Search Results for keywords:"environmental assessment"

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the USDA has released a final supplemental environmental assessment and found no significant environmental impact in their response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in U.S. migratory bird flyways. This assessment updates an earlier one from September 2022 that only covered initial outbreaks in seven states. Since then, the virus has affected approximately 110 million birds across 49 states. Public comments, which raised concerns about consultation with other agencies and environmental effects, were considered, and the final documents reflect responses to those concerns.

The National Park Service has issued a new rule allowing bicycles on approximately 20.6 miles of trails in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, effective January 22, 2025. This decision came after a public feedback process and an environmental assessment that concluded the expansion of trails for bicycles would not harm the area’s natural resources. The amendments designate specific trails for bicycle use and give the Superintendent authority to manage bicycle access if needed. The changes aim to enhance visitor experiences while ensuring the trails are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

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.

Lock 7 Hydro Partners, LLC has filed an application for a new major license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Mother Ann Lee Hydroelectric Station, located on the Kentucky River. The public is invited to submit comments on this application until February 25, 2021, via FERC's electronic filing system or by mail. The project includes various existing facilities like a dam, powerhouse, and transmission line and is expected to produce an average of 9,200 megawatt-hours annually. FERC staff will prepare an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement to assess the environmental impacts and alternatives, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, no public scoping meetings will be held; written comments are encouraged instead.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a direct final rule to update its regulations for the storage of spent nuclear fuel. The update involves revising the NAC International, Inc. MAGNASTOR® Storage System's Certificate of Compliance to include a new Amendment No. 14 and changes to previous amendments. These revisions address technical specifications, safety evaluations, and typographical corrections and are expected to be non-controversial. The effective date for these amendments is March 19, 2025, unless significant adverse comments are received by early February 2025.

Swan Lake North Hydro LLC has submitted an application to amend its license for a hydroelectric project in Klamath County, Oregon. The project, which has not yet been constructed, will involve changes such as replacing turbine units, modifying the powerhouse, and making adjustments to the project's layout and materials. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is planning to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for this project and aims to release it by September 2025 for public comment. The public can reach out to the Commission’s Office of Public Participation for assistance with the proceedings.

Texas Eastern Transmission, LP submitted an application to modify its previous plans for the Entriken Compressor Station as part of the Entriken Amendment Project. Originally approved to install an electric-motor driven compressor, Texas Eastern now intends to use a gas-driven compressor instead due to concerns about securing adequate electrical power. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) plans to prepare an environmental assessment for this amendment, with the document expected to be issued by March 7, 2025. The deadline for federal authorization decisions concerning this project is set for June 5, 2025.

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 Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has released new guidance to help federal departments and agencies comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) during emergencies. This guidance outlines alternative procedures for environmental reviews when emergencies require quick action and involve significant effects that would normally need an environmental impact statement. The document includes steps agencies should take during emergencies, including consulting with CEQ and coordinating with other agencies and governments to ensure public safety and resource protection are prioritized while complying with NEPA requirements.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida has applied for a permit to import up to five male bottlenose dolphins from the Attica Zoological Park in Greece for public display. These dolphins, aged 11 to 24 years, include three common bottlenose dolphins and two Black Sea bottlenose dolphins. The permit sought under the Marine Mammal Protection Act would last for five years, and the public can submit comments on this application by February 3, 2025. The proposed activity has been preliminarily excluded from needing an environmental assessment.