[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 48 (Friday, March 10, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 12991]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-5929]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[ER-FRL-6251-9]


Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Availability of 
EPA

    Comments Availability of EPA comments prepared February 21, 2000 
through February 25, 2000 pursuant to the Environmental Review Process 
(ERP), under Section 309 of the Clean Air Act and Section 102(2)(c) of 
the National Environmental Policy Act as amended. Requests for copies 
of EPA comments can be directed to the Office of Federal Activities at 
(202) 564-7167.
    An explanation of the ratings assigned to draft environmental 
impact statements (EISs) was published in FR dated April 09, 1999 (63 
FR 17856).

Draft EISs

    ERP No. D-COE-F39039-00 Rating EO2, John T. Myers and Greenup Lock 
Improvements, To Alleviate Commerical Navigation Traffic Congestion, 
Ohio River Mainstem Systems Study, (ORMSS), Interim Feasibility Report, 
Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.
    Summary: EPA expressed environmental objections based on issues 
with how the project purpose and need was formulated, the apparent 
phased approach to NEPA compliance, the lack of cumulative impact 
analysis, inadequate mitigation and the need for additional analysis of 
the sediment quality.
    ERP No. D-SFW-L65334-WA Rating LO, Simpson Washington Timberlands 
Forest Management and Timber Harvesting Project, Proposed Issuing of a 
Multiple Species Incidental Take Permit, Mason, Thurston and Gray 
Harbor Counties, WA.
    Summary: EPA had no objections to the proposed action.

Final EISs

    ERP No. F-FRC-E03008-00 Florida Gas Transmission Phase IV Expansion 
Project (Docket No. CP99-94-000), To Deliver Natural Gas to Electric 
Generator, FL and MS.
    Summary: EPA expressed concerns over the proposed conversion of 
forested wetlands to herbaceous wetlands and other impacts associated 
with pipeline placement, including induced growth associated with the 
project. EPA also expressed concerns over the lack of information 
regarding potential environmental justice issues.
    ERP No. RF-OSM-A01102-00 Valid Existing Rights--Proposed Revisions 
to the Permanent Program Regulations Implementing Section 522(E) of the 
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 and Proposed 
Rulemaking Clarifying the Applicability of Section 522(E) to Subsidence 
from Underground Mining.
    Summary: The final EIS and rule have adequately addressed EPA's 
concerns on the air quality analysis, impacts to water quality and 
environmental justice.

Regulations

    ERP No. R-AFS-A65166-00 National Forest Service System Land and 
Resource Management Planning: Proposed Rule 36 CFR Parts 217 and 219.
    Summary: EPA was pleased to see that the Forest Service used the 
recommendations given by the Committee of Scientists as a corner stone 
of the planning process, especially ecological sustainability, the 
principles of ecosystem management and requirements for implementation, 
monitoring and evaluation. EPA also believes that the proposed rule 
attempts to simplify planning process; reduce burdensome and costly 
procedural requirements and strengthen relationships with the public, 
States, Tribes and other government agencies. EPA requests that the 
final rule supply additional information on issues related to 
implementation of pre-decisional appeals, monitoring, terms and 
definitions sustainability and species viability.

    Dated: March 6, 2000.
B. Katherine Biggs,
Associate Director, NEPA Compliance Division, Office of Federal 
Activities.
[FR Doc. 00-5929 Filed 3-9-00; 8:45 am]
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