[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 222 (Friday, November 16, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 57729]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-28709]



[[Page 57729]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Receipt of a Permit Application (LCRA) for Incidental Take of the 
Houston Toad

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has applied for an 
incidental take permit (TE-046500-0) pursuant to section 10(a) of the 
Endangered Species Act (Act). The requested permit would authorize the 
incidental take of the endangered Houston toad. The proposed take would 
occur as a result of the construction and operation of three wastewater 
lift stations and associated wastewater force mains in the Tahitian 
Village Subdivision in Bastrop County, Texas.

DATES: Written comments on the application should be received within 30 
days of the date of this publication.

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, Room 4102, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103. Person wishing 
to review the EA/HCP may obtain a copy by contacting Clayton Napier, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, 
Texas 78758 (512/490-0057). Documents will be available for public 
inspection by written request, by appointment only, during normal 
business hours (8 to 4:30) at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Austin, Texas. Written data or comments concerning the application and 
EA/HCP should be submitted to the Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Austin, Texas, at the above address. Please refer to permit 
number TE-046500-0 when submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Clayton Napier at the above U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, Austin Office.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the Act prohibits the 
``taking'' of endangered species such as the Houston toad. However, the 
Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), under limited circumstances, may 
issue permits to take endangered wildlife species incidental to, and 
not the purpose of, otherwise lawful activities. Regulations governing 
permits for endangered species are at 50 CFR 17.22.
    The Service has prepared the Environmental Assessment/Habitat 
Conservation Plan (EA/HCP) for the incidental take application. A 
determination of jeopardy to the species or a Finding of No Significant 
Impact (FONSI) will not be made until at least 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).
    Applicant: The LCRA plans to construct three wastewater lift 
stations and associated wastewater force mains in the Tahitian Village 
Subdivision in Bastrop County, Texas. This action will eliminate 0.6 
acres or less of Houston toad habitat. The LCRA proposes to compensate 
for this incidental take of the Houston toad by providing $1,656.00 to 
the Houston Toad Conservation Fund at the National Fish and Wildlife 
Foundation for the specific purpose of land acquisition and management 
within Houston toad habitat.

Steven M. Chambers,
Acting Regional Director, Region 2.
[FR Doc. 01-28709 Filed 11-15-01; 8:45 am]
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