[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 178 (Thursday, September 15, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-22796]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: September 15, 1994]


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Part III





Department of Interior





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Bureau of Indian Affairs



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Environmental Statements; Availability, etc.; Yellowstone Pipeline, 
Flathead Indian Reservation, Montana; Notice
DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs

 

Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for 
the Renewal of Rights-of-Way Grants and Easements for the Yellowstone 
Pipeline, Flathead Indian Reservation, MT

AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Intent.

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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Bureau of Indian 
Affairs, Flathead Agency intends to gather information necessary for 
preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the renewal of 
the rights-of-way (ROW) grants and easements for the Yellowstone 
Pipeline across trust and allotted lands situated on the Flathead 
Indian Reservation, Montana. This notice is to be published in 
accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
regulations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain suggestions and 
information from other agencies and the public on the scope of the 
issues to be addressed in the EIS. Comments and participation in this 
scoping process are encouraged.

DATES: Comments should be received before October 14, 1994. A Public 
Scoping Meeting will be held on September 29, 1994, at the Tribal 
Council Chambers, Pablo, MT, from 6 to 9 pm. Additional public scoping 
meetings may be held in Reservation or affected communities, as 
appropriate.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Jim Beyer, NEPA Coordinator, 
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Flathead Agency, Forestry Division, Box A, 
Pablo, MT 59855.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jim Beyer, BIA, (406) 675-7201 ext. 260.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Proposed action: to renew the right-of-way 
(ROW) easement grant to Yellowstone Pipeline Company for certain 
portions of approximately 21 miles in aggregate length of an existing 
petroleum products pipeline under and across, and over and across 
trustee lands situated in Missoula, Lake, and Sanders Counties, State 
of Montana, within the Flathead Indian Reservation.
    Background: the pipeline was constructed in 1954 and has operated 
continuously since that date under previous ROW easements granted by 
the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The present easement was granted on April 
21, 1975 and expires on April 21, 1995. The EIS is being prepared to 
comply with the procedural requirements of the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA). The BIA will use the EIS to determine if the 
proposed action should be modified in any manner.
    Purpose and need: Renewal of the ROW is necessary to allow 
continued operation of the pipeline to serve the needs of the public. 
The Yellowstone pipeline is an interstate common-carrier pipeline which 
transports refined petroleum products from refineries in Billings, 
Montana, to markets in western Montana and eastern Washington. The 
segment of the pipeline which crosses the Flathead Reservation is the 
primary source of supply of refined petroleum products to the greater 
Spokane, Washington area; population approximately 750,000 persons. The 
pipeline supplies gasoline, diesel fuel, and jet fuel for consumers as 
well as commercial and industrial customers over a large area of 
eastern Washington, including the supply of military jet fuel to the 
United States Air Force for national defense purposes.
    Potential alternatives: (1) no change to the existing condition; 
(2) consideration of alternative routes outside of the Flathead 
Reservation; (3) other reasonable alternatives identified as a result 
of public input.

    Dated: September 8, 1994.
Ada E. Deer,
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 94-22796 Filed 9-14-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-02-M