[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 176 (Thursday, September 11, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 47829]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-24116]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat 
Conservation Plan and Receipt of Application for Incidental Take Permit 
for Construction and Operation of Approximately 143.6 Acres of Light 
Industrial Development on the Approximately 440-Acre Schlumberger 
Property (PRT-827597), in Austin, Travis County, TX

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SUMMARY: The Schlumberger Technology Corporation (applicant) has 
applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an 
incidental take permit pursuant to Section 10(a) of the Endangered 
Species Act (Act). The applicant has been assigned permit number PRT-
827597. The requested permit, which is for a period of 30 years, would 
authorize the incidental take of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler 
(Dendroica chrysoparia). The proposed take on the 440-acre parcel would 
occur as a result of 143.6 acres of light industrial development. A 
minimum of approximately 195 acres will be preserved in its natural 
state as a conservation easement. All construction will occur on the 
440-acre Schlumberger Property located in Austin, Travis County, Texas.
    The Service has prepared the Environmental Assessment/Habitat 
Conservation Plan (EA/HCP) for the incidental take application. A 
determination of whether jeopardy to the species will occur, or a 
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), will not be made before 30 
days from the date of publication of this notice.
    This notice is provided pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Act and 
National Environmental Policy Act regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).

DATES: Written comments on the application should be received by 
October 14, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to review the application may obtain a copy 
by writing to the Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103. Persons wishing to review 
the EA/HCP may obtain a copy by contacting Sybil Vosler, Austin 
Ecological Services Field Office, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, 
Texas 78758 (512/490-0063). Documents will be available for public 
inspection by written request, by appointment only, during normal 
business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m) at the Austin Ecological 
Services Field Office. Written data or comments concerning the 
application(s) and EA/HCPs should be submitted to the Field Supervisor, 
Austin Ecological Services Field Office. Please refer to permit number 
PRT-827597 when submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sybil Vosler at the above Austin 
Ecological Services Field Office.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the Act prohibits the 
``taking'' of endangered species such as the golden-cheeked warbler. 
However, the Service, under limited circumstances, may issue permits to 
take endangered wildlife species, when such taking is incidental to, 
and not the purpose of, otherwise lawful activities. Regulations 
governing permits for endangered species are at 50 CFR 17.22.

APPLICANT: Schlumberger Technology Corporation plans to construct a 
light industrial development on approximately 143.6 acres and preserve 
a minimum of 195 acres within the 440-acre tract. The construction will 
be at the Schlumberger property located east of R.M. 620, approximately 
1 mile north of RM 2222 on the northwest side of the City of Austin, 
roughly 12 miles from the downtown area. The preserved area will be 
maintained in its natural state and a conservation easement will be 
granted in perpetuity and held by a non-profit conservation 
organization or governmental agency approved by the Service.
    Alternatives to this action were rejected because selling with 
federally-listed species present or not developing the subject property 
were not economically feasible.
Jerome M. Butler,
Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 97-24116 Filed 9-10-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-55-P