Search Results for keywords:"categorical exclusion"

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has updated its procedures under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to include a new categorical exclusion (CX) for certain geothermal resource confirmation activities. This exclusion applies to activities like drilling to confirm a geothermal resource, provided they do not involve resource extraction and meet specific conditions, such as limiting surface disturbance to 20 acres and adhering to reclamation guidelines. This update aims to streamline approval processes while still protecting environmental resources, but it does not apply to geothermal power plant operations, which will undergo further review. Public feedback was considered, and changes were made to clarify the scope and requirements of the CX.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received an application from Comstock Homes for a permit to incidentally take the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher during the development of a residential community in Moorpark, Ventura County, California. This permit would be issued under the Endangered Species Act and would allow the “take” (which means to harm or harass) of the gnatcatcher as long as it is incidental to lawful activities. The proposed Habitat Conservation Plan includes measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate the impact on the gnatcatcher, and public comments are invited. The Service has determined that the impact of the project would be minor and may qualify for a “low-effect” permit, with comments open until February 7, 2025.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established new Class E airspace in Ashley, ND, due to the development of new public instrument procedures at Ashley Municipal Airport. This action aims to support Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations by extending airspace starting from 700 feet above the ground within a 7.2-mile radius of the airport. The rule becomes effective on April 17, 2025, and was determined not to have a significant economic or environmental impact.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has filed a petition from Monterey Mushrooms, LLC to amend the regulations for vitamin D2 mushroom powder. The change would allow for the production of the additive by exposing mushrooms to ultraviolet light. The petitioner claims that this amendment does not require an environmental assessment because the additive will remain in food as consumed, not replacing other nutrients. If the FDA agrees, no further environmental review will be necessary.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced final actions related to the SR 509/Clear Creek Restoration Project in Pierce County, Washington. These actions, which are now beyond judicial review unless challenged by August 18, 2025, involve repairing fish habitats by removing barriers and restoring natural stream processes. This will benefit aquatic life and improve water quality. The project adheres to various environmental and historical preservation laws and can be further examined through contact with FHWA or online project documentation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule updating the Class E airspace for ECU Health Chowan Hospital Heliport in Edenton, NC. This change, effective April 17, 2025, is made to ensure the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations by extending the airspace 700 feet above the surface within a 6-mile radius. Additionally, the rule corrects the name and coordinates of the Northeastern Regional Airport, previously known as Edenton Municipal Airport. The updates to the airspace regulations are routine and are not expected to have any significant economic or environmental impacts.

The Department of the Interior has proposed changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures to introduce a new categorical exclusion for geothermal resource exploration by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This change aims to make it easier and faster to approve exploration projects that typically do not have significant environmental impacts, thus supporting renewable energy development on public lands. Comments on this proposal are due by February 18, 2025. The BLM has reviewed past projects and determined that the new exclusion is justified because these activities have historically shown no significant environmental effects.

The Fish and Wildlife Service has received an application from RWLC Development Sub, LLC for an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act. This permit would allow the company to impact the federally listed sand skink and bluetail mole skink during the construction of a commercial development in Polk County, Florida. A habitat conservation plan has been proposed, and the public is invited to comment. The Service has made an initial determination that this project might have minor environmental impacts and may qualify for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act.