[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 218 (Friday, November 8, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57892-57893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-28790]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Minerals Management Service


Alaska OCS Region, Beaufort Sea, Oil and Gas Lease Sale 170; 
Notice of Intent To Prepare Environmental Impact Statement (Comments 
Due in 45 Days)

Authority

    This Notice is published pursuant to the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), as amended, and the 
regulations issued thereunder (40 CFR Part 1501).

Purpose of Notice of Intent

    Pursuant to the regulations (40 CFR 1501.7) implementing the 
provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.), as amended, MMS is announcing its intent to prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding the oil and gas leasing 
proposal known as Sale 170 Beaufort Sea and the beginning of the 
scoping process for the EIS. Throughout the scoping process, Federal, 
State, and local governments and other interested parties have the 
opportunity to aid MMS in determining the significant issues and 
alternatives to be analyzed in

[[Page 57893]]

the EIS and the possible need for additional information.
    The EIS analysis will focus on the potential environmental effects 
of leasing, exploration, and development of the blocks included in the 
Call area described in the September 30, 1996 Federal Register notice 
(Vol. 61, No. 190, pages 51123-5). This study (Call) area could be 
further defined as a result of the Area Identification procedure 
indicated in the September 30 notice. Alternatives to the proposal that 
may be considered are to cancel the sale or modify the sale.

Instructions on Notice of Intent

    Federal, State, and local governments and other interested parties 
are requested to send their written comments on the scope of the EIS, 
significant issues that should be addressed, and alternatives that 
should be considered to the Regional Supervisor, Leasing and 
Environment, Alaska OCS Region, Minerals Management Service, 949 East 
36th Avenue, room 308, Anchorage, Alaska, 99508-4302. Comments should 
be enclosed in an envelope labeled ``Comments on the Notice of Intent 
to Prepare an EIS on the proposed Beaufort Sea Lease Sale 170.'' 
Comments are due no later than 45 days from publication of this Notice

    Dated: November 4, 1996.
Cynthia Quarterman,
Director, Minerals Management Service.
[FR Doc. 96-28790 Filed 11-7-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-M