Notices. Availability of Supplementary Risk Assessments and Site Suitability Analyses for the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory, Boston University Medical Center; notice of hearing
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BILLING CODE 4140-01-M DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Supplementary Risk Assessments and Site Suitability Analyses for the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory, Boston University Medical Center ACTION: Availability of Supplementary Risk Assessments and Site Suitability Analyses for the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory, Boston University Medical Center; notice of hearing. SUMMARY: The National Institutes of Health
(NIH)has placed in the docket for public review and comment the Supplementary Risk Assessments and Site Suitability Analyses for the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory, Boston University Medical Center, which address additional concerns of the local community regarding possible impacts of the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Boston University Medical Center. The purpose of the Supplementary Risk Assessments and Site Suitability Analyses for the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory was alternative site analysis and risk assessment that investigated potential infectious disease threats that may be posed to the public should an exotic infectious agent be released into the community through an infected laboratory worker, laboratory accident, or other mishap. DATES: Comments on the Supplementary Risk Assessments and Site Suitability Analyses for the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory must be received by Monday, November 12th. A public hearing will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2007, from 7-9 p.m. at Faneuil Hall, Dock Square, Boston, MA 02109. ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to Valerie Nottingham, Division of Environmental Protection, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Building 13, Room 2S11, Bethesda, MD 20892, MSC 5746. E-mail comments should be sent to *nihnepa@mail.nih.gov.* Comments sent by e-mail must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the comment period, Monday, November 12, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Valerie Nottingham, Division of Environmental Protection, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Building 13, Room 2S11, Bethesda, MD 20892, MSC 5746, telephone number 301-496-7775, E-mail address: *nihnepa@mail.nih.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Institutes of Health awarded a construction grant to Boston University to partly fund the design and construction of one of two National Biocontainment Laboratories (NBLs). These advanced biomedical research laboratories are essential to the civilian biodefense initiative providing critically needed Biosafety Levels 2, 3, and 4 research space. The basic and translational research to be conducted in these laboratories over the next 20 years will result in development of new rapid diagnostic assays, vaccines and therapeutics for protection of the American public against intentional misuse or release of harmful biological agents or toxins and emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases such as H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza and the SARS coronavirus. The NIH completed and published a final Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS)and published a Record of Decision as required for major federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Construction of the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory (NEIDL) began at the BioSquare II Research Park on Albany Street, Boston, Massachusetts adjacent to the Boston University Medical Center (BUMC). During the preparation of the EIS, the NIH conducted a thorough review of the possible impacts of the NBL on the public and the environment. That review demonstrated that the construction and operation of the NBL was not a risk to the community in which the laboratory was sited or surrounding communities. In response to additional and lingering concerns raised by some members of the community, the NIH has performed additional reviews of the potential impacts of the NBL. These reviews included additional “hard look” alternative site analyses and risk assessments investigating potential infectious disease threats that may be posed to the public should an exotic infectious agent be released into the community through an infected laboratory worker, laboratory accident or other mishap. Additionally, the risk assessments specifically addressed an on-going community concern that an Environmental Justice community near the proposed NEIDL site in Boston would be disproportionately impacted should a release occur. Availability of Copies and Electronic Access Copies of the Supplementary Risk Assessments and Site Suitability Analyses for the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory, Boston University Medical Center may be obtained at no cost by calling 301-496-7775, or by emailing requests to *nihnepa@mail.nih.gov.* Documents are available in alternate formats upon request. Persons who want a publication in an alternate format should specify the type of format. The document will also be available on the NIH Web site *http://www.nems.nih.gov/aspects/nat_resources/programs/nepa.cfm.* Dated: August 15, 2007. Daniel G. Wheeland, Director, Office of Research Facilities Development and Operations, NIH. [FR Doc. E7-16645 Filed 8-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Information Collection Authority Under Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation
(HSAR)AGENCY: Office of Chief Procurement Officer, Acquisition Policy and Legislation Office, DHS. ACTION: Submission for OMB review; comment request. SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, Acquisition Policy and Legislation Office, has submitted the following information collection request
(ICR)to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). The Office of the Chief Procurement Officer is soliciting comments concerning an extension to an existing collection, Information collection authority under Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR). DATES: Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until October 22, 2007. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.1 ADDRESSES: Comments and questions about this Information Collection Request should be forwarded to the Acquisition Policy and Legislation Office, Attn: Kathy Strouss for the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, Room 3114, Washington, DC 20528. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathy Strouss, 202-447-5300 (this is not a toll free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Chief Procurement Officer requires a renewal request and a revision of an existing OMB Control number for four forms in the HSAR 48 CFR Chapter 30. This notice provides a request for renewal of the designated OMB Control Number 1600-0002 previously granted in September 2004 on the following four forms: DHS Form 0700-01, DHS Form 0700-02, DHS Form 0700-03, and DHS Form 0700-04. These four forms will be used by contractors and/or contract employees during contract administration. A fifth form, DHS Form 0700-05, which was included with initial clearance and approval for this OMB control number 1600-0002 in September 2004, is obsolete due to recent changes in the Federal Acquisition Regulation
(FAR)48 CFR Chapter 2. The change to FAR Part 45 was effective June 14, 2007 and removed previously existing annual contractor reporting requirements. The DHS Form 0700-05 supported the collection of the annual contractor report. A HSAR change will include designation of the DHS Form 0700-05, Contractor Report of Government Property as obsolete. No extension of the collection is requested for this form. DHS Form 0700-04, Employee Claim for Wage Restitution, requires an amendment to reflect a name change. The office designated for receipt of the claim currently appears as “The General Accounting Office” but the name has changed to “The Government Accountability Office”. No other amendments to the DHS HSAR forms are anticipated. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments regarding the following: 1. Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the function of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; 2. The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information; 3. Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to collected; 4. Ways to minimize the information collection burden. 5. Estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Analysis *Agency:* Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, Acquisition Policy and Legislation Office. *Title:* Information collection authority under Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR). Form(s): DHS Form 0700-01, Cumulative Claim and Reconciliation Statement; DHS Form 0700-02, Contractor's Assignment of Refunds, Rebates, Credits and other Amounts; DHS Form 0700-03, Contractor's Release; DHS Form 0700-04, Employee Claim for Wage Restitution; and DHS Form 0700-05, Contractor Report of Government Property. *OMB Number:* 1600—0002. *Affected Public:* Businesses and individuals seeking and who are currently contracting with the DHS. *Annual Estimated Burden:* The annual estimated burden is 7,101 hours. Nature of burden Total annual paper burden (number of respondents x estimated time per respondent × frequency) = total burden hours Formula R = number of respondents R × T × F = B T = time per respondent F = frequency B = Burden *Submit forms to provide the data required by various FAR clauses to facilitate contract closeout: Form Formula > R × T x F = Burden > B DHS Form 0700-01 589 × 1 × 1 589 DHS Form 0700-02 589 × 1 × 1 589 DHS Form 0700-03 5,898 × 1 × 1 5,898 *Submit claim form for nonpayment of wages. Information needed to seek restitution, via the Government Accountability Office
(GAO)for contractor employees: Form Formula > R × T × F = Burden > B DHS Form 0700-04 25 × 1 × 1 = 25 *Total Burden Cost (capital/startup):* $0.00. *Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining):* $0.00. The asterisk (*) denotes that the requested information is, in the strictest sense of the word, contract administration data. It is not data of a general nature solicited from the public at large. This information is furnished to the Government by contractors who are being paid to meet all the terms and conditions of the contract. Scott Charbo, Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E7-16642 Filed 8-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-10-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Regulation on Agency Protests AGENCY: Office of Chief Procurement Officer, Acquisition Policy and Legislation Office, DHS. ACTION: Submission for OMB review; comment request. SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, Acquisition Policy and Legislation Office, has submitted the following information collection request
(ICR)to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). The Office of the Chief Procurement Officer is soliciting comments concerning a renewal to an existing collection, Regulation on Agency Protests. DATES: Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until October 22, 2007. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.1. ADDRESSES: Comments and questions about this Information Collection Request should be forwarded to the Acquisition Policy and Legislation Office, Attn: Kathy Strouss for the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, Room 3114, Washington, DC 20528. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathy Strouss, 202-447-5300 (this is not a toll free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Chief Procurement Officer requires a renewal of an existing OMB Control number for the regulation on agency protests. This notice provides a request for comments on the renewal of the presently designated OMB Control Number 1600-0004, granted in September 2004. The information is requested from contractors so that the Government will be able to evaluate protests effectively and provide prompt resolution of issues in dispute when contractors file agency level protests. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments regarding the following: 1. Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the function of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; 2. The accuracy of the agency's information collection burden estimate; 3. Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; 4. Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents; and 5. Estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Analysis *Agency:* Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, Acquisition Policy and Legislation Office. *Title:* Regulation on Agency Protests. *OMB Number:* 1600-0004. *Frequency:* One-time collection. *Affected Public:* Businesses and individuals seeking and who are currently contracting with the DHS. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 50. *Estimated Time Per Respondent:* 2 hours. *Total Burden Hours:* 100 hrs. Scott Charbo, Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E7-16643 Filed 8-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-10-P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5121-N-28] Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Comment Request; Housing Counseling Program—Application for Approval as a Housing Counseling Agency AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal Housing Commissioner, HUD. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The proposed information collection requirement described below will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Department is soliciting public comments on the subject proposal. DATES: *Comments Due Date:* October 22, 2007. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding this proposal. Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB Control Number and should be sent to: Lillian L. Deitzer, Reports Management Officer, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street, SW., L'Enfant Plaza Building, Room 8001, Washington, DC 20410 or *Lillian.L.Deitzer@hud.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Virginia Simmons, Office of Single Family Program Development, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410, telephone
(202)708-2298 (this is not a toll free number) for copies of the proposed forms and other available information. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department is submitting the proposed information collection to OMB for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended). This Notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to:
(1)Evaluate whether the proposed collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
(2)Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;
(3)Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(4)Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. This Notice also lists the following information: *Title of proposal:* Housing Counseling Program—Application for Approval as a Housing Counseling Agency. *OMB Control Number, if applicable:* 2502-NEW. *Description of the need for the information and proposed use:* National, regional, Multi-State intermediaries and Local public and private nonprofit agencies that provide housing counseling services directly or through their affiliates or branches regarding home buying, homeownership and rental housing programs submit an application for designation as a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. HUD uses the information to evaluate the agency and to populate Agency profile data in the Housing Counseling System
(HCS)database. This data populates HUD's Web site and automated 1-800 hotline. *Agency form numbers, if applicable:* HUD-9900. *Estimation of the total numbers of hours needed to prepare the information collection including number of respondents, frequency of response, and hours of response:* The number of respondents is 200, the frequency of responses is on occasion, for a total of 200 total annual responses. The estimated time to prepare collection is approximately 8 hours, for a total annual burden hours of 1,600 hours. *Status of the proposed information collection:* This is a request for a new information collection. The information collection was previously approved under OMB Control No. 2502-0261. Authority: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C., Chapter 35, as amended. Dated: August 13, 2007. Frank L. Davis, General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Housing-Deputy Federal Housing Commissioner. [FR Doc. E7-16637 Filed 8-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210-67-P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5117-N-69] Notice of Submission of Proposed Information Collection to OMB; Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) Program; HOPWA Competitive and Renewal of Permanent Supportive Housing Project Budget Summary; Annual Progress Report (APR); and Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) AGENCY: Office of the Chief Information Officer, HUD. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The proposed information collection requirement described below has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Department is soliciting public comments on the subject proposal. The competitive application Project Budget Summary is used by HOPWA competitive grants applications to identify funding requests by eligible activity and to show how these resources will the used over the three grant period—this form also includes the accompanying program certifications. HOPWA formula and competitive grantees are required to submit annual performance reports that enables an assessment of grantee progress towards implementing the HOPWA housing stability annual performance outcome measure while measuring project success against planned and actual accomplishments. DATES: *Comments Due Date:* September 24, 2007. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding this proposal. Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB approval Number (2506-0133) and should be sent to: HUD Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503; fax: 202-395-6974. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lillian Deitzer, Departmental Reports Management Officer, QDAM, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410; e-mail *Lillian_L._Deitzer@HUD.gov* or telephone
(202)708-2374. This is not a toll-free number. Copies of available documents submitted to OMB may be obtained from Ms. Deitzer or from HUD's Web site at *http://www5.hud.gov:63001/po/i/icbts/collectionsearch.cfm.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice informs the public that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has submitted to OMB a request for approval of the information collection described below. This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affecting agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to:
(1)Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
(2)Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;
(3)Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(4)Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. This notice also lists the following information: *Title of Proposal:* Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program; HOPWA Competitive and Renewal of Permanent Supportive Housing Project Budget Summary; Annual Progress Report (APR); and Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). *OMB Approval Number:* 2506-0133. *Form Numbers:* HUD-40110-B, HUD-40110-C, and HUD-40110-D. *Description of the Need for the Information and Its Proposed Use:* The competitive application Project Budget Summary is used by HOPWA competitive grants applications to identify funding requests by eligible activity and to show how these resources will the used over the three grant period—this form also includes the accompanying program certifications. HOPWA formula and competitive grantees are required to submit annual performance reports that enables an assessment of grantee progress towards implementing the HOPWA housing stability annual performance outcome measure while measuring project success against planned and actual accomplishments. *Frequency of Submission:* Annually. Number of respondents Annual responses × Hours per response = Burden hours Reporting Burden 247 1 122.2 30,203 *Total Estimated Burden Hours:* 30,203. *Status:* Revision of a currently approved collection. Authority: Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 35, as amended. Dated: August 17, 2007. Lillian L. Deitzer, Departmental Paperwork Reduction Act Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E7-16640 Filed 8-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210-67-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Receipt of Applications for Permit AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of receipt of applications for permit. SUMMARY: The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals. DATES: Written data, comments or requests must be received by September 24, 2007. ADDRESSES: Documents and other information submitted with these applications are available for review, subject to the requirements of the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act, by any party who submits a written request for a copy of such documents within 30 days of the date of publication of this notice to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Management Authority, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 700, Arlington, Virginia 22203; fax 703/358-2281. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Division of Management Authority, telephone 703/358-2104. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Endangered Species The public is invited to comment on the following applications for a permit to conduct certain activities with endangered species. This notice is provided pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ). Written data, comments, or requests for copies of these complete applications should be submitted to the Director (address above). *Applicant:* Peter S. Contacos, Johnstown, PA, PRT-159522. The applicant requests a permit to import the sport-hunted trophy of one male bontebok ( *Damaliscus pygargus pygargus* ) culled from a captive herd maintained under the management program of the Republic of South Africa, for the purpose of enhancement of the survival of the species. Endangered Marine Mammals and Marine Mammals The public is invited to comment on the following applications for a permit to conduct certain activities with endangered marine mammals and/or marine mammals. The applications were submitted to satisfy requirements of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ) and/or the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 *et seq.* ), and the regulations governing endangered species (50 CFR part 17) and/or marine mammals (50 CFR part 18). Written data, comments, or requests for copies of the complete applications or requests for a public hearing on these applications should be submitted to the Director (address above). Anyone requesting a hearing should give specific reasons why a hearing would be appropriate. The holding of such a hearing is at the discretion of the Director. *Applicant:* University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, PRT-156390. The applicant requests a permit to take wild and captive manatees ( *Trichechus manatus latirostris* ) in Florida using a DIDSON sonar device for the purpose of scientific research. This notification covers activities to be conducted by the applicant over a five-year period. *Applicant:* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management, Anchorage, AK, PRT-041309. The applicant requests an amendment of their permit to collect carcasses of Northern sea otters ( *Enhydra lutris kenyoni* ) in Alaska for the purpose of scientific research to identify patterns of mortality and issues of population health. This notification covers activities to be conducted by the applicant over a five-year period. Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** , the Division of Management Authority is forwarding copies of the above applications to the Marine Mammal Commission and the Committee of Scientific Advisors for their review. Dated: July 20, 2007. Lisa J. Lierheimer, Senior Permit Biologist, Branch of Permits, Division of Management Authority. [FR Doc. E7-16712 Filed 8-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [MT-921-07-1320-EL-P; NDM 96918] Notice of Invitation—Coal Exploration License Application NDM 96918 AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Members of the public are hereby invited to participate with Dakota Westmoreland Corporation in a program for the exploration of coal deposits owned by the United States of America in lands located in Mercer County, North Dakota, encompassing 640.00 acres. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Van Matre, Mining Engineer, or Connie Schaff, Land Law Examiner, Branch of Solid Minerals (MT-921), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Montana State Office, 5001 Southgate Drive, Billings, Montana 59101-4669, telephone
(406)896-5082 or
(406)896-5060, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The lands to be explored for coal deposits are described as follows: T.143N., R.88W., 5th P.M. 14: S 1/2 NW 1/4 20: NW 1/4 NW 1/4 , S 1/2 NW 1/4 , N 1/2 SW 1/4 , NW 1/4 SE 1/4 22: S 1/2 Any party electing to participate in this exploration program shall notify, in writing, both the State Director, BLM, 5001 Southgate Drive, Billings, Montana 59101-4669, and Dakota Westmoreland Corporation, P.O. Box 39, Beulah, North Dakota 58523. Such written notice must refer to serial number NDM 96918 and be received no later than 30 calendar days after publication of this Notice in the **Federal Register** or 10 calendar days after the last publication of this Notice in the Bismarck Tribune newspaper, whichever is later. This Notice will be published once a week for two
(2)consecutive weeks in the *Bismarck Tribune,* Bismarck, North Dakota. The proposed exploration program is fully described, and will be conducted pursuant to an exploration plan to be approved by the Bureau of Land Management. The exploration plan, as submitted by Dakota Westmoreland Corporation, is available for public inspection at the BLM, 5001 Southgate Drive, Billings, Montana, during regular business hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Monday through Friday. Dated: August 15, 2007. Edward L. Hughes, Acting Chief, Branch of Solid Minerals. [FR Doc. E7-16710 Filed 8-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-$$-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [OR-957-00-6334-BJ: GP07-0176] Filing of Plats of Survey: Oregon/Washington; In Reply Refer to: 1550 (130)P AGENCY: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The plat of survey of the following described lands is scheduled to be officially filed in the Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington State Office, Portland, Oregon, 30 days from the date of this publication. Willamette Meridian Washington T. 11 N., R. 19 E., accepted July 12, 2007. A copy of the plat may be obtained from the Land Office at the Oregon/Washington State Office, Bureau of Land Management, 333 SW. 1st Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97204, upon required payment. A person or party who wishes to protest against a survey must file a notice that they wish to protest (at the above address) with the Oregon/Washington State Director, Bureau of Land Management, Portland, Oregon. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chief, Branch of Geographic Sciences, Bureau of Land Management, (333 SW., 1st Avenue) P.O. Box 2965, Portland, Oregon 97208. Dated: August 10, 2007. Fred O'Ferrall, Branch of Lands and Minerals Resources. [FR Doc. E7-16667 Filed 8-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-33-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Minerals Management Service Environmental Documents Prepared for Proposed Oil and Gas Operations on the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf
(OCS)AGENCY: Minerals Management Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of the availability of environmental documents prepared for OCS Mineral Proposals on the Gulf of Mexico OCS. SUMMARY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), in accordance with Federal Regulations that implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), announces the availability of NEPA-related Site-Specific Environmental Assessments
(SEA)and Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI), prepared by MMS for the following oil and gas activities proposed on the Gulf of Mexico OCS. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Public Information Unit, Information Services Section at the number below. Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, Attention: Public Information Office (MS 5034), 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Room 114, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394, or by calling 1-800-200-GULF. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: MMS prepares SEAs and FONSIs for proposals that relate to exploration for and the development/production of oil and gas resources on the Gulf of Mexico OCS. These SEAs examine the potential environmental effects of activities described in the proposals and present MMS conclusions regarding the significance of those effects. Environmental Assessments are used as a basis for determining whether or not approval of the proposals constitutes major Federal actions that significantly affect the quality of the human environment in the sense of NEPA Section 102(2)(C). A FONSI is prepared in those instances where MMS finds that approval will not result in significant effects on the quality of the human environment. The FONSI briefly presents the basis for that finding and includes a summary or copy of the SEA. This notice constitutes the public notice of availability of environmental documents required under the NEPA Regulations. This listing includes all proposals for which the Gulf of Mexico OCS Region prepared a FONSI in the period subsequent to publication of the preceding notice. Activity/Operator Location Date Energy Resource Technology, Inc., Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 06-010A East Cameron, Block 231, Lease OCS-G 02038, located 13 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 4/2/2007 Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-017 Viosca Knoll, Block 114, Lease OCS-G 16536, located 30 miles from the nearest Mississippi shoreline 4/3/2007 Walter Oil & Gas Corporation, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-019 Eugene Island, Block 99, Lease OCS-G 21637, located 20 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 4/4/2007 Newfield Exploration Company, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-040 South Timbalier, Block 107, Lease OCS-G 15319, located 25 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 4/4/2007 Chevron U.S.A., Inc., Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-038 Viosca Knoll, Block 114, Lease OCS-G 16536, located 30 miles from nearest Mississippi shoreline 4/4/2007 Merit Energy Company, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 06-129 East Cameron, Block 254, Lease OCS-G 02039, located 74 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 4/12/2007 Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-039 Eugene Island, Block 231, Lease OCS-G 00980, located 39 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 4/13/2007 SPN Resources, LLC, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-044 Vermilion, Block 60, Lease OCS-G 02870, located 14 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 4/13/2007 SPN Resources, LLC, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-043 West Cameron, Block 305, Lease OCS-G 25893, located 34 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 4/13/2007 Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc., Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-047 Eugene Island, Block 208, Lease OCS-G 00577, located 48 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 4/16/2007 TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company, Geological & Geophysical Exploration of Mineral Resources, SEA L07-05 Located in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, south of Pensacola, Florida 4/18/2007 Chevron U.S.A., Inc., Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 06-030 Vermilion, Block 245, Lease OCS-G 01146, located 64 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 4/18/2007 Hydro Gulf of Mexico, LLC, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-050 West Cameron (South Addition), Block 459, Lease OCS-G 21056, located 79 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 4/18/2007 SPN Resources, LLC, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-041, 07-042, 07-045 West Cameron, Block 280, Lease OCS-G 00911, located 64 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 4/20/2007 Chevron U.S.A. Inc, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-053 Eugene Island, Block 214, Lease OCS-G 00977, located 48 miles to nearest Louisiana shoreline 5/1/2007 Merit Energy Company, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-051 East Cameron, Block 142, Lease OCS-G 16239, located 37 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 5/2/2007 PGS Multi Klient Invest AS, Geological & Geophysical Exploration of Mineral Resources, SEA L07-13 Located in the central Gulf of Mexico, south of Fourchon, Louisiana 5/2/2007 Multi Klient Invest AS, Geological & Geophysical Prospecting for Mineral Resources, SEA L07-14 Located in the central Gulf of Mexico south of Fourchon, Louisiana 5/9/2007 Western GECO, Geological & Geophysical Prospecting for Mineral Resources, SEA L07-12 Located in the central Gulf of Mexico south of Fourchon, Louisiana 5/9/2007 Chevron U.S.A., Inc., Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-048 South Timbalier, Block 176A, Lease OCS-G 01259, located 35 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 5/9/2007 Mariner Energy, Inc., Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-058 High Island, Block A-551, Lease OCS-G 03757, located 92 miles from the nearest Texas shoreline 5/15/2007 Energy Resource Technology, Inc., Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-054 South Timbalier, Block 086, Lease OCS-G 00605, located 19 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 5/15/2007 SPN Resources, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-057 West Cameron, Block 306, Lease OCS-G 23621, located 30 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 5/17/2007 BP Exploration & Production, Inc., Geological & Geophysical Prospecting for Mineral Resources, SEA L07-19 Located in the western Gulf of Mexico south of Intracoastal City, Louisiana 5/21/2007 Arena Offshore, LLC, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-046 High Island, Block A-528, Lease OCS-G 13803, located 93 miles from the nearest Texas shoreline 5/22/2007 Energy Resource Technology, Inc., Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-001 Vermilion, Block 328, Lease OCS-G 11896, located 93 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 5/22/2007 Apache Corporation, Structure Removal, SEA 06-147, 06-148A Grand Isle, Block 20, Lease OCS-G 03596, located 9 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 5/24/2007 Energy Resource Technology, Inc., Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 06-127A, 07-008A East Cameron, Block 222, Lease OCS-G 02037, located 38 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 6/1/2007 Gulf of Mexico Oil & Gas Properties, LLC, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 06-138 Ship Shoal, Block 148, Lease OCS-G 11983, located 24 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 6/1/2007 Chevron, U.S.A., Inc., Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-059A Mobile, Block 916, Lease OCS-G 05753, located 7 miles from the nearest Alabama shoreline 6/13/2007 Newfield Exploration Company, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-033A, 07-035A West Cameron, Block 146, Lease OCS-G 01996, located 21 and 25 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline, respectively 6/21/2007 TDC Energy, LLC, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-063 High Island, Block 233, Lease OCS-G 22241, located 31 miles from the nearest Texas shoreline 6/26/2007 Hunt Petroleum (AEC), Inc., Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-066 Ship Shoal, Block 184, Lease OCS-G 22711, located 24 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 6/26/2007 TDC Energy, LLC, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-062 Vermilion, Block 221, Lease OCS-G 04424, located 60 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 6/26/2007 Chevron, U.S.A., Inc., Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-038A Viosca Knoll, Block 114, Lease OCS-G 16536, located 30 miles from the nearest Mississippi shoreline 6/26/2007 Chevron, U.S.A., Inc., Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-017A Viosca Knoll, Block 161, Lease OCS-G 06876, located 43 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 6/26/2007 ATP Oil & Gas Corporation, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-065 West Cameron (South Addition), Block 492, Lease OCS-G 16195, located 41 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 6/26/2007 Newfield Exploration Company, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-034A Ship Shoal, Block 57, Lease OCS-G 22696, located 15 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 6/27/2007 Maritech Resources, Inc., Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-064 Chandeleur, Block 25, Lease OCS-G 04494, located 35 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 6/28/2007 ATP Oil and Gas Corporation, Structure Removal, SEA ES/SR 07-060 Vermilion, Block 318, Lease OCS-G 04427, located 86 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline 6/28/2007 Persons interested in reviewing environmental documents for the proposals listed above or obtaining information about SEAs and FONSIs prepared for activities on the Gulf of Mexico OCS are encouraged to contact MMS at the address or telephone listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Dated: July 11, 2007. Kevin Karl, Acting Regional Director, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region. [FR Doc. E7-16709 Filed 8-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Minerals Management Service Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), Alaska OCS Region, Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea, Proposed Oil and Gas Lease Sales for Years 2007 to 2012 AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior. ACTION: Call for information and nominations and Notice of Intent
(NOI)to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). SUMMARY: This Call for Information and Nominations (hereinafter referred to as “Call”) is the initial step in a multiple-sale process that incorporates planning and analysis for lease sales in the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea planning areas included in the proposed final OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2007-2012 (see 72 **Federal Register**
(FR)24326, May 2, 2007). Four lease sales are addressed in this Call; two in the Beaufort Sea (sales 209 and 217) and two in the Chukchi Sea (sales 212 and 221). (Sale 193 in the Chukchi Sea is a carryover from the Program for 2002-2007 and is not addressed by this Call.) Simultaneously with this Call, MMS is giving notice of its intent to prepare a multiple-sale EIS for the four sales. DATES: Nominations and comments must be received no later than 45 days following publication of this document in the **Federal Register.** Submittals should be labeled “Nominations for Proposed Lease Sales in the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea, 2007-2012” or “Comments on Call for Information and Nominations for Proposed Lease Sales in the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea, 2007-2012, as appropriate. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please contact Fred King at
(907)334-5271 in MMS's Alaska OCS Region, 3801 Centerpoint Drive, Ste 500, Anchorage, AK 99503-5823 regarding questions on the Call/NOI. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The multiple-sale review process is based on more than 30 years of leasing in the Beaufort Sea and more than 20 years in the Chukchi Sea. In 2001, MMS initiated the multiple-sale review process by issuing a multiple-sale Call for three sales in the Beaufort Sea (sales 186, 195 and 202), held under the OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program, 2002-2007. The MMS is now issuing a multiple-sale Call for the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea sales in the proposed final program for 2007-2012. The final multiple-sale EIS will serve as the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA)and Coastal Zone Management Act
(CZMA)Consistency Determination
(CD)analysis for Beaufort Sea Sale 209 and Chukchi Sea Sale 212. MMS will prepare additional NEPA, CZMA, and Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) documents, as appropriate. Call for Information and Nominations 1. Authority This Call is published pursuant to the OCS Lands Act as amended (43 U.S.C. 1331-1356, (1994)) and the regulations issued thereunder (30 CFR 256); and in accordance with the proposed final OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program, 2007-2012. 2. Purpose of Call The purpose of the Call is to gather information for the following tentatively scheduled OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales in the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea: Lease sale, OCS planning area Sale year Sale 209, Beaufort Sea 2009 Sale 212, Chukchi Sea 2010 Sale 217, Beaufort Sea 2011 Sale 221, Chukchi Sea 2012 Sale 193 in the Chukchi Sea is not part of this Call. Sale 193 was initiated in 2005 (70 FR 6903) as part of the OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program, 2002-2007, and was carried over to the Program for 2007-2012 to allow adequate time to complete necessary pre-lease steps and environmental assessment and documentation. Sale 193 is scheduled for February 2008. Information and nominations on oil and gas leasing, exploration, and development and production within the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea are sought from all interested parties. This early planning and consultation step is important for ensuring that all interests and concerns are communicated to the U.S. Department of the Interior for its consideration in future decisions in the leasing process pursuant to the OCS Lands Act and regulations at 30 CFR 256. Responses are requested for the four sales listed in the Call proposed in the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea planning areas between 2007 and 2012. This Call/NOI is being issued in accordance with the proposed final OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program, 2007-2012, published on May 2, 2007 (72 FR 24326). This Call also does not indicate a preliminary decision to lease in the areas described below. Final decision and delineation of each area for possible leasing will be made at a later date and in compliance with applicable laws including all requirements of NEPA and OCSLA using established departmental procedures. 3. Description of Area The area that is the subject of this Call is located offshore the State of Alaska in the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea planning areas. The “program area” is that subarea of the larger planning areas that may be offered in the OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program, 2007-2012. The Beaufort Sea program area extends offshore from about 3 nautical miles to approximately 205 statute miles, in water depths from approximately 25 feet to 3,000 feet. This area consists of approximately 6,045 whole and partial blocks (about 33 million acres). The Chukchi Sea program area extends offshore from 25 to approximately 275 statute miles, in water depths from approximately 60 to 660 feet (up to 3,000 feet in a portion of the program area). This area consists of 7,324 whole or partial blocks (about 40 million acres). A page size map of each area accompanies this Call. A large scale Call map showing the boundaries of the area on a block-by-block basis is available without charge from the Records Manager at the address given below, or by telephone request at 1-800-764-2627. Copies of Official Protraction Diagrams
(OPDs)are also available for $2 each from Alaska OCS Region, Minerals Management Service, 3801 Centerpoint Drive, Ste. 500, Anchorage, Alaska 99503-5823, *http://www.mms.gov/alaska.* 4. Instructions on Call Nominations and information must be received no later than 45 days following publication of this Call in the **Federal Register** . Submittals should indicate “Nominations for Proposed Lease Sales in the Beaufort and Chukchi Sea, 2007-2012” or “Comments on the Call for Information for Proposed Lease Sales in Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, 2007-2012” as appropriate. Nominations and comments may be submitted by any one the following methods: • Mail or hand-deliver comments to the Regional Supervisor, Leasing and Environment, Alaska OCS Region, Minerals Management Service, 3801 Centerpoint Drive, Ste. 500, Anchorage, Alaska 99503-5823. • Submit comments by Internet through MMS Public Connect at *https://ocsconnect.mms.gov/ pcs-public/* . • Fax comments to the Regional Supervisor, Leasing and Environment, Alaska OCS Region, Minerals Management Service at
(907)334-5242. • E-mail comments to *arcticmultisale@mms.gov.* Please submit e-mail or Internet comments as an ASCII file, avoiding the use of special characters and any form of encryption. Please also include your name and return address in your e-mail or Internet message. If you do not receive a confirmation from the system that we have received your e-mail or Internet message, contact us directly at 1-800-764-2627. The Call for Information Map delineates the Call area, all of which has been identified by MMS as having potential for the discovery of accumulations of oil and gas. Respondents are requested to indicate nominations and comment on any or all of the Federal acreage within the boundaries of the Call area that they wish to have included in each of the proposed sales in the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea. Although individual nominations are considered to be privileged and proprietary information, the names of persons or entities indicating interest or submitting comments will be of public record. Nominations must be submitted using the large-scale Call for Information Map by outlining the areas of interest along block lines. Respondents should rank areas in which they have nominated according to priority of interest; for example, priority 1 (high), or 2 (medium). Blocks nominated that do not indicate priorities will be considered priority 3 (low). Respondents must be specific in indicating blocks by priority and be prepared to discuss their range of interest and activity regarding the nominated area(s). The telephone number and name of a person to contact in the nominator's organization for additional information should be included in the response. The Alaska OCS Regional Office will contact this person to set up a mutually agreeable time and place for a meeting to more fully review the company's nominations. Respondents may also submit a detailed list of blocks nominated by Official Protraction Diagram and Leasing Map designations to ensure correct interpretation of their nominations. Official Protraction Diagrams and Leasing Maps can be purchased from the Records Manager referred to above. Companies and individuals responding this Call are advised of a dispute between the United States and Canada regarding Beaufort Sea Planning Area blocks in OPD's NR07-06, NR07-04, NS07-02, and NS07-08. (See Map Attachment 4.) While these blocks are part of the 2007 to 2012 5-Year Program Area to be considered and evaluated in the NEPA process, resolution of the claims dispute may affect the timing, terms of conditions, and potentially the issuance of leases in these four OPD's. Comments are sought from all interested parties about particular geological (including natural hazard areas), environmental, biological, archaeological, and socioeconomic conditions or conflicts, or other information that might bear upon the potential leasing and development of particular areas. Comments are also sought on possible conflicts between future OCS oil and gas activities that may result from the proposed sales and the standards of the Alaska Coastal Management Program
(ACMP)and the enforceable policies of an approved local district coastal management plan. If possible, these comments should identify specific Coastal Management Program
(CMP)policies of concern, the nature of the conflict foreseen, and steps that MMS could take to avoid or mitigate the potential conflict. Comments may be in terms of broad areas or restricted to particular blocks or areas of concern. Those submitting comments are requested to list block numbers or outline the subject area on the standard Call for Information Map. Our practice is to make comments, including names and addresses of respondents, available for public review during regular business hours. Individual respondents may request that we withhold their address from the rulemaking record, which we will honor to the extent allowable by law. There also may be circumstances in which we would withhold a respondent's identity, as allowable by law. If you wish us to withhold your name or address, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. However, we will not consider anonymous comments. We will make all submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety. 5. Use of Information from Call Information submitted in response to this Call will be used for several purposes. Responses will be used to: • Help identify areas of potential oil and gas development; • Identify environmental effects and potential use conflicts; • Assist in the scoping process for the EIS; • Develop possible alternatives to the proposed action; • Develop lease terms and conditions/mitigating measures; • Identify potential conflicts between oil and gas activities and the ACMP. 6. Existing Information The MMS has acquired a substantial amount of information, including that gained through the use of traditional knowledge, on the issues and concerns related to oil and gas leasing in the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea. An extensive environmental, social, and economic studies program has been underway in both areas since 1975. The emphasis has been on geologic mapping, environmental characterization of biologically sensitive habitats, endangered whales and marine mammals, physical oceanography, ocean-circulation modeling, and ecological and socio-cultural effects of oil and gas activities. Information on the studies program, completed studies, and a program status report for continuing studies in the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea may be obtained from the Chief, Environmental Studies Section, Alaska OCS Region, by telephone request at
(907)334-5281 or by written request at the address stated under Description of Area. A request may also be made via the Alaska Region Web site at *http://www.mms.gov/alaska/ref/pubindex/pubsindex.htm.* 7. Tentative Schedule The following is a list of tentative milestone dates applicable to sales covered by this Call: Multiple-sale EIS process milestones for proposed Beaufort Sea Sales 209 and 217 and Chukchi Sea Sales 212 and 221 Call/NOI published August 2007. Comments due on Call/NOI September 2007. Area Identification November 2007. Draft EIS available July 2008. Public Hearings August 2008. Final EIS available March 2009. Consistency Determination, Proposed Notice of Sale, Section 19 Consultation, and Notice of Sale for Beaufort Sea Sale 209 Consistency Determination/Proposed Notice of Sale issued March 2009. Governor's Comments due May 2009. Final Notice of Sale published October 2009. Sale held November 2009. Consistency Determination, Proposed Notice of Sale, Section 19 Consultation, and Notice of Sale for Chukchi Sea Sale 212 Consistency Determination/Proposed Notice of Sale issued July 2009. Governor's Comments due October 2009. Final Notice of Sale published February 2010. Sale held March 2010. Multiple-sale NEPA process milestones for proposed Beaufort Sea Sale 217 and Chukchi Sea Sale 221 The Multiple-sale Supplemental EIS or Environmental Assessment for Sales 217 and 221 will commence about 21 months (Spring 2010) before Sale 217. If a Supplemental EIS is prepared, public hearings will occur approximately a year prior to Sale 217. The Final Supplemental EIS or EA will be completed and distributed to the public approximately 8 months prior to Sale 217. Consistency Determination, Proposed Notice of Sale, Section 19 Consultation, and Notice of Sale for Beaufort Sea Sale 217 Consistency Determination/Proposed Notice of Sale issued Spring 2011. Governor's Comments due Spring/Summer 2011. Final Notice of Sale published Fall 2011. Sale 217 held Fall/Winter 2011. Consistency Determination, Proposed Notice of Sale, Section 19 Consultation, and Notice of Sale for Chukchi Sea Sale 221 Consistency Determination/Proposed Notice of Sale issued Summer 2011. Governor's Comments due Fall 2011. Final Notice of Sale published Winter 2011/2012. Sale 221 held Spring 2012. Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement 1. Authority The NOI is published pursuant to the regulations (40 CFR 1501.7) implementing the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA)of 1969 as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 *et seq.* (1988)) (NEPA). 2. Purpose of Notice of Intent Pursuant to the regulations (40 CFR 1501.7) implementing the procedural provisions of the NEPA of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 *et seq.* ), MMS is announcing its intent to prepare a multiple-sale EIS on four tentatively scheduled oil and gas lease sales; two in the Beaufort Sea OCS Planning Area (sales 209 and 217) and two in the Chukchi Sea OCS Planning Area (sales 212 and 221). (Sale 193 in the Chukchi Sea is a carryover from the 5-Year Program for 2002-2007 and is not the subject of the NOI.) The EIS analysis will focus on the potential environmental effects of four sales and the exploration and development and production that could result. Alternatives to the proposals which may be considered for each individual sale are to delay the sale, modify the sale, or cancel the sale. These and any additional alternatives developed through the scoping process would be considered in the sale-specific decision process. This Notice of Intent also serves to announce the initiation of the scoping process for this EIS. Throughout the scoping process, Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments and other interested parties aid MMS in determining the alternatives, issues, and mitigation measures to be analyzed in the EIS and the possible need for additional information. The multiple-sale EIS will serve as the NEPA document for Beaufort Sea Sale 209 and Chukchi Sea Sale 212. Prior to Sales 217 (Beaufort Sea) and 221 (Chukchi Sea) MMS will gather and review the new environmental information applicable to the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea Planning Areas. The MMS will summarize and assess potential effects based on this information, including any new concerns and issues, in either a Supplemental EIS or an Environmental Assessment, as appropriate. This NEPA document will be available to the public for their review prior to the issuance of the Proposed Notice of Sale. The Department of the Interior invites other Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments to consider becoming cooperating agencies in the preparation of the EIS. We invite qualified government entities to inquire about cooperating agency status for this lease sale EIS. Per guidelines from the Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ), qualified agencies and governments are those with “jurisdiction by law or special expertise.” Potential cooperating agencies should consider their authority and capacity to assume the responsibilities of a cooperating agency and to remember that their role in the environmental analysis neither enlarges nor diminishes the final decision making authority of any other agency involved in the NEPA process. Upon request, MMS will provide potential cooperating agencies with a written summary of ground rules for cooperating agencies including time schedules and critical action dates, milestones, responsibilities, scope and detail of cooperating agencies' contributions, and availability of pre-decisional information. MMS anticipates this summary will form the basis for a Memorandum of Understanding between the MMS and each cooperating agency. You should also consider the “Factors for Determining Cooperating Agency Status” in Attachment 1 to CEQ's January 30, 2002, Memorandum for the Heads of Federal Agencies on Cooperating Agencies in Implementing the Procedural Requirements of The National Environmental Policy Act. A copy of this document is available at: *http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/regs/cooperating/cooperatingagenciesmemorandum.html* and *http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/regs/cooperating/cooperatingagencymemofactors.html.* The MMS, as the lead agency, will not be providing financial assistance to cooperating agencies. Even if you are not a cooperating agency, you will continue to have opportunities to provide information and comments to MMS during the normal public input phases of the NEPA/EIS process. MMS will also consult with Tribal governments on a Government-to-Government basis. If you would like further information about cooperating agencies, please contact Dr. Cleve Cowles, Regional Supervisor, Leasing and Environment, at the address noted above or by phone at
(907)334-5230. 3. New NEPA Procedure As described above, the multiple-sale EIS will encompass the Beaufort Sea OCS Planning Area and the Chukchi Sea OCS Planning Area. The preparation of a multiple-sale, multiple-planning area EIS is a new approach for the MMS Alaska OCS Region, although it has been used for sales in the Gulf of Mexico Region. Federal offshore leasing in the Beaufort Sea began in 1978 and in the Chukchi Sea in 1988 with the potential effects of ten out of the thirteen sales analyzed by an individual EIS. Starting with the Program for 2002 to 2007, the Alaska OCS Region prepared a multiple-sale EIS for the three sales held in the Beaufort Sea OCS Planning Area. For the proposed final Program for 2007 to 2012, we extend this approach by preparing a multiple-sale, multiple-planning area EIS. This approach will provide several benefits. It will thoroughly describe the effects of individual proposed actions (the four lease sales) and cumulative effects of reasonably-foreseeable future actions within and across the two areas. It will focus the NEPA process by making impact types and levels that change between the first and second sale in each planning area more easily recognizable. New issues will be more easily highlighted for the decisionmakers and the public. It will also eliminate the repetitive issuance of a complete EIS for each sale, a practice that has resulted in “review burnout” in Federal, State, tribal, and local governments, and the public. 4. Instructions on Notice of Intent Federal, State, tribal, and local governments and other interested parties are requested to send their written comments on the scope of the EIS, including the alternatives, issues, and mitigation measures that should be addressed in the EIS, to the Regional Supervisor, Leasing and Environment, Alaska OCS Region, at the address stated under Instructions on Call above. Comments should be enclosed in an envelope labeled “Comments on the Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS on Proposed Chukchi and Beaufort Sea Lease Sales included in the Program, 2007-2012.” Comments are due no later than 45 days from publication of this Notice. Scoping meetings will be held in appropriate locations to obtain additional comments and information regarding the scope of this EIS. Dated: August 8, 2007. Randall B. Luthi, Director, Minerals Management Service. BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P EN23AU07.003 EN23AU07.004 [FR Doc. 07-4134 Filed 8-22-07; 8:45 am]
Connectionstraces to 3
8 references not yet in our index
- Pub. L. 104-13
- 5 CFR 1320.1
- 44 USC 35
- 50 CFR 17
- 50 CFR 18
- 43 USC 1331-1356
- 30 CFR 256
- 40 CFR 1501.7
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cites case law
Notices
Availability of Supplementary Risk Assessments and Site Suitability Analyses for the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory, Boston University Medical Center; notice of hearing
Pub. L.Pub. L. 104-13
Cite5 CFR 1320.1
Cite44 USC 35
Cite50 CFR 17
Cite50 CFR 18
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