[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 171 (Friday, September 1, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 53333]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-22423]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[NV-060-2800/1600]


Notice of availability of planning criteria for the Proposed 
Falcon to Gonder 345 kV Transmission Line Project and associated Bureau 
of Land Management Resource Management Plan Amendments for the 
Shoshone-Eureka, Elko, and Egan Resource Areas in Elko, Eureka, Lander, 
and White Pine Counties, Nevada

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
    Cooperating Agencies: Nevada Division of Wildlife, Nevada State 
Historic Preservation Office.

ACTION: Notice of availability of planning criteria associated with the 
Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement to analyze Sierra 
Pacific Power Company's (SPPC) Proposed Falcon to Gonder 345 kV 
Transmission Line Project and associated amendments to existing Bureau 
of Land Management (BLM) Resource Management Plans (RMP) for the 
purpose of establishing right-of-way utility corridors in Elko, Eureka, 
Lander, and White Pine Counties, Nevada.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to 43 Code of Federal Regulations 1610 the Bureau of 
Land Management's Battle Mountain, Elko, and Ely Field Offices (BLM) 
hereby give notice of the availability of planning criteria for 
amendments to the Shoshone-Eureka, Elko, and Egan Resource Management 
Plans in Elko, Eureka, Lander, and White Pine Counties, Nevada.

DATES: Written comments on the planning criteria must be postmarked or 
otherwise delivered by 4:30 p.m. on October 2, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to the Bureau of Land 
Management, Battle Mountain Field Office, Attention: Katherine Moses, 
50 Bastian Road, Battle Mountain, Nevada 89820.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Craggett, Battle Mountain BLM, at 
(775) 635-4168 or Katherine Moses, Battle Mountain BLM, at (775) 635-
4092.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 17, 1998, SPPC filed a right-of-
way application with the BLM for the construction, operation, and 
maintenance of a 165-185 mile long 345 kV transmission line that would 
connect the Falcon substation (north of Dunphy, Nevada) with the Gonder 
substation (north of Ely, Nevada). The project would improve import and 
export capabilities to meet anticipated growth in SPPC's system.
    Because portions of the transmission line alternatives would be 
outside of BLM designated utility corridors, the BLM will evaluate the 
need to amend the Shoshone-Eureka, Elko, and Egan RMPs to establish a 
new utility corridor in north central Nevada. Elko's RMP would require 
modifying the existing ``low visibility'' corridor along I-80 to permit 
a corridor crossing since anticipated impacts exceed RMP established 
visual standards. Depending on the preferred alignment selected, the 
Egan RMP may not need to be amended because alternative route segments 
would fall into an existing designated utility corridor. An amendment 
to the Shoshone-Eureka RMP could also involve deleting an existing 
utility planning corridor near Nevada State Highway 305.
    The following criteria will be used to evaluate the need for and 
planning implications of RMP amendments associated with the Falcon to 
Gonder Transmission Project:
     Emphasize a balanced multiple-use approach to land 
management, protecting fragile and unique resources, yet not overly 
restricting the ability of other resources to provide economic goods 
and services.
     Ensure a system for transmission of utilities through the 
Resource Management Planning Areas that would allow for future 
expansion by multiple users.
     Minimize adverse impacts to the environment by 
concentrating compatible rights-of-way in designated corridors that 
avoid sensitive resource values.
     Select the preferred alternative based on a combination 
which best meets demands for public lands while minimizing disruption 
of the human environment.

M. Lee Douthit,
Associate Field Manager, Battle Mountain Field Office.
[FR Doc. 00-22423 Filed 8-31-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-HC-P