Search Results for keywords:"environmental assessment"

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued an environmental assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for a request from Constellation Energy Generation, LLC. This request seeks an exemption to allow Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station (NMP) to maintain and load multi-purpose canisters (MPC-89-CBS) in a storage system that does not fully comply with existing regulations. The NRC reviewed the potential environmental impacts of granting this exemption and determined that it would not significantly affect the environment. The alternative of denying the exemption would lead to greater risks and challenges, including increased radiation exposure and waste, without providing additional safety benefits.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA has prepared an environmental assessment on releasing two insects, Bikasha collaris and Gadirtha fusca, to control the invasive Chinese tallow tree in the United States. This assessment suggests that the release of these insects is unlikely to harm the human environment. The public can review and comment on this assessment by February 22, 2021. The purpose is to use these insects as a biological control method to address the spread of the Chinese tallow tree, which has become a significant invasive species in several states.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) reviewed a proposal from the Santa Clara Valley Water District to lower the water level in the Anderson Reservoir, build a new outlet tunnel, and establish measures downstream. This assessment was part of their environmental review process and aimed to determine the likely environmental impacts. FERC concluded the proposed actions would not significantly affect the environment if certain protective measures are in place. The public can access this supplemental environmental assessment through FERC's website.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to amend a special nuclear materials license held by the Cimarron Environmental Response Trust for activities at the Cimarron site in Oklahoma. The amendment would allow for a new plan to clean up contaminated groundwater, including a system to treat and remove both uranium and technetium-99 from the ground. This cleanup aims to meet environmental protection standards, and according to an environmental assessment, it will not significantly impact the environment. The NRC is not preparing a detailed environmental impact statement because it found no significant impacts from this proposed action.

Daniel Costa, Ph.D., from the University of California at Santa Cruz has applied for a permit to study California sea lions across their range. The research aims to explore the sea lions' foraging habits, habitat usage, and health through various methods including aerial surveys, capturing, and biological sampling. The permit, which is requested for a 10-year period, allows incidental disturbance to some non-target marine mammal species and up to three unintentional mortalities annually. Public comments on the application are invited by April 17, 2025, and can be submitted via email.

Eagle Creek Reusens Hydro, LLC has filed an application for a new major license for the Reusens Hydroelectric Project located on the James River in Virginia. The project consists of a 24-foot-high concrete dam, two powerhouses with a total capacity of 12.5 megawatts, and other facilities, operating in a peaking mode with an annual generation of 22,504 megawatt-hours. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is initiating a scoping process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement on the project's effects. FERC is seeking public input on the issues and alternatives to be addressed and encourages electronic filing of comments.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) staff has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) for the Tioga Pathway Project proposed by National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation. The project aims to provide transportation services for natural gas in Pennsylvania and includes replacing old pipelines, installing new ones, and constructing necessary facilities. FERC's EA concludes that the project won't significantly harm the environment. Individuals can comment on the EA until March 17, 2025, but only those with intervenor status have the right to request further hearings or reviews.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing a notice about an environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact concerning a request for an exemption submitted by Constellation Energy Generation. This exemption would allow the LaSalle County Station to store four new and maintain four previously loaded multi-purpose canisters using a specific basket design that does not comply with the current Certificate of Compliance. The NRC found no significant environmental impacts associated with this action, as the specific basket design changes would not lead to increased radiation exposure or introduce significant new environmental risks. Therefore, a full environmental impact statement is not necessary.

Pacific Gas & Electric Company submitted a request on November 8, 2024, to temporarily change the flow requirements of the Haas-Kings Hydroelectric Project in California. The change involves stopping a supplemental water flow to replace a turbine valve from January 6 to May 31, 2025, ensuring a natural flow remains. Public comments on this request are accepted until January 15, 2025, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission plans to prepare an environmental assessment by February 28, 2025. Public participation is encouraged, and assistance is available through the Commission's Office of Public Participation.

The Kennebunk Light and Power District has applied to surrender its license for the Lower Mousam Hydroelectric Project in Maine because it is no longer cost-effective. The district plans to deactivate the facility without removing the dams, a proposal that numerous groups, including environmental organizations, have opposed, suggesting instead that the dams should be completely removed. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff plan to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of the proposed surrender and has invited relevant agencies to cooperate in its preparation. The EA is expected to be issued by April 2025.