 380 (Order No. 486, 52 FR 47897), the Office of Energy Projects has reviewed the application for license for the Hells Canyon Project (FERC No. 1971), located on the Snake River in Washington and Adams, Counties, Idaho, and Wallowa and Baker Counties, Oregon, and has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (draft EIS) for the project. About 5,270 acres of Federal lands administered by the Forest Service (Payette and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests and Hells Canyon National Recreational Area) and the Bureau of Land Management are included within the project boundary. The draft EIS contains staff evaluations of the Idaho Power Company's proposal and the alternatives for relicensing the Hells Canyon Project. The draft EIS documents the views of governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, affected Indian tribes, the public, the license applicant, and Commission staff. A copy of the draft EIS is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Branch, Room 2A, located at 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, 1-866-208-3676, *public.referenceroom@ferc.gov.* The draft EIS also may be viewed on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* under the eLibrary link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support at *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* or toll-free at 1-866-208-3676, or for TTY,
(202)502-8659. CD versions of the draft EIS have been mailed to everone on the mailing list for the project. Copies of the CD, as well as a limited number of paper copies, are available from the Public Reference Room identified above. You may also register online at *http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp* to be notified via e-mail of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support. Comments should be filed with Magalie R. Salas, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. All comments must be filed by October 3, 2006, and should reference Project No. 1971-079. Comments may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings. See 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and instructions on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* under the eLibrary link. Anyone may intervene in this proceeding based on this draft EIS (18 CFR 380.10). You must file your request to intervene as specified above. 1 You do not need intervenor status to have your comments considered. 1 Interventions may also be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper. See the previous discussion on filing comments electronically. In addition to or in lieu of sending written comments, you are invited to attend public meetings that will be held to receive comments on the draft EIS. Two meetings have been scheduled for Thursday night, September 7, and Friday morning, September 8, 2006, in Boise, Idaho. Details of these public meetings, and other meetings yet to be scheduled, will be included in a separate notice, as well as posted on the Commission's Web site ( *www.ferc.gov* ). For further information, contact Alan Mitchnick at
(202)502-6074, *alan.mitchnick @ferc.gov;* or Emily Carter at
(202)502-6512, *emily.carter@ferc.gov.* Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-12717 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP06-412-000] Puget Sound Energy, Inc., Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Jackson Prairie Storage Deliverability Expansion Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues July 28, 2006. The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) will prepare an environmental assessment
(EA)that will discuss the environmental impacts of the Jackson Prairie
(JP)Storage Deliverability Expansion Project involving abandonment, construction, and operation of facilities by Puget Sound Energy, Inc. (Puget) in Lewis County, Washington. 1 The Commission will use the EA in its decision-making process to determine whether or not to authorize the project. This notice announces the opening of the scoping period that will be used to gather environmental input from the public and interested agencies on the project. Your input will help us determine the issues that need to be evaluated in the EA. Please note that the scoping period will close on August 28, 2006. 1 Puget's application was filed with the Commission under section 7 of the Natural Gas Act and part 157 of the Commmission's regulations. This notice is being sent to potentially affected landowners; Federal, State, and local government agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Native American Tribes, other interested parties; local libraries and newspapers. State and local government representatives are asked to notify their constituents of this planned project and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern. A fact sheet prepared by the FERC entitled “An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land? What Do I Need To Know?” is available for viewing on the FERC Web site ( *www.ferc.gov* ). This fact sheet addresses a number of typically asked questions, including the use of eminent domain and how to participate in the Commission's proceedings. If you are a landowner receiving this notice, you may be contacted by a Puget representative about the acquisition of an easement to construct, operate, and maintain the proposed facilities. The pipeline company would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement. However, if the project is approved by the Commission, that approval conveys with it the right of eminent domain. Therefore, if easement negotiations fail to produce an agreement, the pipeline company could initiate condemnation proceedings in accordance with state law. Summary of the Proposed Project Puget is seeking authorization to design, construct, operate, and maintain the following new facilities at the existing JP Storage Field in Lewis County, Washington: • Up to ten new withdrawal/injection wells with associated well connect pipeline; • About 0.8 mile of new 24-inch-diameter pipeline to loop a portion of the existing gathering system; • One new 10,480-horsepower
(hp)compressor unit at the existing JP Compressor Station; and • Upgrades and auxiliary facility additions at both the JP Compressor Station (total 1,551 hp increase) and JP Meter Station. Puget also requests to abandon various facilities that would be replaced by the proposed upgraded facilities. The existing JP Storage Field interconnects with Northwest Pipeline Corporation's transmission system which provides natural gas supplies to markets in the Pacific Northwest. Puget's proposed new and upgraded facilities would allow it to increase maximum firm withdrawal deliverability of the JP Storage Field from 850 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd) to 1,150 MMcfd. Puget is expected to commence construction for the drilling of up to five of the new wells and installation of associated well connect lines in the spring of 2007. Production rate tests on the initial wells would be conducted to help determine the minimum number of wells required to achieve the desired 300 MMcfd. The remaining facilities are anticipated to be constructed in 2008. The general location of Puget's proposed facilities is shown on the map attached as Appendix 1. 2 2 The appendices referenced in this notice are not being printed in the **Federal Register** . Copies of this notice, other than appendix 1 (maps), are available on the Commission's Web site at the “eLibrary” link or from the Commission's Public Reference Room, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, or call
(202)502-8371. For instructions on connecting to eLibrary refer to the last page of this notice. Copies of the appendices were sent to all those receiving this notice in the mail. Land Requirements for Construction Puget states that all of the proposed activities associated with this project would occur on private lands owned or leased by the JP Storage Field. About 29.66 acres of land would be affected during construction and about 22.23 acres would be permanently maintained for operation of the proposed facilities. Six of the new withdrawal well sites would be located on new graveled well pads covering an area of 150 feet by 250 feet for drilling operations; the remaining four well sites would be co-located on two new graveled well pads which would require an area of 150 feet by 300 feet. The new 24-inch loop gathering line would be constructed within a 90-foot-wide right-of-way (ROW); and Puget is proposing to maintain a 75-foot-wide permanent ROW along the pipeline route. The total surface disturbance for the well connect lines and well pads would require about 12.22 acres. These new well connect lines would range from 6- to 10-inch-diameter pipeline and would tie-in to the JP gathering line. Puget would generally use established access roads; however, one new access road would need to be constructed and improvements on an existing two-track road would be necessary. Most modifications to the JP Compressor Station would occur within the station boundaries; however, the station would need to be expanded 0.51 acre to accommodate the new gas coolers. All of the modifications to the JP Meter Station would occur within the existing footprint. The existing Chehalis Compressor Station, which is about 2 miles southwest of the JP Storage Field, would be used as a pipe storage yard for the project. The EA Process We 3 are preparing the EA to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA)which requires the Commission to take into account the environmental impacts that could result from an action whenever it considers the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. NEPA also requires us to discover and address concerns the public may have about proposals. This process is referred to as “scoping”. The main goal of the scoping process is to focus the analysis in the EA on the important environmental issues. By this Notice of Intent, the Commission staff requests public comments on the scope of the issues to address in the EA. All comments received are considered during the preparation of the EA. 3 “We”, “us”, and “our”, refer to the environmental staff of the Office of Energy Projects (OEP). By this notice, we are also asking Federal, State, and local agencies with jurisdiction and/or special expertise with respect to environmental issues to formally cooperate with us in the preparation of the EA. Agencies that would like to request cooperating status should follow the instructions for filing comments below (see Public Participation). Our independent analysis of the issues will be in the EA. Depending on the comments received during the scoping process, the EA may be published and mailed to Federal, State, and local agencies, public interest groups, interested individuals, affected landowners, newspapers, libraries, and the Commission's official service list for this proceeding. A comment period will be allotted for review if the EA is published. We will consider all comments on the EA before we make our recommendations to the Commission. Currently Identified Environmental Issues In the EA, we will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of the construction and operation of the project. We will also evaluate possible alternatives to the proposed project or portions of the project. We have already identified some issues that we think deserve attention based on a preliminary review of the proposed facilities and the environmental information provided by Puget. This preliminary list of issues may be changed based on your comments and our analysis. • Potential impacts on local Noise Quality associated with construction and operation. • Potential impacts on Water Use and Quality. • Potential impacts on Land Use from a 75-foot-wide permanent ROW. Public Participation You can make a difference by providing us with your specific comments or concerns about the project. By becoming a commentor, your concerns will be addressed in the EA and considered by the Commission. You should focus on the potential environmental effects of the proposal, alternatives to the proposal (including alternative locations and routes), and measures to avoid or lessen environmental impact. The more specific your comments, the more useful they will be. Please carefully follow these instructions to ensure that your comments are received in time and properly recorded: • Send an original and two copies of your letter to: Magalie R. Salas, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First St., NE., Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426. • Label one copy of the comments for the attention of *Gas Branch 1* . • Reference Docket No. CP06-412-000. • Mail your comments so that they will be received in Washington, DC on or before August 28, 2006. Please note that the Commission strongly encourages electronic filing of any comments or interventions or protests to this proceeding. See 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* under the “e-Filing” link and the link to the User's Guide. Before you can file comments you will need to create an account which can be created on-line. Becoming an Intervenor In addition to involvement in the EA scoping process, you may want to become an official party to the proceeding known as an “intervenor”. Intervenors play a more formal role in the process. Among other things, intervenors have the right to receive copies of case-related Commission documents and filings by other intervenors. Likewise, each intervenor must send one electronic copy (using the Commission's e-Filing system) or 14 paper copies of its filings to the Secretary of the Commission and must send a copy of its filings to all other parties on the Commission's service list for this proceeding. If you want to become an intervenor you must file a motion to intervene according to Rule 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.214). 4 Only intervenors have the right to seek rehearing of the Commission's decision. 4 Interventions may also be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper. See the previous discussion on filing comments electronically. Affected landowners and parties with environmental concerns may be granted intervenor status upon showing good cause by stating that they have a clear and direct interest in this proceeding which would not be adequately represented by any other parties. You do not need intervenor status to have your environmental comments considered. Additional Information Additional information about the project is available from the Commission's Office of External Affairs, at 1-866-208-FERC or on the FERC Internet Web site ( *www.ferc.gov* ) using the eLibrary link. Click on the eLibrary link, click on “General Search” and enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the Docket Number field. Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* or toll free at 1-866-208-3676, 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 now 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.* Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-12722 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Docket No. PF06-28-000 Southeast Supply Header, LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Southeast Supply Header Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings July 28, 2006. The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) will prepare an environmental impact statement
(EIS)that will identify and address the environmental impacts that could result from the construction and operation of the Southeast Supply Header Project proposed by Southeast Supply Header, LLC
(SESH)a partnership between Duke Energy Gas Transmission and CenterPoint Gas Transmission. In order to assist staff with the identification of environmental issues and to comply with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), a thirty day scoping period has been opened to receive comments on the proposed project. Please note that the scoping period for this project will close on August 28, 2006. Additionally, as part of the scoping process, we will also hold three public meetings, as described below, to receive comments on the proposed project. Date and time Location Monday—August 21, 2006, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
(CST)Multipurpose Building in Gallman, West Gallman Road, Gallman, Mississippi, Telephone:
(601)953-9007. Tuesday—August 22, 2006, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
(CST)Hattiesburg Lake Terrace, Convention Center, One Convention Center Plaza, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39042, Telephone:
(800)638-6877. Thursday—August 24, 2006, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
(CST)Lucedale Rocky Creek Inn, 120 Woods Ridge Road, Lucedale, Mississippi 39452, Telephone:
(601)947-6900. This notice is being sent to affected landowners; federal, state, and local government agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Native American tribes; other interested parties; and local libraries and newspapers; all of which are encouraged to submit comments on the proposed project. Details on how to submit comments are provided in the Public Participation section of this notice. If you are a landowner receiving this notice, you may be contacted by a SESH representative about the acquisition of an easement to construct, operate, and maintain the proposed project facilities. The pipeline company would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement. However, if the project is approved by the FERC, that approval conveys with it the right of eminent domain. Therefore, if easement negotiations fail to produce an agreement, the pipeline company could initiate condemnation proceedings in accordance with state law. A fact sheet prepared by the FERC entitled “An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land? What Do I Need To Know?” is available for viewing on the FERC Internet Web site ( *www.ferc.gov* ). This fact sheet addresses a number of typically asked questions, including the use of eminent domain and how to participate in the FERC's proceedings. Summary of the Proposed Project SESH proposes to construct, own and operate a new 36-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline and associated facilities that would be capable of receiving and transporting about 1.0 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day in Richland and Madison Parishes, Louisiana; Warren, Claiborne, Hinds, Copiah, Simpson, Lawrence, Jefferson Davis, Covington, Jones, Forrest, Perry, Greene, George, and Jackson Counties, Mississippi; and Mobile County, Alabama. The general location of the proposed pipeline is shown in the figure included as Appendix 1. 1 1 The appendices referenced in this notice are not being printed in the **Federal Register** . Specifically, SESH proposes to construct and operate the following facilities: • Approximately 270 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline beginning in Richland Parish, Louisiana and ending in Mobile County, Alabama; • Three natural gas compressor stations: Delhi Compressor Station in Richland Parish (30,000 hp), Louisiana; Gwenville Compressor Station in Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi (15,000 hp) and the Lucedale Compressor Station in George County, Mississippi (15,000 hp); • Three booster compressor stations at the Texas Eastern Transmission LP (TETLP) meter and regulation (M&R) Station, at the Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Corporation (Transco) M&R Station, and at the Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company (Tennessee Gas) M&R Station in Copiah, Jefferson Davis and Forrest Counties, Mississippi; • Twelve natural gas pipeline interconnects and M&R Stations; and • Three pig launching and receiving facilities and several mainline valves. SESH proposes to have the project constructed and operational by June 2008. Land Requirements for Construction As proposed, the typical construction right-of-way for the project pipeline would be 100 feet wide. Following construction, SESH has proposed to retain a 50-foot-wide permanent right-of-way for operation of the project. Additional, temporary extra workspaces beyond the typical construction right-of-way limits may also be required at certain feature crossings (e.g., roads, railroads, wetlands, or waterbodies), in areas with steep side slopes, or in association with special construction techniques. In residential areas, wetlands, and other sensitive areas, the construction right-of-way width would be reduced as necessary to protect homeowners and environmental resources. Based on preliminary information, construction and operation of the proposed project facilities would affect about 3,789 acres of land. Following construction, about 1,616 acres would be maintained as permanent right-of-way, and about 120 acres of land would be maintained as new aboveground facility sites. The remaining 2,053 acres of temporary workspace (including all temporary construction rights-of-way, extra workspaces, and pipe storage and contractor yards) would be restored and allowed to revert to its former use. The EIS Process The National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA)requires the Commission to take into account the environmental impacts that could result from the approval of an interstate natural gas pipeline. The FERC will use the EIS to consider the environmental impact that could result if the CEGT project is authorized under section 7 of the Natural Gas Act. NEPA also requires us to discover and address concerns the public may have about proposals to be considered by the Commission. This process is referred to as “scoping.” The main goal of the scoping process is to focus the analysis in the EIS on the important environmental issues. With this Notice of Intent, the Commission staff is requesting public comments on the scope of the issues to be addressed in the EIS. All comments received will be considered during preparation of the EIS. In the EIS we will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of the construction and operation of the proposed project under these general headings: • Geology and soils; • Water resources; • Wetlands and vegetation; • Fish and wildlife; • Threatened and endangered species; • Land use, recreation, and visual resources; • Air quality and noise; • Cultural resources; • Socioeconomics; • Reliability and safety; and • Cumulative impacts. In the EIS, we will also evaluate possible alternatives to the proposed project or portions of the project, and make recommendations on how to lessen or avoid impacts on affected resources. Our independent analysis of the issues will be included in a draft EIS. The draft EIS will be mailed to Federal, State, and local government agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Native American tribes; affected landowners; commentors; other interested parties; local libraries and newspapers; and the FERC's official service list for this proceeding. A 45-day comment period will be allotted for review of the draft EIS. We will consider all comments on the draft EIS and revise the document, as necessary, before issuing a final EIS. We will consider all comments on the final EIS before we make our recommendations to the Commission. To ensure that your comments are considered, please follow the instructions in the Public Participation section of this notice. Although no formal application has been filed, the FERC staff has already initiated its NEPA review under the Commission's Pre-filing Process. The purpose of the Pre-filing Process is to encourage the early involvement of interested stakeholders and to identify and resolve issues before an application is filed with the FERC. With this notice, we are asking Federal, State, and local governmental agencies with jurisdiction and/or special expertise with respect to environmental issues, especially those identified in Appendix 2, to express their interest in becoming cooperating agencies for the preparation of the EIS. These agencies may choose to participate once they have evaluated the proposal relative to their responsibilities. Agencies that would like to request cooperating status should follow the instructions for filing comments provided in Appendix 2. Currently Identified Environmental Issues The EIS will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of the construction and operation of the proposed project. We have already identified several issues that we think deserve attention based on a preliminary review of the project site and the facility information provided by CEGT. This preliminary list of issues may be changed based on your comments and our analysis. • Potential effects on prime farmland and erodable soils. • Potential impacts to perennial and intermittent waterbodies, including waterbodies with Federal and/or State designations/protections. • Evaluation of temporary and permanent impacts on wetlands and development of appropriate mitigation. • Potential impacts to fish and wildlife habitat, including potential impacts to federally and state-listed threatened and endangered species. • Potential visual effects of the aboveground facilities on surrounding areas. • Potential impacts and potential benefits of construction workforce on local housing, infrastructure, public services, and economy. • Potential impacts to local air and noise quality associated with construction and operation. • Public safety and potential hazards associated with the transport of natural gas. • Alternative alignments for the pipeline route and alternative sites for the compressor stations. Public Participation You can make a difference by providing us with your specific comments or concerns about the proposed project. By becoming a commentor, your concerns will be addressed in the EIS and considered by the Commission. Your comments should focus on the potential environmental effects, reasonable alternatives (including alternative facility sites and pipeline routes), and measures to avoid or lessen environmental impact. The more specific your comments, the more useful they will be. To ensure that your comments are timely and properly recorded, please carefully follow these instructions: • Send an original and two copies of your letter to: Magalie R. Salas, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First St., NE., Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426. • Label one copy of your comments for the attention of Gas Branch 2, DG2E. • Reference Docket No. PF06-28-000 on the original and both copies. • Mail your comments so that they will be received in Washington, DC on or before August 28, 2006. Please note that we are continuing to experience delays in mail deliveries from the U.S. Postal Service. As a result, we will include all comments that we receive within a reasonable timeframe in our environmental analysis of this project. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing of any comments in response to this Notice of Intent. For information on electronically filing comments, please see the instructions on the Commission's Web site at *www.ferc.gov* . The public scoping meetings are designed to provide another opportunity to offer comments on the proposed project. Interested groups and individuals are encouraged to attend the meetings and to present comments on the environmental issues they believe should be addressed in the EIS. A transcript of each meeting will be generated so that your comments will be accurately recorded. Once SESH formally files its application with the Commission, you may want to become an official party to the proceeding known as an “intervenor.” Intervenors play a more formal role in the process and are able to file briefs, appear at hearings, and be heard by the courts if they choose to appeal the Commission's final ruling. An intervenor formally participates in a Commission proceeding by filing a request to intervene. Instructions for becoming an intervenor are included in the User's Guide under the “e-filing” link on the Commission's Web site. Please note that you may not request intervenor status at this time. You must wait until a formal application is filed with the Commission. Environmental Mailing List An effort is being made to send this notice to all individuals, organizations, and government entities interested in and/or potentially affected by the proposed project. This includes all landowners who are potential right-of-way grantors, whose property may be used temporarily for project purposes, or who own homes within distances defined in the Commission's regulations of certain aboveground facilities. If you received this notice, you are on the environmental mailing list for this project. If you do not want to send comments at this time, but still want to remain on our mailing list, please return the Information Request (Appendix 3). If you do not return the Information Request, you will be removed from the Commission's environmental mailing list. Availability of Additional Information Additional information about the project is available from the Commission's Office of External Affairs, at 1-866-208-FERC (3372). Additional information can also be found on the Internet at *www.ferc.gov* . The “eLibrary link” on the FERC Web site provides access to documents submitted to and issued by the Commission, such as comments, orders, notices and rulemakings. Once on the FERC Web site, click on the “eLibrary link,” select “General Search” and in the “Docket Number” field enter the project docket number excluding the last three digits (PF06-28). When researching information be sure to select an appropriate date range. In addition, the FERC now offers a free e-mail service called eSubscription that 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. To register for this service, go to *www.ferc.gov/esubscribenow.htm* . Public meetings or site visits will be posted on the Commission's calendar located at *www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx* along with other related information. For assistance with the FERC Web site or with eSubscription, please contact FERC Online Support at *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* or toll free at 1-866-208-3676, or TTY, contact
(202)502-8659. Finally, SESH has established an Internet Web site for this project at *www.duke-energy.com/companies/degt/projects/sesh/* . The Web site includes a description of the project, a map of the proposed pipeline route, and answers to frequently asked questions. You can also request additional information or provide comments directly to SESH at 1-888-312-7374. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-12720 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Notice of Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Motions To Intervene, Protests, and Comments July 28, 2006. Take notice that the following hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection: a. *Type of Application:* Preliminary Permit. b. *Project No.:* 12713-000. c. *Date filed:* July 14, 2006. d. *Applicant:* Reedsport OPT Wave Park, LLC. e. *Name of Project:* Reedsport OPT Wave Park Project. f. *Location:* The project would be located in the Pacific Ocean about 3 miles off shore in Douglas County, Oregon. g. *Filed Pursuant to:* Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 791(a)-825(r). h. *Applicant Contacts:* Charles F. Dunleavy, Reedsport OPT Wave Park, LLC, 1590 Reed Road, Pennington, NJ 08534, phone: (609)-730-0400. i. *FERC Contact:* Robert Bell,
(202)502-6062. j. *Deadline for filing comments, protests, and motions to intervene:* 60 days from the issuance date of this notice. The Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure require all intervenors filing documents with the Commission to serve a copy of that document on each person in the official service list for the project. Further, if an intervenor files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency. k. *Description of Project:* The proposed project would consist of:
(1)200 Power Buoys having a total installed capacity of 50 megawatts,
(2)a proposed 13.8 kilovolt transmission line; and
(3)appurtenant facilities. The project is estimated to have an annual generation of 153.3 gigawatt-hours per-unit per-year, which would be sold to a local utility. l. *Locations of Applications:* A copy of the application is available for inspection and reproduction at the Commission in the Public Reference Room, located at 888 First Street, NE., Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426, or by calling
(202)502-8371. This filing may also be viewed on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, call toll-free 1-866-208-3676 or e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov.* For TTY, call
(202)502-8659. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item h above. m. Individuals desiring to be included on the Commission's mailing list should so indicate by writing to the Secretary of the Commission. n. *Competing Preliminary Permit:* Anyone desiring to file a competing application for preliminary permit for a proposed project must submit the competing application itself, or a notice of intent to file such an application, to the Commission on or before the specified comment date for the particular application (see 18 CFR 4.36). Submission of a timely notice of intent allows an interested person to file the competing preliminary permit application no later than 30 days after the specified comment date for the particular application. A competing preliminary permit application must conform with 18 CFR 4.30(b) and 4.36. o. *Competing Development Application:* Any qualified development applicant desiring to file a competing development application must submit to the Commission, on or before a specified comment date for the particular application, either a competing development application or a notice of intent to file such an application. Submission of a timely notice of intent to file a development application allows an interested person to file the competing application no later than 120 days after the specified comment date for the particular application. A competing license application must conform with 18 CFR § 4.30(b) and 4.36. p. *Notice of Intent:* A notice of intent must specify the exact name, business address, and telephone number of the prospective applicant, and must include an unequivocal statement of intent to submit, if such an application may be filed, either a preliminary permit application or a development application (specify which type of application). A notice of intent must be served on the applicant(s) named in this public notice. q. *Proposed Scope of Studies under Permit:* A preliminary permit, if issued, does not authorize construction. The term of the proposed preliminary permit would be 36 months. The work proposed under the preliminary permit would include economic analysis, preparation of preliminary engineering plans, and a study of environmental impacts. Based on the results of these studies, the Applicant would decide whether to proceed with the preparation of a development application to construct and operate the project. r. *Comments, Protests, or Motions To Intervene:* Anyone may submit comments, a protest, or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests or other comments filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application. Comments, protests and interventions may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper; See 18 CFR. 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site under “e-filing” link. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing. s. *Filing and Service of Responsive Documents:* Any filings must bear in all capital letters the title “COMMENTS”, “RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS”, “PROTEST”, “COMPETING APPLICATION” or “MOTION TO INTERVENE”, as applicable, and the Project Number of the particular application to which the filing refers. Any of the above-named documents must be filed by providing the original and the number of copies provided by the Commission's regulations to: The Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. A copy of any motion to intervene must also be served upon each representative of the Applicant specified in the particular application. t. *Agency Comments:* Federal, State, and local agencies are invited to file comments on the described application. A copy of the application may be obtained by agencies directly from the Applicant. If an agency does not file comments within the time specified for filing comments, it will be presumed to have no comments. One copy of an agency's comments must also be sent to the Applicant's representatives. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-12713 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Notice of Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments, Protests, and Motions To Intervene July 28, 2006. Take notice that the following hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection: a. *Type of Application:* Preliminary Permit. b. *Project No.:* 12714-000. c. *Date filed:* July 14, 2006. d. *Applicant:* H2O Providers L.L.C. e. *Name and Location of Project:* The proposed Phantom Canon Hydroelectric Pumped Back Storage/Hydroelectric Generation Project would be located on the Brush Hollow Creek of the Arkansas River in Fremont County in Penrose, Colorado. f. *Filed Pursuant to:* Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 791(a)-825(r). g. *Applicant contact:* Mark Morley, 15 North Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903,
(719)499-4390. h. *FERC Contact:* Tom Papsidero,
(202)502-6002. i. *Deadline for filing comments, protests, and motions to intervene:* 60 days from the issuance date of this notice. All documents (original and eight copies) should be filed with Magalie R. Salas, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. Comments, protests and interventions may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper; see 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site under the “e-Filing” link. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings. Please include the project number (P-12714-000) on any comments or motions filed. The Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure require all intervenors filing documents with the Commission to serve a copy of that document on each person in the official service list for the project. Further, if an intervenor files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency. j. *Description of Existing Facilities and Proposed Project:* The proposed project would consist of the following new facilities:
(1)An upper reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 58,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,114 acres at normal water surface elevation of 5,600 feet above mean sea level (msl), impounded by an earthen dam, 70-foot-high and 1,400-foot-long;
(2)a 38,000-foot-long, 4-foot-diameter reservoir river diversion concrete-reinforced pipeline;
(3)a 21,750 or 17,825-foot-long, 4-foot-diameter steel pipe and/or steel- or concrete-lined penstock;
(4)a powerhouse with two 180-220-megawatt pump/turbines;
(5)a lower reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 10,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 200 acres at maximum water surface elevation of 5,175 feet msl, impounded by a 140-foot-high, 3,800-foot-long earthen dam;
(8)a 9-mile-long, 115-kilovolt transmission line. The proposed project would have an annual generation of 280,800-457,600 MWh. k. *Location of Applications:* A copy of the application is available for inspection and reproduction at the Commission in the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, call toll-free 1-866-208-3676 or e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov.* For TTY, call
(202)502-8659. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item g above. l. Individuals desiring to be included on the Commission's mailing list should so indicate by writing to the Secretary of the Commission. m. *Competing Preliminary Permit* —Anyone desiring to file a competing application for preliminary permit for a proposed project must submit the competing application itself, or a notice of intent to file such an application, to the Commission on or before the specified comment date for the particular application (see 18 CFR 4.36). Submission of a timely notice of intent allows an interested person to file the competing preliminary permit application no later than 30 days after the specified comment date for the particular application. A competing preliminary permit application must conform with 18 CFR 4.30(b) and 4.36. n. *Competing Development Application* —Any qualified development applicant desiring to file a competing development application must submit to the Commission, on or before a specified comment date for the particular application, either a competing development application or a notice of intent to file such an application. Submission of a timely notice of intent to file a development application allows an interested person to file the competing application no later than 120 days after the specified comment date for the particular application. A competing license application must conform with 18 CFR 4.30(b) and 4.36. o. *Notice of Intent* —A notice of intent must specify the exact name, business address, and telephone number of the prospective applicant, and must include an unequivocal statement of intent to submit, if such an application may be filed, either a preliminary permit application or a development application (specify which type of application). A notice of intent must be served on the applicant(s) named in this public notice. p. *Proposed Scope of Studies Under Permit* —A preliminary permit, if issued, does not authorize construction. The term of the proposed preliminary permit would be 36 months. The work proposed under the preliminary permit would include economic analysis, preparation of preliminary engineering plans, and a study of environmental impacts. Based on the results of these studies, the Applicant would decide whether to proceed with the preparation of a development application to construct and operate the project. q. *Comments, Protests, or Motions To Intervene* —Anyone may submit comments, a protest, or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests or other comments filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application. Comments, protests and interventions may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper; See 18 CFR. 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site under “e-filing” link. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing. r. *Filing and Service of Responsive Documents* —Any filings must bear in all capital letters the title “COMMENTS”, “NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE COMPETING APPLICATION”, “COMPETING APPLICATION”, “PROTEST”, or “MOTION TO INTERVENE”, as applicable, and the Project Number of the particular application to which the filing refers. Any of the above-named documents must be filed by providing the original and the number of copies provided by the Commission's regulations to: The Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. An additional copy must be sent to Director, Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, at the above-mentioned address. A copy of any notice of intent, competing application or motion to intervene must also be served upon each representative of the Applicant specified in the particular application. s. *Agency Comments* —Federal, State, and local agencies are invited to file comments on the described application. A copy of the application may be obtained by agencies directly from the Applicant. If an agency does not file comments within the time specified for filing comments, it will be presumed to have no comments. One copy of an agency's comments must also be sent to the Applicant's representatives. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-12714 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Notice of Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Motions To Intervene, Protests, and Comments July 28, 2006. Take notice that the following hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection: a. *Type of Application:* Preliminary Permit. b. *Project No.:* 12715-000. c. *Date filed:* July 18, 2006. d. *Applicant:* Fairlawn Hydroelectric Company LLC. e. *Name of Project:* Jennings Randolph Dam Project. f. *Location:* The project would be located on the Potomac River, in Mineral County, West Virginia, and Garrett County, Maryland. The project would use the Jennings Randolph Dam owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. g. *Filed Pursuant to:* Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 791(a)-825(r). h. *Applicant Contact:* Mr. M. Clifford Phillips, Fairlawn Hydroelectric Company LLC, 150 North Miller Road, Suite 450C, Fairlawn, OH 44333, Phone
(333)869-8451. i. *FERC Contact:* Robert Bell,
(202)502-6062. j. *Deadline for filing comments, protests, and motions to intervene:* 60 days from the issuance date of this notice. The Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure require all intervenors filing documents with the Commission to serve a copy of that document on each person in the official service list for the project. Further, if an intervenor files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency. k. *Description of Project:* The proposed project would use the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's Jennings Randolph Dam and consist of:
(1)A proposed powerhouse containing two generating units with a total installed capacity of 10.5 megawatts,
(2)a proposed 4-mile-long, 14.7-kilovolt transmission line; and
(3)appurtenant facilities. The project would have an annual generation of 48 gigawatt hours, which would be sold to a local utility. l. *Locations of Applications:* A copy of the application is available for inspection and reproduction at the Commission in the Public Reference Room, located at 888 First Street NE., Room 2A, Washington DC 20426, or by calling
(202)502-8371. This filing may also be viewed on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, call toll-free 1-866-208-3676 or e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov.* For TTY, call
(202)502-8659. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item h above. m. Individuals desiring to be included on the Commission's mailing list should so indicate by writing to the Secretary of the Commission. n. *Competing Preliminary Permit:* Anyone desiring to file a competing application for preliminary permit for a proposed project must submit the competing application itself, or a notice of intent to file such an application, to the Commission on or before the specified comment date for the particular application (see 18 CFR 4.36). Submission of a timely notice of intent allows an interested person to file the competing preliminary permit application no later than 30 days after the specified comment date for the particular application. A competing preliminary permit application must conform with 18 CFR 4.30(b) and 4.36. o. *Competing Development Application:* Any qualified development applicant desiring to file a competing development application must submit to the Commission, on or before a specified comment date for the particular application, either a competing development application or a notice of intent to file such an application. Submission of a timely notice of intent to file a development application allows an interested person to file the competing application no later than 120 days after the specified comment date for the particular application. A competing license application must conform with 18 CFR 4.30(b) and 4.36. p. *Notice of Intent:* A notice of intent must specify the exact name, business address, and telephone number of the prospective applicant, and must include an unequivocal statement of intent to submit, if such an application may be filed, either a preliminary permit application or a development application (specify which type of application). A notice of intent must be served on the applicant(s) named in this public notice. q. *Proposed Scope of Studies under Permit:* A preliminary permit, if issued, does not authorize construction. The term of the proposed preliminary permit would be 36 months. The work proposed under the preliminary permit would include economic analysis, preparation of preliminary engineering plans, and a study of environmental impacts. Based on the results of these studies, the Applicant would decide whether to proceed with the preparation of a development application to construct and operate the project. r. *Comments, Protests, or Motions to Intervene:* Anyone may submit comments, a protest, or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests or other comments filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application. Comments, protests and interventions may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper. See 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site under “e-filing” link. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing. s. *Filing and Service of Responsive Documents:* Any filings must bear in all capital letters the title “COMMENTS”, “COMPETING APPLICATION”, “RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS”, “PROTEST”, or “MOTION TO INTERVENE”, as applicable, and the Project Number of the particular application to which the filing refers. Any of the above-named documents must be filed by providing the original and the number of copies provided by the Commission's regulations to: The Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. A copy of any motion to intervene must also be served upon each representative of the Applicant specified in the particular application. t. *Agency Comments:* Federal, State, and local agencies are invited to file comments on the described application. A copy of the application may be obtained by agencies directly from the Applicant. If an agency does not file comments within the time specified for filing comments, it will be presumed to have no comments. One copy of an agency's comments must also be sent to the Applicant's representatives. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-12715 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Notice of Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Motions To Intervene, Protests, and Comments July 28, 2006. Take notice that the following hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection: a. *Type of Application:* Preliminary Permit. b. *Project No.:* 12716-000. c. *Date filed:* July 18, 2006. d. *Applicant:* City and Borough of Sitka Electric Department. e. *Name of Project:* Lake Diana Project. f. *Location:* The project would be located on Lake Diana in Sitka, Alaska. g. *Filed Pursuant to:* Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 791(a)-825(r). h. *Applicant Contacts:* John Stein, City and Borough of Sitka Electric Department, 100 Lincoln Street, Sitka, AK 99835, phone:
(907)747-3294. i. *FERC Contact:* Robert Bell,
(202)502-6062. j. *Deadline for filing comments, protests, and motions to intervene:* 60 days from the issuance date of this notice. The Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure require all intervenors filing documents with the Commission to serve a copy of that document on each person in the official service list for the project. Further, if an intervenor files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency. k. *Description of Project:* The proposed project would consist of:
(1)The existing natural lake with surface area of 470 acres with a storage capacity of 40,000 acre-feet and normal water surface elevation of 1,728 feet mean sea level,
(2)a proposed lake tap intake structure,
(3)a proposed 4,000-foot-long, 8-foot-diameter tunnel,
(4)a proposed 10,000-foot-long, 4-foot-diameter steel above ground penstock,
(5)a proposed powerhouse containing a generating unit with installed capacity of 7 megawatts,
(6)a proposed 8-mile-long, 69 kilovolt transmission line; and
(7)appurtenant facilities. The project is estimated to have an annual generation of 45 gigawatt-hours, which would be used for sale to its customers. l. *Locations of Applications:* A copy of the application is available for inspection and reproduction at the Commission in the Public Reference Room, located at 888 First Street NE., Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426, or by calling
(202)502-8371. This filing may also be viewed on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, call toll-free 1-866-208-3676 or e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov.* For TTY, call
(202)502-8659. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item h above. m. Individuals desiring to be included on the Commission's mailing list should so indicate by writing to the Secretary of the Commission. n. *Competing Preliminary Permit* —Anyone desiring to file a competing application for preliminary permit for a proposed project must submit the competing application itself, or a notice of intent to file such an application, to the Commission on or before the specified comment date for the particular application (see 18 CFR 4.36). Submission of a timely notice of intent allows an interested person to file the competing preliminary permit application no later than 30 days after the specified comment date for the particular application. A competing preliminary permit application must conform with 18 CFR 4.30(b) and 4.36. o. *Competing Development Application* —Any qualified development applicant desiring to file a competing development application must submit to the Commission, on or before a specified comment date for the particular application, either a competing development application or a notice of intent to file such an application. Submission of a timely notice of intent to file a development application allows an interested person to file the competing application no later than 120 days after the specified comment date for the particular application. A competing license application must conform with 18 CFR 4.30(b) and 4.36. p. *Notice of Intent* —A notice of intent must specify the exact name, business address, and telephone number of the prospective applicant, and must include an unequivocal statement of intent to submit, if such an application may be filed, either a preliminary permit application or a development application (specify which type of application). A notice of intent must be served on the applicant(s) named in this public notice. q. *Proposed Scope of Studies under Permit* —A preliminary permit, if issued, does not authorize construction. The term of the proposed preliminary permit would be 36 months. The work proposed under the preliminary permit would include economic analysis, preparation of preliminary engineering plans, and a study of environmental impacts. Based on the results of these studies, the Applicant would decide whether to proceed with the preparation of a development application to construct and operate the project. r. *Comments, Protests, or Motions To Intervene* —Anyone may submit comments, a protest, or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests or other comments filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application. Comments, protests and interventions may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper; See 18 CFR 385.2001 (a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site under “e-filing” link. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing. s. *Filing and Service of Responsive Documents* —Any filings must bear in all capital letters the title “COMMENTS”, “RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS”, “PROTEST”,“COMPETING APPLICATION” or “MOTION TO INTERVENE”, as applicable, and the Project Number of the particular application to which the filing refers. Any of the above-named documents must be filed by providing the original and the number of copies provided by the Commission's regulations to: The Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. A copy of any motion to intervene must also be served upon each representative of the Applicant specified in the particular application. t. *Agency Comments* —Federal, State, and local agencies are invited to file comments on the described application. A copy of the application may be obtained by agencies directly from the Applicant. If an agency does not file comments within the time specified for filing comments, it will be presumed to have no comments. One copy of an agency's comments must also be sent to the Applicant's representatives. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-12716 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 2101-074] Sacramento Municipal Utility District; Notice of Application and Applicant-Prepared EA Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Motions To Intervene and Protests, and Soliciting Comments, and Final Recommendations, Terms and Conditions, and Prescriptions July 28, 2006. Take notice that the following hydroelectric application and applicant-prepared environmental assessment has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection. a. *Type of Application:* New—Major Modified License. b. *Project No.:* 2101. c. *Date Filed:* July 15, 2005. d. *Applicant:* Sacramento Municipal Utility District. e. *Name of Project:* Upper American River Project. f. *Location:* On the Rubicon River, Silver Creek, and South Fork of the American River near Placerville, California. The project affects 6,375 acres of Federal land administered by the El Dorado National Forest and 54 acres of Federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management. g. *Filed Pursuant to:* Federal Power Act 16 U.S.C. 791 (a)-825(r). h. *Applicant Contact:* David Hanson, Project Manager, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, 6301 S Street, Sacramento, California 95817-1899. Phone: 916-732-6703 or e-mail: *dhanson@smud.org.* i. *FERC Contact:* Jim Fargo at
(202)502-6095, or e-mail: *james.fargo@ferc.gov.* j. Deadline for filing motions to intervene and protests, comments, and final recommendations, terms and conditions, and prescriptions is 60 days from the issuance date of this notice; reply comments are due 105 days from the issuance date of this notice. All documents (original and eight copies) should be filed with: Magalie R. Salas, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. The Commission's Rules of Practice require all intervenors filing documents with the Commission to serve a copy of that document on each person on the official service list for the project. Further, if an intervenor files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency. Motions to intervene and protests, comments, recommendations, terms and conditions, and prescriptions may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings. See 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site ( *http://www.ferc.gov* ) under the “e-Filing” link. k. This application has been accepted for filing. l. *Description of project:* The project is located on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, in El Dorado and Sacramento counties. The proposed project would be comprised of eight developments; seven of which are existing developments (Loon Lake, Robbs Peak, Jones Fork, Union Valley, Jaybird, Camino, and Slab Creek/White Rock) constructed by SMUD from 1959 through 1985 under the initial FERC license, and one of which would be a new pumped storage development (Iowa Hill) proposed by SMUD to be constructed by 2015. Nearly all of the land surrounding the project reservoirs within the FERC Project Boundary is owned by the United States and administered by the Forest Service as part of the Eldorado National Forest (ENF). There are also several project-related recreation facilities, which are owned and operated by the ENF, at Loon Lake, Gerle Creek, Union Valley, and Ice House reservoirs. These recreation facilities are not project features. • *Loon Lake Development* —(1) Rubicon Dam—A 36-foot-high by 644-foot-long, concrete gravity main diversion dam located on the Rubicon River, and a concrete gravity auxiliary dam that is 29-foot-high by 553-foot-long. These structures create the Rubicon Reservoir;
(2)Rockbound Tunnel—A 0.2-mile-long, 13-foot-diameter unlined horseshoe tunnel that diverts water from Rubicon Reservoir to Buck Island Reservoir via Rockbound Lake (a non-project facility) located on Highland Creek;
(3)Buck Island Dam—A concrete gravity diversion dam located on the Little Rubicon River that is 23-feet-high by 293-feet-long, and a 15-foot-high by 244-foot-long concrete gravity auxiliary dam. These structures create Buck Island Reservoir;
(4)Buck-Loon Tunnel—A 1.6-mile-long, 13-foot-diameter unlined modified horseshoe tunnel that diverts water from Buck Island Reservoir to Loon Lake Reservoir;
(5)Loon Lake Dam—A rockfill dam on Gerle Creek that is 0.4-mile-long by 108-feet-high, with a 250-foot-long side channel spillway on the right bank, and a 910-foot-long by 95-foot-high rockfill auxiliary dam, and an earthfill dike. These create Loon Lake Reservoir;
(6)Loon Lake Penstock—A 0.3-mile-long, 14-foot-diameter concrete-lined horseshoe tunnel; 10-foot-diameter concrete lined vertical shaft; and 8.5-foot-diameter steel lined tunnel that extends from Loon Lake Reservoir to Loon Lake Powerhouse;
(7)Loon Lake Powerhouse—An underground powerhouse, located over 1,100 feet below the surface of the Loon Lake Reservoir, consisting of one turbine with a rated capacity of 70,479 kW at best gate opening and one generator rated at 85,215 kW, with powerhouse maximum capability of 82,000 kW;
(8)Loon Lake Tailrace Tunnel—A 3.8-mile-long, 18-foot diameter unlined horseshoe tunnel that runs from Loon Lake Powerhouse and discharges into Gerle Creek Reservoir; and
(9)Transmission Lines—Two 69 kV overhead transmission lines: one extending to the Robbs Peak switchyard via the 7.9-mile-long Loon Lake-Robbs Peak Transmission Line, and the other extending to the Union Valley Switchyard via the 12.4-mile-long Loon Lake-Union Valley Transmission Line. • *Robbs Peak Development* —(1) Gerle Creek Dam—A 58-foot-high, 444-foot-long concrete gravity overflow structure located on Gerle Creek, upstream of its confluence with SFRR, incorporating the intake of Gerle Creek Canal in its left abutment, creating Gerle Creek Reservoir;
(2)Gerle Creek Canal—An above ground canal, 22-foot-wide and 19-foot-deep, extending 1.9 miles from Gerle Creek Reservoir to Robbs Peak Reservoir. It is partially lined with gunite;
(3)Robbs Peak Dam—A 44-foot-high, 320-foot-long concrete gravity overflow structure, with 12 steel bulkhead gates, all 6.2-foot-high, on the spillway crest, located on the SFRR upstream of its confluence with Gerle Creek, that forms Robbs Peak Reservoir;
(4)Robbs Peak Tunnel—A 3.2-mile-long, 13-foot-diameter unlined horseshoe and 10-foot-diameter lined diversion tunnel from Robbs Peak Reservoir to Robbs Peak Penstock;
(5)Robbs Peak Penstock—A 9.75-to 8.5-foot-diameter, 0.4-mile-long steel penstock from Robbs Peak Tunnel to Robbs Peak Powerhouse;
(6)Robbs Peak Powerhouse—Located on the northeast shore of Union Valley Reservoir, equipped with one turbine that has a rated capacity at best gate opening of 28,125 kW, and one generator rated at 29,700 kW, with maximum capability of 29,000 kW; and
(7)Robbs Peak-Union Valley Transmission Line—A 6.8-mile-long, 69 kV overhead line that connects the Robbs Peak switchyard to the Union Valley switchyard. • *Jones Fork Development* —(1) Ice House Dam—A rockfill dam located on the South Fork Silver Creek, 0.3-mile-long and 150-foot-high, incorporating a concrete ogee spillway with radial gates, and two auxiliary earthfill dikes; these create the Ice House Reservoir;
(2)Jones Fork Tunnel—A 0.3-mile-long, 8-foot-diameter horseshoe concrete- and steel-lined tunnel from Ice House Reservoir to the Jones Fork Penstock;
(3)Jones Fork Penstock—A 1.6-mile-long, 6-foot-diameter steel and concrete penstock from Jones Fork Tunnel to the Jones Fork Powerhouse;
(4)Jones Fork Powerhouse—Contains a turbine with a rated capacity at best gate opening of 10,400 kW, and one generator rated at 11,495 kW, located on the southeast shore of Union Valley Reservoir; with maximum capability of 11,500 kW; and
(5)Jones Fork-Union Valley Transmission Line—A 69 kV, 4.0-mile-long overhead transmission line from the Jones Fork switchyard to the Union Valley switchyard. • *Union Valley Development* —(1) Union Valley Dam—An earthfill dam located on Silver Creek, 0.3-mile-long and 453-feet-high, incorporating a concrete ogee spillway with radial gates, creating Union Valley Reservoir;
(2)Union Valley Tunnel—A 268-foot-long, 11-foot-diameter concrete-lined tunnel with an approximately 10-foot-diameter steel penstock in part of the tunnel and connecting Union Valley Reservoir with Union Valley Powerhouse;
(3)Union Valley Penstock—A 0.3-mile-long, 10-foot-diameter steel penstock that conveys water from the outlet of the Union Valley Tunnel to the Union Valley Powerhouse;
(4)Union Valley Powerhouse—The powerhouse is equipped with one turbine with a rated capacity at best gate opening of 40,074 kW, and one generator rated at 44,400 kW, located at the base of Union Valley Dam; with maximum capability of 46,700 kW; and
(5)Transmission Lines—Two 230 kV overhead transmission lines, one to the Camino switchyard via the 11.8-mile-long Union Valley-Camino Transmission Line, and the other to the Jaybird switchyard via the 5.9-mile-long Union Valley-Jaybird Transmission Line. • *Jaybird Development* —(1) Junction Dam—A double curvature, concrete overflow arch dam located on Silver Creek that is 525 feet long and 168 feet high, creating Junction Reservoir;
(2)Jaybird Tunnel—An 11- to 14-foot-diameter modified horseshoe tunnel 4.4-mile-long, connecting Junction Reservoir and the Jaybird Penstock;
(3)Jaybird Penstock—A 6- to 10-foot-diameter steel penstock with a surge tank that is 0.5-mile-long, connecting Jaybird Tunnel and Jaybird Powerhouse;
(4)Jaybird Powerhouse—The powerhouse is equipped with two Pelton turbines, one with a rated capacity of 61,607 kW and the other 61,574 kW at best gate opening, and two generators, each rated at 84,450 kW; with total powerhouse maximum capability of 144,000 kW; and
(5)Jaybird-White Rock Transmission Line—A 15.9-mile-long, 230 kV overhead transmission line connecting the Jaybird and White Rock switchyards. • *Camino Development* —(1) Camino Dam—A concrete double curvature arch dam located on Silver Creek that is 470-foot-long and 133-foot-high, and has three integral bulkhead gates. These structures create Camino Reservoir;
(2)Camino Tunnel—A 5-mile-long power tunnel with a diameter ranging from 13 feet to 14 feet; and including a surge tank that connects Camino Reservoir with the Camino Penstock;
(3)Brush Creek Dam—A double curvature arch dam located on Brush Creek, 213 feet high and 780 feet long, creating Brush Creek Reservoir;
(4)Brush Creek Tunnel—An approximately 14-foot-diameter modified horseshoe tunnel extending 0.8 mile from Brush Creek Reservoir to the lower end of Camino Tunnel;
(5)Camino Penstock—A 5-foot to 12-foot-diameter, 0.3-mile-long above ground steel penstock connecting Camino Tunnel and Camino Powerhouse;
(7)Camino Powerhouse—The powerhouse is located on the SFAR and is equipped with two turbines: One with a rated capacity of 73,760 kW and the other with a rated capacity at best gate opening of 70,769 kW with total powerhouse maximum capability of 150,000 kW. The powerhouse is also equipped with two generators rated at 90,820 kW each. Both generators are installed with secondary oil containment; and
(8)Transmission Lines—Two 230 kV overhead transmission lines originate at the Camino Switchyard, one (Camino-Lake) is 31.7-mile-long and connects to SMUD's Lake Substation and the other (Camino-White Rock) is 10.0 miles long and connects to the White Rock Switchyard. *Slab Creek/White Rock Development* —(1) Slab Creek Dam—A double curvature variable radius concrete arch dam that stretches across the South Fork American River is 250 feet high and 817 feet long, with a central uncontrolled overflow spillway. The structures create Slab Creek Reservoir;
(2)Slab Creek Penstock—A 40-foot-long, 24-inch-diameter steel penstock that passes through the dam and connects Slab Creek Reservoir with Slab Creek Powerhouse;
(3)Slab Creek Powerhouse—The powerhouse, which is located at the base of Slab Creek Dam and utilizes minimum stream flow releases, has one turbine with a rated capacity at best gate opening of 450 kW, and one generator rated at 485 kW, with a total powerhouse maximum capability of 400 kW;
(4)White Rock Tunnel—an approximately 20- to 24-foot-diameter modified horseshoe tunnel 4.9-mile-long and has a surge shaft that connects Slab Creek Reservoir with White Rock Penstock;
(5)White Rock Penstock—A 9- to 15-foot-diameter, 0.3-mile-long above-ground steel penstock that connects White Rock Tunnel to White Rock Powerhouse;
(6)White Rock Powerhouse—The powerhouse is equipped with two turbines, one rated at 112,976 kW and the other at 120,000 kW at best gate opening, and two generators, rated at 109,250 kW and 133,000 kW, with total powerhouse maximum capability of 224,000 kW; and
(7)Transmission Lines—There are two 230 kV overhead transmission lines and one 12 kV distribution line. The two transmission lines, both 21.8 miles in length, connect the White Rock switchyard to SMUD's Folsom Junction. The 600-foot-long 12 kV Slab Creek tap line connects the Slab Creek Powerhouse to the junction with Pacific Gas and Electric Company's 12-kV distribution line. SMUD's Proposed Action includes the addition of the Iowa Hill Development. The development would be composed of the following features:
(1)Iowa Hill Reservoir—A new off-stream, rock filled earthen dike of varying height depending on natural terrain (maximum height 280 feet) and 5,900 feet in circumference with a geotextile liner on the reservoir floor and inside surface of the dike;
(2)Iowa Hill Tunnel—A new underground water conduit extending from Iowa Hill Reservoir and connecting to Slab Creek Reservoir, and comprised of: a 1,120-foot-long, 19.02-foot-diameter, concrete-lined vertical shaft; a 1,110-foot-long, 19.02-foot-diameter concrete-lined high pressure tunnel; a 250-foot-long, 15.74-foot-diameter, steel-lined high pressure tunnel; a 150-foot-long, 12.45-foot-diameter, steel manifold; three 180-foot-long, 7.87-foot-diameter, steel penstocks; three 450-foot-long, 12.46-foot-diameter draft tube extensions; a 150-foot-long, 17.22-foot-diameter steel manifold; and a 1,230-foot-long, 20-93-foot-diameter, concrete-lined low pressure tunnel;
(3)Iowa Hill Powerhouse—A new underground powerhouse along the Iowa Hill Tunnel that would include three variable speed turbines each with a nominal rating of 133 MW, and a three generators each rated at 170 MW as a pump motor. The powerhouse would have a maximum capability of 400 MW;
(4)Iowa Hill Switchyard—A new Iowa Hill Switchyard; and
(5)Transmission Line—A new 230 kV transmission line that would connect the Iowa Hill Switchyard to the existing Camino-White Rock Transmission Line. SMUD anticipates that from the time a new project license is issued by FERC and accepted by SMUD, seven years would be required to complete the engineering, procurement, and construction of the Iowa Hill Development. In addition, as part of the License Application, SMUD proposes to exclude from the project description and FERC Project Boundary certain transmission line sections included in the current license and FERC Project Boundary. The excluded sections are:
(1)A 9.3-mile long section of 230 kV line from Folsom Junction to Orangevale Substation;
(2)a 17.8-mile long section of 230 kV line from Folsom Junction to Hedge Substation; and
(3)a 1.9-mile long section of 230 kV line from Folsom Junction to Lake Substation. m. A copy of the application is available for review at the Commission in the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support at *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* or toll-free at 1-866-208-3676, or for TTY,
(202)502-8659. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item h above. n. Anyone may submit comments, a protest, or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests or other comments filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application. All filings must
(1)Bear in all capital letters the title “PROTEST”, “MOTION TO INTERVENE”, “COMMENTS,” “REPLY COMMENTS,” “RECOMMENDATIONS,” “TERMS AND CONDITIONS,” or “PRESCRIPTIONS;”
(2)set forth in the heading the name of the applicant and the project number of the application to which the filing responds;
(3)furnish the name, address, and telephone number of the person protesting or intervening; and
(4)otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 385.2001 through 385.2005. All comments, recommendations, terms and conditions or prescriptions must set forth their evidentiary basis and otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 4.34(b). Agencies may obtain copies of the application directly from the applicant. A copy of any protest or motion to intervene must be served upon each representative of the applicant specified in the particular application. A copy of all other filings in reference to this application must be accompanied by proof of service on all persons listed in the service list prepared by the Commission in this proceeding, in accordance with 18 CFR 4.34(b) and 385.2010. You may also register online at *http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp* to be notified via e-mail of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support. o. *Procedural schedule:* The application will be processed according to the following Hydro Licensing Schedule. Revisions to the schedule will be made if the Commission determines it necessary to do so: Milestone Tentative date Notice of the availability of the draft EIS March 2007. Notice of the availability of the final EIS August 2007. Ready for Commission's decision on the application October 2007. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-12718 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 2155-024] Pacific Gas and Electric Company; Notice of Application Ready for Environmental Analysis and Soliciting Comments, Recommendations, Terms and Conditions, and Prescriptions July 28, 2006. Take notice that the following hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection. a. *Type of Application:* New Major License. b. *Project No.:* 2155-024. c. *Date Filed:* July 15, 2005. d. *Applicant:* Pacific Gas and Electric Company. e. *Name of Project:* Chili Bar Project. f. *Location:* On the South Fork American River in El Dorado, near Placerville, California. The project affects 48 acres of Federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management. g. *Filed Pursuant to:* Federal Power Act 16 U.S.C. 791(a)-825(r). h. *Applicant Contact:* Randal S. Livingston, Power Generation Senior Director, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, P.O. Box 770000, Mail Code: N11E, San Francisco, CA 94177. i. *FERC Contact:* Jim Fargo,
(202)502-6095 or *james.fargo@ferc.gov* . j. Deadline for filing comments, recommendations, terms and conditions, and prescriptions is 60 days from the issuance of this notice; reply comments are due 105 days from the issuance date of this notice. All documents (original and eight copies) should be filed with: Magalie R. Salas, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. The Commission's Rules of Practice require all intervenors filing documents with the Commission to serve a copy of that document on each person on the official service list for the project. Further, if an intervenor files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency. Comments, recommendations, terms and conditions, and prescriptions may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings. See 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site ( *http://www.ferc.gov* ) under the “e-Filing” link. k. This application has been accepted and is now ready for environmental analysis. l. The existing Chili Bar Project consists of:
(1)A 120-foot-high concrete gravity dam;
(2)a 110-acre reservoir with a useable storage of 1,339 acre-feet;
(3)a powerhouse with one 7-MW unit and
(9)appurtenant facilities. The applicant estimates that the total average annual generation would be 33,500 megawatt hours. All generated power is utilized within the applicant's electric utility system. m. A copy of the application is available for review at the Commission in the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support at *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* or toll-free at 1-866-208-3676, or for TTY,
(202)502-8659. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item h above. All filings must
(1)bear in all capital letters the title “COMMENTS”, “REPLY COMMENTS”, “RECOMMENDATIONS”, “TERMS AND CONDITIONS”, or “PRESCRIPTIONS”;
(2)set forth in the heading the name of the applicant and the project number of the application to which the filing responds;
(3)furnish the name, address, and telephone number of the person submitting the filing; and
(4)otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 385.2001 through 385.2005. All comments, recommendations, terms and conditions or prescriptions must set forth their evidentiary basis and otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 4.34(b). Agencies may obtain copies of the application directly from the applicant. Each filing must be accompanied by proof of service on all persons listed on the service list prepared by the Commission in this proceeding, in accordance with 18 CFR 4.34(b), and 385.2010. You may also register online at *http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp* to be notified via e-mail of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support. n. *Procedural schedule:* The application will be processed according to the following Hydro Licensing Schedule. Revisions to the schedule will be made if the Commission determines it necessary to do so: Milestone Tentative date Notice of the availability of the draft EIS March 2007 Notice of the availability of the final EIS August 2007 Ready for Commission's decision on the application October 2007 Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-12719 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-8206-6] EPA Science Advisory Board
(SAB)Staff Office; Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee; Request for Nominations for CASAC Review Panels for NO <sup>X</sup> and SO <sup>X</sup> AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) Science Advisory Board
(SAB)Staff Office is seeking nominations of nationally recognized experts for consideration of membership on two new Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) Review Panels. One Review Panel will provide advice to EPA on primary (human health-based) air quality standards for oxides of nitrogen (NO <sup>X</sup> ) and sulfur oxides (SO <sup>X</sup> ), while the second will focus on secondary (welfare-based) standards. DATES: New nominations should be submitted by August 28, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Any member of the public wishing further information regarding this Request for Nominations may contact Mr. Fred Butterfield, Designated Federal Officer (DFO), EPA Science Advisory Board (1400F), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460; via telephone/voice mail:
(202)343-9994; fax:
(202)233-0643; or e-mail at: *butterfield.fred@epa.gov* . General information concerning the CASAC or the EPA Science Advisory Board can be found on the EPA Web site at: *http://www.epa.gov/sab* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Background:* The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) was established under section 109(d)(2) of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) (42 U.S.C. 7409) as an independent scientific advisory committee. The chartered CASAC provides advice, information and recommendations on the scientific and technical aspects of air quality criteria and national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) under sections 108 and 109 of the Act. Section 109(d)(1) of the Clean Air Act
(CAA)requires that EPA carry out a periodic review and revision, as appropriate, of the air quality criteria and the NAAQS for the six criteria air pollutants. EPA is currently preparing to review the air quality criteria for NO <sup>X</sup> and SO <sup>X</sup> . The SAB Staff Office is establishing two separate CASAC NO <sup>X</sup> and SO <sup>X</sup> Review Panels. One will provide advice to EPA on primary (human health-based) air quality standards for oxides of nitrogen (NO <sup>X</sup> ) and sulfur oxides (SO <sup>X</sup> ), while the second will focus on secondary (welfare-based) standards. The CASAC NO <sup>X</sup> and SO <sup>X</sup> Review Panels will comply with the provisions of FACA and all appropriate SAB Staff Office procedural policies. The CASAC NO <sup>X</sup> and SO <sup>X</sup> Review Panels will each consist of the seven members of the chartered CASAC supplemented by additional subject matter experts. This **Federal Register** notice seeks nominations for the subject matter experts described below. The CASAC NO <sup>X</sup> and SO <sup>X</sup> Review Panels will comply with the provisions of FACA and all appropriate EPA procedural policies. Expertise Sought: The SAB Staff Office requests nominees who are nationally-recognized experts regarding NO <sup>X</sup> and SO <sup>X</sup> in one or more of the following disciplines.
(1)*CASAC Primary (Health-Based) Review Panel*
(a)*Atmospheric Science.* Expertise in physical and chemical properties of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides; atmospheric processes involved in their formation and transport on urban to global scales; transformation of these pollutants in the atmosphere; and movement of the pollutants between media through deposition and other such mechanisms. Also, expertise in the evaluation of natural and anthropogenic sources and emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides and resulting ambient levels due to natural sources; pertinent monitoring or measurement methods for these pollutants; and spatial and temporal trends in their atmospheric concentrations.
(b)*Human Health Exposure and Risk Assessment/Modeling.* Expertise in measuring human population exposure to nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides, or in modeling human population exposure to pollutants from ambient and indoor sources. Expertise in human health risk analysis modeling for nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides related to respiratory and other non-cancer health effects.
(c)*Dosimetry.* Expertise in evaluation of the dosimetry of animal and human subjects, including identification of factors determining differential patterns of inhalation and/or deposition/uptake in respiratory tract regions that may contribute to differential susceptibility of human population subgroups and animal-to-human dosimetry extrapolations.
(d)*Toxicology.* Expertise in evaluation of experimental laboratory animal studies and in vitro studies of the effects of sulfur oxides and/or oxides of nitrogen on pulmonary and extra-pulmonary (e.g., cardiovascular, immunological) endpoints.
(e)*Controlled Human Exposure.* Expertise in evaluations of controlled human exposure studies of the effects of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides on healthy and compromised (e.g., having pertinent preexisting disease such as asthma) human adults and children, including physicians with experience in the clinical treatment of asthma and chronic lung diseases.
(f)*Epidemiology and Biostatistics.* Expertise in epidemiologic evaluation of the effects of exposures to ambient nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides and/or other major air pollutants (e.g., particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide) on human population groups, including mortality and morbidity effects (e.g., respiratory symptoms, lung function decrements, asthma medication use, emergency department visits, respiratory-related hospital admissions). Also, expertise in associated biostatistics and/or health risk analysis.
(2)*CASAC Secondary (Welfare-Based) Review Panel*
(a)*Atmospheric Science.* Expertise in physical and chemical properties of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides; atmospheric processes involved in their formation and transport on urban to global scales; transformation of these pollutants in the atmosphere; and movement of the pollutants between media through deposition and other such mechanisms. Also, expertise in the evaluation of natural and anthropogenic sources and emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides and resulting ambient levels due to natural sources; pertinent monitoring or measurement methods for these pollutants; and spatial and temporal trends in their atmospheric concentrations.
(b)*Ecological Effects.* Expertise in evaluation of the effects of exposure to nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides, acid deposition and nitrogen deposition, on agricultural crops and natural ecosystems and their components, both flora and fauna, ranging from biochemical/sub-cellular effects on organisms to increasingly more complex levels of ecosystem organization. Appropriate expertise disciplines include: aquatic chemistry; aquatic ecology/biology; limnology; terrestrial ecology; forest ecology; grassland ecology; rangeland ecology; terrestrial/aquatic biogeochemistry; terrestrial/aquatic nutrient cycling; and terrestrial/aquatic wildlife biology and soil chemistry.
(c)*Other Welfare Effects.* Expertise in the evaluation of the effects of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides and acid deposition on public welfare, including impaired visibility and damage to materials, and also the interactions of these pollutants to affect global climate conditions.
(d)*Ecosystem Exposure and Risk Assessment/Modeling.* Expertise in deposition modeling across a range of scales from local watershed to landscape to continental, static and dynamic ecosystem response models, integrated assessment models, identification of bio-indicators useful for tracking ecosystem change, methods and approaches available to estimate total loadings of sulfur and nitrogen species to ecosystems, and the current state of critical loads science and application.
(e)*Resource Valuation.* Expertise in ecological resources, other welfare effects valuation, and/or economic benefits assessment approaches and models. *Process and Deadline for Submitting Nominations:* Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified individuals for consideration of membership on the CASAC NO <sup>X</sup> and SO <sup>X</sup> Review Panels in the areas of expertise described above. Nominations should be submitted in electronic format through the SAB Web site at the following URL: *http://www.epa.gov/sab* ; or directly via the *Form for Nominating Individuals to Panels of the EPA Science Advisory Board* link found at URL: *http://www.epa.gov/sab/panels/paneltopics.html* . Please follow the instructions for submitting nominations carefully. The nominating form requests contact information about: the person making the nomination; contact information about the nominee; the disciplinary and specific areas of expertise of the nominee; the nominee's curriculum vita; and a biographical sketch of the nominee indicating current position, educational background; research activities; and recent service on other national advisory committees or national professional organizations. To be considered, nominations should include all of the information required on the associated forms. Anyone unable to submit nominations using the electronic form and who has any questions concerning the nomination process may contact Mr. Fred Butterfield, DFO, as indicated above in this notice. Nominations should be submitted in time to arrive no later than August 28, 2006. The EPA SAB Staff Office will acknowledge receipt of nominations. Qualified nominees will be included in a smaller subset of nominees known as the Short List. The Short List will be posted on the SAB Web site at: *http://www.epa.gov/sab* , and will include, for each candidate, the nominee's name and their biosketch. Public comments on the Short List will be accepted for a minimum of 21 calendar days. During this comment period, the public will be requested to provide relevant information or other documentation on nominees that the SAB Staff Office should consider in evaluating candidates. CASAC Review Panel members will be selected from the Short List. For the EPA SAB Staff Office, a balanced subcommittee or review panel includes candidates who possess the necessary domains of knowledge, the relevant scientific perspectives (which, among other factors, can be influenced by work history and affiliation), and the collective breadth of experience to adequately address the charge. In establishing the final CASAC Review Panels, the SAB Staff Office will consider public responses to the Short List, information provided by candidates, and background information independently gathered by the SAB Staff Office on each candidate (e.g., financial disclosure information and computer searches to evaluate a nominee's prior involvement with the topic under review). Specific criteria to be used in evaluating Short List candidates for Panel membership include:
(a)Scientific and/or technical expertise, knowledge, and experience (primary factors);
(b)availability and willingness to serve;
(c)absence of financial conflicts of interest;
(d)absence of an appearance of a lack of impartiality; and
(e)skills working in committees, subcommittees and advisory panels; and, for the Panel as a whole,
(f)diversity of and balance among, scientific expertise, viewpoints. Prospective candidates will also be required to fill-out the “Confidential Financial Disclosure Form for Special Government Employees Serving on Federal Advisory Committees at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency” (EPA Form 3110-48). This confidential form allows Government officials to determine whether there is a statutory conflict between that person's public responsibilities (which includes membership on an EPA Federal advisory committee) and private interests and activities, or the appearance of a lack of impartiality, as defined by Federal regulation. The form may be viewed and downloaded from the following URL address: *http://www.epa.gov/sab/pdf/epaform3110-48.pdf* . The approved policy under which the EPA SAB Office selects subcommittees and review panels is described in the following document: *Overview of the Panel Formation Process at the Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Board* (EPA-SAB-EC-02-010), which is posted on the SAB Web site at: *http://www.epa.gov/sab/pdf/ec02010.pdf* . Dated: August 1, 2006. Anthony F. Maciorowski, Associate Director for Science, EPA Science Advisory Board Staff Office. [FR Doc. E6-12764 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-8206-5] Science Advisory Board Staff Office; Advisory Council on Clean Air Compliance Analysis; Notification of a Public Advisory Committee Meeting; (Teleconference) AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency), Science Advisory Board
(SAB)Staff Office announces a public teleconference of the Advisory Council on Clean Air Compliance Analysis and its Air Quality Modeling Subcommittee. DATES: The teleconference will take place on August 31, 2006 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Any member of the public who wishes to obtain the teleconference call-numbers and access codes or who wishes to submit a written or a brief oral statement (five minutes or less), must contact Dr. Holly Stallworth, Designated Federal Officer (DFO), EPA Science Advisory Board (1400F), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone/voice mail:
(202)343-9867. Requests to provide oral comments must be *in writing* (e-mail, fax or mail) and received by Dr. Stallworth no later than five business days prior to the teleconference in order to reserve time on the meeting agenda. It is the policy of the EPA Science Advisory Board Staff Office to accept written public comments of any length, and to accommodate oral public comments whenever possible. The technical contact for this review is Dr. Linda Chappell, Economist in the Office of Air and Radiation's Air Quality Analysis Division. Dr. Chappell may be reached at 919-541-2864 or *chappell.linda@epa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Background:* The Advisory Council on Clean Air Compliance Analysis (Council) is a Federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C., App. The Council is charged with providing advice, information and recommendations to the Agency on the economic issues associated with programs implemented under the Clean Air Act and its Amendments. Pursuant to a requirement under section 812 of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, EPA's Office of Air and Radiation
(OAR)conducts periodic studies to assess the benefits and the costs of the Clean Air Act. The Council has been the chief reviewing body for these studies and has issued advice on a retrospective study issued in 1997, a prospective study issued in 1999, and, since 2003, analytic blueprints for a second prospective study on the costs and benefits of clean air programs covering the years 1990—2020. EPA's Office of Air and Radiation is conducting a regulatory impact analysis to support a final regulation for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards on particulate matter. As part of this effort, EPA is requesting the Council to provide advice regarding an interim method for estimating future air emissions. In response to this request, the Council will conduct a consultation on this topic. Background document(s) for this review will be posted on the OAR Web site at: *http://www.epa.gov/ttn/ecas/articles.html.* For additional technical information, Dr. Chappell may be contacted at the e-mail and phone number noted above. The meeting agenda and any other background materials will be posted on the SAB Web site at: *http://www.epa.gov/sab/* prior to the meeting. *Procedures for Providing Public Input:* Members of the public may submit relevant written or oral information for the SAB Panel to consider during the advisory process. *Oral Statements:* In general, individuals or groups requesting an oral presentation at a public teleconference will be limited to three minutes per speaker with no more than a total of fifteen minutes for all speakers. Interested parties should contact the DFO, contact information provided above, in writing via e-mail at least seven days before the teleconference in order to be places on the public speaker list. Dated: August 1, 2006. Anthony F. Maciorowski, Associate Director for Science, EPA Science Advisory Board Staff Office. [FR Doc. E6-12759 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION Farm Credit Administration Board; Regular Meeting AGENCY: Farm Credit Administration. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the Government in the Sunshine Act (5 U.S.C. 552b(e)(3)), of the regular meeting of the Farm Credit Administration Board (Board). *Date and Time:* The regular meeting of the Board will be held at the offices of the Farm Credit Administration in McLean, Virginia, on August 10, 2006, from 9 a.m. until such time as the Board concludes its business. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roland E. Smith, Secretary to the Farm Credit Administration Board,
(703)883-4009, TTY
(703)883-4056. ADDRESSES: Farm Credit Administration, 1501 Farm Credit Drive, McLean, Virginia 22102-5090. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This meeting of the Board will be open to the public (limited space available). In order to increase the accessibility to Board meetings, persons requiring assistance should make arrangements in advance. The matters to be considered at the meeting are: Open Session A. *Approval of Minutes* • July 13, 2006 (Open). B. *New Business* • Fall 2006 Unified Agenda. C. *Reports* • Office of Management Services Quarterly Report. Dated: August 3, 2006. Roland E. Smith, Secretary, Farm Credit Administration Board. [FR Doc. 06-6762 Filed 8-3-06; 2:10 pm]
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Traces to 13 documents
CFR
- Intervention (Rule 214).§ 385.214
- Interventions and protests.§ 157.10
- Filings and Other Submissions.§ 385.2001
- Protests other than under Rule 208 (Rule 211).§ 385.211
- Protests, interventions, and comments.§ 154.210
- Participation in Commission proceedings.§ 380.10
- Competing applications: deadlines for filing; notices of intent; comparisons of plans of development.§ 4.36
- Applicability and definitions.§ 4.30
- Method of notice; dates established in notice (Rule 210).§ 385.210
- Hearings on applications; consultation on terms and conditions; motions to intervene; alternative procedures.§ 4.34
4 references not yet in our index
- Pub. L. 93-275
- Pub. L. 95-91
- Pub. L. 104-13
- 18 CFR 380
Citation graph
cites case law
Notices
Notice of request for expressions of interest
Pub. L.Pub. L. 93-275
Pub. L.Pub. L. 95-91
Pub. L.Pub. L. 104-13
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