[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 11, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 1595]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-373]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Natural Resources Conservation Service


Notice of Proposed Changes to the National Handbook of 
Conservation Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA.

ACTION: Notice of availability of proposed changes in the NRCS National 
Handbook of Conservation Practices for public review and comment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the intention of NRCS to issue a 
series of revised conservation practice standards in the National 
Handbook of Conservation Practices. These standards include: Aquatic 
Organism Passage (Code 396), Bivalve Aquaculture Waste Control (Code 
400), Cross Wind Trap Strips (Code 589c), Irrigation Field Ditch (Code 
388), Nutrient Management (Code 590), and Waste Facility Closure (Code 
360).
    NRCS State Conservationists who choose to adopt these practices for 
use within their States will incorporate them into section IV of their 
respective electronic Field Office Technical Guide. These practices may 
be used in conservation systems that treat highly erodible land (HEL) 
or on land determined to be a wetland. Section 343 of the Federal 
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 requires NRCS to make 
available for public review and comment all proposed revisions to 
conservation practice standards used to carry out HEL and wetland 
provisions of the law.

DATES: Effective Date: This is effective January 11, 2011.
    Comment Date: Submit comments on or before February 25, 2011. Final 
versions of these new or revised conservation practice standards will 
be adopted after the close of the 45-day period, and after 
consideration of all comments.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted using any of the following 
methods:
     Mail: Wayne Bogovich, National Agricultural Engineer, 
Conservation Engineering Division, Department of Agriculture, Natural 
Resources Conservation Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 
6136 South Building, Washington, DC 20250.
     E-mail: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne Bogovich, National Agricultural 
Engineer, Conservation Engineering Division, Department of Agriculture, 
Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Room 6136 South Building, Washington, DC 20250.
    Electronic copies of these standards can be downloaded or printed 
from the following Web site: ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NHQ/practice-standards/federal-register/. Requests for paper versions or 
inquiries may be directed to Wayne Bogovich, National Agricultural 
Engineer, Conservation Engineering Division, Department of Agriculture, 
Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Room 6136 South Building, Washington, DC 20250.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The amount of the proposed changes varies 
considerably for each of the Conservation Practice Standards addressed 
in this notice. To fully understand the proposed changes, individuals 
are encouraged to compare these changes with each standard's current 
version as shown at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/Standards/nhcp.html. To aid in this comparison, following are highlights of the 
proposed revisions to each standard:
    Aquatic Organism Passage (Code 396)--The title was changed from 
``Fish Passage'' to ``Aquatic Organism Passage'' in an effort to better 
reflect the full range of passage projects completed under the standard 
across the United States and its protectorates. Both the Definition and 
Purpose were modified by removing unnecessary words. Two new Criteria 
were added. Textual references to additional relevant standards were 
added, and the references cited section was updated to match material 
presented in the body of the standard. Minor edits were made to improve 
the readability and clarity of the standard.
    Bivalve Aquaculture Waste Control (Code 400)--This is a new 
conservation practice standard.
    Cross Wind Trap Strips (Code589c)--The purpose to induce deposition 
and reduce transport of wind-borne sediment and sediment-borne 
contaminants downwind changed to induce wind-borne sediment deposition. 
Deleted the purpose to provide food and cover for wildlife. Added two 
new purposes: Induce snow deposition and improve air quality by 
reducing the generation of airborne particulate matter. The existing 
criteria in the standard were reformatted to be listed under the 
appropriate additional criteria for the intended purpose.
    Irrigation Field Ditch (Code 388)--Revised Purpose, adding 
Improvement of Energy Efficiency; revised Criteria, to remove 
compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations; revised 
Criteria, changing reference for maximum design velocity from Technical 
Release 25 to National Engineering Handbook 654; expanded 
Considerations; expanded Plans and Specifications; and added 
References.
    Nutrient Management (Code 590)--This standard has been updated to 
promote enhanced nutrient management planning activities at the State 
level. The standard delivers the minimum requirements for nutrient 
planning associated with USDA programs. Focus has been added on erosion 
control, nutrient use efficiency, adaptive nitrogen management tactics, 
tile drainage, and better management of the 4Rs of nutrient application 
(Right source, Right timing, Right amount, and Right placement).
    Waste Facility Closure (Code 360)--This standard has been updated 
to include the remediation of contaminated soil in dry waste storage 
facilities. The name of the standard has also been changed to reflect 
the expanded definition of decommissioning dry waste facilities. A more 
widespread use of this standard is anticipated with the inclusion of 
dry waste facilities. We do not anticipate controversial issues or 
problems with these changes, nor do we envision the changes will make 
it more difficult for the States to implement this standard.

    Signed this 5th day of January 2011, in Washington, DC.
Dave White,
Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-373 Filed 1-10-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P