Search Results for keywords:"environmental assessment"

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering granting exemptions to PSEG Nuclear, LLC for its Hope Creek, Salem, and Peach Bottom Atomic Power Stations. These exemptions would allow PSEG to use earnings from its nuclear decommissioning trust for activities not strictly defined as "decommissioning" by NRC regulations. After conducting an environmental assessment, the NRC found that there would be no significant impact on the environment or safety, as the action is primarily financial in nature. Therefore, they decided not to prepare an environmental impact statement and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has released an environmental assessment (EA) for a project proposed by EcoEléctrica L.P. in Puerto Rico. The project aims to double the capacity of the existing LNG Supply Pipeline from 250 gallons per minute to 500 gallons per minute, in response to increased demand. The EA concludes that approving the project would not significantly impact the environment. Public comments on the EA can be submitted to FERC by May 5, 2025, via several methods outlined by the Commission.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is planning to release an insect called Lilioceris egena to help control the invasive air potato plant, Dioscorea bulbifera, across the continental United States. After studying the potential environmental impact, APHIS believes that releasing this insect won't cause significant harm to the environment. They have prepared an environmental assessment (EA) document detailing their findings and are inviting the public to review and comment on this EA by February 8, 2021. This effort aims to manage the spread of air potato, which threatens native vegetation in several states, including Florida, where it's already widespread.

The Lake Upchurch Dam Preservation Association has filed an application to surrender its exemption for the Raeford Hydroelectric Project, located on Rockfish Creek in North Carolina. The project has not been operational since 2016 due to storm damage. They plan to remove electrical connections and the substation to prevent future power generation but will not make significant changes to the dam or structures. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for this proposal, with completion expected by July 31, 2025, followed by a 30-day period for public comments.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering a license amendment for the Nuclear Ship Savannah (NSS) in Baltimore, Maryland. This amendment would allow for the completion of decommissioning activities under the License Termination Plan (LTP), which MARAD will implement if the NRC approves it. After the decommissioning, a request can be made to terminate NSS's license so that the ship can be preserved, dismantled, or turned into a reef. The NRC's environmental assessment found no significant impact, which means a more detailed environmental impact statement isn't needed.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is reviewing Amendment 20 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan, submitted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. If approved, this amendment would change the schedule for implementing annual management measures and adjust the southern boundary of the Klamath Management Zone by 5 nautical miles north. The amendment also aims to update outdated language in the fishery management plan. Public comments on this proposal are being considered until April 12, 2021.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has determined that a type of cotton, known as MON 88702 and developed by Monsanto, is no longer considered a regulated organism because it is genetically engineered to resist insects and is unlikely to pose a risk as a plant pest. This decision followed an analysis of Monsanto's data, public comments, and APHIS's environmental assessments. Supporting documents and assessments were reviewed, and after considering several public comment periods, APHIS concluded that the cotton does not present significant environmental impacts. As a result, MON 88702 cotton will not be subject to certain regulatory restrictions.

Lake Lynn Generation, LLC has applied to relicense its hydroelectric project on the Cheat River, located near Morgantown, West Virginia and Point Marion, Pennsylvania. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) plans to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential impact of this project, as it is not expected to significantly affect the environment. The EA will be open for a 45-day comment period, allowing interested parties to provide feedback. For questions or public participation help, contact FERC's Office of Public Participation.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering an amendment to extend the operations of the high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) demonstration program at the American Centrifuge Plant until June 30, 2025, with a possibility of further extension if the contract with the U.S. Department of Energy is extended. The NRC issued an environmental assessment and determined there would be no significant environmental impacts from this proposed action, meaning a more detailed environmental impact statement is unnecessary. The extended operations would adhere to current safety regulations without major changes to the facility or processes, and would not significantly affect air quality, public health, or waste management.

SeaWorld LLC has applied for a permit to conduct research on a non-releasable beluga whale named Tyonek, from the endangered Cook Inlet population. The permit, under review by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), would allow studying the whale's behavior and providing care at SeaWorld of Texas. Tyonek, stranded as a baby and deemed non-releasable, will be part of educational programs to inform the public about the beluga’s endangered status. The permit request includes potential transport of Tyonek for socialization or care needs and is intended for a five-year period.